History

The city of Empoli, located on the left bank of the Arno River, is a historical and cultural crossroads in the heart of Tuscany, halfway between Florence, Pisa, and Siena—three of the most important Italian art cities. This region, a key part of the lands of the Renaissance, preserves an artistic and natural heritage that tells the rich story of Tuscan artistic glass and its influence on the tradition of Italian design. Empoli originated in the 11th century, developing around the Pieve di Sant’Andrea and as a fief of the Counts Guidi. Throughout its history, major events—such as the famous Ghibelline parliament after the Battle of Montaperti and the speech of Farinata degli Uberti, who saved Florence from destruction—left a deep mark on the city.

Despite its cultural richness, Empoli faced times of crisis, particularly the devastating sack of 1530 by Spanish imperial troops, which triggered a long period of decline lasting until the second half of the 18th century. The city’s economic and social revival was encouraged by the Enlightenment reforms of Pietro Leopoldo, which relaunched industrial and manufacturing activities—especially glassmaking—and contributed to infrastructure development, including the construction of the Leopolda railway and a new bridge over the Arno.

The roots of Empoli’s glassmaking tradition are closely tied to the nearby Valdelsa, where numerous kilns were documented as early as the 13th century in towns like San Gimignano, Montaione, and Gambassi. Historical records indicate the existence of a glassworks active since 1230 at the Castle of Camporbiano, near San Gimignano, producing various types of fine glass. A historical curiosity tells us that the Black Death in the 14th century caused a diaspora of many Valdelsan master glassmakers, who migrated throughout Tuscany and beyond, spreading top-level craftsmanship and techniques.

During the Renaissance, under the Medici, Florence became one of the leading centers for the production of Italian artistic glass, attracting master glassmakers from Murano and creating refined and luxurious glassworks that symbolized a culture of excellence. However, the military devastations of the 16th century led to an economic and productive crisis that lasted over two centuries, marking a period of decline for Empoli and its glassmaking district.

The turning point came in the second half of the 18th century, thanks to Pietro Leopoldo’s reforms, which relaunched the production of glass and crystal. This led to the emergence of local manufacturing of flasks, green glass bottles, and white glass or “semi-crystal” items inspired by English models of the time. The opening of the Florence-Pisa railway further accelerated the distribution and commercialization of locally produced goods. By 1850, the Vivo and Ristori Glassworks already employed numerous workers and bottle-makers, a clear sign of the region’s industrial and social growth.

Today, the Centrovetro Empoli Consortium represents the beating heart of the Tuscan glass tradition, bringing together over 20 leading companies in blown glass, hand-engraved crystal, and the production of furniture accessories, lighting, tableware, and kitchen items. The Consortium promotes high-quality Made in Italy glass, facilitating access to exclusive international markets through an integrated strategy of marketing, participation in specialized fairs, and collaborations with cultural institutions and trade publications.

A key element of the mission is environmental sustainability, with many companies adopting low-impact technologies and recyclable materials, in line with growing awareness of social and environmental responsibility in the manufacturing sector. The ability to innovate while remaining faithful to artisanal tradition enables the Consortium and its companies to effectively meet the demands of an ever-evolving global market.

The added value of the Consortium also lies in the organization of cultural events, workshops, and training programs aimed at passing on artisanal skills to new generations and consolidating the reputation of Tuscan glass as a product of luxury, quality, and design. The synergy among member companies fosters dialogue and the development of new ideas, stimulating creativity and international competitiveness.

In conclusion, the Centrovetro Empoli Consortium is not just a representative and promotional body for companies, but a true model of excellence that combines historical tradition, quality craftsmanship, technological innovation, environmental sustainability, and internationalization. A symbol of Tuscany looking to the future, bringing the art, culture, and beauty of Italian glass and crystal to the world.