EXTENDED PROGRAM

The visit begins at the Museo della Ceramica di Montelupo Fiorentino (just a two-minute walk from the train station, easily reachable by train in 30 minutes from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella Station!). The museum houses a beautiful collection dating from the 1200s to the late 1700s, showcasing the important role this Tuscan village played as the “Factory of Florence.” Montelupo produced maiolica ceramics for great Florentine noble families such as the Medici, Pandolfini, and Strozzi, and supplied pharmacies, hospitals, and historic apothecaries throughout Tuscany. Its prestigious ceramic works were distributed all over the world.

The highlight of the collection is the famous Rosso di Montelupo, a masterpiece of Renaissance maiolica dated 1509 and signed by the workshop of Lorenzo di Piero Sartori. At the end of the museum visit, a traditional Tuscan snack will be offered to all participants, served in the museum spaces.

After a short walk, you’ll reach the Museum’s historic kiln (Fornace), where adults and children can take part in a workshop led by a master ceramist. Participants will get hands-on experience trying out the ancient craft themselves. The activity can be customized with a choice between clay modeling or ceramic painting (on plates or mugs), depending on the calendar below. It’s a perfect opportunity to discover this centuries-old tradition firsthand—and bring home a truly authentic experience!

After the experience, you’ll receive an information kit about the area, full of tips and suggestions to keep exploring Montelupo and its surroundings.

2025 CALENDAR:

• CLAY MODELING: 01/07, 15/07, 29/07, 26/08, 09/09, 23/09, 07/10, 21/10, 04/11, 18/11, 02/12, 16/12, 30/12
• CERAMIC DECORATION: 08/07, 22/07, 05/08, 19/08, 02/09, 16/09, 30/09, 14/10, 28/10, 11/11, 25/11, 09/12, 23/12

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Guided tour of the Ceramics Museum and the historic kiln
• Hands-on ceramic workshop (clay modeling or ceramic painting on plates/mugs) for adults and children
• Explanation of the various stages of the craft by a master artisan
• Information kit about the local area
• Traditional Tuscan-style snack served at the Ceramics Museum

YOUR GUIDE

The activity at the Ceramics Museum will be led either by an experienced external tour guide who has been collaborating with the institution for years, or by a member of the museum’s own staff. The activity at the Museum Kiln will be conducted by an expert ceramist.