Pottery Workshop in Montelupo

Thursday November 12 9:30 am 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.

Estimated Cost: €110 per person

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 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.

Regional trains depart Florence's Santa Maria Novella Station approximately every 30 minutes and reach Montelupo-Capraia in about 20 minutes. The pottery studio is an easy walk from the station.

After the workshop, participants may enjoy lunch in Montelupo before returning to Florence in the early afternoon.

Proposed Schedule

(This is tentative, the exact times may change once final arrangements are made.)

9:00 AM — Meet at Firenze SMN Station (tentative)

9:20 AM — Regional train to Montelupo

10:00 AM — Pottery workshop begins

12:30 PM — Lunch in Montelupo (optional)

Early Afternoon — Return to Florence

Cost

Estimated Cost: €110 per person

Includes:

Hands-on pottery instruction
All materials
Pottery wheel use
Firing and glazing
Worldwide shipping of your finished piece
Small-group instruction

Transportation and lunch are 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.