Azulejo Painting Workshop | Belém with Cristina Cabrita

Azulejo painting workshop in Lisbon at Galeria 1758 in Belém, where artist and architect Cristina Cabrita invites you into one of Portugal’s most iconic artistic traditions through a hands-on tile painting experience that is genuinely open to everyone. From complete beginners to experienced creators, from adults to children as young as three, this session welcomes all ages and skill levels with the same warmth and without exception. You will paint two ceramic tiles using traditional azulejaria techniques, guided throughout by Cristina in her studio and gallery in one of Lisbon’s most culturally rich neighbourhoods.

The session moves through the fundamentals of traditional Portuguese tile painting step by step, exploring the characteristic materials, techniques and motifs of azulejaria before you begin work on your own two tiles. Cristina provides creative support and individual guidance throughout, creating a space where personal expression is encouraged alongside cultural connection. This is more than a craft class. It is an opportunity to connect with a ceramic tradition that has shaped the visual identity of Portugal for centuries, and to leave with two hand-painted pieces that are genuinely yours. Because this is an authentic traditional process, tiles require professional kiln firing with a minimum of 24 hours. Collection is arranged directly with Cristina and worldwide shipping is available for travellers.

What you’ll experience

🎨 An introduction to the history and techniques of traditional Portuguese azulejaria

🎨 Hands-on painting of two ceramic tiles using characteristic materials and motifs

🎨 Step-by-step guidance and creative support from Cristina Cabrita throughout

🎨 A welcoming studio and gallery environment in historic Belém open to all ages

🎨 A meaningful connection to Portuguese cultural heritage through personal artistic creation

What’s included

🏺 All tools, materials and ceramic paints

🏺 Two ceramic tiles per participant

🏺 Step-by-step guidance from Cristina throughout the session

🏺 Professional kiln firing of your finished tiles (minimum 24 hours)

🏺 Worldwide shipping available on request for travellers

What you leave with

Two hand-painted ceramic tiles fired in a kiln and ready to take home or ship anywhere in the world, each one a reflection of both centuries of Portuguese heritage and your own personal expression.

I am Cristina Cabrita, an architect and visual artist based in Lisbon. I work from my studio and gallery in Ajuda and Belém, Galeria 1758, a vibrant and inclusive space dedicated to accessible art where I welcome emerging artists and foster meaningful encounters between creators and the community. My background in architecture, particularly my passion for restoring buildings and uncovering the stories held within spaces, has shaped my attentive and sensitive approach to materiality, detail and memory. In recent years I have deepened my work with traditional Portuguese tile-making, finding in this craft a perfect synthesis of my architectural sensibility, cultural heritage and contemporary artistic expression. For me, art is a place of connection, with oneself, with others and with the city.

Suitable for all ages including children from 3 years old. No prior experience needed. Tile firing takes a minimum of 24 hours and collection is arranged directly with Cristina. Worldwide shipping available on request.