Port wine, seafood, surfing, and azulejos? Those are just a few of the things that come to mind when someone mentions Portugal. Some visitors, even if they are unfamiliar with the term, may have mental pictures of glazed ceramic tiles. Numerous stunning examples of these tiles can be found all over Portugal due to their widespread use and veneration in the country's architecture and culture. The use of tiles in Portuguese homes and buildings is one of the country's most defining cultural traits. Tiles can be found covering the floors of public spaces, buildings, train stations, and even some private homes. They can merely serve as decorations, but they can also help to teach us about our past or simply illustrate stories that are significant to the area where they are found. It is impossible to discuss Portugal, especially its capital Lisbon without mentioning azulejos, which in English is more commonly referred to as "tiles."