About Portuguese Tile Society

Portuguese Tile Society was founded by the Sousa family, Portuguese descendants from the Acores who built a life in North America before returning home to Portugal. Based in Porto, the private studio was created from a belief that Portuguese azulejo artistry deserves more than mass-produced souvenirs. Through contemporary interpretation, storytelling, and artist-led design, we aim to keep the visual language of Portugal alive in homes around the world while honouring the craftsmanship, symbolism, and cultural memory behind it.

Each year, Portuguese Tile Society selects a preservation project within Portugal or the islands to support through a portion of proceeds from every collection and custom piece. We focus on places of historical and artistic significance such as sanctuaries, medieval spaces, azulejo heritage, and culturally important sites whose beauty and stories risk being forgotten. The more these works are shared in homes and given as gifts, the more directly they contribute to preserving Portugal’s artistic and historical legacy for future generations.

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2026 Preservation Recipient

Santuario do Senhor Jesus da Pedra
— Óbidos, Portugal

For 2026, Portuguese Tile Society has chosen to support the preservation of the Sanctuary of Our Lord Jesus of the Stone, a remarkable yet often overlooked sanctuary standing quietly beyond the gates of medieval Óbidos.

Built around a legendary stone crucifix said to have been discovered during a time of drought and suffering, the sanctuary became a place of pilgrimage after local accounts claimed the rains returned following the rediscovery of the sacred image. Isolated outside the castle walls and shaped by centuries of devotion, weather, and unfinished restoration, the sanctuary remains one of Portugal’s most atmospheric and quietly haunting spiritual landmarks; a place where history, legend, faith, and endurance still feel deeply present.

Learn More About the Sanctuary of Our Lord Jesus of the Stone Here

Where Every Tile Helps Preserve a Story

Standing apart from Portugal’s traditional church architecture, the sanctuary is known for its rare hexagonal design, a striking Baroque structure built in the shape of a six-sided crown around the sacred stone image it was created to protect. Inside, candlelight reflects across marble, gilded details, and devotional artwork that have weathered centuries of pilgrimage and neglect. Local legend tells of a farmer discovering the buried stone crucifix hidden among thorns during a devastating drought, after which rains were said to return to the region. Quietly positioned beyond the fortified walls of Óbidos, the sanctuary carries the feeling of a place suspended between legend and history; deeply Portuguese in its mixture of beauty, melancholy, endurance, and faith.

Bring a Piece of Portugal Home

Portuguese Tile Society was created to preserve the beauty, history, and craftsmanship of Portugal through thoughtfully designed azulejo-inspired pieces. Every purchase helps support preservation efforts, celebrate Portuguese artistry, and keep these cultural stories alive for future generations.

Whether you are searching for meaningful décor, a custom gift, or a connection to Portuguese heritage, each tile is designed to carry a sense of place, memory, and craftsmanship into your home.