Deruta
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Latest page update: 21 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Deruta
Deruta has a small but appealing selection of established hotels, reflecting its reputation for traditional ceramics and central position within Umbria. Accommodation here is well regarded for comfort, service and convenient access to nearby Perugia and Todi.
Hotel Melody is a well-reviewed choice just outside the historic centre, offering modern rooms, a restaurant and positive guest feedback for cleanliness and value (€€). For a countryside option, L’Antico Forziere Hotel & Restaurant combines rustic charm with refined hospitality, featuring elegant rooms, a pool and excellent ratings for food and service (€€€). A short drive away, Hotel Fonte Cesia in Todi provides a higher-end stay in a restored historic building, praised for its atmosphere and central location (€€€).
Hotel Melody is a well-reviewed choice just outside the historic centre, offering modern rooms, a restaurant and positive guest feedback for cleanliness and value (€€). For a countryside option, L’Antico Forziere Hotel & Restaurant combines rustic charm with refined hospitality, featuring elegant rooms, a pool and excellent ratings for food and service (€€€). A short drive away, Hotel Fonte Cesia in Todi provides a higher-end stay in a restored historic building, praised for its atmosphere and central location (€€€).
Where is
Where is Deruta?
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The town of Deruta is situated within the Province of Perugia and has a population of around 9,000 residents.
It stands at an elevation of 220 metres above sea level and is included in the list of Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (most beautiful villages in Italy). Places of interest nearby include Torgiano, Bettona, Marsciano, Bastia Umbra and Assisi. |
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Comune di Deruta
One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)
Listing headline: L'arte della Ceramica (The Art of Ceramics)
Listing headline: L'arte della Ceramica (The Art of Ceramics)
What People Ask About Deruta, Umbria
Is Deruta worth visiting?
How do I get to Deruta?
What are the main attractions in Deruta?
What is Deruta known for?
What food is typical of Deruta?
Related links
Discover
Discover Deruta
Set on a gentle hillside above the Tiber Valley, Deruta is a historic town in central Umbria, renowned for its centuries-old tradition of ceramic production. The town’s position between Perugia and Todi gives it both strategic and cultural importance, with the surrounding landscape characterised by olive groves, vineyards, and open countryside. Its compact centre, enclosed by medieval walls, features winding streets and stone houses that climb towards the main square at the top of the hill.
Deruta’s fame rests on its majolica pottery, which has been produced since the Middle Ages and reached its artistic peak during the Renaissance. The Regional Museum of Ceramics displays works from local workshops spanning several centuries, while artisans continue to create hand-painted designs in the town’s studios today. Architectural highlights include the Church of San Francesco, decorated with 14th-century frescoes, and the Palazzo dei Consoli, which overlooks the main piazza. With easy access from Perugia and Torgiano, Deruta remains a living centre of craftsmanship and Umbrian artistic heritage.
Deruta’s fame rests on its majolica pottery, which has been produced since the Middle Ages and reached its artistic peak during the Renaissance. The Regional Museum of Ceramics displays works from local workshops spanning several centuries, while artisans continue to create hand-painted designs in the town’s studios today. Architectural highlights include the Church of San Francesco, decorated with 14th-century frescoes, and the Palazzo dei Consoli, which overlooks the main piazza. With easy access from Perugia and Torgiano, Deruta remains a living centre of craftsmanship and Umbrian artistic heritage.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Deruta
- Centro Storico di Deruta stretches along a gentle slope above the Tiber Valley, its narrow lanes winding among stone houses, graceful arcades, and medieval walls. The town displays a harmonious blend of medieval architecture and Renaissance elegance, with terracotta façades, arched windows, and artisan workshops lining its streets. Small piazzas reveal glimpses of surrounding hills and valleys. Walking through Deruta offers a vibrant experience of history intertwined with artistic tradition.
- Chiesa di San Francesco stands prominently in the town centre, its simple stone façade echoing the restrained elegance of Umbrian Gothic architecture. Inside, visitors discover delicate frescoes, wooden altars, and sacred artworks reflecting centuries of devotion. The church has long been central to Deruta’s spiritual life and artistic heritage. It remains a quiet haven of faith and culture.
- Museo della Ceramica lies within the historic centre, celebrating Deruta’s world-renowned tradition of maiolica ceramics. The museum houses centuries of artistic creations, from Renaissance masterpieces to modern designs, showcasing brilliant colours and intricate patterns. Visiting provides insight into the craftsmanship that has made Deruta famous across the world. It stands as a cultural cornerstone of the town’s identity.
- Piazza dei Consoli serves as Deruta’s vibrant heart, surrounded by historic buildings, artisan studios, and small cafés. The square hosts pottery fairs, cultural events, and lively markets that bring colour and energy throughout the year. Cobblestones underfoot and views of tiled rooftops add to its charm. It’s the perfect place to pause and absorb the town’s artistic atmosphere.
- Guided ceramic and cultural tours in Deruta take visitors through artisan workshops, medieval streets, and the town’s ceramic museum. Local guides share stories of ancient kiln techniques, noble patronage, and the evolution of Deruta’s famous maiolica designs. Tours often include hands-on demonstrations and tastings of Umbrian specialities such as olive oil, cured meats, and local wines. Exploring with a guide reveals Deruta’s unique blend of artistic excellence, historical richness, and everyday village life.
Tours and Activities
Deruta Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Deruta Photo Gallery
Umbria Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Umbria
1. Assisi
2. Spoleto
3. Gubbio
4. Perugia
5. Orvieto
6. Lake Trasimeno
7. Castelluccio
8. Marmore Waterfalls
9. Trevi
10. Todi
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Umbria
1. Assisi
2. Spoleto
3. Gubbio
4. Perugia
5. Orvieto
6. Lake Trasimeno
7. Castelluccio
8. Marmore Waterfalls
9. Trevi
10. Todi
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Umbria
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Deruta
By Rail: The nearest train station to Deruta is in Fossato di Vico–Gubbio, approximately 10 kilometres away. The station lies on the Foligno–Terontola line operated by Trenitalia, with regional services connecting to Perugia in about 15 minutes, Assisi in roughly 25 minutes, and Foligno in around 35 minutes. Local buses and taxis link the station to Deruta, making it accessible from the main Umbrian rail routes.
By Road: Deruta is located in the province of Perugia, Umbria, along the Tiber Valley. From Perugia, the drive is around 20 kilometres and takes about 20 minutes via the E45. From Todi, it is approximately 25 kilometres and takes roughly 25 minutes by car. Parking is available near the old town and close to the ceramic workshops for which Deruta is well known.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Deruta is located in the province of Perugia, Umbria, along the Tiber Valley. From Perugia, the drive is around 20 kilometres and takes about 20 minutes via the E45. From Todi, it is approximately 25 kilometres and takes roughly 25 minutes by car. Parking is available near the old town and close to the ceramic workshops for which Deruta is well known.
Nearest International Airports:
- Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi Airport: Approximately 25 kilometres from Deruta, with a driving time of around 25 minutes via the E45. It is the closest airport, offering domestic and short-haul European flights.
- Ancona Falconara Airport: Located about 135 kilometres northeast, taking roughly 1 hour and 50 minutes by car via the SS76. A suitable option for travellers arriving from northern or eastern Italy.
- Rome Ciampino Airport: Around 160 kilometres southwest, with a journey time of approximately 2 hours by car via the A1. Convenient for international visitors.
Private Transfers
Deruta Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a comfortable and reliable way to reach Deruta or continue your journey from the town to other destinations across Umbria and neighbouring regions. You’ll be collected directly from your chosen location and driven by a professional local driver, ensuring a smooth and convenient journey without the need for car hire or public transport.
Private transfers can be arranged to and from Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi Airport, providing the most direct access for both arrivals and departures. The journey from the airport to Deruta typically takes around 25 to 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Transfers can also be organised to Todi, Marsciano, and Bettona, or to nearby destinations such as Perugia, Assisi, and Foligno.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
Private transfers can be arranged to and from Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi Airport, providing the most direct access for both arrivals and departures. The journey from the airport to Deruta typically takes around 25 to 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Transfers can also be organised to Todi, Marsciano, and Bettona, or to nearby destinations such as Perugia, Assisi, and Foligno.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
