Sunday, May 30, 2010

Spain: The Beautiful Tiles of Spain

This post is about the beautiful tiles that I saw while in Spain. The History of Spanish Tiles website shows the influence of Spain in the birth and evolution of ceramic tiles and I found it interesting.

During the 11th Century, the technology of making tiles arrived with the invasion of Spain by the Arabs, introducing "the glassy" layer that included the light green lead-glazing which was already done in Mesopotamia, Persia and Egypt.

The 12th century Moors were the first in Spain to decorate the walls, floors, ceilings, and facades of their religious and secular buildings with colorful tiles laid in geometric patterns as seen in the great Alhambra in Granada.


In the 16th Century, Spaniards introduced Renaissance-inspired figurative motifs that were painted on flat square tiles with tin and lead glazes. Examples can be seen on the walls, floors and garden benches of the Alcázar of Seville.



This is a photo that I took in the Plaza de España in Seville and it is a great example of the beautiful tiles that I had the pleasure of looking at while in Spain:


And you know me . . . . what would a post on Spain be without another video slide show! :)


11 comments:

  1. They look really gorgeous Kathy. I have to say, Spain is slowly moving 'up on the list' of places I'd like to go to next!

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  2. Hi Jerry, thank you so much for your comments. Spain is a beautiful country and the people are so nice. Wonderful diversity in culture, beautiful art and architecture. Cava and Tapas are great too. :)

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  3. Stunning, Kathy! The tiles and the architecture you've shown us from Spain are really spectacular.

    Spain is now at the top of my must-see list!

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  4. Hi Sandra, thanks so much for your comments. These tiles were so pretty and I enjoyed seeing them everywhere. I'm glad that Spain is moving up on both your list and Jerry's. I think it is a beautiful and fun country to visit.

    Hope you are having a great weekend.

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  5. Kathy, once again you've brought back some magical memories. I can't believe I used to walk across the Plaza de España and not take time to stop and enjoy the tiles. I guess that is what happens when you are able to take something for granted. Since moving to Australia I really try to appreciate everything, especially since some day it wont be part of my daily life.

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  6. Hi Maya, thanks so much for your comments. I think you are doing a fantastic job at soaking in all the sights, sounds, culture, and activites where you live now in Australia. Makes me want to visit there and see some of the places you're describing. Looking my video brings back some great memories. I feel so lucky to have such opportunity to travel.

    Thanks Maya. Hope you have a great week.

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  7. Si-wonderful memories and great interpretation, Kathy! Plaza Espana is a great example of Spanish tiles. Think I may need to get back to Spain again soon....you've stirred the fires.

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  8. So beautiful - I love all the colors. Your photos are wonderful!

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  9. Hi M & Annie, thanks so much for liking my photos.

    M, the tiles in Plaza Espana were very beautiful and it was fun walking around photographing the architecture and amazing tiles there. I know I'd love to return to Spain someday in the future myself.

    Annie, I love the colors of the tiles too and the designs are very beautifu. I'm glad you like my photos.

    Thanks M & Annie. Hope you have a great day today.

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  10. Beautiful photos. Loved the music in your video. Spain is definitely a place I have to get to some day. If it was only a little closer to Italy.

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  11. Hi Girasoli, thanks so much for liking my photos. I hope that you get to visit Spain someday . . . but I do understand your love for Italy.

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It's me Trekcapri (aka Kathy). Thanks so much for visiting and leaving a comment.