Manises: Ceramic History, Crafts and Historic Buildings

The MUMAF – Colección Museográfica de Fotografía de Manises, Carlos Sanchis displays significant analogue cameras from a period spanning the final decades of the 19th century to the advent of digital photography.

Ceramic history between museums and training institutions

The Museo de Cerámica de Manises was founded in 1967. It was established through the donation of a late-18th-century mansion and a collection of art and ceramic works. Its monographic ceramic collection comprises more than 5,000 pieces and documents local production from the 14th century to the present day. A technology room and a library complement the museum; it also provides information about ceramic factories, workshops and shops in Manises.

The history of ceramic education is also present in several locations. The Antigua Escuela de Cerámica is a historic building in the Neoclassical style. From 1916 to 1925, it housed the first ceramics school in Manises. The Escola de Ceràmica de Manises dates back to 1896. In 1916, the ceramics school of Manises was finally recognised as an official state training centre under the name Escola Pràctica de Ceràmica.

Historic buildings with ceramic details

The Barrio arqueológico de obradores, now known as “Barri dels Obradors”, concentrated a large part of Manises’ ceramic production for almost eight centuries. The Iglesia Parroquial de San Juan Bautista was built between 1734 and 1751, with a Latin-cross layout and a single nave. It preserves the original ceramic-tile dado. Its dome is covered with golden tiles featuring a metallic lustre.

Another notable structure is the Els Arcs Aqueduct. It is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural, has 28 arches and is attributed to Roman and medieval origins.

Tours, workshops and family activities

The Ruta de la Cerámica conveys Manises’ ceramic history through significant buildings, monuments and gardens. It can be booked for groups of 15 to 50 people; accompaniment by an information officer depends on the availability of the Oficina de Turismo de Manises on the requested date. The route is offered in seven languages: Spanish, Valencian, Galician, English, French, German and Italian.

The “Paisaje Cerámico del Centro Histórico” is an urban tour that can be taken as an open-air walk at any time of year. At Cerámicas Palanca, visitors can see step by step how traditional yellow earthenware mortars are made. At the Taller de Arturo Mora, the production of lustreware is explained, a piece is demonstrated on the potter’s wheel, and visitors are invited to try the wheel themselves.

Families can take part in the “Conoce Manises” treasure hunt. This activity presents the more than 700-year-old local ceramic tradition through 10 tasks.

Festivals between tradition and personal creativity

The Festa de la Ceràmica takes place on the weekend before 19 July. Visitors can watch ceramic handicrafts being made, see various techniques and create a piece of their own. The celebration of Sant Joan also includes the traditional Ball dels Coveteres, which has been revived in recent years. The Bienal Internacional de Cerámica de Manises is an international competition for contemporary ceramics by artists, organised by the Ayuntamiento de Manises.

Connection with nature and links to Valencia

The Parque Natural del Turia also extends across the municipal area of Manises. Manises is connected to Valencia by metro lines 3, 5 and 9.

Discover more places

If, after exploring Manises, you would like to discover more places in the same region, here is a concise selection: Ador, La Portera, Los Ruices, Castielfabib, Riba-Roja De Túria, Llíria, Benagéber and Venta Del Moro.

More information about Valencia.