Manises

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.

• Oficina de Turismo

  phone: +34 961 525 609
  address: Avda del Tramvies, 15

By metro

The city can be easily reached by Valencia's metro lines and , which stop at and before continuing on to the . 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 and terminating at the airport. A full schedule and route map are available online.

By plane

• Valencia Airport (VLC) is actually closer to Manises than Valencia.

The main sights are all easily accessible by foot.

By taxi

• Radio Taxi Manises

  phone: +34 961 521 155
  address: C/ de Villafamés, 56

• Inter Taxi CB

  phone: +34 961 532 363
  address: C/ de Ribarroja, 6

• Museu de Ceràmica de Manises

  phone: +34 961 521 044
  address: C/ Sagrari, 22
  There are exhibitions about the history of ceramics in the area.

• Museu de la Fotografía de Manises

  phone: +34 961 525 609
  address: Av País Valenciano, 19
  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.

• Església Parroquial de Sant Joan Baptista

  phone: +34 961 545 190
  address: Carrer Sant Joan, 6
  The 18th-century neo-classical church is notable for its interior ceramic tile work, especially a large tiled altarpiece depicting the Last Supper.

• Aqüeducte dels ArquetsThe 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.

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.

• Asociación Valenciana de Cerámica

  phone: +34 961 545 150
  address: Carrer Valencia, 29
  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.

• Mercadillo de Los FiltrosA weekly street market for local produce and other goods.

• Café Sant Joan

  phone: +34 605 935 096,+34 961 111 336
  address: Carrer Major, 20
  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

• Restaurante Mayor 55

  phone: +34 661 746 525
  address: Carrer Major, 55
  A reliable lunch spot which serves standard Spanish fare.

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.

• Ibis Valencia Aeropuerto

  phone: +34 961 526 063
  address: Camp de l'Olivereta
  Has an onsite restaurant and nonsmoking rooms. Pets permitted, free Wi-Fi, private parking €6/day.

• Tryp Valencia Azafata Hotel

  phone: +34 961 546 100
  address: Autopista Aeropuerto Manises, 15
  Facilities include fitness centre, outdoor pool, onsite restaurant, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Offers free airport shuttle service.