The Art of Azulejo: Traditional Tile-Painting Workshop
Duration: 2 hours
Overview
Learn the craft behind Portugal’s iconic ceramic tiles.
Included
- Private 2-hour tile-painting workshop
- 2 ceramic tiles with the design of your choice
- Private instructor skilled in azulejo
- Biscuits with coffee or tea
Important information
Is this experience good for kids?
Yes, children as young as 3 can join in the tile-decorating process as long as they’re supervised by an adult. Children under 3 don’t count toward the group size.
Can you ship my tiles home?
Yes. Both local and international shipping can be arranged after the workshop for an additional fee, allowing your finished tiles to be delivered safely to your home.
What is the cancellation policy?
We offer a 100% refund or the option to reschedule up to 30 days before the experience start date.
Is this experience accessible?
This experience is accessible for wheelchairs. However, please note that the restrooms aren’t accessible due to size limitations.
Is this experience run by ExperienceFirst?
No, it’s run by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Lisbon.
Highlights
More information
This private tile-painting class will be held in an intimate studio reserved exclusively for you and your group.
The session begins with a warm welcome and a light snack of traditional Portuguese biscuits with coffee or tea as your instructor gives a brief, engaging overview of the azulejo (Portuguese ceramic tile) tradition. You’ll browse historical and contemporary designs to inspire your own creation.
Then it’s time to get hands-on. After you select the stencil of your choice, your artist instructor will show you how to use a charcoal-filled bag to "pounce" the design onto raw, unfired glaze, a technique known as majolica. Or, if you’re feeling creative, you can skip the stencils and sketch your own pattern directly onto the glazed terracotta.
Finally, you’ll fire your two tiles in the kiln. At the end, they emerge as polished and vibrant as the ceramic squares you see decorating the façades of Lisbon.