Exciting to get your hands dirty – literally!
It’s a proven fact that travel can boost your creativity. Take advantage of that and unlock a new skill on your trip! Set out for Modra in Slovakia,in the heart of Europe, and spin the pottery wheel under experienced craftspeople’s guidance. In this once-royal town, known worldwide not only for its unique style of majolica decoration but for its centuries-old tradition of quality winemaking, a decent jug has always come in handy. You can also view one of Europe’s largest Andy Warhol collections to expand your inspirational input.
Dirty hands, clear vision
Discover a pottery heritage over 400 years old in a picturesque town on the slopes of the Little Carpathians hills, only 20 km from Bratislava, the capital. At Slovak Folk Majolica, you will fall in love with the bold colors applied on a white background that put Modra on the world map. Handcrafted, hand painted, and personally signed, each masterpiece is a unique expression of its creator. It is one of the most stylish traditional souvenirs you can take home. Take a workshop and learn how clay springs to life. In a joyful atmosphere, practice wheel throwing or hand building and shape the clay to your preference. Will it be a mug or chic jewelry? While painting on the base glaze, choose one of four traditional patterns (we recommend the popular blue one) and keep adding typical motifs such as flowers or grapes decorated with leaves, animals, or harvest scenes. Combine minimalist folk patterns with contemporary design, as many Slovak artisans do nowadays. Your hands get dirty, but there’s nothing like the feel of clay from the first touch all the way to its emergence from the kiln, solid as stone. It makes you long for your next pottery wheel adventure!
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Which one of four traditional patterns do you fancy? The blue decor on the left is probably the most famous one
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It is a unique style of majolica and decoration that put Modra on the world map
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Painted beauty from Modra, whether it is a jug or chic jewellery, is one of the most stylish traditional souvenir from Slovakia
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Once the royal town has plenty to offer to every lover of history
Million-dollar inspiration
Seeking inspiration? Expect a warm welcome at the Museum of Slovak Ceramic Sculpture and Gallery of Ignác Bizmayer, which exhibits the art of the celebrated ceramicist. And what about the king of pop art with Slovak roots and whose iconic painting of Marilyn Monroe became the most expensive piece of 20th-century art ever sold? Drop by the Zoya Museum, which holds one of the largest collections of Andy Warhol’s work in Europe. Say hello to his life-sized statue and enjoy the saturated colors and bold outlines of his serigraphs and canvas works.
In vino veritas, in Modra vineyards
If you want to test your handmade mug right away, visit Ebenica Coffee, a local coffee-roasting plant. Its espresso has been awarded as one of the top 10 in Europe! Enjoy freshly roasted gourmet coffee made by a professional barista and learn their secret to success in the roasting room. Also, don’t forget that you’re in the largest wine-growing region in Slovakia. Choose any of the tens of historic wine cellars and cozy wineries scattered around the town and taste noble varieties of delicious local wines. A sip of ruby Blaufrankisch (also “Frankovka”), sought after by Empress Maria Theresa herself, will take your creative flair to the next level!
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