CENTRO STUDI ITALIANI, the Italian language school in Urbania

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Urbania is famous worldwide for its old artistic ceramics which are known by their "Casteldurante" name. In fact, the town was known as Casteldurante until 1636 and was then called Urbania, in honour of Pope Urbano VIII who established it as a town and diocese. Casteldurante (Urbania) was home to about fifty ceramic workshops during the period of Federico II of Montefeltro, the first duke of Urbino. Throughout the XV century, the Casteldurante artistic ceramic production was the principal economic activity of the duchy. From Urbania artistic ceramic production spread first to Urbino, then on to Pesaro and other towns within the Urbinate. Among the great names connected with Urbanese ceramics, the one to be remembered in particular is that of Cipriano Piccolpasso, who wrote the famous treatise "L'Arte del Vasaio", in three volumes (in the year 1548), now kept in London at the Victoria and Albert Museum. The illustrations shown here are taken from this book.



The courses are held by highly qualified artists who have matured along with their dedication to the best traditions of Urbania. The complete course includes the teaching of both the modelling and moulding, by hand or by turntable, and the decoration. In any event, a student may dedicate himself to just one of these techniques, in accordance with the teacher-artist who guides him. Works created are the students' property. If they wish, students may also donate works to the school collection.

Example of weekly timetable

 * Lesson timetable:
morning: 08.50 - 10.50, interval, and 11.20 - 12.20;
Saturday special tutorial: 09.00 - 11.00;
conversation and culture afternoons: 14.30 - 16.30/18.30;
ceramic afternoons: 14.30 - 17.30;

The cost for a 4-week course (24 hours of ceramic laboratory) is € 150.00, in addition to the Italian language and culture course.
The student pays for material consumption directly to the teacher. Works created are the students' property.