Azulejos and calçadas

In Portugal, the tiles are known as azulejos. The term azulejos has been derived from the Arabic term az-zulavi which means a kind of refined or polished stone. The Portuguese tiles are extremely prevalent all over the country and they are visible within churches displaying the teachings of the almighty or instants from historical incidents. The pavements in Portugal are also flooded with beautifully designed stone tiles of various designs, brightly colored and displaying geometric patterns. Therefore the azulejos or Portuguese tiles are very significant to the social and cultural life of the Portuguese population. These tiles are also used for decoration within households or for serving as street signs and even number plates. It is to be noted that these tiles are also well protected against any form of external component that can prove harmful like dust and heat.   

The Portuguese tiles are one of the most prominent and attractive architectural constructs in the country and these artworks are visible in the pavements. These well decorated pavements that are visible in the roadside in Portugal are popularly referred to as calçada. The calçada are the attractive and ornate limestone decorations which are cut into various shapes and sizes and designed accordingly. There are various different subjects which are displayed as part of these designed calçadas like for example animals, stars, vessels and it is also necessary to note that these exquisitely designed calçadas are one of the prominent architectural features which along with the Portuguese tiles or azulejos adorn the pavements. These calçadas are limestone carvings which are delicately chiseled and carved and their unique designs give a new character to the pavements in Portugal. Thus the Portuguese tiles and calçadas are significant architectural features of the country. These azulejos and calçadas have also emerged as one of the dominant tourist attractions as well.