Faenza tourist information
Ceramics seems to be in Faenza’s blood. In the 14th century, medieval Faenza was already renown for its beautiful and original artistic pottery - and this popularity has never faded during the last six centuries.
An excursus of the history of Faenza’s achievements in the field of ceramics can be seen at the wonderful International Pottery Museum (Mic, or Museo internazionale delle ceramiche), at 19, Viale Baccarini. This museum, founded by master Ballardini in 1908, is one of the best of its kind.
Visitors from all over the world come here to see its several sections and rooms: Faenza pottery, Italian and foreign schools, classical collections of Attic, Etruscan and Roman pottery, a section of ancient pottery from pre-Columbian, African and Oriental civilizations and a precious gallery containing pieces by contemporary artists such as Picasso, Matisse, Chagall, Melandri and Burri.
In Faenza 60 art workshops (where you can watch craftsmen and craftswomen moulding and painting) are still working today, in addition to several special schools training technicians for pottery factories all over the world, international events, exhibitions and meetings.
The International Pottery Museum would be worth a visit in itself, but Faenza can also boast some remarkable artistic and architectural masterpieces. First of all, its main square, which is actually formed by two adjoining squares: Piazza della Libertà and Piazza del Popolo. Piazza della Libertà is dominated by one of the nicest Renaissance Cathedrals of Romagna, built in 1474. The Cathedral is a mixture of Renaissance art (the dome bears clearly visible influences of Brunelleschi’s style) and the traditional architectural style of the Po valley (which can be seen in the vaults). It contains three precious tondi by Della Robbia. On the two sides of the Cathedral you will find two 17th-century monuments: the imposing Fontana dei Leoni and the Torre Civica (or civic tower), which marks the border between Piazza della Libertà and porticoed Piazza del Popolo.
Piazza del Popolo does not lack artistic beauties, either. Its main buldings are Palazzo del Podestà and Palazzo Municipale, the former Manfredi palace. An archway connects Piazza del Popolo to a lovely courtyard, Corte della Molinella, where you will find Teatro Masini (1780-1788). Just behind the Cathedral, the 12th-century Episcopal Palace houses a Diocesan Museum containing frescoes by Biagio d'Antonio, several pictures and works of sacred art wrought in gold and silver. If you wish to see it, however, don’t forget to book your visit. And if you are curious to see how Faenza looks like from the sky, climb to the top of the beautiful octagonal steeple of Santa Maria Vecchia for an impressive bird’s eye view over the whole town.
Needless to say, the most precious and typical handicrafts you will find in Faenza are ceramics decorated with the traditional designs of Faenza pottery. Some art workshops also specialise in hand-wrought iron or – given that Ravenna is close at hand – mosaic frames, mirrors, panels and other works of art.
Faenza is an important food-producing and liqueur-making centre. Fruit and vegetable production and liqueur-making are of particular relevance for the local economy. The most popular local products are Igp Romagna shallot and delicious fruit, particularly Igp Romagna peaches and nectarines (Igp is the Italian acronym for “Protected geographical indication”, which guarantees the genuineness of a product). Local grappa brandy and grape distillates are simply delicious. The surrounding hills are planted with olive groves and vineyards.
The most popular local olive oil is Dop extravirgin Brisighella oil, while the best wines are Doc “Colli di Faenza” wines (Dop is the Italian acronym for “Protected designation of origin”, while Doc, which can be found on the labels of the best Italian quality wines, stands for “Registered denomination of origin”). You just can’t miss the typical dishes of Romagna: handmade pasta, piadina (flat
Faenza aerial map
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