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One of the oldest traditions in Portugal is the art of handmade ceramics, with a history that dates back to the 16th century with the production of white ceramics.
A very important region for this art has always been the region of Aveiro, known for producing plates, glasses, and vases. The ceramic artwork draws inspiration from the natural elements of earth, air, and water, featuring depictions of fish, birds, and flowers that often pay homage to our country’s rich traditions.
about the ceramics in the Aveiro region
A reference in the painting of porcelain ceramics.
Vista Alegre had an essential social dynamic in the Aveiro region, through the “Bairro Operário,” located in the factory’s surroundings and serving as housing for workers, including services and cultural activities for their daily recreation. Many craftspeople who dedicated themselves to this art worked or learned from people who worked in this factory and lived in the Bairro Operário (Workers’ Quarter).
Nowadays, traditional techniques are still used in the creation of ceramic pieces, but the design is more contemporary, making the artists create unique and creative pieces which are valued all over the world.
Ceramics in the Aveiro region is still an important local tradition, present in various shops and workshops. Many have their atelier where you can watch the production of a piece, create one or take workshops to learn the techniques.
Portugal’s artisans are known for making the most beautiful pieces, and the region is famous for its tiles, wall tiles, and decorative ceramics, many of which are hand-made in local workshops.
experience ceramics in the Aveiro region
A decorative, colourful, and traditional art
There are a few places where you can witness and experience the process of ceramic creation in the Aveiro region, watching up close the mastery of the hands of the best craftspeople in the region. Ceramics are an essential part of Aveiro’s history and culture, and visiting one of the local workshops is a unique and fulfilling experience for visitors.
The Oficina da Formiga, in Ílhavo, occasionally holds some workshops. However, if you are interested in making or painting the pieces when visiting the workshop, Jorge and Milu are the right people to show you how the workshop works and what magic they do inside those 4 walls.
At Pássaro de Seda atelier, in Aveiro, you can take advantage of ceramics workshops and other experiences to learn this art, improve some techniques, create ideas, and share good moments with this community.
The Vista Alegre factory in the Aveiro region has a museum with memories of the production of its pieces and the history of ceramics. The museum has guided tours to the museum and the workers’ quarter, pottery, and painting workshop, where you can admire the delicate work of painting pieces.
Not to be missed in Aveiro Region
Oficina da Formiga, Ílhavo
The Oficina da Formiga, located in Ílhavo, makes pieces for personal clients, restaurants, and some shops but also produces reproductions of drawings of old pieces, maintaining the traditional style, shape, designs, and colours.
Most visits are from foreigners (Japan, Canada, the United States of America, Finland, France, and the Netherlands) through people’s recommendations and the website. Many people refer to them because it differs from most workshops since they introduce the workshop and the process and demonstrate how it is done.
Currently, they export worldwide, including countries like Japan, Canada, the United States of America, Finland, France, and the Netherlands.
Pássaro de Seda, Aveiro
In the Aveiro region, the Pássaro de Seda atelier redesigned its space in June 2022 to become a commercial space of the brand itself, dedicated solely to the art of ceramics. Previously, it hosted other arts such as soap-making, tapestry, macramé and was a place where brands could represent themselves.
The new studio allows those who are passionate about the art of ceramics but also those who would like to learn new skills. Many people seek ceramics as a refuge to relax, reduce the stress of everyday life and experience something different that makes them happy.
Vista Alegre, Ílhavo
The Vista Alegre museum and workers’ quarter are based in the Aveiro region. Renovated from 2014 to 2016, the museum tells the story of the factory, the evolution of porcelain production, and the importance of this art for Portugal, especially in the 19th and 20th centuries.
In addition to the museum and the neighborhood, you can visit the chapel in honour of Nossa Senhora da Penha de França and the factory’s hand-painting workshop.
Get to know the artisans
Visit the region of Aveiro and contribute to the valorisation of local craftspeople and the preservation of regional handicrafts and wisdom
The artists of the Aveiro region preserve traditional techniques of the region handed down from generation to generation, produce high-quality and unique products, use sustainable techniques and materials, promote the local economy, and allow the customization of products. All of these reasons help to keep alive the culture and history of the Aveiro region, as well as offering visitors exclusive and sustainable products.
Ceramics “entered” Jorge’s life because his parents had always worked in this art, specialising in the art at an academic level. At a professional level, he has always been connected to ceramics production in several factories.
In the period of crisis (2008), Jorge and Milú – after several factories where Jorge worked had closed – decided to transform the product, making it utilitarian, since the younger generations are more minimalist and do not want it only for decoration, “they want the products to be used.”
Maria João Cravo was a Portuguese teacher, but in 1999 she fell in love with the art of ceramics. To create her pieces, she uses genuine techniques, but the shape and the combination of colours have a modern touch.
Embark on one of the four experiences we have created for you.
Experiences to
Learn from the masters
The region of Aveiro is renowned for its rich artisanal tradition and the variety of arts and crafts. If you love local culture, take advantage of your days in the Aveiro region to visit and learn from the masters, the true guardians of cultural and traditional wisdom.
