Impruneta

The commune of Impruneta is known as the town of furnaces. The fact of the matter is that the tiny Tuscan town is located on lands rich in clay. Since the Etruscans, production of ceramic items has been presented here. Residents of Impruneta have preserved the traditions founded even Before Christ. There are about twenty furnaces in Impruneta. While some of them have appeared nowadays, others date back to the distant past.

Poggi Ugo*** furnaces are one of the oldest enterprises of the town. The ancient production center is a member of the Association of Historical and Artistic Furnaces of Impruneta. The layout of the furnace yard of Poggi Ugo gives the concept of the traditional building planning. Visitors see a big yard, loggia, and production area. Open pit is located right behind the furnaces.

Each new generation of potters keep carefully traditions of the local masters.   Craftsmen create monochrome and polychrome enamels; know the technique of the “cold patina” and many other secrets. If it is necessary to restore some old ceramic part in monuments of architecture, they turn to the potters of Impruneta.

Local production was especially demanded while the Renaissance when the Medici and other rich families used vases and statutes from baked clay to decorate their gardens. And though even fashion and preferences have changed, potting production of Impruneta hasn’t stopped until nowadays. Today decorations for houses, villas and gardens are still in demand in Impruneta. Cups, vases, pitchers, flower pots, toys, statuettes and sculptures of different sizes produced here are real works of art. Craftsmen can satisfy any customer. Decorative items are designed in contemporary style as well as in the style of past periods.

Clay-rich soil has brought fame to Impruneta. However, the name of the town has preserved another peculiarity of this area. Derived from the Latin «in prunetis», the word “Impruneta” means “in the pine forest”. Today only tiny spots of pine forests can be found close to Impruneta. Local hills are mostly covered by olive trees and vineyards. The festival of grapes has been held for almost ninety years in Impruneta in honor of the precious plant.

The bright festival with parade, competitions, and wine sampling is held in September – October. That is why a trip to Impruneta will be especially interesting at the beginning of autumn. You can get to Impruneta with no trouble. The town is located in approximately half an hour of driving to the south of Florence.