Calcinaia: Ceramics, the Arno and the Nozza Tradition

Calcinaia between ceramic history and the Arno

Calcinaia combines a strong ceramic tradition with the history of the Arno and a rich body of local customs. The historic centre is home to the Museo della Ceramica, dedicated to Lodovico Coccapani. The museum is housed in the rooms of an old ceramics workshop founded in the last decade of the 18th century. Calcinaia's history also includes the Torre Grande, known as the Torre degli Upezzinghi, as well as the festivals, specialities and river events associated with Calcinaia.

Experience ceramics at the museum

The museum tour presents the history of Calcinaia's ceramics workshop through its products, workshop spaces, salvaged kilns and tools. If you are interested in traditional production, it also offers insights into the tools used and the techniques for manufacturing and decorating ceramics.

Medieval evidence and religious tradition

The Torre Grande is the oldest surviving evidence of Calcinaia's medieval fortified settlement and dates back to the first half of the 13th century. The second historical reference concerns Saint Ubaldesca: the tradition surrounding her includes the transfer of her right arm in 1642 and the arrival of the rest of her body on 24 May 1924. Both themes complement the history of ceramics with medieval and religious references, without restricting you to a single chapter of the town's history.

Regatta on the Arno and the history of the Navicellai

The Historical Regatta of Calcinaia takes place on the Arno in May and commemorates the traditional work of the Navicellai. It includes a procession in historical costumes followed by a race on the river between the districts of Montecchio, Oltrarno and La Nave. The Arno's large loop at Calcinaia also represents the connection between water and local history: historically, its banks accommodated Navicelli, boats used to transport goods to the port of Livorno. Today, this stretch is also one of the most important venues for national and international sport fishing competitions.

Nozza: pastry with festive significance

A distinctive culinary tradition is the Nozza di Calcinaia. This very crumbly local pastry consists of a cone-shaped wafer and is prepared with anise and rosolio. Traditionally, it is made for weddings and baptisms. At the Sagra della Nozza, women from Calcinaia make the pastry in large quantities so that guests can discover and taste it. The first Sagra took place in May 1975; today, it is held on the third weekend of May in the historic centre of Calcinaia.

Craft traditions extending to Fornacette

Calcinaia is shaped by the craft tradition of ceramic processing and numerous lime kilns. These lime kilns remained in operation until the 1960s, particularly in the hamlet of Fornacette.

More destinations for planning your own trip

Pisa, Casciana Terme, Orentano, Orciano Pisano, Cenaia, Molino d'Egola and Monteverdi Marittimo

To the main travel overview: Pisa.