Cestenoli Terrecotte: Tradizione dal 1976

Cestenoli Terrecotte: Our Story

Established in 1976 in the heart of the enchanting Mugello Valley, Cestenoli Terracotta has a rich history of creating beautiful, handcrafted terracotta pots. The company was founded by Paolo Cestenoli and is now carried on by his son, Filippo.

Filippo's lifelong passion for terracotta, combined with his relentless pursuit of innovative techniques, has led to the creation of a new line of handcrafted Cestenoli pottery.

Despite his youth, Filippo so captivated his master that upon retirement, he bequeathed the business to his most promising apprentice.

Filippo’s lifelong affinity for terracotta and his dedicated pursuit of innovation in the field have led him to create a new line of Cestenoli products.

A wide range of frost-resistant Galestro terracotta and artistic ceramics, designed to meet the needs of discerning customers.

A personal collection designed to enhance your living spaces, gardens, and terraces. Handcrafted using ancient Tuscan terracotta techniques. For over 43 years, the Cestenoli family has been creating unique pieces that are the epitome of Italian craftsmanship.

For generations, we have been crafting and selling high-quality terracotta pots, jars, basins, panels, and more, adapting to market demands while preserving our passion for traditional craftsmanship. Curious about our secret ? Every family has one.

The inspiration behind Cestenoli's pieces

A potter's dedication to their craft fosters a dialogue with the material, revealing the artist's maturity.

In many ways, the potter resembles the natural philosophers known as alchemists. Both work with the earth, transforming it into something new. Like the alchemist, the potter's creations are the result of a deep understanding of nature and a patient, imaginative process.

Handmade Cestenoli Terracotta

Our terracotta begins as soft, malleable gray clay, easily shaped by the potter's hands. Using special techniques, the clay is manually pressed into plaster molds (the negative of the finished product) to achieve the desired shape.

Our handcrafted terracotta pots undergo a complex drying process to ensure they maintain their shape and become durable enough for finishing touches. This meticulous attention to detail allows us to create stunning pieces that are both functional and beautiful.

Before firing, the piece must be completely dry to prevent cracking. The initial firing temperature is 150°C, which is gradually increased to 1000°C for the final firing.

Our handmade terracotta pots undergo a meticulous firing process. The kiln is heated to 1000 degrees Celsius over a 3-day period, followed by a 2-day cooling phase.

This slow, traditional method results in a sturdy, reddish-brown finished product.

Our outdoor terracotta is made exclusively from frost-resistant galestro clay, rich in calcium, iron, and copper, and contains small pieces of galestro, making it resistant to temperatures as low as -25°C.