Gazete Azulejos

In one of Porto’s quiet neighborhoods, Gazete Azulejos is a studio where the art of traditional Portuguese tiles — azulejos — is studied and preserved. Here, artisans document and restore patterns that once decorated the city’s houses and churches.

The team brings together artists and designers from different countries who now live in Porto. They photograph old façades, search for lost motifs, and recreate them by hand — just as they were made decades ago.

Visitors can explore a collection of historic tile patterns and learn how they were created, buy hand-painted tiles and decorative panels, or smaller pieces like coasters and wall tiles, and even take part in a two-hour workshop. You choose a design, paint your own tile under the guidance of an instructor, and leave it to be fired. A few days later, you can pick it up or have it shipped home. The atmosphere is calm and easy-going — even if you’ve never held a brush, the process feels natural and enjoyable.

Gazete Azulejos is at once a museum, a store, and a working studio — a place where this centuries-old craft remains part of the city’s everyday life. The main reason to visit is the chance to buy authentic, hand-painted tiles made with the same techniques as the original façades of Porto — from large wall pieces to small decorative coasters. Each one is unique, and you’ll rarely find anything like it even in the best shops in the city. And if you have the time and curiosity, you can stay for a short workshop and create a tile of your own to take home.