During our visit to Porto in November 2016, we were struck by the vibrant and creative azulejos that adorn almost everything in Portugal, especially in Porto. These decorative tiles, called azulejos, originate from the Arabic word “az-zulayj,” which means “polished stone.” They were introduced to Portugal by King Manuel I after he visited Seville in 1503.
The Portuguese embraced the Moorish tradition of horror vacui, or “fear of empty spaces,” and began covering walls and buildings entirely with azulejos. Today in Porto, the Bank of Materials plays a crucial role in preserving this architectural heritage. They rescue azulejos from buildings that are either collapsing, being demolished, or undergoing renovations, and then return these tiles back to the city. Owners of homes with missing or damaged azulejos can benefit from this service at no cost. The aim is to restore the facades of Porto’s houses, thus maintaining the city’s unique character. This endeavor is a brilliant example of recycling, upcycling, and heritage preservation all rolled into one.
If you’re in Porto, you can visit the Bank of Materials at the Palacete dos Viscondes de Balsamão in Praça Carlos Alberto, located in the Cedofeita neighborhood, to see their beautiful and historic collection of azulejos.
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