Spanish Culture & Cuisine A City of Ceramics Tuesday 23 rd May 2017 Today the town of Manises is best known as the location of Valencia s airport, but that hasn t always been the case. For centuries the name Manises had been synonymous with ceramics. Manises was inhabited during the days of the Romans but found its footing after the arrival of the Arabs, who turned it into a centre for their lustreware ceramics. The town continued to produce some of Europe s finest and most sought-after ceramics up until the 18th century, and pieces from Manises decorated palaces across Europe, from Italy to Istanbul. Production waned in the 19th century, but although the town has lost its prestige and international reputation, ceramics are still the most important aspect of Manises identity - you will discover hand-painted tiles decorating the streets, the parks, and many of the buildings.
Our coach will take us from Jávea directly to Manises, where there will be time for a coffee break before meeting our guide from the Oficina de Turisme, either Cristina or Lucrezzia: Museu de Ceràmica We will have a guided visit to the Museu de Ceràmica, located in a former 18th century mansion owned by the Casanova Dalfó Sanchis Causa family, which has been ceded to the town council. The museum displays a comprehensive collection of ceramics produced in Manises between the 14th and the 20th centuries. On the top floor there is a small gallery with modern works. Our next visit (subject to permission being obtained to have the church opened for our group) will be to the Iglesia Parroquial de San Juan Bautista. The church was built during the first half of the 18th century. Its unique dome is covered with tiles with a reflective metallic finish. Among the great quantity of ceramic applications in its interior, of especial interest is the original tile panelling of the church, a Calvary passage made towards the end of the 19th century.
Following the visit there will be free time - you will be given a map (in English) to follow a walking route which highlights the main sites of Manises (all within an easy walking distance), doing as much or as little as you like. Alternatively, you may wish to have another refreshment break (café/bars located on the map) or take a look in some of the many ceramic shops. Sites include: No. 12: Parque els filtres - follow a path past dozens of large ceramic paintings offering a chronological view of the local history, beginning in the Stone Age and concluding in the present century. No. 2: One of the town s main streets is the Avenida Blasco Ibáñez where the books of the famous Valencian author are illustrated in a series of ceramics.
No. 4: the historic facade of the old Francisco Valldecabres tile factory. No. 14: Plaza Rafael Atard. The square is decorated with ceramic murals representative of the flora and fauna of Valencia. We will meet up again at one of the landmark features in Manises, The Cross, which has ceramic inlays on the stone. The work of the ceramic artist Gimeno Martinez, it was originally erected on the Calvary before being transferred to its current location in 1973. Our guide will then take us to the nearby Oficina de Turismo where, after viewing the building s beautiful tiling, we will visit the upper floor where there is an eclectic Museo de la Fotografía, with a collection of hundreds of cameras from the earliest days of photography. We will then re-join our coach for the short journey to our venue for lunch - the Restaurante Casa Guillermo we have met Guillermo who is looking forward to our visit! Set inside an old ceramics factory, this restaurant has been operating since 1957, and is famed throughout Valencia for its anchovies. The factory building, which is circular and almost looks like a bull ring, dates from 1870 and has been declared a protected monument.
Restaurante Casa Guillermo After lunch we will walk across the road to the Asociación Valenciana de Cerámica where we will watch a 20-minute video entitled "Manises 700 years of ceramic tradition, followed by a short explanation of the processes involved. We will then have an opportunity to view ceramic items on display in the factory shop and to purchase if desired (not compulsory!). Programme 08.30 hrs: Departure from Interiors, opposite side of the road. 10.00 hrs: Arrival in Manises and coffee break (2 café/bars at the drop-off point). 10.35 hrs: Meet our guide for tour (in English) of the Museu de Ceràmica. 11.30 hrs: Guided visit to the Iglesia Parroquial de San Juan Bautista (subject to permission being granted). 12.00 hrs: Free time/self-guided walking route of the main sites of Manises. 13.00 hrs: Meet at The Cross for our guided visit to the Oficina de Turismo and the Museo de la Fotografía. 14.00 hrs: Re-join our coach for the short journey to the Restaurante Casa Guillermo. 16.00 hrs: Visit to the Asociación Valenciana de Cerámica. 17.00 hrs: Re-board our coach for the return journey to Jávea. 18.30 hrs: Approximate arrival at Interiors.
MENU ENTRANTES (on the table each plate to be shared between 4) Ensalada de la casa Delicias de Bellota Bravas Ajimoroji Pan y alioli PLATO PRINCIPAL Pollo al horno con guarnicion de verduras y patatas o Merluza en salsa con guarnicion de verduras y patatas o una opción vegetariana POSTRE Tarta Helado Fruta El menú incluye: aqua y una botella de vino para dos personas (Tinto: Cabernet Sauvignon; Blanco: Rueda Verdejo; o Rosado). If you require anything else e.g. beer, soft drinks or coffee, please purchase direct at the bar. Price: 28 pp (to include coach, guided visits as per itinerary, menu/drinks as detailed, and gratuities), with payment at the general U3A meeting in the Parador on the 26 th October (correct change please!), or before by bank transfer (using the bank transfer code: Manises). First come-first served! Booking for this event will commence from mid-day (12 o clock noon) on the 1 st October via email (please give choice of main course only). Angela Chantry & Tony Dearie Group Leaders: Spanish Culture & Cuisine