Montelupo Fiorentino is a town in the Florentine hills of central Italy. It is known for its centuries-old tradition of ceramics production, and is often referred to as the “Ceramic Capital of Tuscany”.
All places mentioned in this itinerary have been Google Mapped for you.
The potters
The Bitossi family founded their ceramics factory in Montelupo in 1860. They quickly became one of the leading producers of ceramics in Italy, and their products were exported all over the world. The Bitossi factory was known for its innovative designs and its use of high-quality materials.
The history of ceramics in Montelupo dates back to the Etruscan period, and the town has been a major center of production ever since. In the 15th century, Montelupo became a leading producer of majolica, a type of tin-glazed pottery that was decorated with colorful designs. In the 17th century, the town’s ceramics industry began to decline, but it was revived in the 19th century by the Bitossi family.
In the 1970s, the Bitossi factory was at the forefront of the Italian design movement. They collaborated with some of the leading designers of the day, including Ettore Sottsass, Aldo Londi, and Bruno Munari. The Bitossi factory produced a wide range of ceramics, from tableware and decorative objects to architectural tiles and sculptures.
Today, the Bitossi factory is still in operation, and it continues to produce high-quality ceramics that are inspired by the town’s long tradition of craftsmanship.
Tour of the Bitossi Museum (redirect to YouTube)
Food of the region
There’s not many dishes that can claim its own festival in its honour. But so it goes for a south-of-Florence dish called peposo. Peposo is a beef stew cooked in a red wine sauce with garlic, herbs, and spices. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish, perfect for a winter’s day.
A ceramics artist
Aldo Londi was a ceramicist, industrial designer, and architect. He is best known for his work with the Bitossi ceramics factory, where he helped to create some of the most iconic, mid-century designs.
Londi’s designs are characterized by his use of colour and geometric patterns. He was also a pioneer in the use of new materials and technologies in ceramics. His work has been exhibited in museums all over the world, and he is considered one of the most important figures in Italian design.
Take a trip
There’s always a good reason to visit Tuscany. After visiting the ceramics works and fuelling up on peposo, take the journey back to your Bagno a Ripoli home away from home. Bagno a Ripoli is a small town located in the hills of Tuscany, and discovered for its thermal baths in operation since Roman times.
Tuscan hills photo credit Pat Whelen || Pexels.com
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