A journey to tradition: discover 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. What’s more, the best knife manufacturers come together every year at the international knife making fair Ibercut, hosted in Albacete. This Manchegan province is also famous for its clay jars, a medieval art that dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries and which you can learn more about at Albacete Museum. 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 World Heritage City boasts an important historical and cultural legacy, and undoubtedly its artisan trades play a big role in it. The traditional art of Toledo par excellence is damascene, an ornamentation used for decorating any type of object. 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.