Castelli and its Maiolica

Castelli and its Maiolica

Between the 15th and 17th centuries, Castelli became one of the most important town s for majolica production.   Refined objects, created right here, were highly considered in the European courts.
Majolica craftwork in Castelli is still flourishing and today you can see artisans at work in many workshops around town. The most ancient is “La Bottega di Simone” set in a historical building dating back to the Middle Ages.
Of course, there is also a maiolica museum in Castelli! Located inside the Franciscan Convent of Santa Maria di Costantinopoli and hosts numerous works ranging from the late Middle Ages to modern times, mainly donated by the people of Castelli. Floral motifs, animals, landscapes with hunting or mythological scenes, all extremely beautiful, come to life on the surfaces of plates and vases.
The so-called “Orsini Colonna” splendid containers, once used by chemists are really unique.
Not far from the city center the Church of Saint Donato will surprise you for its eccentricity. It is known as “the Sistine Chapel of Italian majolica” due to its marvelous ceiling, unmatched in Italy, created in the early 1600s. All the local ceramists who contributed to these works were free to express their creativity: the bricks represent Saints, symbols, animals, portraits, and whatever inspired the artisan.

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