As the MV Explorer pulls into port, an incredible skyline emerges in the heart of Lisbon that is not to be missed. Under the red-tiled rooftops, beautiful facades decorated in a colorful mosaic of handcrafted tiles glisten in the sunlight. As you walk through the cobblestone streets, your eyes are drawn to the never-ending tile patterns that scale from one balcony to the next. The artwork is certainly one of the main highlights of Lisbon.
People in Portugal have been producing and painting tiles using local colors since the 16th century. Many people visit Lisbon to purchase a souvenir tile, but few get to see how the tiles are designed. One group of Fall 2014 students and faculty had the unique opportunity to learn why tiles are such an integral part of Lisbon’s architecture and culture.
Check out this short video with Jacob Reshetar from the College of St. Scholastica and get an inside look at Lisbon’s tile production process.
