D. Manuel I, the King who left us the legacy of azulejos.
The history of azulejos in Portugal is closely associated with King Manuel I, who is credited with introducing azulejos to Portugal in the 16th century.
During a visit to Spain in 1498, King Manuel I was captivated by the colorful tiles adorning the walls of Spanish architecture, particularly the azulejos of Seville, and subsequently brought the art form to Portugal. This marked the beginning of a long-standing tradition of azulejo use in Portugal, with the tiles becoming a prominent feature in the country's architecture and culture.
Azulejos are ceramic tiles, typically adorned with ornate designs and often featuring blue and white color schemes. They have been used to decorate various structures in Portugal, including public buildings, churches, and monuments. The influence of azulejos in Portugal can be traced back to King Manuel I's introduction of the art form, which has since become an integral part of the country's artistic and architectural heritage.