Deruta is a municipality of 9,535 inhabitants, renowned for its ancient ceramic production. It stands on a hill 15 km from Perugia and about 150 km from Rome.

Deruta has ancient origins, linked to the flight of the Perugians in 40 Before Christ, from which the name "Diruta" ("ruined" or "abandoned") may derive.

It became a stronghold of Perugia in the 12th century and later an autonomous municipality; it endured plagues and internal conflicts in the Middle Ages, but reached its peak in the 1500s with the flourishing of maiolica production, famous throughout Europe, after siding with the Papal States during the Salt War.

Today, the ceramic tradition remains the city's main pride and attracts visitors from all over the world.