ARTISTIC RESIDENCY
PORTUGUES TILE - TRAVEL THROUGH TIME
8 - 14 MARCH 2026
No experience with clay is necessary.
Everyone is welcome at this residency. Escape from your day-to-day life and into a zero decision fatigue all-inclusive, creative retreat. Perfect for solo travelers, family groups, as a get-together with friends, or to broaden your professional skills. A residency at Atelier Retiro in the medieval center of Guimarães (featured on the BBC’s list of best places to visit in 2026 and also National Geographic’s), makes it easy to let the world fall away for a time to make room for your creative spirit.
In addition to lasting memories and heirlooms to take home with you, every single participant leaves with an international gallery group show to add to their CV at Nº6 Ceramics Gallery. Depending on your country of origin, this can benefit you in many ways to offset your travel costs (consult your accountant) as well as build your life experiences.
Pousada Mosteiro de Guimarães
Spend the day painting in the Capela and have aperitif on the Balcony of Friar Jerónimo, where episodes from the monastery’s own history were painted. Every path inside the monastery becomes a journey through centuries of Portuguese history, wrapped in light, stillness and an atmosphere that blends mysticism with grandeur.
The Pousada Mosteiro Santa Marinha is an extraordinary place for an artistic residency. It is not merely a physical space, it is an oasis where creation unfolds under the weight of memory. Staying at the Pousada means stepping into the essence of Portugal, from its beginnings to its maturity. It is a journey through time that invites artists to create with depth, to listen to the space and to let their work converse with centuries of beauty and symbolism.
Travel through time with us this March at the Pousada Mosteiro de Guimarães.
In this seven-day tile painting residency, we will immerse ourselves in the artistry of the azulejos in this amazing Augustinian monastery, now a five-star Pestana Group hotel.
From March 8-14th, 2026 we will live this history, copying details and scenes from tile panels dating back to the 15th century.
Whether you are a professional artist or someone with zero experience in the arts, this residency is the perfect opportunity to escape into active creative practice while immersing yourself in the art history and legacy of Portuguese Azulejos.
During this one-week experience, you will have the opportunity to explore a variety of tile motifs. The residency will include an introduction to the history of Portuguese ceramics, visits to museums, and lectures on the history of Portuguese tiles, along with other experiences.
-
The classes will be taught in English and Portuguese.
-
It is important that all participants have an adventurous spirit, a willingness to learn, and short nails.
-
Participants should wear clothing and footwear that they don’t mind getting dirty.
Additionally, it is important to note that Atelier Retiro does not have air conditioning. It is an old granite building, usually cool, but clothing should be appropriate for the season: light in the summer and warm in the winter.
Atelier Retiro has a washing machine available for residents to wash their clay-stained clothes.
The Monastery of Santa Marinha da Costa stands at the heart of Portugal’s origins. It was founded by King Alfonso Henriques and Queen Mafalda, who chose this place to leave a spiritual and cultural legacy.
Centuries later, when the monastery had fallen into decline, Duke Jaime of Bragança and Guimarães, shaped the monastery as we know it today, through works that spanned the sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. This long process created a monumental space where every room carries the memory of those who lived here.
In the eighteenth century, the monastery gained its artistic soul. Its interior is filled with carved wood, gilded details and above all, an extraordinary collection of tiles. Thousands of pieces create an immersive atmosphere, from the cloisters to the staircases and the Chapter Room. These panels depict battle scenes, allegories of the arts and glimpses of everyday life that reflect the spirit of the period.
Testimonial from the Summer Residency 2025, also with the artist Mariana Sampaio.
€3,300 per resident – VAT included
All curriculum-based residencies include materials (unless otherwise stated), lunch, and two snacks per day, all provided at the Pousada and included in the course fee.
Any dietary requirements or food accommodations must be communicated prior to arrival. All food and beverages purchased outside the offered package are the resident’s responsibility and must be paid directly to the Pousada.
YOUR RESIDENCY INCLUDES:
Six nights at the Pousada (all meals included).
Five days of intensive study.
All tiles completed during the residency.
An exhibition of your work to add to your CV.
All necessary tools and materials.
Invaluable memories.
Full immersion in a creative community and in the historic city center.
€1,800 per resident (no accommodation or meals) – VAT included
YOUR RESIDENCY INCLUDES:
Five days of intensive study.
All tiles completed during the residency.
An exhibition of your work to add to your CV.
All necessary tools and materials.
Invaluable memories.
Full immersion in a creative community and in the historic city center.
All residencies, donations, products, or goods sold at Atelier Retiro are subject to an additional 23% tax in Portugal. We recommend consulting your local accountant if you wish to obtain information about tax benefits or exemptions applicable in your region. A formal invoice, receipt, and any required documentation will be provided upon request.
Classes and residencies do not count toward academic accreditation.
Mariana Sampaio
Mariana Sampaio
Mariana Sampaio was born in 1991 in Golegã, Santarém, but lives and works in Caldas da Rainha. She holds a degree and is pursuing a Master's in Fine Arts at the Escola Superior de Artes e Design in Caldas da Rainha. In 2016, she completed a technical course in Creative Ceramics at CENCAL in Caldas da Rainha.
In 2017, she opened the doors of her ceramic and fine arts studio to the public, thus launching her brand, Mariana Sampaio Studio.
Currently, she works full-time in her studio, balancing exhibitions, classes, and workshops with national and international artist residencies, where she exhibits her work and teaches about Portuguese techniques and culture through ceramics
Where will I stay?
This residency includes accommodation.
If you choose not to stay at the Pousada Mosteiro de Guimarães, you will be responsible for arranging your own accommodation. The Historic Center of Guimarães offers a wide range of hotels, hostels, and Airbnb accommodations, all within walking distance of Atelier Retiro.
Be sure to consider your specific needs when booking accommodation. Air conditioning and mini-fridges are not standard. Additionally, the Historic Center has a vibrant nightlife, and our summer sessions coincide with the festival season. Please read reviews carefully and plan to book your accommodation well in advance of your residency.
Do I need to rent a car?
If you plan to travel by car, please ensure that your accommodation offers parking or look for one of the several public parking facilities available in the historic center.
Do I need travel insurance?
If you are traveling from abroad, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. This investment helps ensure your safety and provides support in case of emergencies during your stay. It is in your best interest to travel with these protections in place.
Are academic credits awarded?
Atelier Retiro does not offer academic credits for students or researchers. Our residencies are focused on skill development and professional growth. However, all residents will have the opportunity to participate in a group exhibition at Gallery Nº6, which can enhance an artistic CV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ship my work home?
Please be aware of current shipping rates from Portugal to your home country. We always advise artists traveling from outside the European Union to bring an extra suitcase to transport their artwork when returning home.
Do you accommodate dietary requirements?
The Pousada is equipped to accommodate all dietary requirements. Please inform us in advance of your needs so we can ensure that catering, when available, meets your preferences.
In Guimarães, you will also find many venues able to accommodate a wide range of dietary needs.
I have allergies — will care be taken?
Please consider that allergens present in a historic city, accommodation, and a foreign country may affect your comfort. Be sure to bring all necessary allergy medications with you.
If you have severe allergies, inform the team prior to your arrival so we can help support your health and safety during your stay.
Do I need to purchase my own materials?
All materials required for the course are included in the fee. However, if there are specific tools you prefer to use, please bring them with you, as access to purchasing specialized tools may be limited.
What if I need healthcare?
There are walk-in clinics and pharmacies available for your convenience.
Bring all necessary medications in sufficient quantities for the duration of your stay. If you need assistance obtaining medication, we will be available to help.
Is the space accessible for mobility issues or special needs?
The Pousada offers all necessary accommodations. If you require special accommodations due to mobility issues, please contact our team.
We are happy to help plan your visit and ensure you feel welcomed in our community.
How do I get from the airport to Guimarães?
Bus: An easy option with direct schedules from the airport to Guimarães.
Uber: Available for pickup at the airport.
Taxi: Available for pickup at the airport.
Can I bring a friend or family member?
As you are responsible for your own accommodation, you are welcome to travel with friends or family. They may participate in the residency’s social events and visit the studio outside instructional or demonstration hours.
However, only officially registered residents are permitted to actively participate in course work or self-guided residency activities, due to licensing and insurance regulations.
-
![]()
Joalharia Elevada com Barro e Fornos Alternativos
Sessão 3 | 29 de junho’25 a 12 de julho’25
-
![]()
Alteração de Formas à Roda: Animais e Vegetais
Sessão 4 | 13 - 27 de julho’25
-
![]()
Residências Autoguiadas
Disponíveis todo o ano
-
![]()
Cerâmica para Principiantes: do zero a 1 quilo
Sessão 1 | 1 - 14 de junho’25
-
![]()
Nº6 | Galeria de Cerâmica
Arte | Eventos | Cerâmica | Exposições
