The Art of Azulejo: Traditional Tile-Painting Workshop

Learn the craft behind Portugal’s iconic ceramic tiles.
Duration
2 hours
Group size
Private for 2-8 guests
Highlights Gallery Itinerary Meeting Point FAQs
The Art of Azulejo: Traditional Tile-Painting Workshop
Highlights Gallery Itinerary Meeting Point FAQs

Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in the artistry of Portuguese azulejo in a private studio dedicated to your group.
  • Learn the traditional techniques behind the ceramic tiles adorning Lisbon.
  • Trace and paint two terracotta tiles with your chosen design.
  • Enjoy Portuguese biscuits as you learn about this ancient craft from your instructor, an experienced tile-maker.

Your private Lisbon experience

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.

Schedule

  • Introduction

    A sweeping overview of Portuguese tile-making art and history as you enjoy light refreshments

  • Painting

    Adding pigment to the unfired glaze using the traditional majolica technique with a stencil or freehand design

  • Firing

    Where your raw earthenware transforms into the glossy ceramic tiles you see adorning Lisbon’s buildings

What sets this experience apart

  • The opportunity to learn about Lisbon’s rich tile-making tradition as you enjoy light refreshments
  • Private instruction from an artist skilled in the craft of azulejo
  • A hands-on workshop painting two tiles with the design of your selection

Meeting Point

Your private instructor will be waiting for you inside the studio at Lisbon Affair in Avenida de Roma, 87B.

FAQs

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.
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.
We offer a 100% refund or the option to reschedule up to 30 days before the experience start date.
This experience is accessible for wheelchairs. However, please note that the restrooms aren’t accessible due to size limitations.
No, it’s run by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Lisbon.

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