Jo’s Monday walk : Azulejos rule!

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!

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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!

That bloomin’ desert!

Can you believe that snow still lingers in some places? Rupali doesn’t seem to mind :

Weekend 117 : Back to Hiking

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 :

Another start and ending

Sheltered waters is a lovely place name. Join Suzanne there!

Weekend Walk – Kulim Park, Tauranga

Winding up a fabulous series with Carol :

All the Way to the End

The Last Walk

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!

191 comments

  8. Pingback: Stone for the roof | Le Drake Noir

  10. Just perfect for Becky’s squares. You should produce the tourist information for Tavira, Jo.
    I think what you need is a house with an interior azulejo-ed courtyard – will meet all requirements. Oh no, I missed one – cake shop next door!
    And as I write this I ma listening to the news about UK roadmap to travel – the potential list for green list is the Algarve – so good news for local businesses and for you getting a break in England. Fingers crossed!

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    1. I actually intended to include cake this week, Debs, but I was a bit harassed and forgot. At Faro hospital now, collecting our friend πŸ€—πŸ’•πŸ’•

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  12. A beautiful set of photos Jo πŸ™‚ I’ve always loved azulejos – even when they are neglected they still look so pretty. So sorry you’re having a stressful time – look after yourself and sending hugs from WA. Thanks again for including my walk this week – amazed you picked it up as I’d only just posted it! xx πŸ™‚

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      1. Thanks Jo – fortuitous timing! We had a very nice Easter thanks – I do feel for people who can’t catch up with their families though. It still sounds pretty grim in Europe – hoping spring will bring brighter times! πŸ™‚ πŸ™‚

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  13. So interesting to learn about the purpose of those wonderful tiles, Jo!
    Thank you for taking me along on your walk this week πŸ™‚
    A cheery post, as margaret has said – I hope things get easier for you now that Spring has Sprung
    – you have such a beautiful town to show off, too!
    I can imagine the heady smell from the Datura outside your beautiful church!

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    1. Thanks a lot, Emma. I live in a fabulous place but when troubles come along it doesn’t always help. Hopefully it will be better this week. Hope you had a good Easter πŸ™‚ πŸ™‚

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      1. Thank you Jo. We were blessed with the best weather – I spent the day shifting compost from the heap at the bottom of the garden to top dress the flower beds! Best wishes to you 🌼🌞

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      1. I do hope she will be back home soon and once more sharing a chat over the fence or a cuppa. If you need to, you can always post your Bunny to me πŸ˜€

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  19. Like you, I love to see streets where the houses are more or less all faced in tiles. Sadly, in Spain, although many still look splendid, too many are getting well past their sell-by date. I wonder when they’ll nearly all get beyond the point of no return? A great post Jo. It cheers me up, anyway!

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      3. We went to Faro on a false alarm late last night. The drugs have left her very confused and there’s still a damaged liver to fix. But alright for now, yes πŸ€—πŸ’•

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      4. My mum got very confused on the drugs she was given in hospital and I asked the doctors to stop giving her them. Even the next day she was much better and could recognise me again! Some drugs have shocking affects on the mind.

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