We have moulded clay since prehistory but it was during the Discoveries and from contact with the Orient that the flame was rekindled and we became specialists in the art of ceramics. You will easily see this when travelling round the country and finding glazed tiles everywhere. In churches, in houses, on façades or in gardens. We have had masters in the art of glazed tiles whose knowledge has crossed borders.

Vista Alegre porcelain is known all over the world. The White House, in Washington, already knows where to find it. Functioning for centuries, the factory in Ílhavo maintains a manufacturing nucleus of original pieces.

If you go there, visit the museum and get to know its history.

It will not be difficult to find different ways of working with red or black clay since every region has them. Observe more closely the 17th century reproductions in Viana do Castelo and Coimbra.

If you prefer more popular forms, entertain yourself with the clay pieces from Estremoz, which are very colourful and portray Portuguese customs in an amusing way.