Close to Florence and just outside the Chianti Classico wine zone, the town of Impruneta deserves a visit by anyone interested in the plastic arts. Impruneta is the home of Tuscan terracotta and, increasingly, of hand-painted ceramics.

The main piazza of Impruneta with the the Basilica of Santa Maria.

Impruneta is also the location of one of the most famous basilicas in Tuscany, the Sanctuary of Santa Maria, dating from 1060 and immortalised by Jacques Callot. Callot’s engraving, created in 1620,  of the piazza in front of the basilica illustrates the famous Fiera di San Luca (Fair of St. Luke) that continues to this day.

An excellent grape festival with floats and so on is held every year during Autumn.

The terracotta kilns and pottery painting workshops are mostly clustered on via delle Fornace which can be reached after a short walk from Piazza Buondelmonti along Via delle Case and then Via Seconda Fonte.

Impruneta is served by several bus lines (SITA, CAP, ATAF), making it easily accessible from Florence. However, a car is necessary to visit the ancient churches in the vicinity.

More about Impruneta.

Anna Maria Baldini

About Anna Maria Baldini

Anna Maria is a frequent contributor to web content on life in Tuscany. She researches all aspects of Tuscan life, with emphasis on history, art, architecture and the culture of the people of this beautiful region of Italy.

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