Azulejos

Like many civilizations of the Mediterranean,  Spain has an long history of "azulejos" (Spanish word for tiles).   In comparison to wood and metal that is more frequently used in the Nordic European world, clay was the material used in the Mediterranean region for crafting household implements and pottery as well as many decorative architectural elements. 

Although glazed pottery dates back over one thousand years BC in ancient China as well as in Egypt, it was with the Roman empire and later the Islamic rule of the Almohad Empire in the 12th century where ceramics flourished in Spain,  particularly with regard to architectural applications.  

In Seville, at the end of the 15th century, what were known as 'Arista' tiles were being mechanically produced in wooden moulds then decorated with traditional islamic geometric designs.  In early 16th century, an Italian named Niculoso Pisano came to Seville with his background of Roman art and Renaissance training,  and influenced the production of tiles with more figurative designs.  These tiles were used on floors, walls and ceilings.  With mass production and reasonable prices, demand soared and they were also exported to the new world.  Pisano also influenced the development of smooth, hand painted tiles  in the tile factories of Seville and they have remained popular in Spain to this day.  Many Catholic   themes are painted on tiles and incorporated into religious architecture and onto the walls of homes as well.   Many shops as well as street names have their signage done with tiles. 

Moorish architecture with tiles.

Triana,  Sevilla

Plaza de España, Sevilla

Granada

On the outside of the department store El Corte Ingles

bar in Madrid