Umbrian Jacquard Weaving with Marta & Alessia
Step into one of Italy’s last surviving hand weaving ateliers and explore the centuries-old tradition of Umbrian weaving with Marta and Alessia. Housed in a 13th-century Franciscan church, the studio is a living piece of Perugia’s cultural heritage. Learn to derive patterns from Renaissance paintings, explore traditional Umbrian weave patterns, and try your hand at a rare 19th-century Jacquard loom. A unique opportunity to experience the artistry that once captivated masters like Giotto and Leonardo da Vinci.
- Snacks, Coffee, & Tea
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $1125
- Additional guest(s) (max 4)
- USD $660
Meet the Artist
Marta is a fourth-generation Jacquard weaver and co-leads one of Italy’s last remaining hand-weaving workshops alongside Alessia and three fellow master weavers. The studio—originally founded by Marta’s great-grandmother Giuditta, a pioneering educator and entrepreneur—is housed in a 13th-century Franciscan church just a short walk from the heart of Perugia. Together, this team of five textile artists carries forward the Umbrian tradition of women weaving for the household, approaching it as a form of high art.
Marta and Alessia specialize in traditional Perugian motifs and techniques, weaving linen, cotton, silk, cashmere, gold, and silver into tablecloths, runners, and wall hangings that blur the line between art and artifact. The studio hums with the rhythmic clatter of a 200-year-old wooden pedal loom and rare 19th-century Jacquard looms, which use perforated cards to produce intricate, historically inspired patterns. One of their notable achievements includes restoring a 17th-century loom to revive the lost "Fiamma di Perugia" (Flame of Perugia) textile tradition.
Every piece woven in the studio is a dialogue with history—an echo of medieval and Renaissance craftsmanship, shaped by generations of skill and memory. The atelier has survived wars, industrialization, and the erosion of handmade traditions. Today, Marta, Alessia, and their team preserve its legacy by transforming the knowledge passed down by their first teachers into a vibrant act of cultural continuity.
For Marta and Alessia, teaching is central to the future of their craft. Sharing these rare techniques is not only a way to honor Giuditta’s vision but also to ensure the next generation carries the story forward.
Marta and Alessia specialize in traditional Perugian motifs and techniques, weaving linen, cotton, silk, cashmere, gold, and silver into tablecloths, runners, and wall hangings that blur the line between art and artifact. The studio hums with the rhythmic clatter of a 200-year-old wooden pedal loom and rare 19th-century Jacquard looms, which use perforated cards to produce intricate, historically inspired patterns. One of their notable achievements includes restoring a 17th-century loom to revive the lost "Fiamma di Perugia" (Flame of Perugia) textile tradition.
Every piece woven in the studio is a dialogue with history—an echo of medieval and Renaissance craftsmanship, shaped by generations of skill and memory. The atelier has survived wars, industrialization, and the erosion of handmade traditions. Today, Marta, Alessia, and their team preserve its legacy by transforming the knowledge passed down by their first teachers into a vibrant act of cultural continuity.
For Marta and Alessia, teaching is central to the future of their craft. Sharing these rare techniques is not only a way to honor Giuditta’s vision but also to ensure the next generation carries the story forward.
VAWAA Includes:
- Weave historic patterns and colors of traditional Perugian weaving that inspired artists like Giotto, Pinturicchio, and Leonardo da Vinci using an 18th century four-pedal loom or 40 cm jacquard loom.
- Learn about historical weaving patterns and how they were adapted by Renaissance painters and artists.
- Option to focus on rustic weaving techniques done on a 1750's loom.
- Create a personal weaving project inspired by these traditions or reproduce a design seen in Renaissance art.
- Visit a local museum to deepen your understanding of Perugia’s artistic heritage.
Explore Perugia
Perugia is the beautiful hilltop capital of Umbria, a region in the heart of Italy known for its beautiful landscapes and rich traditions. The city’s medieval streets, ancient buildings, and hidden corners invite exploration, while its excellent food and lively festivals like Umbria Jazz and Eurochocolate add to its charm.
Perugia has long been a crossroads between East and West, lying on the ancient route from Constantinople to Rome. This history has shaped its culture and made it a center for weaving, an art passed down through generations and still alive today.
With its central location, Perugia is a perfect base for travelers—Rome and Florence are just two hours away. Whether you’re drawn to history, food, art, or simply the beauty of an Italian hill town, Perugia offers a special experience.
Perugia has long been a crossroads between East and West, lying on the ancient route from Constantinople to Rome. This history has shaped its culture and made it a center for weaving, an art passed down through generations and still alive today.
With its central location, Perugia is a perfect base for travelers—Rome and Florence are just two hours away. Whether you’re drawn to history, food, art, or simply the beauty of an Italian hill town, Perugia offers a special experience.
Additional Details
The best time to visit Perugia is from April to October, when the weather is warm and pleasant. While the city is beautiful year-round, the studio—housed in a 13th-century church—can get quite cold during the late fall and winter months (November to March).
This session can be extended for up to 5 days.
Adults 18 years and older are welcome to participate. Unfortunately, the studio is not wheelchair accessible.
Marta and Alessia speak Italian, English, and French.
This session can be extended for up to 5 days.
Adults 18 years and older are welcome to participate. Unfortunately, the studio is not wheelchair accessible.
Marta and Alessia speak Italian, English, and French.
Guest Reviews
Angela S., United States
When you go for this VAWAA with Marta and Alessia, you'll learn specifics about weaving, practical applications of the craft as it's been practiced in Perugia. But the experience is far more than learning techniques for several reasons. First you're in a remarkable physical setting—a rehabbed 13th century church—and second, you're being taught by people who are steeped in weaving history and have Read more
