The city of Talavera de la Reina is capital of a natural region, is located in the fertile confluence of the Tagus and Alberche rivers. A city that is served as a wedding present for a queen. Alfonso XI gave it as a wedding gift to Maria of Portugal when he married her in 1328 and Talavera has been called “de la Reina” (of the queen) ever since.
Ceramics in Talavera is known since the 12th century; imported from China and started as a craft by Muslim potters. Furthermore, in 1575 it received the royal patronage and they started to trade through Spain.
Ever since, Talavera has been known as ‘City of Ceramics’. Currently, it counts with several workshops/ shops which can be visited, to know in person the handicraft processof making ceramics.
In addition, Talavera hosts the Museo Ruiz de Luna, exhibiting classic and modern ceramic artworks, together along a section dedicated to Ruiz de Luna, the renowned ceramic artist of the city.
Talavera itself is an open-air ceramics museum, as ceramics is present everywhere.
