The best things to see and do in Talavera de la Reina (Toledo) in 1 day

Less than an hour and a half away from Madrid, Talavera de la Reina It is not a town that is famous for its attractions.

What's more, it is a small city that with its 88.000 inhabitants has a larger population than the capital of the city itself. province, that is, Toledo.

But I tell you that Talavera have enough arguments to justify a getaway from Madrid, transcending the consequences of the great urban development that occurred decades ago.

I did this recently, which allowed me to discover some corners that are really worth it.

Curiosities history of Talavera de la Reina

By way of introduction, I will tell you that where it sits the current Talavera There were already human settlements since Prehistory, as demonstrated by the various dolmens found in the area.

But, in reality, the historical origin of Talavera de la Reina It is in the urban center of caesarobriga founded by the Romans.

It is during the time of the Visigoths when one of the events that even now has relevance in the life of Talavera today occurs.

I am referring to the gift to the town of the statue of the Virgin of the Prado, which occurred in the year 602.

This led to transforming the pagan celebration of goddess Ceres in the spring festival The Mondas, precisely the reason that led me to visit Talavera.

Muslims built the first Talavera wall, which became “the Queen's” when the town was given as a gift in 1328 by Alfonso XI a Maria of Portugal, the new queen after her wedding.

It was during the 15th and 16th centuries when Talavera achieved fame thanks to the ceramics, which was used in the decoration of important monuments of that time.

It should be noted that outstanding Talavera residents have been the playwright Ferdinand de Rojas (16th century), author of La Celestina, and the theologian and historian Juan de Mariana (17th century).

Finally, it should be noted that during the 19th century the Talavera ceramic tradition, although its famous craftsman, Juan Ruiz de Luna, developed his main artistic activity at the beginning of the 20th century.

What to see and visit for tourism in Talavera de la Reina

Below I am going to highlight the corners that have caught my attention the most during my Talavera tourism visit, which you should not miss on your getaway to this Toledo town.

Basilica of the Prado in Talavera de la Reina

The first stage of your visit could well be Prado Basilica, perhaps the most significant monument in the city, and which you will find at the entrance on the road from Madrid, in the Prado gardens, and inside you will see the most interesting things.

Own king Philip II he called her Sistine Ceramic Chapel, which you will understand when you enter the interior of this building renovated in the 16th century, where the decoration with Talavera tiles from the 16th, 17th and 20th centuries.

Surely a essential in Talavera.

Prado Gardens in Talavera

Either before or after visiting the basilica you should give a walk through the Prado gardens, where you will have the best urban exponent of the importance of ceramics in Talavera.

On this walk you will see fountains and various urban furniture decorated with typical Talavera tiles, which makes these gardens a truly different corner (I don't know of a similar enclave in another city or town).

A highlights the Frogs Fountain and Duck Pond.

On the other side of the road you have the most modern Alameda park, where you should not miss its two beautiful bridges decorated with tiles.

Albarranas Towers in Talavera

On the way to the geographical and administrative center of Talavera de la Reina, bread square, you will see the Albarranas Towers.

These are the main remains that are preserved from the old walled enclosure from the 13th century built by Christians.

It is curious to know that in the Talavera wall There were up to 47 towers, and the entire enclosure also had a protective barbican.

Next to them you will also see the so-called Gate of Seville, belonging to the aforementioned barbican and built in 1579 with bricks.

Plaza del Bread in Talavera de la Reina

La bread square occupies the central space of the old medieval enclosure of Talavera, and its current configuration is the result of various extensions carried out since the 16th century.

This plaza has functioned as the main square of Talavera de la Reina, and in it you will be able to see notable corners, apart from the imposing Schoolboy of Santa María la Mayor.

Specifically you will be able to see the Renaissance building of the old Mercy HospitalToday Rafael Morales Cultural Center, a place that in its time was occupied by a Roman forum, as confirmed in recent excavations.

And I also want to highlight the façade of the building of an old public institute and that of the Victoria Theater, with its striking ceramic decoration.

School of Santa María la Mayor in Talavera

In the bread square you will have no problem recognizing the Schoolboy of Santa María la MayorWell, I warn you, you will be surprised by the dimensions of the enormous rose window on its façade.

Along with the aforementioned Prado Basilica, is the most prominent church in Talavera de la Reina.

With a plan of three naves, its origin dates back to a collegiate church from the year 1211, and now it is actually known as the church of Santa María la Mayor.

Most of the current building, Gothic Mudejar style, is from the 14th and 15th centuries, and its large tower, from the 18th century.

It is thought that the main mosque during the time of the Muslims.

In addition to ceramic decoration in one of its chapels, during your visit you will especially stand out for its cloister, in which the remains of the aforementioned are preserved Ferdinand de Rojas.

Plaza de San Agustín in Talavera

From my point of view, that of San Agustín is the most charming square in Talavera de la Reina.

I have had the opportunity to see it with great animation during the celebration of a Medieval market, but also completely empty on an early Sunday morning.

In these circumstances it is the place that can remind you the most that Talavera de la Reina was medieval village, beyond its current character as a commercial city.

In the San Agustín square the headquarters of the Ruiz de Luna Ceramic Museum, and the brick façade of the house will surely catch your attention. old church of Saint Augustine.

Talavera de la Reina Ceramic Museum

El Ruiz de Luna Ceramic Museum is one of essential visits trust your getaway to Talavera.

You will find it in the old building Augustinian Convent, In the San Agustín square, distributed in two rooms, one of them the old church.

This museum collects a wide collection of ceramics and tiles from between the 16th and 20th centuries, and is the best reflection of the splendor of this industry in Talavera.

Map: how to get to Talavera de la Reina

Talavera de la Reina It is located one and a half hours southwest of Madrid and one hour west of Toledo.