Portugal 3-More Tile!

So much beautiful tile...

Tile wall - Tomar

Tile wall - Tomar

Tile wall - National Museum of Tile - Lisbon

Tile fountain - Sintra

Tile window - Lisbon

Tile wall - Lisbon

Tile wall - Lisbon

Tile Sign - Lisbon

Tile wall - Lisbon

Tile wall - Lisbon

Tile bench - Tomar

Portugal 2-Azulejo

Everywhere you look in Portugal, there is decorative tile (Azulejo in Portuguese). And I took pictures every chance I got.

Blue and white is popular but there are many different colors as well. Sometimes there will be just one kind of tile but other times there is pattern upon pattern. The doors, windows and balconies are often decorated with wrought iron as well so that every turn is a visual feast.

Door - Tomar

Window - Lisbon

Balcony - Lisbon

Windows - Lisbon

Balcony - Porto

Window - Lisbon

Church Window - Porto

Balcony - Porto

Window- Tomar

Train Station - Vila Franca de Xira

I spent an enjoyable morning at the National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo) which was an easy 20 minute walk from the Santa Apolónia train station in Lisbon. The museum is located in the former Convent of Madre Deus, dating from 1509, so in addition to seeing all the tiles, the building itself is worth the visit. At the bookshop, I purchased a book called "Tiles in Lisbon" which is just photos of tiles (you can purchase the book on Amazon here). The book was shrink wrapped so I didn't open it until I returned home. In the back of the book was a whole pamphlet with self-guided walks around Lisbon to view the tiles. 
Something for next time!

Girls Trip-Portugal

Portugal was on my list of places to visit so when a high school friend suggested a trip, I jumped at the opportunity. I travelled with two high school friends - Girls Trip - and had a fabulous time. We visited Lisbon, Tomar, Obidos, Sintra, Evora, and Porto. I learned a little Portuguese and was easily able to navigate the train and subway system. There is so much history - castles from the 11th century, Roman ruins and much, much more.

One of the things that struck me was all the color.

Street in Lisbon

Balcony Lisbon

Doorway Tomar

Doorway Óbidos

Rooftop Óbidos

Balcony Porto

Wall detail Lisbon

Wall detail Lisbon

Window Óbidos

Óbidos