Grottaglie, Ceramic artisan town in Apulia, Italy.
Grottaglie is a town in the Province of Taranto in Apulia, sitting on a limestone plateau cut by deep ravines. The steep rock walls contain natural caves that have been used as workshops and storage spaces for centuries.
The Archbishop's castle was built in the 15th century as a summer residence for the prelates of Taranto. The area had been settled since ancient times, as pottery finds from the 8th century BC show.
The name comes from the Latin word for grotto, referring to the caves in the limestone cliffs nearby. Visitors often watch potters at work shaping and firing their ceramics using traditional methods.
The pottery quarter is within walking distance from the town center and allows visitors to watch craftspeople in their workshops. The art school from the late 18th century offers insight into traditional production methods and sells pieces on site.
The museum in the former castle displays ceramic pieces dating back to pre-Greek times. The town holds official recognition as one of 28 certified pottery centers in Italy.
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