Sobrado Azulejado, Music museum in Comércio district, Salvador, Brazil
The Sobrado Azulejado is a museum building in Salvador displaying four floors with its entire facade covered in white and blue Portuguese ceramic tiles arranged in intricate patterns. The tiled surface covers the outer walls completely, making the structure visually distinct from surrounding buildings.
The building was constructed in the late 19th century to serve administrative functions for the Port of Salvador during its expansion period. It gained federal heritage protection status in 1969 and later transformed into a music museum for a new public use.
The building reflects Portuguese tile craftsmanship traditions that shaped Salvador's colonial aesthetic and remain visible today. Visitors walking past or entering notice how these decorative elements connected the city to maritime trade networks and European design practices.
The building sits at Praça Visconde de Cairu near the Mercado Modelo market in the commercial district with direct street access from the main square. The central location makes it easy to find when exploring the historic waterfront area and nearby colonial streets.
The building holds the distinction of being the most extensively tiled structure in the entire Bahia region, with its facade displaying an intricate renda lace pattern laid by hand. This tiling coverage is so complete and detailed that it transforms the building form itself into a decorative artwork.
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