The town's name probably derives from the Latin word " diruere" (land subject to landslides). Municipality in the province of Perugia, located on a hill on the left bank of the river Tiber, the town is famous since medieval times for its artistic pottery. It features a particularly attractive old town center, dominated by two watchtowers and surrounded by the ancient fortified walls. The oldest part of town is accessible through three main gate entrances.
The origins are uncertain: Deruta was probably founded by the Romans, as testified by the several discoveries found in the area. It was well-known from the early Middle Ages thanks to the production of ceramics, sold, at the time, directly by the Emperor Otto III to the noble families of Germanic origins and for being an outpost of the city of Perugia to defend it from Todi. In the XIII century, the town acquired a certain autonomy and in the XVI century, submitted to the Papal States, the entire area was granted with the ideal conditions to develop and grow from the economic point of view. It was during this period that the processing of ceramics reached important levels, that made Deruta famous throughout Italy. The papal rule lasted until the annexation to the Kingdom of Italy.

Attractions:
- The XIV century Church of San Francesco in the Gothic style, which features a nave with frescoes dating from the XIV and XVI centuries, the Bell Tower is built in brick. Next to the church lies the former Franciscan monastery and its cloister;
- the early XVII century Church of Our Lady of the Piagge with its façade decorated with majolica;
- the Church of Sant'Antonio Abate, with frescoes by the artist Caporali and a superb XVIII century choir;
- the Church of St. Archangel in Romanesque-Gothic style;
- the Church of Our Lady of Divine Love;
- the XIV century Town Hall, which features three beautiful Romanesque mullioned windows. The atrium preserves a collection of Etruscan relics of the Neolithic period and the building also houses the Art Gallery and the Museum of Ceramics, with pieces of the XVI century;
- the Hospital of St James, which dates back to the early XV century and is easily distinguishable between the newer surrounding buildings;
- the ancient city walls and three gate entrances;
- the Civic Watchtowers.