I came across some calceteiros in the process of creating the gorgeous Portuguese mosaic sidewalks.
In time, shoes polish the mosaics to a slippery shine.
In Lisbon, a Carpet of Stone Beneath Their Feet is an excellent article on how calçada (patterned pavements) are made, the history of the mosaic pavements, and Escolas de Jardinagem e Calceteiros, a City school where this unique stone paving is taught. Highly recommended, if you enjoyed my little article.
As someone commented, yes, these pavements are also common in Brazil and Macao because of the Portuguese presence in those places. Apparently the John Lennon memorial in Central Park also used this technique.
When walking around downtown Lisbon you’ll also find a monument to these pavers on Rua da Vitoria in front of Sao Nicolau church. This page explains it all: http://www.lisbonlux.com/culture/calcada-portuguesa.html
These wonderful sidewalks are also common in Macau (and, reportedly, in Brasil)…
We missed most of those streets, since we were in bed with severe jet lag. Your photos make me want to revisit Lisbon, this time awake.