Where to see the best ceramics in Talavera de la Reina

When planning my most recent visit of Talavera de la Reina, In the province of Toledo, there was a reason that caught my attention.

Beyond taking the opportunity to attend the great popular festival of the Mondas or get to know its main monuments, such as the Prado Basilica o the schoolgirl, I wanted to see places with the famous Talavera ceramics and tiles and delve deeper into its history.

Who does not know or has heard of the talavera pottery?

Talavera Ceramics, UNESCO World Heritage

Well now this reason has gained a lot of strength after the declaration of the talavera pottery as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the Unesco.

Not long ago I had the opportunity to visit the Lisbon Azulejo Museum, which seemed wonderful to me, both for its colorful collection of tiles, among which the great panoramic view of the Portuguese capital before the 18th century earthquake undoubtedly stands out, and for its location in the old convent of Madre de Dios.

And in the case of Talavera de la Reina, As I expected, I was able to verify that specifically the tiling They are prominently present in many places in the town.

Curiosities History of Talavera Ceramics

La ceramic tradition in Talavera It dates back to Roman times, but it is actually the Muslims who gave it the characteristic design, shape and decoration that is so representative, with its combination of blue and white colors.

The plant and animal motifs that illustrated the earthenware at that time were later joined by human figures with the arrival of the Christian kingdoms.

But the real industrial boom of the talavera pottery It is produced from the 16th century in competition with Sevillian earthenware and then with that of Alcora.

Throughout the 19th century, a period of decline began after the destruction of potteries and ceramic factories by the French during the War of Independence.

But in 1908 the ceramist Juan Ruiz de Luna, together with the painter and ceramist Enrique Guijo, launched the factory of the Virgen del Prado, which marked the beginning of a new boom, recovering designs from the Renaissance and Baroque eras, and creating products with a seal of quality.

Where to see ceramics and tiles in Talavera de la Reina

Here I am going to highlight the best places where to see tiles in Talavera de la Reina.

Ruiz de Luna Ceramic Museum

In the enclave, from my point of view, with the most charm of the historic center of Talavera, San Agustín square, Is the Ruiz de Luna Ceramic Museum.

Its origin is the private collection of the prestigious ceramist, which is now displayed in the premises of the old convent of San Agustín, from the 18th century, and in its church.

During your visit you will find a modern exhibition display with a ceramic collection from between the 16th and 20th centuries.

The location of the tiles in the renovated church grounds stands out in particular.

Tiles in Jardines del Prado and Alameda Park

But apart from the pieces linked to the history of Talavera ceramics what you will see in its museum, the tiling decorate numerous corners of Talavera de la Reina.

The most notable, without a doubt, is found in the Prado Gardens, designed in the 19th century

These are the most important Talavera gardens, located next to the Prado Basilica and the bullring, and on your essential walk through these gardens you will see numerous elements and urban furniture decorated with tiles.

They highlight the Frogs Fountain, with striking decoration, and the Duck Pond.

Inside the basilica itself, tiles also have a very prominent presence in the decoration. Don't forget to come see it.

And in front of the basilica is the most modern Alameda park, whose best-known corner is its pond in which two bridges with a large tile decoration are located.

Furthermore, in your walk through Talavera you will find many others corners decorated with tiles, like the facade of the Victoria theater and the poster of Palenque Theater.

Finally, you will be able to verify that the Talavera tiles They are used to decorate many commercial establishments, as well as in restaurants, in some of them very prominently.

Photos ceramics and tiles in Talavera

Here you have more photos of ceramics and tiles what you can see during your visit of Talavera de la Reina.