The ancient art of shaping and decorating raw materials is still a hallmark of Romagna, where the production of ceramics is one of the most important industrial and artisan institutions.
The centre of this art form is Faenza, on the Via Emilia, in the heart of Romagna. The significance of this town on the history of ceramic production is illustrated by the fact that the term “faïence” is still used in some areas of Europe as a synonym for maiolica.
The secrets of shapes and enamels have been handed down in its workshops for centuries, and this spirit and creativity is continued today with the production of fine ceramics that are CDO certified.
Events such as Argillà or Buongiorno Ceramica! clearly demonstrate the importance of this art form, whose history and evolution is visually narrated in the two museums in the centre of Faenza: the MIC - International Ceramics Museum and the Carlo Zauli Museum.
In Cesena and the surrounding area, there is the production of traditional decorations and the typical terracotta baking trays used to cook Romagna’s famous piadina [a thin, Italian flatbread], whose historic production centre is located in the village of Montetiffi.
In Rimini, Montescudo and Montefiore Conca, there are ancient workshops specialised in ceramic art and maiolica decorations with a focus on the conservation of popular wisdom, which are a fascinating place to visit for those who want to see the creation of these works of art in person.
Heading back up the coast to Ferrara, you will come across the art of graffito ceramics, which has been reintroduced today using the same techniques and creative skills of the past.
