Granada has possibly the oldest ceramics tradition of any European city, with a distinctive style rooted in its rich Islamic past. To this day its ceramics continue to be of a high quality, whether produced by craftsmen or in the city’s long-established factories. As part of a themed walk, we offer you a guided visit to the Fajalauza ceramics factory in Granada, a unique chance to see a piece of living history dating back over 500 years. Enjoy giving free rein to your creativity in a half-day ceramic tile painting workshop: a local sculptor and artist will guide you in the techniques and designs for hand painting the tiles which are then yours to take home with you. Styles from the time of al-Andalus are still recreated today in Granada: you will see just how on our factory & museum excursion, which visits first a modern factory, then an extraordinary museum which showcases the work of architect and sculptor, Miguel Ruíz Jimenez, famous for his superb recreations of medieval Islamic ceramics. Should you wish to purchase any pottery or other crafts while in Granada we will be on hand to guide you around the city’s best shops.

Ceramic Tile Painting Workshop

The hand-painting of ceramic tiles is an art intrinsic to this part of Spain. Azulejos in mosaics of subtle, geometric and floral patterns adorn not only the walls of the Alhambra palaces but are seen in houses throughout Andalucía. This 3 hour class, in the charming studio of a local artist on the approach to the Alhambra, gives you the chance to paint your own tiles, taking your inspiration from design ideas that will be discussed in the class. The tiles, once glazed and fired, will be yours to take away with you, making for a very personal souvenir of Granada.

Ceramics Stroll & Factory Visit

On this unique look at the ceramics tradition of Granada you will be taken around the famous Fajalauza factory by a member of the family which has owned it ever since Moorish days. There one can see how relatively little the process has changed since those times and you will also have the chance to try your hand on a traditional potter’s wheel. Afterwards, a guided walk of the local district will include stops at a couple of the city’s leading ceramics stores, where you can browse or buy as you wish.

Factory & Museum Excursion

This excursion to the outskirts of Granada combines a visit to a modern factory, Al-Yarrar, a collective of Moroccan and Spanish ceramicists who reproduce the very fine pottery of the Moorish period, with the incredible project that is the “Pavilion Of The Arts”. An ambitious architectural and sculptural project by Miguel Ruíz Jimenez, one of Spain’s most celebrated ceramicists, it houses exquisite replicas of ornamental pottery from the times of the Nasrid Sultanate of Granada.