In the little town of Bevagna, Umbria, we find an example of long-lasting Made in Italy craftsmanship, established almost 800 years ago. The Cereria Medievale di Bevagna, founded in 1250, carries its age with nonchalance. As part of the broader cultural initiative within the Mercato delle Gaite, this workshop revives the ancient art of candle making, preserving techniques that date back to medieval times.
With its history and commitment to tradition, the Cereria embodies artisanal excellence and reflects the profound respect for tradition that Italy is known for. This workshop, integral to the local community and its history, offers a window into the past while also demonstrating how historical practices can be preserved and adapted to modern times. Here, the spirit of “Made in Italy” shines through the dedication to maintaining the authenticity of medieval techniques while embracing contemporary values like sustainability and education.
The origins of the Cereria Medievale are deeply connected with Bevagna’s medieval history. During the Middle Ages, this little Umbrian town was a flourishing trade center, renowned for its markets and fairs, which drew merchants from across the region. Among the many crafts practiced, candle making was a vital industry, driven by the necessity for light in an era when electricity was centuries away.
Today, the Cereria Medievale continues to employ traditional methods in its candle production. Artisans at the workshop use locally sourced beeswax and natural hemp wicks, following a meticulous process of melting, pouring, and molding the wax around the wick. A couple of years ago, Marco Gasparrini of the Cereria talked to Vogue Italia about the beauty of his job and explained how he and his fellow artisans still use old techniques to produce, among others, the workshop’s signature duplero candles—double-wicked creations known for their brighter flame and longer burn time. Gasparrini also discussed the sense of wonder he feels when finishing a candle “made through many a passage and many hours of work,” after which he still feels like “magic happens all over again, almost like I’ve never made a candle before.”
The great thing is that we can experience the magic, too, as the workshop is open to visitors Monday through Friday, from 10 am to 1 pm. Here, it’s easy to find yourself transported in time, charmed by the simple yet profound act of traditional candle making.
As part of the annual Mercato delle Gaite festival, the Cereria Medievale becomes a hub of activity and learning. The festival, which recreates the atmosphere of a medieval market, features various artisans and craftsmen showcasing their skills. For the Cereria, this is an opportunity to demonstrate the candle-making process to a wide audience, engaging both locals and tourists in interactive workshops. These sessions allow participants to observe and also take part in creating their own candles, providing a hands-on experience of historical crafts.
But the commitment of the Cereria Medievale to preserving medieval crafts extends beyond mere production; the workshop is actively involved in research and educational projects aimed at promoting a deeper understanding of medieval life. This educational outreach includes collaborations with local schools and cultural organizations, and the aim here is twofold: to show younger generations and the wider public the secrets of an ancient craft deeply connected with the area and to ensure this wealth of know-how can be passed down to future generations through education and dissemination.
The Cereria Medievale di Bevagna also addresses modern sensibilities and sustainability concerns. The use of natural materials like beeswax and hemp meets contemporary environmental values, appealing to a demographic that values eco-friendly and artisanal products. Moreover, the workshop contributes to the local economy providing employment opportunities and attracting tourism, which in turn supports other local businesses and services.
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