Handmade pottery from Talavera

Toledo

The traditional pottery-making methods used for over five centuries in these Spanish towns, as well as two Mexican cities, have been declared part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Would you like to come to Spain and see first hand how these incredible pieces are made, and take one home with you as a souvenir?

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In Talavera de la Reina and El Puente del Arzobispo (both in Toledo) there are still communities of artisans who make ceramic objects for domestic, decorative and architectural use. The most significant aspect of their work, and the reason for this recognition, is that most of their manufacturing, decoration and glazing processes have remained unchanged since the 16th century. These master potters and ceramists have passed on their knowledge orally over the new generations.It's fascinating to see how each workshop has its own identity, seen in certain details in the modelling, colours or glazes of the pieces, which are always unique.

Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Prado in Talavera de la Reina

What to visit in Talavera de la Reina and El Puente del Arzobispo

To learn more about these still-vibrant traditional trades, we recommend visiting these two towns. There, you will see examples of these impressive pieces and discover that pottery is a way of life for local people.In Talavera de la Reina you can visit the Ruiz de Luna Ceramics Museum, which aims to recall the prosperity that the city experienced in the 16th and 17th centuries thanks to its ceramic production. There is also the Patio de los Artesanos, a courtyard in the heart of the historic city centre, where you can see wrought iron and ceramics being created in different workshops.

It's also worth taking a walk through the city to see the striking ceramic decoration of the Prado Gardens and the Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Prado.Meanwhile, there is a Ceramics Visitor Centre in El Puente del Arzobispo. It features a recreation of a traditional potter's courtyard, interactive workshops, and an exhibition of pottery from different regions of Spain.