Pottery Workshop in Montelupo

Thursday November 12 8:45 am at SMN Optional Small Group Activity

Discover one of Tuscany's oldest artistic traditions in the charming town of Montelupo Fiorentino.

Slow down for a morning and experience Tuscany through the hands of a master craftsman. Just twenty minutes from Florence by train, you'll join a small group in a family pottery workshop where five generations of artisans have practiced the centuries-old tradition of Tuscan ceramics.

Whether you've never touched a potter's wheel or have years of experience, you'll receive personal instruction while creating your own piece of pottery. After the reunion, your finished work will be fired, glazed, and shipped to your home—a unique keepsake of your return to Florence.

Cost: €118.20 per person (€110 pottery experience + €8.20 round-trip regional train fare)

Group Size: Approximately 6–8 people

Event details

A Tuscan Tradition

Montelupo Fiorentino has been famous for its ceramics for more than 700 years.

Pottery-wheel During the Renaissance, its workshops supplied beautifully decorated majolica pottery to Florence and throughout Tuscany. Today, the town remains one of Italy's best-known centers for handcrafted ceramics.

Our host, Matteo Mirenda, and his family continue that tradition in their working studio. Rather than simply watching a demonstration, you'll become part of it—learning the basics of wheel throwing while creating something entirely your own.

This relaxed, small-group experience offers an opportunity to step away from the crowds and enjoy a quieter side of Tuscany that many visitors never discover.

What You'll Experience

Travel by regional train to Montelupo Fiorentino
Visit a working family ceramics factory and studio
Learn traditional Tuscan pottery techniques
Create your own pottery piece on the wheel
Personal instruction from master potter Matteo Mirenda
Finished piece professionally fired and glazed
Worldwide shipping of your completed pottery included

Why Montelupo?

Pottery-fabbrica While Florence is famous for Renaissance art, Montelupo is known for the artisans who have shaped clay into beautiful ceramics for centuries.

Just a short train ride from Florence, this small town offers a glimpse into an authentic Tuscan craft that continues today much as it has for generations. The experience combines creativity, local history, and the satisfaction of making something with your own hands.

Transportation

One of the pleasures of this experience is the easy journey to Montelupo.

Linda will meet participants at Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN) station at 8:45 AM and will have the group train tickets. Regional 18205 departs Firenze SMN at 09:10 and arrives at Montelupo-Capraia at 09:30. The pottery studio is an easy walk from the station. Local transportation between Matteo’s shop and factory is included.

We will take Regional 18222 from Montelupo-Capraia at 13:28 and arrive back at Firenze SMN at 13:52. There is no organized lunch in Montelupo. Back in Florence, there will be time for a quick panino or street pizza before the 15:00 Wine or Amaro tastings; both tastings include food.

Schedule

8:45 AM — Meet Linda at Firenze Santa Maria Novella; she will have the group train tickets

09:10–09:30 — Regional 18205: Firenze SMN to Montelupo-Capraia

Approximately 10:00 AM — Pottery workshop begins

13:28 — Regional 18222 departs Montelupo-Capraia

13:52 — Arrive at Firenze SMN

Cost

Cost: €118.20 per person

€110 pottery experience plus €8.20 round-trip regional train fare.

The €110 pottery experience includes:

Factory visit and hands-on pottery workshop
All materials
Pottery wheel use
Firing and glazing
Worldwide shipping of your finished piece
Small-group instruction
Local transportation between Matteo’s shop and factory

Round-trip regional train tickets are included in the €118.20 total. Lunch is not included.

Who Will Enjoy This Experience?

Pottery-Class-instructors This activity is ideal for those who:

Enjoy hands-on creative experiences
Want to explore beyond central Florence
Appreciate traditional Italian craftsmanship
Prefer small-group activities
Would like to bring home a unique handmade souvenir of the reunion

No pottery experience is necessary.

Additional Information

Comfortable clothing is recommended.
Clay can be messy, but aprons are provided.
Finished pottery will be shipped approximately two months after the workshop.
Group size is expected to be limited to approximately 6–8 participants.