A journey into tradition: re-discovering the artisan trades of Castile-La Mancha

There are many reasons to visit Albacete; one of them is to learn about its famous artisan knife and folding-blade knife making, which is a national reference point. This tradition dates back to Islamic Spain, which left a big influence on current designs, although the industry has operated in much the same way since the 15th century. To learn all about the history of Albacete’s knife-making, pay a visit to the Municipal Museum of Knives. In addition, the top knife makers gather every year at Ibercut, the international cutlery fair in Albacete. This province in Castile-La Mancha is also famous for its tinajas, a medieval craft dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, which can also be discovered at the Museum of Albacete. The pot making industry is famous in the region, above all in Villarrobledo, which in the past had up to 72 ovens for baking the clay pots. 

Time moves on, but not when it comes to the artisan trades of Cuenca, which are still as relevant as ever, bringing their cultural wealth to the province with first class products. For many centuries the art of pottery has stood out in the region with artisans using techniques rooted in Islamic art, although there are some also outstanding masters of basketry and metalworking.To appreciate the stunning work produced by the artisans of Cuenca all you need to do is take a stroll though the capital’s old quarter and admire their workshops. You can buy souvenirs such as vases, jugs, teapots, decorative wall plates, etc., or anything else that catches your eye!

Craftsmanship oozes from every corner of Toledo, a province renowned for the fantastic handicrafts created by its professional artisans. The UNESCO World Heritage city has a significant historical and cultural legacy, and craftsmanship undoubtedly plays a big part in this. Toledo’s quintessential traditional art is damascening, a decorative technique that can be applied to a wide variety of objects. Visit Toledo to be fascinated with pieces of gold work, jewels, swords and furniture decorated by hand with the renowned “Gold of Toledo”. The streets of the old town are home to several of the workshops where you can learn first hand about the secrets of this ancestral technique. Also noteworthy in the province are the swords and the artisan products made with wood, ceramics and ironwork.