Jan 24 2008
Walks on the Arts Side
Today I was sent some information by ‘Walks on the Arts Side’; a company in Lisbon who offer themed guided walks in Lisbon focused around the beautiful Azulejos (tiles) that are an iconic feature of Portuguese buildings. I haven’t been on one of these walks yet myself so I cannot offer a personal review of them. However, after taking a look at their website, I thought many of you would be interested.
Below is the information sheet they sent me and there is also a link to download the flyer. I adore azulejos so I could imagine really enjoying one their walks and I do hope to join in on one of my next visits. If any of you have been on a Walk on the Arts Side, please feel free to let others know what you think in the comments below.
Information
For 5 centuries the Azulejos (ceramic tiles) have mirrored Portugal´s multicultural dialogue and the evolution of its own society – from the Islamic wisdom through the Renaissance spirit and the Portuguese discoveries to the “great production” of the XVIII century and the eclectic XIX and XX centuries.
We do guided tours of Lisbon’s (and Portugal’s) most extraordinary examples of a unique heritage - the ‘Azulejos’ - and comment on their art and history, styles, techniques and major influences from the 16th to 20th century.
The walks take place in central Lisbon and in the Belém district (in partnership with one of Europe’s oldest tile factories) lasting approx. 3hours.
Regular tours (central Lisbon):
The Chiado-Bairro Alto Tour
From the Ribeira to the Janelas Verdes
Taste of the Art: From the Pastéis de Belém to the Fábrica Sant’Anna
Other tailor-made THEMED TOURS include:
• Hispano-Moorish, Dutch Imports, The Baroque Grandeur
• The 17th’s century “Freedom of Expression”
• GUIDED TOURS of the Museu Nacional do Azulejo (NATIONAL TILE MUSEUM)
• Tile Painting Workshops
• The 17th century Convents
• The Rococo Gardens
Click here to download the flyer
Full details including times, prices, walks available and guides are all on their website
[...] Walks on the Arts Side [...]
Having been on one of these tours, although I found it OK, I’d advise buying a book or taking other, more in-depth ones run by the (amazing) bookshop Fabula Urbis, just behind the cathedral: http://www.fabula-urbis.pt/visitasdeestudo.html
To immerse yourself in azulejos, it’s best to visit the Azulejos museum in the Convento de Madre Deus and buy their guide. After this, the main monuments to see azulejos are: The Palácio Nacional in Sintra; the São Vicente interior and cloisters (esp. the La Fontaine fables); the Palácio dos Marqueses da Fronteira (nr. Monsanto park); the Queluz Palace; and the Igreja de Nossa Senhora dos Cardais (nr. Bairro Alto).
The following are beautiful — and also free to visit - so wander in from time to time!:
– Igreja de São Roque (look for the St Roch’s dog in the 16th c. tiles in the chapel on the right), in particular the tiles by the master Francisco de Matos
– Cervejaria da Trinidade (19th century, but colourful)
– The convent of São Pedro (behind the miradouro): you’ll have to ask one of the nuns nicely to let you see the chapel.
– The officers’ mess on Campo das Cebolas (alongside the market building at Feira da Ladra): you can walk inside and ask the receptionist to let you look at the fantastic tiles along the staircase, including plenty of ‘Figuras de convite’.
Further afield:
– The Ermida de Santo Amaro in Alcántara
– The Capela de Sao Filipe inside the Pousada at Setúbal (a great place for tea!).
– The Quinta dos Azulejos in Lumiar (difficult to arrange visits, but worth it).
Hi Pete - thanks so much for all your information! I’m sure it’ll be a lot of help for everyone. I shall definately check out Fabula Urbis. I loved the tile museum and want to visit many of the places you mentioned.
The tiles “azulejos” of Lisbon are worth seeing and give an insight to this city’s fascinating history. I will definitely take a look at the site and maybe try some of the walks. Sintra is also a place worth seeing with some great walks as well.
@ Rambler - I agree, Sintra is such a magical place! I am going to have a read of your blog now