Lost in Porto, Portugal: 5 places to see beautiful tiles
If there is one thing I absolutely fell in love with during my trip to Portugal, it was the beautiful tiles that filled the city streets. Tiles or ‘azujelos’ are everywhere in Portugal. From park benches, churches and store fronts, to washrooms and floors, they’re literally everywhere. Down every alley and nook, these beautiful azujelos adorned the streets, creating outdoor art and breathing life into every surface. Even the warn down buildings with chipped tiles bared character and charm. I repeatedly asked myself: Why don’t these exist everywhere?
A brief history:
Azujelos date back to the 13th century when Spain and Portugal were invaded by the Moors. The word ‘azulejos’ comes from the Arab word 'zulug', which translates to ‘polished stones’. Azujelos became more of a staple in the Portugeuse culture between the 16th and 17th centuries. Although azulejos can be found everywhere, here are my top 5 picks of where to see the most beautiful azujelos in Porto, Portugal.
1) São Bento Station
Praça de Almeida Garrett, 4000-069 Porto, Portugal
Located in the historic cente of Porto, São Bento Station has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The train station has some serious Harry Potter vibes with large vaulted ceilings. The stunning azujelos with intricate details adorn the walls. If you are looking to snap a good photo, try going early in the morning. It was a zoo when I went but still very much worth it!
2) Igreja do Carmo & Igreja dos Carmelitas
R. do Carmo 1, 4050-064 Porto, Portugal
The Igreja do Carmo and Igreja dos Carmelitas may look like one church but they are actually two separate churches, separated by a one meter house that is no longer inhabited. You read that right. A one meter wide house in between two churches. The house was originally created as a divider to separate the nuns from the monks to avoid relationships. The baroque-rococo style church has an exterior covered in azujelos.
3) Capela das Almas
Rua de Santa Catarina 428
Capela das Almas which translates to ‘Chapel of Souls’ is really incredible because almost every inch of the exterior surface is covered in azujelos. The azujelo-clad chapel is one of the more striking buildings in Porto and definitely worth seeing.
4) Igreja de Santo Ildefonso
R. de Santo Ildefonso 11, 4000-542 Porto, Portugal
Igreja de Santo Ildefonso dates back to the 18th century and is close to Batalha Square. It’s a beautiful standalone Baroque church with grand steps that elevate it, further adding to its beauty. Try grabbing a snack and sitting on the steps to people watch and enjoy the church’s beautiful facade.
5) A Pérola do Bolhão
R. Formosa 279, 4000-252 Porto, Portugal
I stumbled upon this beautiful shop accidentally and remember being taken back by its charm. This is not your traditional style of azujelos, and is considered ‘art nouveau’. Still, I included it on my list because this is quintessential Portugal and one of the most beautiful storefronts I saw.
While I’ve only included my favourites, azulejos are everywhere. Just look up and you’ll see all sorts of patterns, textures and colours that will make you really appreciate the beautiful architecture in Porto.
