Tiles are very much a part of the cultural heritage of Portugal. They were originally introduced by the Moors. When trade with China began, blue and white tiles mirroring Chinese porcelin became very popular. They provide some practical benefits: fire resistance and noise dampening effects. They also help protect masonery walls from moisture and rot in the humid climate. It was my intention to take pictures of flooring tiles everywhere we went, but there were so many other things to look at and admire, I didn't capture as many as I had hoped. I didn't even try to capture all the wall tiles that covered so many of the buildings in every town. Some of the wall tiles were flat an a single color, but many were painted with pretty designs. My favorites were the ones that were textured. Charlene got a book about them and how they have evolved in their patterns over the centuries.
Coimbra University
Coimbra University
Coimbra
Sao Francisco Church
Duke's Palace Guimaraes
Porto River Walk
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