Manises
Manises is a small city in Valencia (province). It is not only the site of Valencia's airport but is also an important centre for ceramics, where the art has been practiced for at least 700 years.
Understand
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Although there is evidence of occupation since the Roman period, Manises as a town was first established by the Arabs, who developed it into a centre for the production of ceramics. In 1237 the town was conquered by King Jaime of Aragon, who permitted the Muslim residents to remain and to train Christian newcomers in the craft. By the Middle Ages ceramics from Manises became highly prized in royal courts throughout Europe, especially those with the distinctive blue and gold style first developed by Moorish craftsmen.
Unlike other nearby towns where the tradition of pottery died out, Manises today is still well-known for its ceramics. It is today Spain's largest production centre, with more than 100 workshops and factories located in the city and another fifty in neighbouring towns.
- 1 Oficina de Turismo (Tourist Information Office), Avda del Tramvies, 15, ☏ +34 961 525 609, turismo@manises.es. M-F 09:00-14:30, Sa 09:30-14:00.
Get in
By metro
The city can be easily reached by Valencia's metro lines 3 and 5 , which stop at 1 Manises and 2 Rosas before continuing on to the 3 Aeroport. From Valencia a one-way fare costs €2.10, and a round trip fare costs €4. From the airport, despite the short distance, the one-way fare is €2.80.
By bus
From Valencia, Fernanbus operates bus line 150, with buses departing every 15 minutes from 4 Àngel Guimerá, 48 and terminating at the airport. A full schedule and route map are available online.
By plane
Get around
The main sights are all easily accessible by foot.
By taxi
- Radio Taxi Manises, C/ de Villafamés, 56, ☏ +34 961 521 155.
- Inter Taxi CB, C/ de Ribarroja, 6, ☏ +34 961 532 363.
See
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- 1 Museu de Ceràmica de Manises (Museo de Cerámica de Manises / Museum of Ceramics of Manises), C/ Sagrari, 22, ☏ +34 961 521 044, fax: +34 961 534 048, museu@manises.es. Tu-F 10:00-13:30 16:00-19:30, Sa 10:00-13:30 16:00-19:00, Su and holidays 11:00-14:00; closed 25 Dec, 1 Jan and 1 May. There are exhibitions about the history of ceramics in the area. Free.
- 2 Museu de la Fotografía de Manises (Museo de Fotografía de Manises / Manises Photography Museum), Av País Valenciano, 19 (entrance in the tourist info office), ☏ +34 961 525 609. M 10:00-14:30, Tu-F 10:00-14:30 16:00-19:00, Sa 10:00-13:00. Housed in an ornate former ceramics factory, this museum has a large collection of cameras as well as a number of historic photographs. It also has temporary photographic exhibits. Free.
- 3 Església Parroquial de Sant Joan Baptista (Iglesia Parroquial San Juan Bautista / Church of St John the Baptist), Carrer Sant Joan, 6, ☏ +34 961 545 190. Erratic hrs. The 18th-century neo-classical church is notable for its interior ceramic tile work, especially a large tiled altarpiece depicting the Last Supper.
- 4 Aqüeducte dels Arquets (Acueducto Els Arquets / Arquets Aqueduct). The foundations of the aqueduct are likely Roman, but the current structure is believed to be mostly Arabic. The structure was maintained during later periods, with repairs dating from the 16th to early 20th centuries.
Do
Buy
To purchase handmade ceramics, there are a number of shops and workshops located along C/ del Maestro Guillem, C/ Major, Avda Blasco Ibañez, and C/ Ribarroja, all just a short walk from the Manises metro station.
- 1 Asociación Valenciana de Cerámica (AVEC-Gremio), Carrer Valencia, 29, ☏ +34 961 545 150, fax: +34 961 523 214, promocion@avec.com. M-F 09:00-14:00 15:00-18:00. The formal ceramicists' guild has a shop showcasing a full range of creations by member artisans, for very competitive prices. The association also offers ceramics workshops (in Spanish), ranging in length from one to five days.
- 2 Mercadillo de Los Filtros (Los Filtros street market) (by the metro station). M mornings. A weekly street market for local produce and other goods.
Eat
- 1 Café Sant Joan, Carrer Major, 20, ☏ +34 605 935 096, +34 961 111 336, uisoasuncion@gmail.com. Tu-F 09:00-16:00 19:00-22:00, Sa Su 10:00-16:00 19:00-. Has a surprisingly eclectic menu, including such items as NY pastrami sandwiches, pulled pork and hamburgers, Austrian Sachertorte, and apple strudel, with a few vegetarian options. Outdoor seating is available in the very pleasant central plaza; English and German spoken. Electronic payment available, pet-friendly, LGTBI friendly, baby high-chairs, disabled WC. Booking your table in advance entitles you for an extra drink €10-15 € set menu.
- 2 [dead link] Restaurante Mayor 55, Carrer Major, 55, ☏ +34 661 746 525, contact@site.com. M-Th 08:00-16:30, F Sa 09:00-24:00. A reliable lunch spot which serves standard Spanish fare. Set menu €9-15.
Drink
Sleep
Most visitors to Manises stay in the nearby city of Valencia. The city does however have several reliable hotels which can be useful for travellers with early-morning or late-night flights.
- 1 Ibis Valencia Aeropuerto, Camp de l'Olivereta (within walking distance of airport), ☏ +34 961 526 063, fax: +34 961 520 286, H3202@accor.com. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 12:00. Has an onsite restaurant and nonsmoking rooms. Pets permitted, free Wi-Fi, private parking €6/day. €38+, breakfast €4.50.
- 2 Tryp Valencia Azafata Hotel, Autopista Aeropuerto Manises, 15 (1km from airport), ☏ +34 961 546 100, fax: +34 961 532 019, tryp.azafata@melia.com. Check-in: after 12:00, check-out: before 12:00. Facilities include fitness centre, outdoor pool, onsite restaurant, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Offers free airport shuttle service. €63+.