Faventia

Faventia is the Latin name for Faenza, a city in northern Italy. It is located in the Emilia-Romagna region, in the province of Ravenna, inland along the Lamone River.

In antiquity the area was inhabited and developed under Roman influence, with the name Faventia appearing in classical sources. During the Middle Ages Faenza grew as a market town and commercial center, a foundation that supported a durable craft tradition.

From the 15th century onward, Faenza became famous for tin-glazed maiolica pottery, a distinctive ceramic style that spread across Europe. The city’s ceramics contributed to a broader European trade in tin-glazed wares, and the craft left a lasting cultural imprint. The term faience in ceramics is linked to Faenza’s historic wares, reflecting the city’s influence on the wider tradition.

Today, Faenza remains closely associated with ceramics. The city preserves its heritage through workshops and exhibitions, and houses the Museo Internazionale delle Ceramiche di Faenza, which showcases both traditional and contemporary ceramic art. While the local economy includes several sectors, ceramics remains a defining feature of Faenza’s cultural identity.