The extra-long ‘Jerusalem’ brick, from La Paloma Cerámicas, is a handcrafted brick produced exclusively for the restoration of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, the quintessential symbol of Christianity.
The challenge was not simply to reproduce a ceramic piece, but to create a brick just like those from over 1,600 years ago. Its texture and colour were the subject of extensive experimentation to ensure it would form part of the history and essence of this iconic basilica for another eternity.
This brick was handcrafted to replicate a 4th-century brick, in which texture and colour have written their own history over time. Erosion and the elements have acted upon the original bricks for over 1,600 years, so simply reverting to a traditional manufacturing method was not enough.
The only way is to make it by hand
The production of this brick required a combination of various clays and variations in firing temperature; it took around 30 trials to produce the handcrafted brick that was to form part of the Holy Sepulchre for at least another 1,600 years. To achieve the desired texture, it was necessary to ensure consistent grinding of the clay, the correct grain size of the clays and the degreasing sands, all of which are linked to the moulding technique and the type of mould used.
To ensure this brick would have the same lifespan as the originals, it was essential to produce a brick with very low water absorption and high compressive strength. The finest clays and traditional craftsmanship are combined with the most innovative processes to create the most significant project in the history of La Paloma Cerámicas.
Jerusalem extra-long brick: the longest facing brick manufactured in Spain
That project gave rise to the Jerusalem range, a line of extra-long, solid facing bricks that is now one of the company’s hallmarks. It is made from various types of clay fired at different temperatures and, according to its product specification, is the longest facing brick manufactured in Spain. The combination of manual processes and cutting-edge technology results in a brick with an artisanal appearance that meets the most demanding technical specifications.
Its design complements the architecture and works equally well outdoors and indoors, where it brings originality, warmth and beauty to building envelopes and living spaces. The range includes models such as Ártico, Otero, Lanzarote, Levante and Bilbao, allowing it to be adapted to a wide variety of styles and projects.
Textures of the extra-long Jerusalem brick: hand-made, carved, natural and scraped
The irregularity of the hand-made process lends a unique character to façades. In this range, that personality is expressed through four textures.
– Hand-made. It offers an irregular, organic surface that reflects traditional craftsmanship. Its imperfections create nuances of light and shadow, lending warmth and authenticity.
– Carved. Features pronounced grooves and geometric reliefs that lend rhythm and depth to each piece, with an almost sculptural play of light.
– Natural. Combines fine reliefs and surface markings that create subtle tonal variations and a serene sense of naturalness.
– Sanded. Superficial sanding smooths the visible surface, achieving a matt, slightly weathered effect that strikes a balance between the contemporary and the timeless.
– Grout colour. The same model takes on a completely different appearance depending on the grout chosen, so the finishing possibilities are endless and every architect can tailor the material to the vision of their project.
Technical specifications of the Jerusalem brick and a 100-year guarantee
Jerusalem speaks for itself. It has a compressive strength of 20 N/mm², a water absorption rate of 1.2 kg/(m² x min) and a water absorption of less than 6 per cent. It is a frost-resistant brick, free from efflorescence and with true-to-colour body pigments, which withstands humidity, temperature changes and other external factors with resilience.
This durability is why La Paloma Cerámicas marks the product with its 100-year guarantee seal. For the specifier, this provides added peace of mind, as the handcrafted appearance is not at odds with technical performance that stands the test of time.
Recent projects featuring extra-long Jerusalem bricks
Since its inception at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the range has been used in projects of very different purposes and scales, from the hospitality sector to cultural, educational and residential architecture.
In Madrid, two restaurants have incorporated this handcrafted brick: Tonton and Campero. In hospitality projects, where atmosphere matters just as much as functionality, the warmth of the brick and the nuances of light and shadow in its textures help to create spaces with a character all of their own.
In the institutional sphere, the Provincial Historical Archive of Castellón and the Valladolid School of Art demonstrate that its format and textures are also well-suited to cultural and educational buildings, where simplicity and durability are key. In the residential sector, Casa Nostra, a detached house in Bordils (Girona), brings the Jerusalem brick to a domestic scale.
And the circle closes where it all began, at the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. You can read about that collaboration in our article on the restoration of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
The industry has also recognised this product. In 2025, the Ártico model received the Jury’s First Prize in the ‘Facade Cladding of the Year’ category at the Archello Awards. Full details can be found in the news article about the award. And if you’re looking for more examples, you’ll find plenty more in our inspiration section.
Frequently asked questions about the Jerusalem brick
What is the extra-long Jerusalem brick?
It is a solid facing brick, in an extra-long format with a handcrafted finish, created by La Paloma Cerámicas, inspired by the work carried out on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
What textures is it available in?
It is manufactured in four textures: hand-finished, carved, natural and scraped. Each offers a different interplay of light and shadow on the façade.
What are its technical specifications?
It achieves a compressive strength of 20 N/mm² and water absorption of less than 6 per cent. Furthermore, it is frost-resistant, does not suffer from efflorescence and retains its true colours throughout the body of the brick.
Can it be used indoors?
Yes. Its format and textures are equally effective both outdoors and indoors, in both architecture and interior design.
What guarantee does it come with?
La Paloma Cerámicas backs the product with a 100-year guarantee. If you’d like to find out more, you can download the Jerusalem catalogue or view all the models on the product page.
