lreynold1

If you like the Coimbra-type ceramics (based on several different historical periods, see some examples at Nazari´s website,http://www.nazari.pt/catalogo_05.htm ), you would enjoy a visit to this place. I had been in Condeixa a Nova in 2004 (visiting the Roman ruins in Conimbriga), and at that time just happened upon a ceramics store run by Nazari. I bought several of their pieces and later learned that this is the Portuguese company whose ceramics are sold by Williams Sonoma in the US.

The company closed the store several years ago, but allows the public to come into its factory. I was there last week and it was great. There are many shelves piled high with (often dusty) pieces of all shapes and sizes. The prices are well below half of retail, I would estimate. We bought two large plates, one large pitcher and two medium sized platters, and the total bill, including the 20% IVA (value added tax) was 80 €. These ceramics are much more expensive than the "rougher" Alentejo ceramics I also love -- the price of just one small plate in a store will be over 25 €.

So, here are the details on how to get to the shop (I have a hand drawn map that one of the employees sent me, and I can pdf it and send it to anyone who is interested). But the directions are easy and very straightforward:

Get off the A1 highway at the Condeixa a Nova exit. After you pay the toll, take the first right (a Repsol gas station is on your right side). Continue through the first traffic circle , go straight ahead to the next intersection where there is a stoplight. Take a right and stay on the road that meanders around a bit, eventually going under the highway you just got off. At the second intersection after you go under the highway, you will see two factories at the intersection on the right side. The first is Keramos, the second is Domino. Nazari is part of Keramos, just pull into the driveway and go up towards the small door, and someone will come out to greet you soon after you park your car.

Shop hours are Monday through Friday, 9 to 12:30 and 2:00 to 5:00. You must pay cash.

You can also email [email protected] if you have more questions -- she was very helpful to me. They will provide someone who speaks English to help you if necessary. The pieces do not have a price on them, so you have to pick the pieces you´re interested in and they will tell you the price (prices all come from a list). The people are extremely nice and the pottery is beautiful.

Laurie

matthewsda01

Thank you for the posting. I am planning on visiting this factory in the fall. I have purchased many pieces from Williams-Sonoma and now they have discontinued it. I am trying to figure out what the factory is calling this pattern? Do you by chance have that information?
Did you ship the pieces back to your country?

lreynold1

I'm sorry to hear that the pottery was discontinued. I think that the style sold by Williams Sonoma was what is referred to on Nazari's website as Sec. SVII cores (17th century -- colors), unfortunately their "catalogue" doesn't really show you much. But my understanding of this Coimbra style ceramics is that there are three main styles that are made by all of the factories, all of which are historically based -- 17th century blue and white, 17th century colors, and 15th century (which I like a lot, it's green based and usually has a rooster). The factory store has lots of all three styles.

They will not do shipping for you, but they do do a good bubble wrap job. We just loaded up a suitcase we had brought over empty and paid 34 euros as excess baggage charge. Since I had 9 liters of olive oil, three bottles of wine, two special armagnac type drinks, and a ton of ceramics, I thought it was a pretty good price! (got home last night and it all arrived safely).

and they will do the VAT refund forms for you, too. Laurie