If you’re searching for ceramics, you’re in the right place—Deruta in Umbria! This small Umbrian town, between Perugia and Todi, has been known for its hand-painted pottery for centuries. It is a medium-sized town of about 9,000 inhabitants.
In this post, you’ll find everything you need to know before visiting Deruta—what makes it unique, what to see, and why this artistic little town deserves a spot on your itinerary. Whether you’re coming to browse, buy, or admire the skill behind it all, Deruta offers a quiet but memorable experience.
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Where Is Deruta?
Deruta is located in central Umbria, about a 20-minute south of Perugia. It’s easy to reach by car and often makes a convenient half-day stop if you’re exploring the region. The town sits on a gentle slope with the older medieval center at the top and the ceramics workshops and storefronts mainly in the lower section near the main road.
Exploring Deruta in Umbria With Friends
While visiting friends Susan and Ed in Orvieto, we took a research trip to this town for our upcoming guidebook on Umbria. I love ceramics and have put off purchasing for many silly reasons. But once we started strolling the town, I had to own some! Two particular shops had precisely what I was looking for, something for our terrazza to put some succulents in and a Christmas ornament. We try to purchase an ornament to hang on our “travel tree” of ornaments from our adventures. I also found a beautiful small plate with red poppies that I couldn’t resist, and a small sunflower for the wall.
A Town Built on Ceramics
Ceramics aren’t just a part of Deruta—they are the reason the town exists today. The craft dates back to at least the 13th century. Deruta had become one of Italy’s leading centers for majolica by the Renaissance, a tin-glazed pottery known for its vivid colors and detailed designs. Tiles decorate building façades, street signs are made from glazed ceramic, and practically every shop window displays hand-painted plates, pitchers, or house signs. Deruta is still home to more than 200 ceramic studios, many of which are family-run and have been in business for generations.
Majolica (Italian for “glazed earthenware”), particularly known for its unique styles and techniques. The town’s ceramics include terracotta, pottery, and grès, but majolica is its most famous type. Deruta majolica is characterized by its white, decorated glaze and firing temperatures between 900°C and 980°C. And yes… I purchased some on our visit.
What Makes Deruta Ceramics Special?
Plain and simple… the quality of craftsmanship. Every piece is hand-painted—no decals or shortcuts. The patterns range from traditional Renaissance designs to modern interpretations, but the attention to detail sets them apart. Some popular styles you’ll come across include: –
- Raffaellesco: A signature Deruta motif, featuring a whimsical dragon head surrounded by swirls and flourishes. (Notice one of my succulent pots has this)
- Geometric patterns: Often done in blue, yellow, and green, arranged in repeating mandala-like designs.
- Religious and historical scenes: A nod to the town’s roots in Renaissance art. While some pieces are purely decorative, others—like dinner plates, bowls, and tiles—are meant to be used. Many studios offer customization if you want to take home something truly personal.
Church of San Francesco
I expected to find a fresco or two, but there was no altar or cross. Gary and I were a bit puzzled. On the left wall is a niche with a fresco dated around 1520. On the right wall, a fresco of the late 14th century represents the Virgin enthroned and surrounded by St Peter, St. Paul, St. Catherine, and St. Francis. It’s a pretty basic church, in my opinion, and not much to see.
What to See and Do in Deruta in Umbria
As I always say when visiting a town, stop at the Tourist Information Center. Deruta’s has a great tourist city map with various highlighted stops and a QR code you can scan with your smartphone for more details. They also offer a one-hour free walking tour that starts from the Fornae Grazia. The information center is located near the Porta Sant’Angelo gate.
While visiting, the Visitors Center also displayed an event on comics. We were all surprised at the number of American (Disney) characters represented and created by the artisans here. A great deal of Marvel, too. We were advised that the exhibits (free entry) house temporary exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year. While in the Information center, visit (at no charge) the Fornace Grazia, which is just below the center, down a few steps. This ancient kiln dates back to the 16th century.
Here’s some of our suggestions…
Tips for Visiting Deruta
- Arrive in the morning or mid-afternoon: Many shops close for a long lunch break between 1:00 and 3:30 PM.
- Parking is easy: There’s plenty of free parking near the ceramic shops in the lower part of town.
- Shipping is available: Don’t stress about breakables—most stores offer reliable international shipping.
You should plan to spend a couple of hours – you don’t need a whole day.
Final Thoughts
Deruta may be small, but its influence is global. The town has built a legacy out of clay and color, and walking its streets feels like flipping through the pages of a living art book. Even if you’re not a collector, seeing the care and pride behind each piece adds a layer of appreciation you won’t get from mass-produced souvenirs. If you’re traveling through Umbria and want to experience something uniquely handmade, Deruta should be on your list.
Planning to visit Deruta, Italy? Discover why this Umbrian town is famous for hand-painted ceramics and what to see, shop, and explore while you’re there.
OMG! Deruta looks like my kind of place. I love Italian ceramics and have bought many right there in your lovely Lucca. I also try to find ornaments from places I visit to place on my Christmas tree. I will be visiting Umbria in October, so I may have to see if I can find my way to Deruta.
Evelyn… you made my day! Your comment is precisely why I blog. You might not have known about this adorable town if you didn’t read about it here. I strive to inform and offer options that you may not find elsewhere. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!