Terre di Toscana

Montelupo Fiorentino

Montelupo “castle” stands on top of a hill which overlooks the plain extending to Monte Pisano, the northern boundary of the green hills of Montalbano. On the southern side, the hill slopes down steeply towards the torrent Pesa. The village is set under the castle, along the Pesa river.

HOW TO GET THERE
By train
The railway station Montelupo-Capraia is on the Florence-Empoli-Pisa-Siena line.
By bus
From Empoli you can take the SITA coach Empoli-Vinci-Montelupo line.
By car
Take the dual carriageway Firenze-Pisa-Livorno (SGC FI-PILI), Montelupo exit.

The Festa della Ceramica
Every year, in the third week in June, Montelupo becomes Città della Ceramica. The historic centre is turned into a large atelier where, next to factory and shop windows, there are historic, monographic and thematic exhibitions, dedicated to Italian and European ceramics. In the evening you can watch demonstrations of work on the potter’s wheel, painting and glass blowing. There is also theatrical and musical entertainment.

The Festa della Terracotta
During a weekend in the month of May, the traditional Festa della Terracotta is celebrated in Samminiatello. This is organized by the Unione Fornaci della Terracotta, where master craftsmen demonstrate how gigantic storage jars and plant pots are made. The event includes various exhibitions and gastronomic stands.

The Torre del Vetro
Glass making is the main theme of the Torre del Vetro, an event which occupies a weekend in July in the district around the Torre. On this occasion you can watch master glaziers (glassblowers, engravers, decorators) next to the last survivors of women who cover flasks with straw. This is now done solely as a hobby, to preserve this technique from the past.