The History of Azulejos
and its Islamic roots
A Centuries Old Art Form
Azulejo tiles, a distinctive Portuguese art form, date back to the 13th century. They originated from the Moorish influence in Iberia, with the term "azulejo" itself derived from the Arabic word "az-zulayj," meaning "polished stone," according to Portugal Magik. While the Moors brought the concept of geometric mosaic designs, Portuguese artisans later developed their own unique style, incorporating influences from the Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Nouveau periods
The Golden Age of Azulejos
By the 15th‑16th centuries, Portuguese royalty began importing tiles from Seville. Soon enough, Portugal developed its own distinct styles, blending Moorish geometric forms with Renaissance and later Baroque influences. The golden age of azulejos saw interiors, façades, churches, and palaces covered in richly detailed panels—sometimes telling stories, sometimes celebrating landscapes.
If you love art, history, or simply beautiful design, azulejos are more than decoration—they are architectural history made visible.
