Museo Civico e della Ceramica di Ariano

The Ariano Irpino Civic and Ceramics Museum is located in Forte Palace and houses more than 250 objects of various kinds that testify to the history of ancient art that is widespread in the Tricolle region. 

The majolica collection covers a period from the 14th century to the present day. Alongside this repertoire are ceramic objects dating from the 9th to the 13th century from sporadic finds and excavations in the surrounding area. The work of masters far from fashions and pictorial trends, Ariano ceramics tell, with a few simple brushstrokes, the uses, customs, habits and values of a people and its territory. For centuries, the Ariano "masters" of ceramics have forged jugs, plates, flasks and mugs in bright and unmistakable colours.

Worthy of mention is the collection of objects from the 18th century, the golden age of Ariano ceramics. There are no less than 11 kilns and around 29 craftsmen with different jobs in this historical period: faenzari, cretai, rovagnari and stovigliai. The 18th-century majolica makers of Ariano produced original decorative models, including anthropomorphic and zoomorphic oil lamps, jugs and secret flasks, whimsical saltcellars, slipper-shaped hand warmers, large plates and devotional plates, many of which have survived to the present day. 

An authentic educational and scientific centre, the Ariano Irpino Civic and Ceramics Museum is a place where water, fire, earth and air combine with the colours and skill of Ariano Irpino ceramists.