Dimensions
São várias as propriedades da calçada portuguesa, que dão o estatuto e carácter de originalidade a esta manifestação cultural imaterial:
Social dimension – a dimension of the know-how of cobblestone pavers that is essential for preserving memories, identities and traditional practices, strengthening collective identity. It involves not only professionals, but also society as a whole and visitors, around an art and craftsmanship that stands as a symbol of Portugal.
Brand and identity – it is a national identity marker and one of international recognition as a symbol of the Lusitanian people, since it is a distinctive artistic and cultural element that enhances and aesthetically characterises most of our urban landscapes, and which we have exported to the world.
Artistic beauty – the Portuguese cobblestone pavement, with its varied designs and patterns — figurative, geometric, floral or alluding to local contexts — lends both public and private spaces a high aesthetic value, brightness and prominence, visually enriching the urban landscape of cities, towns and villages.
Durability – the Portuguese cobblestone pavement, made with resistant stone and executed with skill, can remain intact for centuries with proper maintenance.
Ecological sustainability – Portuguese cobblestone pavement is ecologically sustainable as it uses natural raw material with low environmental impact, is non-polluting and permeable when applied, and provides users with a functional, healthy and comfortable experience when well executed and maintained.
Economic sustainability – Portuguese cobblestone pavement is economically sustainable as it relies solely on reusable national resources, allowing for maintenance, restoration or repurposing, which reinforces the uniqueness of this traditional know-how.