Walk down any street in the old part of Tavira and you’re bound to meet with a few azulejos. These beautiful tiles have a purpose in life, as well as looking highly decorative. Their function is to maintain temperature inside a building, very useful in keeping houses cool in summer heat and not too cold in the winter. I’ve never lived inside a building clad in azulejos, more’s the pity, so I can’t verify how well they work, but I’d be happy to give it a try. Trouble is, I’d want to be on the outside to admire them. You have to admit, they’re worth a second look.
Translating from the Arabic as ‘small polished stone’, the majority of azulejos are blue and white, and the shapes are a geometric representation of flowers and leaves. When you come upon a burst of colour, often edging a door or a window, it’s a thing of joy.
Wander with me through a street or two. Don’t for a moment imagine that the tiles will all be pristine and immaculate. These homes have seen life, though some are sadly neglected and still others are unoccupied.
Glazed tiles were originally invented in Egypt, but Portugal has a long history of decorating houses in this way. If you’re ever in Lisbon, the Tile Museum is a wonderful place to spend a few hours. More locally you simply have to look around you.
Modern houses often adopt a tile panel in deference to this lovely style. They are a beautiful way to enhance an outdoor space or terrace.
Let’s face it- I simply love showing off my town, even when the images are less than perfect, like this church. Not only is it a particular favourite, but it’s my Last on the Card for the month of March, for Brian. In fact, I’m going overboard on the challenges today. You might have noticed that there are many BrightSquares for Becky, and I’m sure that Ann-Christine won’t mind if I add this to her Lens-Artists selection of delights, You Pick It!
It’s been a difficult Easter for me, in more ways than one, but I’m adopting a spirit of ‘the show must go on’, and I have some lovely walks to share. Join me any time here on Jo’s Monday walk. I’ll try and make you welcome.
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Sarah’s walk is pure nostalgia for me, and very beautiful :
The Lewis Burn inlet walk at Kielder Water
Janet loves her new desert home, and it’s very easy to see why!
Can you believe that snow still lingers in some places? Rupali doesn’t seem to mind :
Standing stones make a great focus on this easy ramble with Emma :
Dunsfold to Cranleigh/ 9.75m Circular & Modern Day Druids
You couldn’t get anything more different than the street art that Eunice loves :
Manchester street art 2021 (2)
Meanwhile Drake watches another day come and go :
Sheltered waters is a lovely place name. Join Suzanne there!
Weekend Walk – Kulim Park, Tauranga
Winding up a fabulous series with Carol :
You can’t fault Denzil on his enthusiasm for Belgium :
Enjoy a day hiking on the Kalmthout Heath
Or Rosemay on her love for Western Australia. Tricky spellings aren’t they?
Autumn Walk around Lake Leschenaultia
That’s it from me! See you next time. Have a good week!
Awesome
Thank you 🙂 🙂
I have an extra walk for you this week: https://www.toonsarah-travels.blog/kippers-and-castles-a-walk-from-craster-to-dunstanburgh/
I’ve done this one myself. It’s beautiful 😍 Thank you!
What a feast for the eyes. You live in a lovely little town.🙂
I have to admit, it’s true 🙂 🙂 Thanks, Julie! How are you?
Jo I had no idea that the tiles are used for an insulating purpose. All those gorgeous designs I presumed were decorative. Always learning something new here.
I don’t know how effective they are, Sue, but it’s a great look, isn’t it? 🙂 🙂
Wow, I love tiles! Great to see you still do your Monday’s walk. Since I have moved since Aauguat last year, I’ve had so many changes, that my blogging came last, and haven’t kept up!
I thought I might leave, Jesh, but friendships kept me here while Covid altered all our lives. Good to have you back 🙂 🙂
Your posts are always eye candy, Jo.🙂 Beautiful visually, creative and transport me to another place. I was not at all aware how they help maintain temperature. Also, like you say, worth a second look. I love when you show off your town. Win/win.
Sorry about the difficult Easter and challenges. I hope you feel the virtual hugs. 💕
The warmth of our community is always a help, Erica, but this week I’ve had little time to blog. A friend and neighbour has been critically ill and she’s on her own so I’ve been as useful as I could make myself. She’s improving, I’m glad to say. 🙂 🙂
Wonderful to hear how your friend/neighbour is improving. She is fortunate to have you in her life, Jo. 💕
Azulejos are so beautiful and the pattern are all the rage in North American home decor now. Specifically in flooring and backsplashes. More muted tones than the authentic Portuguese style, but still beautiful. Love all the pics you took. How absolutely beautiful. 😍
Azulejo flooring would make an interesting addition to a home. 🙂 🙂 Thanks so much for your company!
Wunderschöne Keramikplatten
Danke, Ernst 💕
I quite agree with you. Azulejos rule. Great finds, lovely photos
Thank you very much 🙂 🙂
What an amazing town you live in! The patterns are really beautiful! Thank you for sharing!:)
We feel very lucky at times, Lisa, and it’s always a joy to share 🤗💕💕
🥰 I feel that way about being in Florida with birds and nature. We have a lot of both. 😎
So beautiful!
They are, John! I love spotting a different one 🙂 🙂
These are wonderful. It’s a good thing I’m not on an actual walk with you Jo. I’d have to stop every few metres to take more photos. We’d never get to the cake and coffee!!!
I have to admit that’s difficult at times, Su! You will have observed that there’s been no cake around here for a while 😦 😦
🤔 … given up for Lent?
We’ve not been able to eat out and I don’t bake so it hasn’t happened much. Restored to almost normal this week 🙂 🙂
🙂 🙂
Those tiles and patterns are stunning Jo. A photographer’s dream I imagine. Thanks for sharing. X
Always a lovely place to have a wander, hon 🤗💕
Jo, Portugal really knows how to do the azulejos…they are so gorgeous. I would have liked to visit the Museu do Azulejo in Lisbon, but unfortunately, we did not have time. Keep showing off your town, it is beautiful 🙂
Our first week of freedom, on a small scale, Gilda. Nice to be able to eat out and see friends again, within limits. It’s nice when someone has been here and knows a little about the place. 🤗💕
I love to see azulejos – always a highlight of a visit to Portugal for me. I think like you I would never tire of them even if I lived there 🙂 I’m sorry to read you’ve had a tough Easter. I hope the warmer, sunnier days and slight easing of restrictions over there will give you a lift.
Here’s another walk from me, a city one this time: https://www.toonsarah-travels.blog/the-square-of-religious-tolerance-in-sofia/
The problems are health related but it’s a close friend, not myself. Hospital etc but steadily getting better. Thanks a lot, Sarah 🤗💕