Deruta
Another lovely trip from Torricella is Deruta in beautiful Umbria to visit the ceramics artisans there. Deruta ceramics were first produced in the early Middle Ages, but many of the most famous patterns were designed in the 15th and early 16th century, with highly characteristic local styles. The famous Deruta trademark "Raffaellesco" dragon design said to be inspired by the murals of Raphael. An example of this style dragon in the face and head in Raphael's work can be seen in the painting "St Michael Trampling the Dragon". In 1553, Leandro Alberti wrote “... the terracotta vases made in Deruta are often mentioned for how well they are made and beautifully decorated. And it is believed that there are no other craftsmen in Italy that can match the work even though there have been attempts to do so...” Deruta has over 200 ceramic workshops, most of which retail their own goods along with other retail shops which display and sell pottery products. The town is charming too so we highly recommend a visit!
