The Museum of Terracotta in Petroio
History and traditional craftsmanship on display in village near Trequanda
The village of Petroio is a hamlet in the municipality of Trequanda and is distinguished by its long tradition in the production of terracotta wares. In particular, in this place the potter's trade is associated with the role of custodian of art and culture: for this reason the Museum of Terracotta has been set up here.
The museum, located in a 13th-century palace, highlights the active relationship between past and present, craftsmanship and design in the area. The continuity between traditional techniques, rendered with interesting reconstructions of the quarry where the clay is extracted and the workshop where it is worked with the typical kiln, and recent methods is shown here. Visitors can also tour the plants of the area's clay miners. There is also an educational workshop at the end of the exhibition route for clay manipulation where, with the help of museum workers, objects are shaped and fired in the kiln.
Petroio's terracotta artifacts are not only located inside the museum, but are scattered throughout the village. The museum suggests guided tours of them, thus placing terracotta work in the broader panorama of traditional Sienese craftsmanship.
Accessibility information: regione.toscana.it
