Faenza, Medieval city in Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Faenza is a city in the province of Ravenna in Emilia-Romagna with a medieval center that spreads around Piazza del Popolo. The streets are lined with brick buildings including Renaissance palaces and Romanesque churches, while two clock towers mark the skyline.
The Roman settlement of Faventia grew into an important center during the Middle Ages, ruled by the Manfredi family from the 14th to the 15th century. After a period under papal control, it became part of unified Italy in the 19th century.
The city gave its name to faience pottery, produced in workshops throughout the old town for centuries. Narrow streets around the main square still house ceramic studios where artisans work with traditional techniques passed down through generations.
The historic core is easy to explore on foot, with most points of interest within a short walk of each other. Piazza del Popolo serves as a natural starting point for walks through the old town and its side streets.
The city's ceramics museum houses works by Picasso, Chagall and Matisse alongside historical collections from different periods. In June, the Palio del Niballo takes place, with knights from five districts competing in a traditional tournament at the stadium.
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