The Ceramics District: History, Tradition, Business and Motors

By Massimo Terracina

The foothill area south of Modena—comprising Fiorano, Maranello, Formigine, and Sassuolo—is known as the Ceramics District. This area, made up of eight municipalities and home to around 350 companies (including world leaders in ceramics of all sizes), possesses a hidden charm that deserves to be discovered.

Maybe it's the friendly accent, the authentic "Emilianity" (the essence of being from Emilia Romagna), or the outstanding cuisine and warm hospitality, but this region undoubtedly ranks as one of the hidden gems of Emilia Romagna—a region already brimming with wonders.

These lands are globally renowned for Ferrari, the sports car brand par excellence. A visit to the Ferrari Museum, which traces the history of the legendary manufacturer envisioned by Enzo Ferrari, “The Drake,” is an absolute must. Ferrari began as a producer of racing cars in the 1920s before becoming an iconic symbol of status and cutting-edge automotive technology.

The museum houses about thirty cars that shaped the history of luxury and Formula One racing. Highlights include a reproduction of the first Ferrari, the Auto Avio Costruzioni 815, created 84 years ago. The museum also displays the last car that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Ferrari 50, as well as classic supercars like the F40 and F50, Formula One cars, and a 1:1 scale replica of a “One-Off,” a tailor-made vehicle whose price could rival the GDP of a small country.

Maranello, a hospitable town of around 17,000 residents, offers more than Ferrari’s legacy. In the town center, you'll find MABIC (Maranello Biblioteca Cultura), a cultural hub designed by Arata Isozaki & Andrea Maffei, inaugurated in 2011. The town also boasts 10 square meters of green space per capita, making it a joy not only for its residents but also for those in neighboring Formigine.

Formigine is home to Villa Gandini, an extraordinary example of neoclassical architecture surrounded by a park dedicated to the Resistance. Built in 1791 and later owned by the noble Gandini family, the villa now houses the Municipal Library. It is one of over 80 historic villas and homes scattered across the Formigine area.

Visitors shouldn’t miss Formigine Castle, dating back to 1200. It features remains of a church, a bell tower, and a cemetery with over 200 ancient tombs. The castle, part of the Modena fortifications complex, functions as a historical museum, event venue, and even a restaurant and bar, blending history with vibrant contemporary uses.

The district is also the land of traditional Balsamic Vinegar. Its consortium unites 1,800 producers who adhere strictly to tradition. Vinegar production often begins at a child's birth, with barrels passed down through generations. The method, detailed in an 1862 letter by Francesco Aggazzotti, remains a cornerstone of the region’s heritage.

Another must-see is the Spezzano Castle, transformed into a noble palace in 1529 by the Pio di Savoia family. Highlights include the Renaissance courtyard, the frescoed “Sala delle Vedute” (Room of Views), and the Fiorano Ceramics Museum. The castle also houses the municipal vinegar factory and is located near the Salse di Nirano Nature Reserve, known for its fascinating mud volcanoes.

In Sassuolo, the Palazzo Ducale stands as a testament to 17th-century grandeur. Once a summer residence of the Este family, its frescoed rooms, such as the Galleria di Bacco, showcase the talents of Jean Boulanger, Angelo Michele Colonna, and other master artists.

For accommodations, the 4-star Hotel Terme della Salvarola, with its wellness center and thermal waters, provides an ideal base for exploring the area.

Culinary delights abound here. In Maranello, Ristorante Drake, near the Ferrari factory, serves generous portions of Emilia's traditional dishes. In Fiorano, Exè has been showcasing local ingredients and sustainable practices since 1985, earning a Michelin star for its sister establishment, Alto Restaurant. For a unique experience, dine at Cavallino Restaurant, located across from the old Ferrari factory, where Enzo Ferrari’s private dining room—painted in Ferrari red—is preserved as a tribute.