The Old Kiln

In the heart of Asciano, in a neighborhood known as “il Cocciaio,” you can find the remains of one of the last ceramic kilns from the 19th century.

This kiln, next to the birthplace of the renowned sculptor Luigi Magi, belonged to the famous Francini family, highly regarded ceramists since the 18th century. Their skill was so renowned that it spread beyond the borders of Tuscany, making Asciano a center of excellence in ceramic production. Walking through these ancient walls, it's easy to imagine the intense work that took place here, where clay took shape and life under the skilled hands of artisans. It’s an experience that blends history, art, and tradition in a place rich in memories and creativity.

In the Basilica of Sant’Agata, visitors can experience the art of the Francini family by admiring the Via Crucis, a remarkable work made up of 14 polychrome terracotta panels, dated to 1790. Each step along this sacred path is an opportunity to contemplate the mastery and devotion that permeate these works of art, preserved within the walls of the basilica.

As you walk through the narrow streets of Asciano’s historic center, you can discover numerous ceramics adorning the facades of buildings and house walls. These works, scattered even in the surrounding countryside, tell ancient stories and are often votive plaques, placed with devotion to protect the travelers and pilgrims who passed through these lands.

It’s fascinating to imagine that some of these ceramics were created right here at the kiln in via Luigi Magi, where the art of clayworking has deep roots. Each plaque, with its delicate shapes and intense colors, seems to whisper tales of faith and tradition, connecting the past to the present. In this journey through the streets of Asciano, every corner holds a surprise, a hidden artwork, waiting to be discovered by anyone willing to lift their gaze and be enchanted by the timeless beauty of the ceramics.