Faenza is located along the historic route of the Via Emilia, nestled between the plains and the hills. It sits halfway between Bologna and Rimini, and along the axis connecting Ravenna and Florence.
A UNESCO Creative City, Faenza is the cradle of ceramic production and a world-renowned location for its majolica, precisely known as Faïence.
Here, ceramics are not just a product, but a tangible experience to be lived in every corner: through museums, exhibitions, workshops, artisanal bottegas, and installations, you can immerse yourself in an artistic universe that blends tradition and innovation.
Between 1313 and 1501, the city was ruled by the Manfredi family, who transformed it into a crossroads of artistic, economic, and political experiences under the influence of Medicean Tuscany. During the Renaissance, this fervor sparked a significant cultural and architectural renewal: even today, you can breathe in this atmosphere by visiting the churches, museums, and castles scattered throughout the historic center and the surrounding hills.
Strolling through the downtown streets, you are enveloped by the elegance of the Neoclassical period, which redesigned the city’s urban face between 1780 and 1820. This era left an unmistakable mark, visible in the aristocratic palaces with their harmonious lines and perfectly balanced architectural details. It is a precious heritage that still bestows upon Faenza a sober and timeless charm, perfect for discovering step by step.
Faenza is also a city where entertainment feels right at home: history, ceramics, and tradition take center stage in vibrant public events, offering unique opportunities to immerse yourself in the soul of the region and get swept up in its authentic atmosphere.
Faenza is worth a visit all year round, also for the numerous cultural initiatives, events, exhibitions and markets related to ceramics.
To discover the finest artistic expressions of ceramics, a visit to the International Museum of Ceramics is a must. This unique institution houses extraordinary works from all over the world, including Faenza maiolica (faïence), as well as Oriental, Mediterranean and Latin American ceramics, alongside masterpieces by renowned artists such as Matisse, Picasso, Fontana and Burri. Just a short distance away lies the Carlo Zauli Museum, the artist’s former studio and workshop, now a key reference point for contemporary art in Faenza.
Spazio Ceramica, a showcase dedicated to artisanal and artistic ceramics, together with 65 ceramic workshops, offers visitors the opportunity to step inside the creative process. Meet artisans at work, observe up close techniques and knowledge passed down through generations, and take part in courses and workshops for an authentic experience of this ancient art.
In the heart of the city lies the grand Piazza del Popolo, framed by the palaces that shaped Faenza's medieval and Renaissance history. Their spectacular double porticos create a visual connection with the adjacent Piazza della Libertà. Here, you will find the Cathedral of San Pietro, a prime example of the Tuscan style that reached Faenza during the Manfredi lordship. Inside, the miraculous image of the Vergine delle Grazie, the patron saint of Faenza, is preserved.
Through the streets of the city center, you can follow a Neoclassical itinerary that begins at the Teatro Masini and leads to the discovery of elegant aristocratic palaces and their artistic history. Palazzo Milzetti - National Museum of the Neoclassical Age in Romagna and Palazzo Laderchi - Museum of the Risorgimento and the Contemporary Era preserve halls and vaults decorated by Felice Giani, a master of Italian Neoclassicism, featuring stuccowork by Antonio Trentanove.
Pinacoteca Comunale (Municipal Art Gallery) is the ideal place to explore the history of Faenza and its surrounding area. A thousand-year artistic journey unfolds from the Middle Ages to the contemporary era, to be discovered room by room. Younger visitors can set off on an adventure through the museum’s galleries with Operation Gilda, a mystery-filled digital game experience, or take part in creative workshops.
Faenza is also a place to experience nature, with urban parks, clay hills, striking badlands, and scenic viewpoints to explore on foot or by bike. Parco Bucci, with its small lakes, winding paths and majestic trees, is the perfect spot for birdwatching, while the large Park of the Natural Sciences Museum is home to a 24-metre-tall centuries-old sequoia.
Just a few kilometres from the city centre lies Oriolo dei Fichi, a hillside hamlet ideal for moments of leisure and relaxation. Surrounded by wineries, woods and vineyards, the Torre di Oriolo rises prominently, once part of the defensive system of Manfredi-era Faenza. At the top, a panoramic terrace opens out, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. This is where the Cammino di Dante (Dante’s Trail) passes, following the CAI 505 path, along with other themed routes that invite visitors to explore the surrounding hills.
Cappelletti, passatelli and tagliatelle are among the must-try dishes of the local cuisine, best enjoyed with a fine glass of wine from the Colli di Faenza DOC. Yet it is curzul that truly lead back to the roots of Faenza’s culinary tradition: long, irregularly shaped fresh pasta, typically served with a rich ragù made from Romagna shallots (Scalogno di Romagna PGI).
For a quick bite, piadina is a must. In Faenza it is narrow and thick, traditionally filled with cured meats from Mora Romagnola pork and squacquerone, a soft and creamy cheese. Also worth tasting is the typical crescione stuffed with herbs.
During the summer months, the town centre comes alive with "Summer Tuesdays”, a traditional event during which the numerous commercial and handicraft activities offer an opportunity to relax in a great hospitality atmosphere.
All this takes place through exhibitions set up along the streets, guided tours of historical buildings and churches, live music and tastings of local food and wine proposed by restaurants and bars.
On the hills of Faenza, a network of trails winds its way through the landscape, perfect for exploring on foot or by bike, and discovering a territory shaped by badlands and distinctive blue clays.
For a slow-paced adventure in the heart of Romagna, the Canale Naviglio Zanelli cycle route offers a scenic journey from Faenza all the way to the Riviera.
The city centre is very close to the railway station, where a convenient bike-sharing service is available, allowing visitors to move around easily and sustainably.
In the historic centre, traffic restrictions apply: visitors should pay attention to the ZTL (limited traffic zone) and to the pedestrian-only areas.
Just a few kilometres from Faenza lies Brisighella, one of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages, set in the heart of the Vena del Gesso Romagnola Regional Park. Here, visitors can explore castles and ancient parish churches surrounded by olive groves and striking gypsum outcrops. Brisighella can also be reached on foot from Faenza, following the CAI 505 trail.
Heading up the Senio Valley from Castel Bolognese, you soon reach the thermal town of Riolo Terme, an ideal place to enjoy a wellness break surrounded by healing waters, relaxing walks and excellent local cuisine.