FAME, RICHES AND BEAUTY FROM CERAMICS
	Of Roman origins,Faenza is a splendid city of art whose fame already shone in the Renaissance period for the production of exquisitely made pottery that was exported all over Europe. The very name has become synonymous with ceramics (majolica) in various languages among which French (faïence) and English (faience). From the second half of the first century A.D. the city flourished considerably as a result of its agricultural propensities and the development of industrial activities such as the production of everyday pottery and brickwork obiects and linen textiles. After a period of decadence from the 2nd century to the early Middle Ages it regained prosperity from the 8th century on. Around the year 1000 with the government of the Bishops and subsequently in the age of the Commune the city began a long period of richness and building expansion which reached its peak with the rule of the Manfredi family. Under Carlo II Manfredi, in the second half of the 15th century, the city centre was renewed. After a brief period of Venetian domination Faenza became part of the Church States until 1797. So the city we see today was formed over a long arc of historical evolution and enriched over the years by fine architecture with strong Renaissance and Neoclassical features.