Real Fábrica de Cristales

Segovia, Spain

Real Fábrica de Cristales de La Granja ('Royal Factory of Glass and Crystal of La Granja') was a Spanish royal manufacturing factory established in 1727 by Philip V of Spain. In that year, funded by the crown, the Catalan artisan Buenaventura Sit installed a small oven which manufactured float glass for the windows and mirrors of the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso, which was under construction in the 1720s. Sit had previously worked at Nuevo Baztan where a glass factory failed because of inadequate fuel supplies. At La Granja there was an abundant supply of wood for the factory in the Sierra de Guadarrama.

Bartolome Sureda y Miserol, previously director of the Real Fabrica de Porcelana del Buen Retiro, the Real Fabrica de Pano in Guadalajara, and the Real Fabrica de Loza de la Moncloa, became director of the Real Fábrica de Cristales de La Granja in 1822. Glass blowing and glassware production could be viewed at the factory. The wares of the royal factory were exported to the Americas, which caused financial losses to the other countries who exported as well. By 1836, with the royal factory experiencing financial hardship, the Royal Treasury formally took over the facility which, unlike other royal factories, failed to financially support itself.

To revive the traditions of the Royal Glass Factory, the National Glass Centre Foundation was established in 1982 in the eighteenth-century building.

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Details

Founded: 1727
Category: Industrial sites in Spain

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Javier Rubio (3 years ago)
Far below expectations, we were alone, the glassblowing exhibition was nothing, the two people who were working, did not respond to good morning, not a single comment about what they were doing, I would say that neither we They looked, I insist that my wife, my two children and I were there. The most interesting is the glass art exhibition.
Concha Juárez (3 years ago)
Headquarters of the National Glass Center Public Sector Foundation. Their general objective is to safeguard and promote knowledge, art, design and the manufacture of glass through the development of educational programs, specific productions, exhibitions and cultural activities. Visiting its museum and participating in its activities helps maintain the BIC building and transmit knowledge to new generations. Don't forget to put a visit to La Granja on the agenda to get to know it!
Jesús Novillo (3 years ago)
A great place to go with family or friends. Very educational, the staff was also very friendly and answered all our doubts regarding the crystals. Recommended visit.
Jack Sparrow (3 years ago)
An authentic and different place, the most beautiful part is the oven and the glass blowing, the workers are as if they want to cut their veins, reluctant and unwilling to work, when someone approaches they pout and make a glass for you to see the process and go ... Adult ticket € 6, children under 10 years free
Patrick Bastow (4 years ago)
Just a few minutes walk from the Parador Amazing building - huge museum. Well with a visit. We really enjoyed seeing the glass making in action The highlight for us was the modern glass art exhibition. Some really stunning pieces. The shop is a bit disappointing and pricey Well worth a visit
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