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| São Lourenço dos Matos Chapel near Almancil |
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Azulejos: traditional handicraft with Moorish roots |
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Azulejos is the name of mosaiks composed of colourfully painted and glazed, mostly square, ceramic tiles originating from Portugal and Spain. These tiles, protecting the fassade of churches, monuments, public buildings and private houses, contribute to the typical townscape of many Algarvian cities and villages. They can also be admired in the interior, especially within churches, and are often forming artful wall paintings.
The name Azulejos is derived from the Moorish word Al Zuleique (for small polished stones). They are a Moorish heritage, whose manufacturing skills have later been adapted and further developed by local handicraftsmen. In the 12th and 13th century Valencia and Granada have been famous for their Azulejos. Today Portugal is the main producer. |
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| Wall painting from the Casa Algarve |
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| Be enchanted by the colourful diversity of the Algarvian azulejos: |
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