Nestled in the heart of Andalucia, Granada has long been a melting pot of cultures. Among its many treasures, the art of creating ceramics stands out as a living testament to the city's rich heritage. Two names stand out as proponents of the ceramicist's art in the city: Fajalauza and Al-Yarrar.
Fajalauza
Fajalauza pottery, named after the historic Fajalauza Gate in the Albayzín district, dates back to the 16th century and represents the enduring artistry of Granada ceramics. Emerging during a period of cultural synthesis following the Reconquista, Fajalauza pottery embodies the fusion of Moorish and Spanish influences. Its distinctive motifs, often featuring natural elements such as birds, flowers, and vines, are painted by hand with a characteristic palette of cobalt blue and green on a white background.
Fajalauza pottery was historically utilitarian, with items such as plates, bowls, and jars serving everyday domestic purposes. Over time, its aesthetic appeal elevated it to a decorative art form, adorning homes and public spaces throughout Granada and beyond. Its rustic charm and timeless designs continue to attract collectors and tourists ast a symbol of Granada’s cultural identity.
Preserving Tradition
The Morales family has been integral to this craft since its inception. Records from 1517 indicate that the Morales family was already active within the potters' guild in Granada's Albaicín district. Over the centuries, the family has preserved the Fajalauza tradition, passing down techniques and knowledge through generations. Notably, the family has maintained continuous operation of their workshop, making it the oldest ceramics workshop in Granada. The current owner, Cecilio Morales Moreno, has directed artistic ceramics classes at the Granada School of Applied Arts and Crafts for 34 years. The factory was awarded a silver medal at the Universal Exhibition of Brussels in 1910 and, among many other decorations, obtained first prize at the first national ornamental plate exhibit, held in Cáceres.
Al Jarrar
The Al-YArrar pottery which, like Fajalauza, was born in the Albayzin, cannot claim such a long heritage but it can claim to represent the same traditional style and hand-made build and decoration of ceramics from of the Al-Andalus period dating from the 9th to the 15th Centuries. Granada was at the heart oif Al-Andalus and was the last city to fall to the christians from the north, in 1492.
Bernardo Sánchez started the pottery 40 years ago in a small studio above one of Granada's best known Arab baths. It has grown to become a flourishing business exporting its delicately decorated, hand-made pieces all over the world Some examples of their exquisite work:
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Ceramic Tiles
Both of these potteries produce the beautiful geometric tiles for which Granada is famous. Make your own mosaic, choose the shapes and colurs, have them made to your own speciifcations. It will be much less expensive than you might imagine.