Craftsmanship in Cinque Terre: interview with Fabbrica d’Arte Monterosso

The Cinque Terre are famous for their dramatic cliffs and pastel villages, but beyond the postcard views lies a territory defined by the grit and creativity of its local artisans.

Today we chat with Adele, part of the new generation of artisans breathing fresh life into the traditional botteghe (craft workshops) that line the narrow streets of Cinque Terre.

The Story of Five Pairs of Hands

Tell us about Fabbrica d’Arte Monterosso. How did this “Art Factory” begin?
Our story is one of friendship and shared dreams. Fabbrica d’Arte was founded by mother Milla and her friend Franz in 1982, when – after a ceramics course – they decided to follow their passion and open the first shop in Via V. Emanuele in Monterosso, working with stoneware and terracotta. My dad Diego joined them in 1996 and they opened another shop in Monterosso, where they specialized in porcelain. And it’s been a couple of years since Jenny (Franz’s wife) and I joined the team, we fell in love with this work, which has become a project, an idea, a dream that takes shape every day for all of us.

Shaping the Essence of the Land

What is the connection between your craftsmanship and the landscape of the Cinque Terre?
Ceramics is an ancient art, but our work is deeply rooted in the soil of Monterosso. We feel a great responsibility to narrate this land through our pieces. We translate the sensory experience of the coast into physical objects: the deep blue of the Ligurian Sea, the vivid green of the terraced vineyards, and the warm browns of the earth. When we work the clay, we are making a bowl and capturing the sea breeze and the warm sun. We look for simple, organic shapes that reflect the natural harmony surrounding us.

Where can we find Fabbrica d’Arte Monterosso?
You can find us in two shops in Monterosso, one in via Via Emanuele 27 and one in Via Roma 9. We are also online at www.fabbricadarte.com and on Instagram and Facebook. Some creations are also available at the Grand Hotel Portovenere in the Gulf of Poets!