To learn one of the most genuinely Spanish skills, you can make your own mosaic at the Mosaiccos workshop in Barcelona, where youll get expert advice from professionals. You’ll learn the trencadís technique, invented by Gaudí, which consists of using small pieces of tiles to create a mosaic. The master himself used this technique to decorate many of his works, such as the Parque Güell and the Sagrada Familia. In Mosaiccos, you can create your own mosaic on a table, a mirror, or other objects. They also have a wide variety of mosaics that you can buy to decorate your own home. Another option is to attend a workshop on Roman mosaics in the city of Mérida, in the heart of Extremadura, in a family business dedicated to working with stone.
In Andalusia, the legacy of Islamic art is evident in the stunning mosaics that adorn the walls and floors of ancient palaces and mosques. Travelers can immerse themselves in this rich tradition by visiting the Aula de Mosaico workshop in Granada, where artisans still practice the centuriesold art of zellige, creating intricate geometric patterns from small, handcut tiles. Visitors can try their hand at this meticulous craft, learning the delicate balance of precision and creativity required to produce a traditional Andalusian mosaic. The workshop also offers insights into the historical and cultural significance of these artworks, tracing their evolution from the Alhambra to modernday interpretations. For those venturing to the Canary Islands, the city of La Laguna in Tenerife offers a unique perspective on Spanish mosaics. Here, the Taller de Mosaicos Canarios introduces participants to the vibrant colors and organic forms inspired by the island’s natural beauty. Using locally sourced materials, artists craft contemporary mosaics that reflect the region’s volcanic landscapes and oceanic vistas. Visitors can join workshops that blend traditional techniques with innovative designs, resulting in personalized pieces that capture the essence of the Canary Islands. In the heart of Madrid, the Escuela de Mosaicos de Madrid provides a modern take on this ancient art form. Located in the artistic district of Malasaña, the school invites participants to explore contemporary mosaic art through a series of creative workshops. From public installations to private commissions, the school’s projects showcase the versatility of mosaic as a medium for artistic expression. Students can experiment with a variety of materials, including glass, ceramics, and recycled objects, to create bold, abstract compositions that redefine the boundaries of traditional mosaic art. Finally, no journey through Spain’s mosaic tradition would be complete without a visit to the ancient city of Valencia, where the Taller de Mosaicos Valencianos pays homage to the region’s Moorish heritage. Located in the historic Barrio del Carmen, the workshop specializes in the creation of azulejos, the iconic blueandwhite tiles that have adorned Spanish homes and public spaces for centuries. Visitors can learn the art of tile painting and glazing, crafting their own colorful designs to take home as a lasting memory of their time in Valencia. As the home of the famous Lladro porcelain figurines, Valencia also offers a glimpse into the modern evolution of ceramic art, blending traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics.
