Portuguese pavement

One of the most distinctive uses of this paving technique is the image of Saint-Queen Elizabeth of Portugal (Santa Rainha Isabel), in Coimbra, designed with black and white stones of basalt and limestone.

In its current form, Portuguese pavement was first used in Lisbon from 1840 to 1846, during repairs to São Jorge Castle directed by general and engineer Eusebio Pinheiro Furtado.

In 1848, Pinheiro was put in charge with the renewal of Rossio square, which he paved with a pattern of waves in homage to the sea crossed by Portuguese sailors.

Much of the motifs and patterns would revolve around the sea and maritime exploration, and the pavement quickly became a symbol of Portuguese culture and identity, also spreading overseas to Portugal's colonies.

[2] Portuguese pavement spread to Spain in the late 19th century, most notably to Barcelona in 1896, where it was used to pave the sides of the Salón de San Juan, with later expansions in 1909 and 1917–1920.

In Brazil, this pavement was used in many projects directed by modernist architects, in which they blended traditional materials and techniques like the calçada with contemporary design.

[4] The loosening of stones is also a relevant issue, making sidewalks covered by this type of pavement need constant maintenance and repair in order to avoid pedestrians from tripping.

Portuguese pavement: image of the seal of the University of Coimbra , in Portugal , featuring Wisdom
Some styles of Portuguese pavement are: [ 1 ]
  1. irregular pavements, thought to be the oldest style
  2. crushed pavement, similar but with more spaces between the stones
  3. classic style, with one primary diagonal and one secondary, both at 45 degrees to the adjoining kerb and/or wall.
  4. linear pavement, with stones aligned in parallel files
  5. circular pavement
  6. hexagonal pavement
  7. artistic pavement, with specific forms and/or highly contrasting stones
  8. large wavy pattern
  9. segmented fans
  10. florentine fans
  11. peacock tails
  12. less regular peacock tails
Portuguese pavement in Paulista Avenue , São Paulo in 2008. This section has since been replaced with concrete sidewalks. Traditional Portuguese pavement has gradually been retired from the city's landscape under urban reforms.