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

  1. As always, your photographs of tiles are colourful and always a delight to look at. You must have quite a collection now. These are superb and I think that church is just gorgeous. I remember many years ago, we bought tiled letters that spelled out the name of our house to put on the wall, plus the number, and Nick painstakingly stuck them to a board (15 in all) but then when we put it up and stood back, it looked so wrong on the red brick Victorian facade that we had to take it down! I’ve never quite learned that lesson about not buying household decor things abroad and I’ve got a trunkful of useless bits and bobs acquired over the years – but they are all memories and I can’t part with them.

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    1. I love that church! We have several small tile panels on the patio and roof terrace walls. Trying not to overdo it and find the right ones for the space. Will be able to go looking in the artesanas soon 😊💕

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  3. These feed my weakness for patterns. It’s a wonderful way to brighten a neighbourhood. It’s interesting how well the different colours and designs complement each other. I often think we Lancastrians underestimate what design could do for our area.

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  6. They are beautiful Joanne. On my last visit to Portugal in 2019 I took photos of over 200 different patterns of azulejos in Lisbon and Porto. I printed out about 50 of them and made a collage on a canvas, and I love to walk past it 🙂

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  8. When someone mentions Portugal, a few things come to mind: Port wine, Lisbon, seafood, surfing, and … azulejos! And , there’s nothing better then stumbling upon them when exploring Portugal as there are countless wonderful examples of these beautiful tiles. Thanks for sharing and have a good day. I hope you had a lovely Easter weekend, Jo 🙂 Aiva

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  9. It´s my first time to know this word Azulejos, but hey–they are sooo pretty!
    These patterns bremind me so much of the ones I have seen in Arabic muslim mosques.
    Following you made me really get to know Portugal, and I am dying to see it.I heard from my friends that it´s really lovely there, no wonder you have enough on your plate to share.The beauty and rich culture is really amazing.

    thank you…for always taking us along in your wanderings!

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  10. Aren’t they just a delight? I loved looking at them in Lisbon, even though there were many houses that required some love and attention. And I have another spring treat for you today with some of your favourite flowers included: https://wp.me/p79zFr-3QP
    Hope you are doing OK today – any news?

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    1. I do think the modern estates are a shame. Long live all these beauties. Thanks, Jude. Will have a look shortly. Just home and Nurse Bradley has made her a cuppa and some porridge, God help her! She says it’s better than hospital food 🤣💕

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      1. Oh, dear. Nursing duties is not what you signed up for. Hope she quickly recovers. And modern estates are not great anywhere. I’d quite like a new build eco house, but not on an estate. I suspect they are very rare.

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  12. Dazzling Jo!!! I am dying to visit Portugal and your post has made me even more eager. I’ve seen some of the tiles in the past but had no idea they actually covered entire houses! I fear my camera may burn out and die on an expedition through the streets! Hoping your spring brings you better days my friend.

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    1. You can hear my camera sigh as I leave the house, Tina. Sometimes I’m kind and leave it at home 🤗💕
      The problems aren’t all mine, hon, but a neighbour and good friend had an emergency visit to hospital this weekend. Brought her home today, still wobbly 🙄💕

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  13. Azulejos! I didn’t know anything about them other than they are beautiful, till I read this post . Fantastic, Jo! Loved it and the variety of patterns too. Will keep my eyes peeled for tile work on old structures in India too. Also here’s wishing things become cheery soon at your end.

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  16. Ah, dearest Jo, this is a most pleasant walk for me – beauty all around, and moderate warmth? Today it is snowing heavily here, then sunshine, then hail, then rain, then snow…I am glad you picked this one – thank you!

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    1. Oh, good grief, Ann Christine! I’m sitting in the shade 🤣💕 Just back from a hospital run with a close friend but a beautiful day. Happy to share with you 🤗💕🌞💕

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