Art

If you’ve ever been to Portugal, you have certainly noticed the beautiful tilework that covers many of the buildings throughout the country. Learn more about how these “azulejos” have played a role in the history and culture of Portugal.

“Calçada portuguesa”, also known as Portuguese mosaic, refers to the decorative cobblestone patterns you see lining the sidewalks throughout the country. Learn more about this impressive pavement art that has become a trademark of Portuguese cities.

Learn more about Fado, the music style that best captures what it means to be Portuguese.

Mafalda and Rui take a guided tour at the Museu de Arte Antiga. Find out what they learned!

Have you ever had your shoes shined? Learn more about this lesser-known profession that is still common in many countries.

Joana Vasconcelos is a world-renowned Portuguese artist whose works include many large-scale public installations.

Raphael Augusto Bordallo Pinheiro was a Portuguese artist, best known for his caricatures and ceramic tableware. He created a wide variety of important works through his many different talents as a watercolour artist, political and social caricaturist, journalist, draftsman, and more.

Have you ever visited Torre de Belém or Mosteiro dos Jerónimos? Learn more about the symbols and architectural style of these popular sites!

Do you believe in ghosts or spirits from the past? We recommend you visit the Faculty of Fine Arts in Lisbon: a college during the day, but a mysterious place at night. We promise you one thing: you won’t be alone!

Today we learn about one of the most important symbols of Portuguese culture, found all over the walls and buildings throughout the country – azulejos (tiles). As always, we explore new vocabulary and grammar, and correct more of Joel’s “pronúncia de estrangeiro!”