Museo de Alfarería Vasca is one of the most unique ethnographic museums in the Basque Country, dedicated to preserving the traditional pottery and ceramic culture of the region. Located in the small rural hamlet of Ollerías, near Legutio in Álava, the museum offers visitors the chance to discover a craft that played an essential role in everyday Basque life for centuries.
The museum is housed in a historic pottery workshop managed by José Ortiz de Zárate Garmendia and its family and that remained active until 1958. The name “Ollerías” itself comes from the Basque and Spanish words related to pottery, reflecting the long tradition of ceramic production in the area. For generations, local artisans produced practical household items such as jugs, bowls, cooking pots, and storage containers used throughout rural Álava and neighboring provinces.
One of the key figures behind the preservation of this heritage was José Ortiz de Zárate Garmendia, who dedicated much of his life to researching and collecting traditional Basque ceramics and rural tools. Thanks to his work, many objects and techniques that were disappearing during the 20th century were carefully documented and preserved. The main figure on the restoration and creation of the museum was Blanka Gómez de Segura, who continues promoting and protecting this important part of Basque ethnographic heritage.
One of the highlights of the museum is the preserved traditional kiln and workshop, where visitors can see how pottery was shaped, fired, and decorated using techniques passed down over centuries. The exhibition explains the entire production process, from extracting clay to firing finished pieces at extremely high temperatures.
The peaceful countryside surrounding the museum adds to the charm of the visit, making it feel very different from larger urban museums. Guided tours are sometimes available and provide additional demonstrations and explanations about Basque pottery traditions.
For visitors, the museum is best reached by car and can easily be combined with visits to the nearby Ullíbarri-Gamboa reservoir or the natural landscapes of Álava.
More info: http://www.euskalzeramika.com/
Posted on May 8, 2026
