Deruta ceramics

Deruta, a medieval hilltown in Umbria, Italy, is mainly known as a major centre for the production of maiolica (painted tin-glazed earthenware) in the Renaissance and later.

And it is believed that there are no other craftsmen in Italy that can match the work even though there have been attempts to do so...” However, it was just at this point that the quality of wares began to decline.

[3] Some individual painters are known, but at the same time it is often difficult to assign pieces between Deruta and other centres, especially nearby Gubbio.

[4] A characteristic local motif is the Deruta trademark "Raffaellesco" dragon design, said to be inspired by the murals of Raphael.

Along the Tiberina road, at the foot of the old town, yet another church – the Madonna delle Piagge – is clad in ceramic tiles.