Antigua Casa Talavera — Local services in Madrid

An unforgettable experience. Going here was not just a purchase, but a memory I’ll carry forever.

I came to Antigua Casa Talavera hoping to find a few pieces of authentic Spanish ceramics, something meaningful to take home. What I experienced instead was something much more personal and lasting.

From the moment I walked in, I could tell this shop is something rare. The shopkeeper (I very much regret not getting his name) took real time with me, clearing a table, laying out white paper, and patiently guiding me through pieces that reflected what I was looking for; not a matched set, but individual works that complemented each other in style, color, and feeling. He understood immediately.

The three pieces I left with are stunning; vibrant, hand-painted, traditional Talavera de La Reina of heirloom quality. They will live on long after me.

This isn’t a tourist shop. It’s a cultural institution. If you care about craftsmanship and heritage, this is the place go.

One tip: make sure you bring an extra suitcase for the flight home. No shipping, which I totally understand. I had to get smaller pieces than originally intended, but I am no less happy overall. The packaging was done with extreme care, with multiple protective layers all around, and buttressed with an exterior box. I had no concerns with...

I've been to this little shop twice, once eleven years ago in 2005 and returned this year (2016). It's not often I remember a retail shop from my abroad travels, but this one is unique for a few reasons. One is the beautiful and authentic (made in Spain) pottery. There's all manner of pottery, all sizes and shapes, useful to decorative, and in various price ranges (the quality pieces are not inexpensive and if you are simply seeking souvenirs then this might not be your best bet). The pottery comes in various styles typical of the region in which it was produced; my personal favorite is the colorful glazed and textured plates from Granada. If you aren't familiar with what you are looking for or just want to know more about it in general, then the every present owner, Jose, is a vast source of knowledge. Even if you aren't planning on a purchase, the store itself is like a museum to pottery; don't miss the store's colorful facade of vintage tiles or the original tile inlaid floor. Jose wraps up your purchases with extra care and ensures they are...

By far the best place that I found in Madrid for top-quality ceramics. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, hand-painted by skilled artisans from all over Spain. (The name is a little confusing, since it might imply that all of the shop's ceramics are from Talavera.) The owner is very gracious and speaks good English. He is happy to tell visitors about the background behind each piece. He is the fourth generation from his family to run the business. Some of the pieces were purchased by his grandfather, and are no longer available anywhere else. While prices aren't cheap, this shop offers good value for the money. In addition to a broad selection of plates, there are many decorative jars, bowls, and serving pieces. He keeps the gate locked, so be...