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Faenza​

Latest page update: 26 May 2025
By: Dion Protani
The city of Faenza is located within the Province of Ravenna and has a population of 58,755 inhabitants. Standing at an elevation of 44 metres above sea level, it lies 55 kilometres south east of Bologna, the capital of Emilia Romagna.  

Among the attractions of Faenza are its Ceramics Museum (Museo Internazionale delle Ceramiche) and Piazza del Popolo.

What People Ask About Faenza

Is Faenza worth visiting?
Yes, Faenza is known internationally for its ceramics tradition and offers a blend of art, history, and architecture. It has a pleasant historic centre and several cultural attractions.
What can you do in Faenza?
You can visit the International Museum of Ceramics, explore the main piazzas, see the Cathedral of San Pietro, and shop for local pottery. Art exhibitions and ceramics workshops are also popular.
How do you get to Faenza?
Faenza has its own train station with regional and Intercity services on the Bologna–Rimini line. It is also accessible by car via the A14 motorway and SS9 Via Emilia.
What is Faenza known for?
Faenza is known for its ceramic production, which gave rise to the word “faience” in several languages. It also has Renaissance and Baroque architecture and hosts cultural events year-round.
When is the best time to visit Faenza?
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, with mild weather and various art and ceramics festivals. Summer can be warm but is also active with events and exhibitions.
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Discover

Discover Faenza
Faenza, located in the Emilia-Romagna region, is a historic city renowned for its ceramic tradition and cultural heritage. Situated at the foot of the Apennine Mountains, Faenza offers a mix of history, art, and scenic beauty. The city’s lively atmosphere, combined with its well-preserved historical centre, makes it an ideal destination for those interested in exploring both its artistic legacy and the surrounding landscapes.
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Faenza is famous for its Museo Internazionale delle Ceramiche, a museum dedicated to the city’s long history of ceramics and showcasing a vast collection of pottery from around the world. The Cattedrale di San Pietro, a stunning Romanesque cathedral, is another notable landmark in the city. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Faenza offers several parks and cycling routes that lead through the surrounding countryside, offering scenic views of the Apennines. The town’s combination of cultural landmarks, artistic heritage, and natural beauty makes Faenza a perfect base for exploring the Emilia-Romagna region.

Things to Do

Things to Do in Faenza
  • Museo Internazionale delle Ceramiche: One of the most important ceramics museums in the world, this institution showcases faience from across centuries and continents. The collection includes Italian Renaissance majolica, contemporary ceramic art, and exhibits from Asia, the Americas, and the Islamic world, underlining Faenza’s global reputation for ceramic craftsmanship.
  • Piazza del Popolo and Piazza della Libertà: These two adjoining squares form the heart of the historic centre, framed by arcaded buildings and elegant civic structures. Highlights include the Cathedral of San Pietro Apostolo, built in Renaissance style, and the Torrione dell’Orologio, a 17th-century clock tower.
  • Palazzo Milzetti: A masterpiece of Neoclassical architecture, this noble residence is richly decorated with frescoes and stucco work. Now a museum, it offers insight into aristocratic life during the Napoleonic era and reflects the artistic refinement of Faenza’s 18th- and 19th-century elite.
  • Ceramics Workshops and Artisan Studios: Scattered throughout the town are numerous artisan studios where visitors can watch ceramics being made and purchase hand-decorated pieces. Many workshops follow traditional techniques, maintaining the link between contemporary practice and centuries-old design.
  • Day Trip to Brisighella: Just 20 minutes away, Brisighella is a medieval hill village known for its fortress, ancient footpaths, and scenic position within the Vena del Gesso Romagnola park. It complements Faenza’s urban elegance with nature, walking trails, and rural charm.
Faenza Tours and Activities
Comune di Faenza
Province: Ravenna

Region: ​Emilia Romagna

Population: 58,844​​ (in 2024 - source)

Size: 216 km²

Elevation: 34 metres

Highlights: Ceramics Museum, Piazza del Popolo, Cathedral

Close by: ​Brisighella, Imola, Forlì, Ravenna, Cesena, Cervia
My recommended accommodation options for Faenza:
  • Hotel Vittoria Located in the historic centre near Piazza del Popolo, this elegant 19th-century hotel offers refined rooms with period furnishings and modern comforts. Guests appreciate the on-site restaurant, secure parking, and walking distance to the International Museum of Ceramics and main landmarks. €€€ (high-end)
  • Locanda della Fortuna Set in the hills just outside Faenza, this country inn offers rustic-style rooms with countryside views and a seasonal outdoor pool. Visitors enjoy the peaceful setting, home-cooked meals, and easy access to the city by car. €€ (mid-range)
  • B&B Hotel Faenza Situated near the A14 motorway exit, this modern hotel provides functional, air-conditioned rooms and free parking. Guests value the convenient location for business or travel, and the short drive into the centre of Faenza. €€ (mid-range)
  • Caterina Residence Located in a residential area close to the hospital and about ten minutes from the centre, this residence offers self-catering apartments with kitchenettes. Visitors enjoy the quiet surroundings, flexibility for longer stays, and helpful reception staff. €€ (mid-range)
  • La Prosciutta This family-run bed and breakfast on the outskirts of Faenza offers comfortable rooms with garden views and a traditional breakfast. Guests appreciate the relaxed atmosphere, warm hospitality, and quick access to nearby vineyards and ceramic studios. € (budget)
  • Ristorante Manueli: Located in a quiet street near the historic centre, Manueli offers refined cuisine combining traditional Romagna flavours with creative presentation. Dishes include handmade pasta, local meats, and seasonal vegetables, served in an elegant, contemporary dining room. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
  • Osteria della Sghisa: Situated close to the main square, this lively osteria serves traditional dishes such as strozzapreti with ragù, grilled pork, and piadina with cured meats. The informal, rustic setting and regular live music make it a popular choice for a relaxed evening. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • Trattoria Da Mario: A long-standing local favourite, Da Mario is known for its home-style cooking and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Expect generous servings of pasta, seasonal side dishes, and simple desserts, with a strong focus on Romagna's culinary traditions. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • Ristorante Cavallino: Found slightly outside the town centre, Cavallino offers a well-balanced menu of seafood, grilled meats, and vegetarian dishes. The restaurant features a stylish interior and a covered outdoor seating area, ideal for leisurely meals. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • Pizzeria Casa Spadoni: A casual venue within a restored industrial building, Casa Spadoni serves a wide selection of wood-fired pizzas alongside craft beers and local wines. It’s a convenient and affordable spot with a modern, family-friendly atmosphere. Price guide: € (Budget-friendly)

Faenza​​  Gallery

  • Ravenna (approx. 30 km east of Faenza): A UNESCO World Heritage city, Ravenna is renowned for its stunning Byzantine mosaics, particularly in the Basilica di San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. The city is a hub of art and history, with beautiful churches, vibrant cultural attractions, and charming streets that are perfect for leisurely exploration.
  • Bologna (approx. 60 km northwest of Faenza): Famous for its medieval architecture and vibrant food scene, Bologna offers landmarks such as the Piazza Maggiore, the Two Towers, and the Basilica di San Petronio. The city is also renowned for its cuisine, with tagliatelle al ragù (Bolognese sauce) being one of the most iconic dishes.
  • Imola (approx. 40 km south of Faenza): Known for the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, a motorsport race track that hosts events like Formula 1, Imola also features the Rocca Sforzesca, a Renaissance castle. The town’s historic centre, with its quaint streets and local shops, offers a pleasant atmosphere for visitors.
  • Marradi (approx. 35 km southwest of Faenza): A small town nestled in the Apennine mountains, Marradi offers scenic beauty and historical charm. Visitors can explore the Chiesa di San Lorenzo and the charming streets that surround the town. The surrounding countryside is perfect for hiking, offering lush greenery and panoramic views.
  • Dozza (approx. 20 km southwest of Faenza): Known for its beautiful murals that decorate the streets, Dozza is a picturesque hilltop town with a rich medieval heritage. The town is also home to the Rocca di Dozza, a fortress that offers panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards. Dozza is famous for its wine, and local wineries offer tours and tastings of its renowned wines.
By Rail: Faenza has its own train station on the Bologna–Ancona railway line, with additional services to Florence via the scenic Faentina line. Trenitalia regional and intercity trains run frequently to Bologna, Ravenna, Rimini, and Florence. The journey takes around 30 minutes to Bologna, 40 minutes to Ravenna, and 1 hour and 45 minutes to Florence. The station is located near the town centre and is easily accessible on foot.

By Road: Faenza is located in the province of Ravenna, along the Via Emilia in central Emilia-Romagna. It lies approximately 50 kilometres south-east of Bologna and 35 kilometres west of Ravenna. The drive from Bologna takes around 50 minutes via the A14 motorway, while the journey from Ravenna takes about 40 minutes. Public parking is available throughout the town, including areas near the railway station and the historic centre.

Nearest International Airports:
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  • Bologna Airport (Aeroporto di Bologna Guglielmo Marconi): Located about 60 kilometres north-west of Faenza, the drive takes around 1 hour. Direct trains from Bologna Centrale to Faenza run frequently throughout the day.
  • Rimini Airport (Aeroporto di Rimini Federico Fellini): Situated approximately 80 kilometres south-east of Faenza, the drive takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Train travel is also possible with a change in Rimini.
  • Florence Airport (Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola): Roughly 120 kilometres south-west of Faenza, the drive takes around 2 hours. Faenza is accessible from Florence by train via the Faentina line, with a travel time of about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

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