During the renovation of the Albergo Diffuso, an exciting discovery unearthed a hidden treasure in the heart of Casteldilago: within an ancient butto—a cistern once used as a waste disposal site—numerous artifacts of great historical and artistic value were founAmong the remarkable items uncovered were kitchen ceramics, metal objects, fragments of chalices, bottles, glassware, toys, buckles, buttons, and even cowbells, dating back to various periods.
The recovered majolica, of extraordinary quality, originated from the renowned ceramic workshops of central Italy, including Deruta, Spoleto, Gubbio, Todi, Acquapendente, and Bagnoregio. They are adorned with the coats of arms of noble Italian families who governed the castle, such as the Orsini, Medici, Lauri, and Clementini families.
The arrival of Sir Timothy Clifford, an eminent English scholar and former director of the National Gallery of Scotland, brought exceptional attention to the discovered artifacts. These items were cataloged, placed in their respective historical contexts, and partially restored, leading to the creation of the Ceramics Museum.
This unique museum space offers visitors the opportunity to delve into the rich history and art of Italian ceramics, exploring tangible evidence of centuries of life in the medieval village of Casteldilago.