9 Best Things to do in Faenza, Italy (2024)

Faenza is a quaint medieval city located in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region. It is renowned for its colorful ceramics that date back to the Renaissance.

As a ceramicist myself, I was drawn to Faenza and curious to explore the city’s renowned international ceramics museum. It did not dissapoint!

You can comfortably see the highlights of Faenza in just one day, or even a half-day if you’re on a tight schedule. The city is compact and pedestrian-friendly, and all of the attractions can be reached within 10 minutes.

Faenza is a fantastic day trip from both Bologna and Ravenna and can be reached from either city in less than an hour.

In this guide, we are sharing the best things to do in Faenza, including dining options and practical travel tips.

Best Things to do in Faenza

1. International Museum of Ceramics

The International Museum of Ceramics (MIC) in Faenza is one of the world’s most important ceramics museums, featuring works not only from Faenza but from diverse cultures around the globe.

The museum is a treasure trove, especially for ceramics enthusiasts, displaying an extensive collection of over 60,000 ceramic works that span across millennia – from 4,000 B.C. to the present.

Make your way through the various exhibitions that feature pottery from regions around the world, including Japan, China, Ancient Egypt, Peru, and many European countries. It offers a unique opportunity to compare and admire the distinctive styles and techniques used across different cultures.

I was completely overwhelmed with inspiration and could have easily spent half a day here taking it all in. A visit to Faenza is worth it just to experience this incredible museum.

Allocate at least two hours for your visit. The museum’s vast collection is more expansive than you may initially think.

Practical Information: Full price tickets are €12 per person. Opening hours from April 1st to October 31st are Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM. November 1st to March 31st Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM and weekends from 10:00 AM – 6:00 AM. Closed Mondays. For up-to-date information, visit the museum’s official website.

2. Palazzo Milzetti

Located in the center of Faenza, Palazzo Milzetti is one of the most exquisite examples of Neoclassical architecture in Italy. Constructed between the 18th and 19th centuries, this historic palace was originally the residence of the Milzetti family.

The palace itself is a work of art. Each room is elaborately adorned, with walls covered in intricate paintings by the renowned artist Felice Giani.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Palazzo Milzetti and highly recommend adding it to your Faenza itinerary.

Practical Information: Full price tickets are €5 per person. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 9:00am to 6:30pm. Sundays from 1:30pm to 6:30pm. Free entry on the first Sunday of the month. Check the official website for up to date hours and times.

3. Piazza del Popolo

The Piazza del Poplo is a splendid square located at the heart of Faenza’s historic center. Dominating the square is the Palazzo del Podestà, a striking 15th-century palace distinguished by its two-story loggia.

This historic building has served as the seat of the local government for centuries.

Throughout the week, the square becomes a busy marketplace where vendors sell a variety of local goods and foods. Additionally, you can also enjoy a drink at one of the many cafes situated around the square. A perfect spot to soak in the picturesque scenery.

Tip: Down a small street, just off the piazza, is a small covered gallery with exquisite frescoes. You can find it on Google Maps here.

4. Faenza Cathedral

Located just a short walk from the Piazza del Poplo, the Duomo di Faenza is a Renaissance-style cathedral constructed in the late 15th century. Unlike many Italian cathedrals, which are built with elaborate stone or marble, the exterior facade remains unfinished and is simply made with bricks.

Take a few minutes to visit the church’s interior. The decoration is simple, and it doesn’t take much time to visit.

5. Piazza della Liberta

Situated directly in front of Faenza’s cathedral, Piazza della Liberta is lovely square that is connected to the Piazza del Popolo. The focal point of this square is the Fontana di Piazza, a Baroque-style fountain constructed around 1620.

Wander around the square, grab a drink or snack at one of the local cafes, and admire the stunning architecture in this lovely city center.

6. Pinacoteca Comunale

The Pinacoteca Comunale, Faenza’s Municipal Art Gallery, houses a rich collection of artworks spanning from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.

The layout of the museum is in chronological order. You will start with the 13th century and journey through the Renaissance and conclude with modern artworks, including pieces by notable artists such as Morandi.

Practical Information: Full price tickets cost €5 per person. Open Tuesday to Thursday from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Friday to Sunday from 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM. Closed Mondays. Visit the official website for up-to-date hours and information.

7. Shop for Ceramics

One of the best things to do in Faenza is to shop for ceramics. Faenza is celebrated around the world for its centuries-old tradition of making Faenza majolica pottery. This type of earthenware is adorned with vibrant and intricate designs that date back to the 15th century.

The Carnation motif is among the most famous designs you’ll find throughout Faenza. If you’re looking to own a piece, modern versions are available from Ginori 1735, one of my personal favorite Italian ceramics companies.

You can also find traditional versions of the Carnation motif around Faenza at one of the many shops like in the image below.

Another notable design is the Peacock motif, which is characterized by its vivid depiction of peacock feathers in various shades of blues and yellows.

Around the city, you’ll find numerous local workshops, ranging from individual ceramicists to larger companies, all selling local Faenza majolica pottery. Take your time to wander around and visit these shops.

If you’ve had your eye on some Italian pottery, it’s wise to purchase directly from the artists in Faenza, rather than through wholesalers elsewhere in Italy. It’s much more affordable.

Tip: Prior to visiting Faenza, research some ceramic workshops that you may want to visit. Be aware that many shops have unusual operating hours, with some only open for a couple of hours each day.

8. Bucci Park

Bucci Park, or Parco Bucci in Italian, is a wonderful green oasis located just outside Faenza’s historic center. The park features several large ponds, a network of walking trails, and multiple playgrounds, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a family outing.

As you wander through the park, you’ll encounter a variety of wildlife, including ducks, chickens, guinea pigs, and peacocks, adding a touch of whimsy to your visit. Whether you’re looking to escape the summer heat or simply enjoy a moment of relaxation in nature, Bucci Park offers a tranquil retreat.

9. Carlo Zauli Museum

Carlo Zauli was one of the most well known Italian ceramicists of the 20th century. This museum is dedicated to this artist from Faenza and provides an intimate look at a selection of his works.

Practical Info: Full price tickets cost €8 per person. The museum is open Tuesday and Thursday from 2:00 PM – 5:00 pm. Wednesday, Friday, Saturday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Check the official website for up-to-date times and info.

Map of Things to do in Faenza

This map includes the best things to do in Faenza, including the main attractions and restaurant recommendations.

To save the map in Google Maps on your phone or computer, click on the star next to the title. Once you do this, you’ll be able to find the map in your “saved maps” list on your phone.

To see a list of all the items on the map, click the box with arrow on the left. To enlarge the map, click the box on the right.

Is Faenza Worth Visiting?

For first-time visitors to Italy, I suggest skipping Faenza in favor of more well known cities in the region like Bologna, Ravenna, or Parma. We have traveled around Emilia-Romagna extensively, and our visit to Faenza was only part of our latest trip.

However, if you are a ceramicist or pottery enthusiast, then Faenza will likely be on your radar. If this is the case, then go for it! The museum alone is worth the trip to Faenza, and of course, the workshops are wonderful to visit.

How to get to Faenza?

By Train

Faenza is easily accessible by train. You can reserve your tickets online at the Trenitalia website or app. Alternatively, you can purchase them at the station on the day of your trip.

The train station is about a 15-minute walk from the center of Faenza and a 6-minute walk from the International Museum of Ceramics.

From Bologna: The train to Faenza from Bologna takes about 30 minutes each way. Trains depart several times per hour, so you won’t have any issues getting to and from Faenza throughout the day.

From Ravenna: The train to Faenza from Ravenna takes between 30-50 minutes each way. Trains leave 1-2 times per hour throughout the day.

By Car

Because Faenza is well connected by train, it’s best to use public transportation. However, if you have a rental car, you can take either the local or toll roads to get here.

There is parking available at the train station in Faenza, or at another open air lot, such as Piazza Franco Ricci, outside the center.

When to Visit Faenza?

Faenza can be visited any time of the year. It’s not a popular tourist spot, so you won’t experience the crowds like you may in Florence or other popular Italian cities.

Instead, Faenza is quaint and authentic, allowing for a more local experience. We visited in October and it was lovely. The weather is comfortably warm in the fall, and we were fortunate to visit on a sunny day.

Regarding weather, the best times to visit are spring (April to early June) and fall (September and October). Summers are hot and winters are a dreary and cold.

Where to eat in Faenza?

Faenza has plenty of delicious spots to try traditional Emilia-Romagna cuisine. Here are a few restaurants we recommend trying:

• Osteria Ristorante La Baita
• Pizzeria ‘O Fiore Mio
• Casa Spadoni Faenza