The Museum of Ceramics in Castelli: A Journey into the Artistic Heart of Abruzzo

In the Abruzzese village where earth becomes art

In Abruzzo, at the foot of the Gran Sasso d’Italia, lies a small village that has lived for centuries in harmony with the mountains, nature, and art. Its name is Castelli, and it is renowned throughout Italy—and beyond—for a tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages: artistic ceramics.

Here, in the heart of the village, stands the Museo delle Ceramiche di Castelli (Museum of Ceramics), a place where clay becomes memory, beauty, and storytelling. Housed in a former 16th-century convent, this museum is not just a display of objects, but a living testimony to the bond between a town and its most defining craft.

The origins of the museum and the village

For centuries, Castelli has been a center of excellence in the production of maiolica, a type of tin-glazed, hand-painted pottery made famous by local ceramicist families such as the Grue, Gentili, Cappelletti, and Pompei.
The museum was founded to collect, preserve, and promote this artistic heritage, which brought Castelli fame as early as the Renaissance and made it highly sought after by Italian and European courts.

The convent that houses the museum, built around the mid-1500s, is a fascinating destination in itself: inside, a cloister frescoed with scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary leads visitors toward the exhibition halls.

What to see at the Museum of Ceramics

The museum’s collection spans over five centuries of Castelli’s ceramic history.
Among the most significant pieces are:

• Pharmaceutical jars, plates, and maiolica tiles from the 16th and 17th centuries
• The “Madonna Nursing the Child”, attributed to Orazio Pompei (dated 1551)
• The exquisite decorations of the “Cona di San Donato”, a majestic maiolica wall from the village church, partially reconstructed in the museum

One of the most appreciated sections is the reconstruction of a historical ceramic workshop, complete with potter’s wheels, tools, brushes, and models of traditional kilns.
This area helps visitors understand the entire production cycle: from raw clay to decorated, fired ceramics ready for use or display.

Some rooms also feature contemporary ceramic works, as Castelli’s tradition continues today thanks to active workshops, art schools, and new generations of ceramicists.

Why visit the museum (and the village)

The Museo delle Ceramiche di Castelli is not just a cultural site—it’s the key to understanding the identity of the village itself.
Castelli is no ordinary town: it’s a place that has transformed a humble material like clay into a recognizable, personal, and still-vibrant artistic language.

After your visit, it’s worth strolling through the cobbled alleys of the historic center, exploring the still-active artisan workshops, and admiring the works for sale or in progress. Every piece tells a story; every ceramicist continues a chapter begun centuries ago.

Visitor Information

Address 
Museo delle Ceramiche
Salita Paradiso 13, 64041 Castelli (TE), Italy

Contacts 
Phone: +39 0861 970725
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.comune.castelli.te.it

Opening Hours 
Wednesday – Sunday
Morning: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Afternoon: 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
(Hours may vary; it’s recommended to contact the museum before visiting)

Ticket Prices

• Full price: €5
• Reduced: €3 (students, groups, seniors over 65)
• Free: children under 10

How to Get There 
Castelli is located in the province of Teramo and is accessible by car:

• From Teramo or Pescara, take the SS80 to the Castelli exit
• The scenic roads pass through the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park
• Parking is available at the entrance to the village, from where you can continue on foot

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