In Lisbon, Bedazzled by Azulejos

An abundance of decorative tiles reveals the city’s love of beauty

A few of the many ordinary Lisbon homes decorated with azulejos

I’m knocked out by Lisbon. More than anything else, I’m stunned by the innumeral polished-tile buildings. These azulejos are everywhere. Even in some rather shabby backstreets in the Alfama — the heart of the old city — you see walls bursting with blue and white patterns, floor to rooftop. More…