Ribeira Negra Tile Panel by Júlio Resende

The "Ribeira Negra" mural, created by the notorious painter and artist Júlio Resende, is one of the most iconic works of modern art in Porto and an important example of his contribution to public art in the city.
The mural was inaugurated in 1972 and is located in the Ribeira district, one of Porto's most historic and iconic areas, along the Douro River.
"Ribeira Negra" is a ceramic mosaic of 40 tiles—a technique frequently used by Resende, combining geometric shapes with organic and stylized elements. The color palette is predominantly dark, with tones of black, gray, and earth colors, contrasting with the city's brighter surroundings and the river's landscape. This choice of colors enhances the emotional impact of the mural, emphasizing the hardships of life in Ribeira while also adding a symbolic and poetic character.
"Ribeira Negra" is one of the most important works of public art in Porto and reflects Júlio Resende's unique vision of the city and its history. The mural is not only a landmark of contemporary art in Portugal but also a testament to the relationship between art and public space, a central theme in Resende's work.