Situated along the River Arno is a beautiful town called Montelupo that became famous during the Middle Ages for its production of ornate ceramics. This artisan town was at one stage probably Italy’s biggest ceramics producer and was once the place where noble families during the Renaissance ordered their crockery sets to be made with the coat of arms of their family name.
Visitors who would like to stay here for a day or two to fully explore the history and crafts of the town have a fine selection of vacation rentals in Montelupo to choose from
Visitors who would like to stay here for a day or two to fully explore the history and crafts of the town have a fine selection of vacation rentals in Montelupo to choose from
From the 1400s, Montelupo began establishing a reputation for creating exquisite ceramics with decorative patterns unlike anything ever seen before. The artisans who produced it used vibrant colours, especially cobalt blue and stunning vine leaf decorations.
Some patterns used in later designs are adaptations of symbols from Arab culture, including the Hand of Fatima and the Eye of Allah. This clearly demonstrates the extent of inspiration that flowed through this trading town from far afield and was beautifully enveloped into a unique artistic style.
The Montelupo ceramics trade soon grew into a huge industry and exports were sent all over the Mediterranean and America. The town was fortunate that it was beside the roaring River Arno, as it provided the perfect clay mixture to produce the pottery. Montelupo ceramics became a household brand across Italy and Europe!
Some patterns used in later designs are adaptations of symbols from Arab culture, including the Hand of Fatima and the Eye of Allah. This clearly demonstrates the extent of inspiration that flowed through this trading town from far afield and was beautifully enveloped into a unique artistic style.
The Montelupo ceramics trade soon grew into a huge industry and exports were sent all over the Mediterranean and America. The town was fortunate that it was beside the roaring River Arno, as it provided the perfect clay mixture to produce the pottery. Montelupo ceramics became a household brand across Italy and Europe!
To learn even more about this special brand of ceramics, visitors should walk around Museo della Ceramica in the town where there is a glorious display of the most intricate ceramic designs from local artisans.
There are also examples of some ancient pieces that have survived to this day; plates, vases and crockery sets decorated with typical Montelupo designs and a typical family coat of arms. There is everything here to learn all about this town’s colourful history.
Enjoy witnessing the ceramics festival that has been celebrated in the town since 1992. Tourists who visit the town during the month of June will get the chance to learn all about the town’s creative past and engage in fascinating workshops, stroll around the food and craft markets and watch intriguing demonstrations.
A visit to this charming town would be an enriching experience to add to your Tuscan vacation so be inspired to make plans to get here and see it all for yourself. While you're here a visit to the beautiful town of Empoli nearby is packed with plenty of fascinating tourist activities!
There are also examples of some ancient pieces that have survived to this day; plates, vases and crockery sets decorated with typical Montelupo designs and a typical family coat of arms. There is everything here to learn all about this town’s colourful history.
Enjoy witnessing the ceramics festival that has been celebrated in the town since 1992. Tourists who visit the town during the month of June will get the chance to learn all about the town’s creative past and engage in fascinating workshops, stroll around the food and craft markets and watch intriguing demonstrations.
A visit to this charming town would be an enriching experience to add to your Tuscan vacation so be inspired to make plans to get here and see it all for yourself. While you're here a visit to the beautiful town of Empoli nearby is packed with plenty of fascinating tourist activities!
Photo credits
picture 1: LupoCapra / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: LupoCapra / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Rosco / CC BY-SA 2.5
picture 1: LupoCapra / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: LupoCapra / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Rosco / CC BY-SA 2.5
