The art of the hand-made, the subtle pleasure of a made-to measure garment, accessory or  fragrance. The beauty of an object designed solely for a special occasion or place. 

We take you on a tour of Florence’s artisans, where you’ll find unique products, unparalleled blends of tradition and creativity.

Let’s begin at the Antico Setificio Fiorentino in the heart of San Frediano, where antique looms have marked the time since 1786, creating exquisite fabrics for furnishings, which are also used today for elegant and original accessories like bags, foulards and footwear. Also in Oltrarno is Moleria Locchi, a veritable institution of glass and crystal craftsmanship since the late 19th century. Heading towards Ponte Santa Trinita we pass the showroom of Bianco Bianchi, one of the few in Italy that continues the art of scagliola, in which incredible inlayed furniture and decor items are created by mixing powdered selenite and colourful pigments. Meanwhile, to find out all about Florence’s mosaic tradition, an obligatory stop is Scarpelli Mosaici, a stone’s throw from the  Duomo. Lastly, still on the subject of home decor, the acclaimed Bottega d’Arte Maselli is a workshop dedicated to the creation of traditional Florentine picture frames. Among the best known of the many goldsmiths is Paolo Penko, a skilled expert in ancient techniques and creator of a new one, dubbed “penkato”. For tailoring, it’s impossible to ignore Liverano e Liverano, a traditional establishment with an international reputation. Another excellent and traditional Florentine product is the straw hat, still made today along with many other models at Grevi, the creator of hats worn in films such as Pretty Woman and Zeffirelli’s Tea with Mussolini. Finally, for leather there are still historic workshops like the Scuola del Cuoio in Santa Croce and shoemakers who follow in the footsteps of the late great Stefano Bemer, while for perfumery the nose known worldwide is that of Lorenzo Villoresi.