Museum Workshop Giuditta Brozzetti, Perugia

Museum in Perugia

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Giada6455

Tucked inside the former 13th century church of San Francesco delle Donne, the Museum Workshop Giuditta Brozzetti is one of the most atmospheric craft experiences in Perugia. About a 15-minute walk from Piazza IV Novembre, this peaceful space brings together medieval stone, the memory of Saint Francis and his followers, and the rhythmic clatter of historic looms. It feels more like being invited into a working atelier than visiting a conventional museum, which is exactly why it has become one of the top attractions in Perugia for travellers who like to go beyond standard sights.

The heart of the workshop is its people, above all Marta Cucchia, a fourth-generation master weaver who has turned her family's tradition into a mission to save Umbrian hand weaving. Between the wooden looms, spools of thread and hanging textiles, Marta explains how designs and techniques have been passed down from mother to daughter, and what it takes to keep this kind of craft alive in the 21st century. Watching fabric slowly grow under her hands in a former church where Saint Francis once prayed is a powerful reminder of how deeply craft, faith and everyday life are intertwined here, and it is a highlight of any walking tour of Perugia that focuses on authentic local culture.

History and Significance of the Museum Workshop Giuditta Brozzetti
Things to See and Do in the Museum Workshop Giuditta Brozzetti
How to Get to the Museum Workshop Giuditta Brozzetti
Practical Tips on Visiting the Museum Workshop Giuditta Brozzetti
Where to Stay close to the Museum Workshop Giuditta Brozzetti
Is the Museum Workshop Giuditta Brozzetti Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Museum Workshop Giuditta Brozzetti
Nearby Attractions to the Museum Workshop Giuditta Brozzetti

History and Significance of the Museum Workshop Giuditta Brozzetti

The story of the Museum Workshop Giuditta Brozzetti begins with its extraordinary home. The Ex Chiesa di San Francesco delle Donne was built in the 13th century and for a time housed a small community associated with Saint Francis and his disciples. Over the centuries, as religious life in the city changed, the church lost its original function and eventually found a new role as the setting for a weaving atelier dedicated to preserving Umbrian textile traditions. Today, the stone walls and high vaulted ceiling provide a dramatic backdrop for the looms, making the connection between old and new instantly visible.

The workshop itself continues a family story that began generations ago, when women in the Brozzetti line took up hand weaving as both livelihood and art. Rather than separating production from presentation, the Museum Workshop integrates both: historic looms are not just decorative, they are used every day, and visitors can see patterns that appear in old textiles being reinterpreted for modern homes. This continuity is what makes the place so significant; it is not just about displaying rare fabrics under glass, but about showing how the knowledge to make them is kept alive.

By opening its doors to the public, the Museum Workshop Giuditta Brozzetti has become an important ambassador for Umbrian heritage. It introduces visitors to traditional motifs, colours and weaving structures that might otherwise disappear under the pressure of mass production. It also shows how heritage crafts can still play a role in a contemporary city, creating meaningful, sustainable work while maintaining a tangible link to the past.

Things to See and Do in the Museum Workshop Giuditta Brozzetti

One of the best ways to experience the Museum Workshop is simply to stand quietly for a moment and absorb the atmosphere: the filtered light, the stone walls of the old church, the wooden looms that dominate the floor. As your eyes adjust, you will start to notice the details: warp threads stretched in place, shuttles resting on beams, and finished pieces draped over chairs and rails. It quickly becomes clear that this is a living workshop, not just a display.

Meeting Marta Cucchia is at the core of the visit. As a fourth-generation master weaver, she shares the story of Umbrian textiles with warmth and precision, explaining how patterns are set up, how designs travel across generations, and how hard it is to maintain such a specialised craft in a globalised economy. Watching her work at one of the hand looms, hearing the clack of the shuttle and seeing a motif slowly emerge in the fabric, gives you a new appreciation for the time and skill behind each piece. If you are interested, do not hesitate to ask questions; this is a place where conversation and knowledge-sharing are part of the experience.

After seeing the looms in action, take time to explore the finished textiles on display. From table runners and cushions to curtains and other household items, each piece reflects a blend of traditional patterns and modern tastes. You can purchase something to take home - a tangible reminder of your visit and a way to support the workshop's future. For those who want to go deeper, the museum offers hand weaving, lacemaking and embroidery courses throughout the year, for individuals and small groups. Spending a few hours or days learning basic techniques on the same looms you have just admired is one of the best places to see in Perugia if you want a genuinely hands-on cultural experience.

How to Get to the Museum Workshop Giuditta Brozzetti

The Museum Workshop Giuditta Brozzetti is about a 15-minute walk from Piazza IV Novembre in Perugia's historic centre, set in the former church of San Francesco delle Donne in a quieter part of town. Perugia is served by the San Francesco d'Assisi - Umbria International Airport, and can also be reached from larger airports such as Rome and Florence, with onward travel by regional train, coach or hire car into the city. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Perugia on Booking.com. From arrival points in town, local buses, the minimetrò and taxis can bring you close to the historic core, from which you can follow local maps or directions to the workshop.

If you are travelling by train, you will arrive at Perugia Fontivegge station, which connects with many cities across central Italy. Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy. From there, take the minimetrò or a city bus up to the centro storico and then walk towards Piazza IV Novembre before continuing on foot to the former church of San Francesco delle Donne. The walk is part of the experience, leading you through residential streets and away from the busiest tourist routes.

Arriving by car, it is best to park in one of the public car parks around the edges of the historic centre, due to restricted-traffic zones in the old town. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you. After parking, you can navigate by foot using a map or navigation app, heading towards the workshop’s address; allow extra time for a leisurely stroll, as the route can be quite scenic.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Museum Workshop Giuditta Brozzetti

Suggested tips: Treat your visit as both a museum stop and a studio tour; take time to talk with the weaver and ask about patterns, techniques and the history of specific pieces.
Best time to visit: Late morning or early afternoon is ideal, when the workshop is likely to be active and light in the church is at its best.
Entrance fee: Free entrance
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 – 18:00 Saturday and Sunday by Appointment Only.
Official website: https://www.brozzetti.com/en/
How long to spend: Plan for at least 60-90 minutes to watch a demonstration, explore the textiles and, if you wish, make a considered purchase.
Accessibility: The workshop is located in a historic church building, so access may involve steps and uneven floors; visitors with reduced mobility should check in advance about practical arrangements.
Facilities: On-site facilities are limited to the workshop itself; for cafés, restaurants and additional services you will rely on the streets and squares back towards the centre.
Photography tip: Ask permission before photographing the weavers at work; close-ups of hands, threads and loom details capture the essence of the place better than wide shots alone.
Guided tours: Some visits may include structured explanations or small-group tours; if you are especially interested in textiles, consider arranging a more in-depth session or course.
Nearby food options: After your visit, head back towards the central streets near Piazza IV Novembre or Corso Vannucci, where you will find plenty of cafés and trattorias for a post-workshop drink or meal.

Where to Stay close to the Museum Workshop Giuditta Brozzetti

Choosing accommodation within walking distance of the Museum Workshop Giuditta Brozzetti allows you to combine a visit here with easy access to the rest of Perugia's historic centre. For a classic stay with views and a prime position on the edge of the old town, Sina Brufani offers an elegant base from which you can stroll down to the workshop and back up via Rocca Paolina. If you would like to be tucked into the medieval lanes between the main squares and the quieter quarters, Hotel Priori Secret Garden combines characterful rooms with a convenient central location. A more budget-friendly but still well-situated option is Albergo Morlacchi, placing you close enough to walk to the workshop, while remaining just a few minutes from many of Perugia’s churches, museums and viewpoints.

Is the Museum Workshop Giuditta Brozzetti Worth Visiting?

The Museum Workshop Giuditta Brozzetti is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you appreciate authentic, small-scale experiences rather than big-ticket attractions. It offers a rare chance to see a traditional craft not only displayed but genuinely practised, in a setting that adds its own emotional weight thanks to the former church and its links to Saint Francis. The opportunity to meet a fourth-generation master weaver, watch the looms in motion and even sign up for a course makes it both intimate and memorable. Whether you leave with just photos and stories or a handwoven piece for your home, this is the kind of visit that lingers long after your trip to Perugia ends.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.9 (268)

Museo-Laboratorio di tessitura a mano Giuditta Brozzetti, located at Via Tiberio Berardi 5/6 in Perugia, is a traditional hand-weaving workshop housed in a former Franciscan church where visitors can see original 18th- and 19th-century wooden looms still in operation and watch artisans recreate jacquard, damask, and Perugian tablecloth patterns rooted in medieval designs; guests note warm, knowledgeable hosts from the founding family across generations, guided demonstrations that explain techniques and encoded loom designs, and a vivid, living sense of Umbrian textile heritage.

John Teo

2 months ago

"The Museo-Laboratorio di Tessitura a Mano Giuditta Brozzetti in Perugia is a living workshop and museum dedicated to the art of traditional Umbrianhandweaving. Founded in 1921 by Giuditta Brozzetti, it preserves centuries-old textile techniques once used in convents and rural households. Housed in the former Church of San Francesco delle Do e, the museum features original wooden looms from the 18th and 19th centuries still in use today. Visitors can watch artisans recreate intricate jacquard, damask, and Perugian tablecloth patterns inspired by medieval designs. The space beautifully combines history, craftsmanship, and female enterprise, keeping Umbria’s textile heritage vibrantly alive. Highly recommended for those interested in heritage crafts...."

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bluewinters

8 months ago

"A truly meaningful place to visit. Marta, the fourth-generation descendant of the founder, is incredibly kind and deeply passionate about her work.This is likely one of the last remaining places where Perugia’s medieval textile traditions are still preserved. They even produce tablecloths used in da Vinci’s Last Supper—an astonishing blend of history and craftsmanship. The workshop is located in a former church once used by San Francesco, a setting that remains marvellous and full of character. A visit here feels like stepping into a living museum where tradition and artistry continue to thrive...."

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David Bongiova i

4 months ago

"This artisan place is a very slightly out of the way absolute treasure. Our guide Aurelia was wonderful and it was a pleasant honor to meet the ownerMarta. Her story and that of her great grandmother is inspiring. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary please visit. You will not regret it...."

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FAQs for Visiting Museum Workshop Giuditta Brozzetti

It is often possible to drop in during opening hours, but for demonstrations or courses it is best to check ahead and reserve a spot.

Yes, the workshop sells its own handwoven pieces, including cushions, table runners and other household items, making it an excellent place to purchase meaningful souvenirs.

Yes, introductory courses are designed for beginners and provide a hands-on introduction to basic techniques, with guidance from experienced weavers.

Nearby Attractions to the Museum Workshop Giuditta Brozzetti

Rocca Paolina: Atmospheric underground remains of a 16th century papal fortress, with escalators connecting lower car parks to the hilltop centre.
Piazza IV Novembre: Perugia's main square, home to the Great Fountain, Cathedral of San Lorenzo and Palazzo dei Priori, and a natural starting point for city explorations.
National Gallery of Umbria: Major collection of Umbrian art from the 13th to the 19th century, housed in the upper floors of Palazzo dei Priori.
Civic Museum at Palazzo della Penna: Historic residence turned museum with frescoed rooms, modern art collections and a cultural café.
Etruscan Well (Pozzo Etrusco): Ancient subterranean well hidden in the old town, revealing Perugia's deep-rooted relationship with water and engineering.

The Museum Workshop Giuditta Brozzetti appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Perugia!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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