Every two years Faenza It takes on a new look. The squares, the streets of the historic centre and the courtyards of the buildings fill with potters, artists, collectors and visitors from all over Europe. It’s time to Argillà Italia, the International Ceramics Festival and Trade Fair which has made this town in Romagna one of Europe’s leading centres for contemporary ceramic art.
For a whole weekend, the historic centre is transformed into a vast open-air workshop, where tradition, design, craftsmanship and innovation come together through exhibitions, installations, workshops, live demonstrations, performances and cultural events.
Taking part in Argillà means much more than simply visiting a trade fair. It means immersing yourself in the culture of a city that has for centuries linked its identity to ceramics, so much so that it gave rise to the international term faience, a term still used today to refer to glazed majolica.
A festival known throughout Europe
Originally conceived as a major event dedicated to artistic and contemporary ceramics, Argillà Italia has, over time, become one of the sector’s most important events at European level. Each edition attracts exhibitors, artists, designers, schools, galleries and enthusiasts from numerous countries.
The streets and squares of the historic centre become a a veritable open-air art gallery. As you stroll amongst the stalls, you can meet Italian and international master potters and watch techniques that differ greatly from one another e buy unique, handmade items.
Alongside the exhibition and market, there is space for monumental installations, temporary exhibitions, meetings with artists, pottery-throwing demonstrations, firing demonstrations and activities designed for schools and families.
It is precisely this ability to bring together art, culture, craftsmanship and public participation that makes Argillà very different from a traditional commercial event.
Faenza and ceramics: a history stretching back centuries
To truly understand the value of Argillà Italia, one must appreciate the deep-rooted connection between Faenza and ceramics. The town has been renowned since the Renaissance for its production of glazed majolica, prized by European courts for the quality of its craftsmanship, the elegance of its forms and the richness of its decorations.
Between the 15th and 16th centuries, workshops in Faenza exported their wares to many parts of Europe, helping to spread a style that was to become a symbol of Italian craftsmanship.
The French term derives from this tradition earthenware and the English one faience, used to refer to a particular type of glazed ceramic. Over time, the city’s name has therefore become a term recognised far beyond Italy’s borders.
Today, this legacy lives on thanks to artisan workshops, training centres, art studios and the International Museum of Ceramics, regarded as one of the world’s most important museums dedicated to ceramics.
What to see during Argillà Italia
One of the most popular aspects of the festival is the variety of its programme. Argillà is not limited to the exhibition and market; it also offers a wide-ranging programme of events taking place in squares, museums, palaces, courtyards and cultural venues throughout the historic centre.
Over the weekend, you can enjoy:
- exhibitions by Italian and international ceramic artists;
- exhibitions of contemporary ceramics;
- art installations;
- live demonstrations of woodturning;
- performance and experimental cooking;
- workshops for children and adults;
- meetings with artists, designers and craftspeople;
- musical and theatre performances;
- guided tours of museums and workshops;
- cultural initiatives focusing on the history of ceramics.
Each area of the centre has its own distinct identity and invites visitors to discover materials, techniques and artistic languages from all over the world. The exhibition ranges from traditional ceramics to more experimental forms, and from home design to contemporary sculpture.
The exhibition and market: unique pieces and contemporary crafts
At the heart of Argillà Italia lies the large a market fair held in the streets of the town centre. The stands give visitors the chance to watch the potters at work up close and, above all, to speak directly to the people who designed and created each piece.
The range includes plates, vases, sculptures, jewellery, lamps, home accessories, everyday objects and decorative pieces. Many of the pieces are produced in limited editions or are completely unique.
Buying at Argillà therefore means taking home not just an object, but also a story, a technique and the personal vision of the artist who created it.
For those with a passion for interior design and décor, the festival offers an exciting opportunity to discover new trends and find items that are hard to come by through normal retail channels.
Demonstrations and live performances
One of the most engaging aspects of Argillà is the live demonstrations. Watching a potter transform a simple lump of clay into a precise shape gives you an insight into the complexity and craftsmanship involved that lie behind every artefact.
The pottery wheel demonstrations showcase the speed and control required to shape the clay, whilst the decoration demonstrations provide an insight into glazes, pigments, engraving and finishing techniques.
Some editions also include spectacular and experimental cooking techniques, capable of transforming the craft of pottery into a genuine public performance.
These events are particularly popular even amongst those without any technical knowledge, as they clearly demonstrate the transition from raw material to the finished work.
Made in Italy: Italian ceramics take centre stage in odd-numbered years
In the years when Argillà Italia is not held, Faenza nevertheless continues to celebrate its artistic heritage by hosting Made in Italy, the exhibition and trade fair dedicated to Italian ceramics.
The event showcases small shops, studios and designers from across the country, providing a major showcase for the country’s contemporary ceramic art.
‘Made in Italy’ keeps the connection between the city and this art form alive even during the years when the international festival is on hiatus, enabling Faenza to continue offering an event dedicated to creativity and craftsmanship.
The alternation between Argillà Italia and Made in Italy therefore gives the public a different reason to return to the city every year.
The International Ceramics Museum: a must-see attraction
Visiting Argillà without going into the Faenza International Museum of Ceramics, known as MIC, means missing out on a crucial part of the experience.
Founded in 1908, the museum houses collections from different eras and continents and traces the history of ceramics from antiquity right up to the most recent research.
Alongside Renaissance majolica, the exhibition features archaeological artefacts, artefacts from the East, modern works and pieces by international artists. The exhibition offers an insight into how, over the centuries, ceramics have served as everyday objects, a form of art, a ritual instrument and a medium for experimentation.
During Argillà, the museum often hosts temporary exhibitions, talks, guided tours and special events. For this reason, it is advisable to check the programme in advance and allow at least a few hours for the visit.
An event that’s also suitable for families
Argillà Italia is not just for experts or collectors. The programme includes a wide range of activities designed to introduce even the youngest children to the world of ceramics.
I These workshops allow children to handle the clay, shape it and experience a very hands-on form of creativity. Hands-on experience helps them understand how an object is created and just how much patience is required for shaping, drying, decorating and firing.
For adults, on the other hand, the festival offers an opportunity to learn about traditional and contemporary techniques, talk to the craftspeople and get a close-up look at processes that are normally hidden away inside the workshops.
The compact historic centre, much of which can be explored on foot, makes the event a pleasant choice for a family day out too, allowing visitors to alternate between the stalls and breaks in the city’s cafés, parks and squares.
Argillà Italia for couples, young people and design enthusiasts
The atmosphere at Argillà makes the event perfect for a weekend away as a couple or a day out with friends. The bustling streets, the installations, the performances and the bars and cafés in the town centre create a lively yet pleasant atmosphere, ideal for exploring Faenza at a leisurely pace.
For young creatives and design enthusiasts, the festival offers a forum for engaging with artists, schools and international trends. It provides an opportunity to discover new forms of expression, sustainable techniques and original interpretations of a material as ancient as clay.
Even those who do not consider themselves particularly interested in ceramics may be surprised by the variety of objects on display and by the artists’ ability to transform a simple material into works that are all very different from one another.
What to see in Faenza apart from Argillà
The festival is also an excellent opportunity to discover Faenza, an elegant and cosy town that is well worth a visit even beyond the festival grounds.
Some of the must-see stops include:
- Piazza del Popolo, the heart of city life;
- Freedom Square;
- the Cathedral of St Peter the Apostle;
- Milzetti Palace, a fine example of neoclassical architecture;
- the Clock Tower;
- the International Museum of Ceramics;
- the potters’ workshops;
- the arcades and buildings of the historic centre.
As you stroll through the central streets, it is easy to come across workshops, decorated signs and details that serve as a constant reminder of the link between Faenza and ceramics.
How to organise a visit to Argillà Italia
Argillà Italia usually takes place on the first weekend of September and attracts large numbers of visitors. To enjoy the event at a more leisurely pace, it’s a good idea to plan ahead.
The historic centre is involved throughout, so the best way to explore the event is on foot. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and consult the official map to locate exhibitors, exhibitions, workshops and performances.
Anyone interested in specific activities should check whether booking is required. Some workshops and guided tours may, in fact, have limited places.
To avoid the busiest times, it may be worth arriving in the morning or staying until late afternoon, when the town centre takes on a particularly charming atmosphere.
Where to park and how to get to Faenza
Faenza is easily accessible by both car and train. The railway station is within walking distance of the historic centre, making the train a practical option on busy days.
Visitors arriving by car should use the car parks outside the town centre and continue on foot, checking in advance for any changes to traffic arrangements, pedestrian zones or special services put in place for the event.
As the event affects many streets in the city centre, it is always advisable to check the latest information published by the organisers and the local council before setting off.
What to buy in Argillà, Italy
The wide variety on offer at the exhibition and market can make it difficult to choose. Anyone looking for a souvenir of the festival might want to consider small everyday items, such as mugs, bowls, plates, brooches or ceramic jewellery.
Design enthusiasts, on the other hand, can find lamps, sculptures, vases and home accessories, either as one-off pieces or in limited editions.
Before making a purchase, it is worth asking the artist for information about the technique, the materials and how to look after the piece. This conversation is one of the most interesting aspects of the festival and helps you to better understand the value of the piece.
For more delicate items, it is a good idea to ensure they are properly packed, particularly when travelling by car or train.
Why visit Argillà, Italy
Argillà is much more than just an exhibition and market. It is a journey into one of Italy’s most important artistic traditions, an opportunity to meet artists from all over the world and to discover a vibrant, elegant Faenza that is deeply rooted in its own identity.
The festival offers an insight into the dialogue between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary research, demonstrating how ceramics can be, at the same time, an everyday object, a work of art, a design element and a medium for experimentation.
Whether you’re an enthusiast, a collector, a creative sort or simply someone with a curious mind, the first weekend in September is one of the most interesting times to visit the city.
Discover Faenza during your stay in Romagna
If you’re planning a holiday on the Romagna Riviera, Argillà Italia offers a great opportunity to spend a day or a whole weekend exploring the hinterland.
Faenza is easily accessible from the main coastal resorts and offers an experience that combines art, culture, craftsmanship, tradition and creativity.
After visiting the festival, you can continue your journey through the hills around Faenza, the local wineries, the villages of Romagna and the region’s other cities of art.
Up SpecialeHotel.com You’ll find guides dedicated to events, destinations and the most authentic experiences in Romagna, along with a wide range of accommodation options to help you plan a holiday combining the seaside, culture and the local area.
