Azulejos : Goa's heritage

Azulejo is a Portuguese word which comes from the Arabic al-zillīj. It is a form of Portuguese and Spanish painted tin-glazed ceramic tilework. The art of azulejos which originated in Arabia around the 15th century was brought to Goa by the Portuguese. The earliest designs were influenced by Islam and featured geometric, floral, or curvilinear motifs that interlocked. Azulejos became an intrinsic part of Goa’s heritage.Tiles were painted in Lisbon and shipped to Goa for installation. Azulejos are a famous Goan art form and can be found in churches, old homes, on walls and staircases, and even as name plates.These tiles are found in Portugal,Spain and in almost all the places these countries colonized, including Goa.