Artisans Florence Guided Tour: A Florentine Artisanal Path

The artisanal tradition is strongly engrained in Florence, family lineages of creativity and specialization are still alive today, producing renowned and admired masterpieces. The workshop was, and still is, the place where skills and secrets are learnt and passed on from master to student. 

This authentic treasure can still be discovered in the popular districts of the Oltrarno and Santa Croce, where the workshops resemble galleries. 

On this tour you will discover the true craftsmanship of local artisans that enjoy welcoming curious visitors into their workshops, taking pride in what they do and welcoming you into their sacred space. Come and witness them work their magic in real time with live demonstrations and explanations. 

Discover the process of creating entirely hand-made shoes or leather bags.

This century-old trade initiated in the Santa Croce neighbourhood thanks to its proximity to the Arno River. Today, there are still experts in various traditional processes such as tanning techniques. Italian leather is so unique as it combines ancient knowledge with updated environmentally sustainable technologies, which together birth unique, must-see creations.

The goldsmithing tradition in Florence

It dates to the Etruscan civilization which settled in the central part of Italy before the arrival of the Romans. The Etruscans were known for their very innovative and refined goldsmithing techniques. Their talents and processes are still present in workshops today. Here you observe the process of how a jewel is created, from the initial sketch to the different design phases including embossing, engraving and reinterpreting Florentine renaissance pieces into re-worked creations. 

‘Commesso fiorentino’, Florentine mosaic, is an art developed in the late Renaissance Florence.

A unique decorative art protected all along by the Medici, forming the decoration of their chapels. Today, the technique is used in only a few active workshops that hold the century-old knowledge. Each piece being brought to life by an intricate process from the first sketch, to stone-cutting, then merging (commettere) the hard-stones in a seamless way. Every creation is a truly irreplicable, unique piece of art with a historic significance that can be found nowhere else but in Florence. 

The Officina Profumo Santa Maria Novella

This visit will take us on a scented, sensory path through the aromatic treasures of one of the world’s oldest apothecaries. Created by the friars of the Dominican convent of Santa Maria Novella, who elevated perfumery into an art. Indulge your senses with ancient concoctions, soaps, perfumes and cosmetics and learn about some of their most popular products such as ‘Water of Santa Maria Novella’, prepared by the friars for Catherine de’ Medici.

The world of ceramic and pottery arts

Florence is a city so perfect for exploring this artistic skill and tradition dating back thousands of years ago to Roman times.  Thereon after, many notable creations were produced such as during the Renaissance by Della Robbia or the unique masterpieces by the historical Florentine firm Ginori, a porcelain manufacturer founded in 1735. More outstandingly marvelous pieces followed throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, such as European Art Nouveau trends or modernist decors interpreted by Galileo Chini.

Paper marbling

It was an art that traveled from China to the Middle East, arriving in Europe around the 16th century. This technique, which requires great skill and precision, reached its height of development and popularity in Italy and France. Today, Florence is renowned for this skill and Florentine bookbinders continue to use these historic techniques and continue to use their one-of-a-kind papers for covers and endpapers. Nowadays, you can find a variety of decorative paper-covered items, and stationery that are all made inside the shop.

About the Florentine Artisanal Path tour: 

The tour is also a perfect opportunity to explore recommended ‘made in Florence’ boutiques. You can add unforgettable hands-on experiences, such as hand decorated paper workshops, olfactory experiences, creating your own perfume, ceramics and pottery making and weaving your own fabric.

Note:

*Create your bespoke itinerary based on your interests.
* Workshop visits will depend upon daily availability.
* Demonstrations by the artisans are free of charge, without obligation to purchase. However, if you find something that you like your contribution is always appreciated