The Portuguese cobblestone is the established name of a certain type of floor covering used especially in the paving of cobblestone, of public spaces, and private spaces, in general. This type of cobblestone can be seen all over the world, especially in lusophone countries with an ancient Portuguese presence. The most common colors are white (limestone) and black (basalt), although we also see brown, red, blue-gray, and yellow. It first came into common use in the 19th century and today is one of the major Portuguese marks in the world and also in the Azores.
A good and original example of art made of Portuguese cobblestone is the Emigrant Sqaure, in Ribeira Grande, with about 4 thousand square meters, has as its central element the public art piece Saudades da Terra created by Luís Silva, current and founding member of AEAzores. The Square is also composed by the Calçada dos Mundos (Cobblestone of Worlds), designed by artist Liliana Lopes, and by two murals, where the most diverse plaques in honor of Azorean emigrated families are placed.
Last modified: 24 de October, 2022
