Permanent Glass Exhibition in Gambassi Terme

The permanent exhibition of glassmaking in Gambassi Terme contains around 3,000 archaeological artifacts that document the production of glass in Valdelsa between the 13th and 16th centuries. For centuries, this craft represented a distinctive and prestigious element for the entire territory and its fame extended far beyond the local borders.

The exhibition is located at 7 Via Garibaldi and goes back over the history of pre-industrial glassmaking, through an exhibition divided into four sections: the history of glassmaking in Italy from protohistory to the 16th century; the technology of pre-industrial production with materials, furnaces and work tools found mainly in the localities of Germagnana and Santa Cristina; the daily life of Gambassi glassmakers illustrated by everyday objects found during the excavations and, lastly, the production context linked to the Via Francigena and Via Volterrana communication routes, which favored the spread and export of glassmaking techniques.

The geographical location, the presence of raw materials such as minerals, large woods to feed the furnaces and a deeply-rooted artisan tradition, have allowed Gambassi to become one of Italy's main glassmaking centers, along with Altare and Murano. Among the most famous artifacts are the glasses, called "gambassini”, known since the 14th century for their geometric decorations obtained using matrices and produced from green or crystalline glass. They have been found in numerous archaeological sites throughout Italy, providing evidence of the rapid and quantitatively significant production.

The exhibition also preserves the memory of prominent master glassmakers like Becuccio Bicchieraio (Domenico di Jacopo di Mattio), who held important positions in Florence and had relationships with renowned artists such as Pontormo and Andrea del Sarto. The exhibition is enriched by educational panels, multimedia reconstructions and objects that tell the story of the technology and social life of the glassmakers. This exhibition provides valuable and fascinating evidence for those who wish to learn about the industrial and artisan history of Valdelsa and the role of Gambassi Terme as a major historical center of glassmaking in Italy. 

For information on accessibility: regione.toscana.it