Tiles of Portugal

I ended my last blog in this very square as we were saying goodbye to Sintra, Portugal. The restaurant with blue walls is typical of the culture of Portugal--completely tiled in vibrant blue. For 5 centuries, the Portuguese have been making beautiful tiles, highly influenced by the Moors, Spanish and Italians through the years.

Typically referred to as azulejos, tiles are found both inside and outside of buildings,

decorating fountains,

courtyards,

floors,

and walls.

You can't walk down the road without seeing beautifully crafted tiles everywhere you look, from the sublime, as in palaces and churches to the common in train and subway stations.

They are pieces of art,

signs identifying your path,

part of royal decor,

and story tellers.

I leave you with two of my favorite angels and a wish that your travels take you to the charming country of Portugal someday soon.