Monk and Nun

Originally, the tiles were made from locally sourced clay and given its shape with the help of a curved surface, such as a log or the maker's thigh.

Monk and Nun is one of Europe's historical roof tiles traditionally found in countries along or near the Mediterranean Sea: Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, and European Turkey.

Beyond Europe, Monk and Nun roofs can be found in Turkey, Morocco, Latin American countries, and in areas of the United States that were once part of Spanish America.

It is rare however in the most northern communes that constitute the Italian Alps, and in a small stretch of Liguria that favors the local slate.

This type of roof tile is also typical of Spanish and Portuguese colonial architecture in certain regions of Latin America, particularly in historic quarters and rural estates.

As a more economical and easier-to-install alternative, these interlocking tiles have become common in Europe and America, especially in new constructions and roof restorations outside of historic quarters.