Montelupo Fiorentino

Montelupo Fiorentino is a Tuscan town located around twenty kilometres from Florence, at the confluence of the Arno and Pesa rivers. It is historically known for its ceramic production, a craft tradition dating back to the Middle Ages, which can be explored at the Museo della Ceramica housed in the former Palazzo Podestarile on the main square. The historic centre retains traces of its medieval past, including remnants of the town walls and the church of Santo Stefano. Each year, the Festa Internazionale della Ceramica brings the streets to life with exhibitions and craft workshops. Montelupo's location, at the heart of the Chianti area and the Arno valley, makes it a convenient base for exploring the surrounding wine-growing hills, as well as nearby towns such as Empoli or Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci, just a short distance away. The surrounding countryside, dotted with olive groves and vineyards, offers a quintessentially Tuscan setting well suited to walks and local gastronomy. Its proximity to Florence also makes it easy to take day trips to the region's major cultural attractions.