The Portuguese sidewalk’ s application for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status, under the title “Art and Know-how of the Portuguese Pavement”, was finally submitted on March 14, after three years in the making.
It involved the participation of more than 50 pavers, with the collaboration of eight Portuguese municipalities, including Braga, Lisbon and Funchal, and aims to preserve and promote this traditional art, which may even be at risk of extinction.
Recognized as a fundamental element of the urban landscape and of Portuguese cultural identity, Portuguese sidewalk is present not only in Portugal, but also in various parts of the world, especially Brazil, so this application aims to value the knowledge and mastery of the pavers and artists who have kept this technique alive over the years.
It also serves as a reminder to public authorities to commit to preserving this art, which is considered a strategic asset for Portugal’s affirmation abroad.
The proposal to make this art form part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage was launched by the Associação da Calçada Portuguesa, founded in 2017 on the initiative of Lisbon City Council, and this bet represents an important step in valuing a Portuguese craft tradition with universal relevance, ensuring its continuity for future generations.