Portuguese pavement candidate for Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

On March 14, the dossier for the candidacy of the “Art and Know-how of the Portuguese Pavement” for the Inventory of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity was submitted to the UNESCO National Commission.

After three years of work, the Portuguese Pavement Association, with more than 50 pavers, the collaboration of 8 municipalities – Braga, Estremoz, Faro, Funchal, Lisbon, Ponta Delgada, Porto de Mós and Setúbal and the support of more than 20 national public and private institutions – concluded the application process to UNESCO, to preserve and promote this art, which is at risk of extinction.

Over time, the Portuguese pavement has consolidated itself not only as one of the main cultural, identity and aesthetic references of the national territory – mainland and islands – but also as a fundamental element of the urban landscape, contributing to the identity of Portuguese space, history and culture.

The Association undertook the preparation of the candidacy of the Art and Know-how of Portuguese Pavement as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, with the intention of valuing the knowledge, know-how and mastery of the pavers and other visual artists who have carried this technique over the years. Today, it is spread across various parts of the world as a Portuguese cultural brand, with a special presence in Brazil and other countries with which Portugal maintains cultural exchanges, confirming its universal relevance.

This application also serves as an appeal to public entities, both national and local, to commit to the preservation and promotion of this art form, which must be seen as a strategic asset for the affirmation of Portugal.

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