Positioned in the Teramo province, Castelli is a charming town nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Abruzzo, Italy. Sitting at the foot of the Gran Sasso, the highest mountain in the Apennine range, Castelli is blessed with a unique geographical condition that has perhaps fed the town’s artistic spirit. Its natural surroundings consist of the verdant countryside, marked by sprawling forests, bubbling brooks, and lush valleys, painting a perfect canvas for the ceramists’ imagination.
These talented artisans from Castelli have been admired for their diverse ceramic creations, spanning from ornately designed plates and tiles to more utilitarian items like flasks and jars. They’ve showcased great versatility, embellishing their works with intricate historical or mythical scenes, as well as more simplified motifs, such as the renowned “Fioraccio”. The artisans’ proficiency is also manifested in the stunning majolica specifically crafted for pharmacies, boasting elaborate decorations.
Their phenomenal work continues to be appreciated today in prestigious museums worldwide, including the Louvre, Hermitage, Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and the British Museum. Locally, their masterpieces are displayed in revered institutions like Chieti’s Pinacoteca Barbella, Atri’s Museo Capitolare, the Civic Museum of Castelli, L’Aquila’s National Museum of Abruzzo, Pescara’s Paparella Treccia Foundation, and Loreto Aprutino’s Acerbo Gallery.
From the vibrant colors of the Renaissance to the subtler shades of the 17th and 18th centuries, the color palettes used in Castelli ceramics have evolved over time. The softer tones were often deployed in “historiated” majolica, depicting characters and narratives from history, mythology, or biblical accounts, often enriched with gold accents.
Despite the passage of centuries, Castelli maintains its central role in Abruzzo’s artisanal heritage. The town’s workshops simultaneously uphold tradition and embrace innovation, by reviving vibrant Renaissance themes and exploring new artistic idioms. The artistic high school in Castelli, established in 1906, remains a beacon of learning, imparting the age-old tradition of majolica craftsmanship to the younger generation. Additionally, the town’s commitment to the craft is celebrated annually at the Ceramics Market Exhibition held every August.
From its early medieval styles to the slipped and scratched ceramics, and to the pinnacle of creativity during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, encapsulates the region’s rich cultural tapestry. Castelli majolica in particular has had a profound influence, inspiring other towns like Torre de Passeri, Penne, Bussi, and Anversa degli Abruzzi, who catered to esteemed patrons like the Estensi, Piccolomini, and Column families from the 16th century onwards. Palena and Rapino emerged as prominent ceramic production centers in the 18th and 19th centuries respectively, while Lanciano became renowned for its medieval ceramics.
