Deruta is a small hill town near Perugia in Umbria. It is famous for its fine ceramics which are exported all over the world. The local clay was found to be good for ceramics and production began in the early Middle Ages.
The local industry hit its peak in the 15th and early 16th centuries when the local ‘maiolica’ style became popular. Deruta, Gubbio and Urbino continue to produce the finest Italian maiolica.
As you might expect the town is well supplied with shops selling these gorgeous ceramics, starting at the entrance. We were sorely tempted by one of the beautiful painted tables, but we moved on.
The town is lovely and we were surprised to find it almost deserted in late May. The wet, cool weather probably had something to do with it. Ceramics are everywhere, waiting for buyers.
The shops all look wonderful, how do you choose?
A couple of shops offer a more modern style.
In many shops we visited we found people working on their designs. We were particularly taken by a lovely signora who was painting these plates.
When fired they would look like this.
She had lots of stunning pieces in her shop.
We bought a small clock.
The centre of town was very quiet.
There are some marvellous old buildings.
Narrow streets to explore.
We had lunch at this tiny place run by a widow who told us about her life in Deruta. Her little cafe was once their butcher shop run by her husband. They had no children and there was nobody to take over so she turned it into a cafe so she could continue to come in every day. We were happy that we chose her cafe.
There is an excellent panoramic point offering great views over the countryside below.
Deruta is a beautifully presented town. I loved all the pots with flowers.
On the way out I spotted this little girl.
…and this plaque.
…and these steps leading up to the town.
If you need a gorgeous maiolica ceramic, go to Deruta. Even if you don’t, it is a delightful town to visit.
Such restraint Deb, I would have had to buy a piece or two- great post
By: U on July 27, 2023
at 10:16 pm
We really wanted the table, but it was just a bit too expensive. We did buy a lovely clock.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 27, 2023
at 10:43 pm
It’s a lovely town! We went on a behind the scenes tour of one of the workshops to see the delicate hand painting. That cafe looks nice and I love Umbria.
By: Paula on July 27, 2023
at 10:31 pm
We watched a lovely lady painting and bought one of her clocks. I love Umbria too.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 27, 2023
at 10:43 pm
Deruta looks so interesting, not only the the views over countryside, but the town itself just fabulous. So much to choose but to find the right spot when home. Loved your Post.
By: Camillus Davall on July 27, 2023
at 10:46 pm
There were lots of things I wanted to buy, but you are correct, they need a place at home.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 28, 2023
at 12:23 am
I love Deruta and would need to return to buy a plate to match my medieval lady.
By: Lorella Masci on July 27, 2023
at 11:11 pm
I love those! I really wanted a matching pair.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 28, 2023
at 12:24 am
Absolutely stunning. It would indeed be hard to choose. I would take days!
By: Paddy on July 28, 2023
at 4:01 am
And I would leave my credit card at home, Paddy.
By: Yvonne on July 28, 2023
at 8:13 am
My goodness, what a gorgeous place – I have a greedy soul and would have loved to buy so much of what is there to drag back to my palatial home (small flaw in my plan🤓)
By: Jan on July 28, 2023
at 4:33 am
Deruta is lovely and the ceramics are gorgeous. One day we will go back for a table.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 28, 2023
at 9:44 pm
Very difficult to resist….
By: Mulino Dominillo on July 28, 2023
at 5:48 am
We bought a small clock, but could have bought much more,
By: Debra Kolkka on July 28, 2023
at 9:45 pm
What a tempting place, with so many talented artisans concentrated there.
By: Yvonne on July 28, 2023
at 8:15 am
There is certainly much to choose from. I have little space at home for more ceramics, but it didn’t stop me wanting them.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 28, 2023
at 9:46 pm
I spent a day in Deruta last year with friends in August and we were surprise to find the town almost deserted. The signage to get to Deruta is very bad. We had to stop twice to get directions to Deruta. You are right though, the town is beautiful and it was fun to see the artisans at work. We bought several plates. We met you the next day at Cafe Italia in Bagni di Lucca.
By: Adrian Scaletti on July 28, 2023
at 2:29 pm
Tourists often head in the same direction, to the most popular places. I feel very lucky to have the time to find the less well known, but equally lovely towns and villages.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 28, 2023
at 9:48 pm
All I know is that I’ve never heard of Deruta but now I really want to visit it! Thank you for highlighting these beautiful places 🙂
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on August 3, 2023
at 7:08 am
There are many lesser known towns and villages to visit in glorious Italy.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 3, 2023
at 8:33 am