Lonely Planet

Ceramicist CATIA PESSOA has lived in the Portuguese capital all her life. The city is famous for its distinctive tilework (azulejos), used to decorate everything from churches to subways, but Catia’s creations are anything but square. From bespoke bowls and plates for local restaurants to more sculptural pieces, the full range of her work can be seen at her studio and shop, Caulino Ceramics, on the edge of the city’s historic Alfama district. She finds Lisbon life constantly inspiring, saying, ‘Although it’s a big city – constantly changing, with new places opening all the time – it’s also peaceful. There’s still space to think.’