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Faenza
Tourist information - Faenza
Faenza a town of Roman origin - is a beautiful artistic town that was already very famous during the Renaissance for the production of ceramic objects and exquisite workmanship, exported in many European countries.
The toponym became one synonym of ceramics (majolica) in many languages, among which French (faiance) and English (faience) are to be mentioned.
The town flourished considerably after the second half of the century AD, due to its agricultural vocation and for the development of the industrial business, such as the production of ceramics (brick-works) and flax textiles.
After a time of decadence that went from the second century to the beginning of the Middle Ages, it flourished again from the eighth century. About the year 1000 AD, with the Bishops’ rule, and later at the time of the Communes, Faenza experienced a long period of wealth and expansion of the building industry, which reached its height during the age of the seigniory of Manfredi. With the Carlo Manfredi government, during the second half of the fifteenth century, the plan for the urban renewal of the town centre was implemented. After the short Venetian rule, Faenza became part of the Papal State until 1767. The present aspect of the town formed during this long period of historical development, then other prestigious architectural works were added, with strong renaissance and classical characteristics.
Several International events are held in Faenza, among which some are related to contemporary and old artistic ceramics. To take part in these events, artists, collectors and majolica lovers come to Faenza from all over the world. The Palio del Niballo, a spectacular tournaments played by five knights from the town neighbourhoods during the month of June, recalls the fights that took place in Faenza at the time of Manfredi. Finally, the one-hundred kilometres race from Florence to Faenza is an extremely involving long-distance race, held during last week-end of May, in which athletes of all nationalities take part.
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