Deruta

Welcome to Deruta: the City of Artistic Ceramics

Welcome to Deruta, a small Italian municipality located 15 kilometers from Perugia and 150 kilometers from Rome. Deruta is a place of great importance for the production of artistic ceramics and is part of the Monti del Trasimeno Mountain Community. With a population of 9451 inhabitants, it is a very popular tourist attraction thanks to its natural beauty and interesting history.

The Physical Geography of Deruta

Deruta has a climate classified as Zone D, with an average annual precipitation. This makes it a very fertile area, perfect for plant cultivation and animal breeding.

Deruta: Art, History, and Umbrian Cuisine in a City of Ceramics.

The Origins of the Name Deruta

There is much discussion about the origin of the name Deruta, but the most common theory is that the toponym derives from the Latin word "diruere" which means "knocked down", "ruined" and "crumbling", "steep". The origin of the name seems to be linked to the characteristic hilly territory of Deruta.

The History of Deruta

Deruta has an ancient and interesting history dating back to the Roman era. There are still architectural testimonies today that demonstrate the presence of a residential presence during this period. In the Middle Ages, Emperor Otto III gave the country to Germanic nobles with the title of "Nobiles de Deruta". In the thirteenth century, Deruta had its own Statute and later, in 1456, a new document in vulgar.

Deruta was involved in the wars of the period and suffered damage and destruction. In 1540, during the War of Salt, Deruta sided against the Pope and handed over the keys to the country to Pier Luigi Farnese, but still suffered devastation. The subjugation of Perugia to the Church brought peace to Deruta.

Tourist Itinerary to Deruta

If you are passionate about ceramics, Deruta is the right place for you. The town is famous for its artistic ceramics, true works of art handmade by its craftsmen. You can visit the various ceramic shops and laboratories and buy unique pieces to take home.

The historic center of Deruta is a beautiful example of a fortified castle, with its city walls and medieval towers. Here you can visit the Regional Museum of Ceramics, where you can admire the works of art of the ceramicists of Deruta and all of Umbria.

The Church of San Francesco is another interesting place to visit, with its Romanesque façade inlaid with white and pink marble. Inside, you can admire frescoes from the 14th century and the wooden crucifix from the 15th century.

Cuisine in Deruta

Deruta's cuisine is rich in traditional and tasty dishes, perfect for tasting the flavors of Umbria. The dishes are prepared with high-quality local ingredients and follow traditional recipes from the region.

Among Deruta's most famous dishes are "strangozzi al tartufo", fresh pasta seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and truffle. "Cappelletti alla trasteverina" are pasta stuffed with meat and served with meat sauce.

Nightlife in Deruta

If you are looking for a fun night out, Deruta offers a variety of options. There are several bars and cafes where you can enjoy a drink and chat with friends.

Conclusions

Deruta is a wonderful city, a perfect place for those who love history, art, and culture. The city houses one of the largest and most important centers for the production of artistic ceramics in Italy. In the historic center, the city walls and medieval towers will take you back in time. The cuisine, ceramics shops, and nightlife guarantee you an unforgettable vacation. Come and visit Deruta with your friends and family. We assure you that you will not regret it!

Federico Conte
Updated Thursday, Feb 2, 2023