Discover Impruneta: Ceramics, Culture and Hilly Landscapes

Impruneta combines a distinctive ceramics tradition with sacred culture, lively festivals and a hilly landscape between the Ema stream and the Greve River. Vineyards, olive groves, forests and cereal fields shape the surrounding area. When choosing a holiday apartment in Impruneta, you can therefore consider whether cultural discoveries, regional cuisine, festivals or paths through the landscape should be the focus of your trip.

Terracotta, Crafts and Special Places

Impruneta has a long tradition of producing bricks and terracotta. The material known as cotto imprunetino has become a characteristic element of Tuscan architecture and landscape. This connection between craftsmanship and the local setting is also reflected in the C.A.T. certification for artistic and traditional ceramics: it may be applied to works only by Imprunetan producers listed in the C.A.T. manufacturers’ register, provided that the works were produced in kilns within the municipality of Impruneta and comply with the relevant regulations.

Historical cultural sites include the Santuario di Santa Maria in Impruneta, which was founded in 1060. The Museo del Tesoro di Santa Maria preserves votive offerings, sacred works of art, illuminated manuscripts, 15th-century textiles, silverware and terracotta objects. The cultural spectrum thus ranges from the sanctuary’s long history to artistic, artisanal and religious objects.

Orientation and Historical Routes

The Loggiato del Pellegrino houses Impruneta’s tourist information office and provides space for exhibitions, concerts, artistic performances, conferences and leisure activities. The ground-level entrance is accessible to people with disabilities. The Commenda Impruneta is also closely connected with the history of pilgrimage. It was founded in 1746 to provide accommodation and support for pilgrims on their way to the sanctuary of Impruneta.

An unusual testament to historical labor is the Galleria Drenante. The drainage gallery is 171.1 meters long and was excavated by hand in the second half of the 19th century. For active days, you can also consider the Anello del Rinascimento, a route that can be completed on foot or by bicycle. These different options help you tailor your choice of location to both peaceful cultural days and more active excursions.

Festivals, Markets and Impruneta’s Cuisine

The Fiera di San Luca is one of the oldest livestock fairs in Europe. It takes place during the week that includes October 18, the feast day of Impruneta’s patron saint. Today’s program includes food markets, arts and crafts markets, art exhibitions, and cultural and leisure events. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment in Impruneta can consider this date a special reason for planning their trip.

The Festa dell'Uva dell'Impruneta is also part of the local festival culture. Since 1932, it has been shaped by the four Rioni: Rione delle Sante Marie, Rione del Sant'Antonio, Rione delle Fornaci and Rione del Pallò. They compete in a contest featuring allegorical floats, costumes and choreographies. Impruneta’s culinary traditions include Peposo all'imprunetina, a local dish traditionally associated with the openings of the kilns in which Impruneta terracotta was fired.

Other Places to Consider

If you would like to consider places besides Impruneta, you can also look at Tavarnuzze and Pozzolatico.

For the main travel overview: Florence.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Ostina, Montefioralle, Bassa, Campi Bisenzio, Pian De' Cerri, Fiesole.