Florence, with its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and artistic soul, is more than just a city of art, it’s a living museum of craftsmanship. Florence is world renowned for its artistic heritage, and walking through its neighborhoods, you’ll encounter not only stunning views but also living and breathing workshops where master artisans continue to practice centuries old crafts. In this article, we’ll explore the workshops of Florence's skilled artisans, from shoemakers to goldsmiths, and learn how the city’s 'Made in Florence' legacy lives on through its craftsmanship.
The essence of Florence's authenticity can be found in its artisan workshops. As you explore neighborhoods like San Frediano, Santa Croce, and Oltrarno, you’ll inevitably come across workshops where shoemakers, framers, and other craftsmen work in small spaces, continuing the traditions passed down through generations.
A Visit to the Florentine Artisan Laboratories
One of the most captivating experiences in Florence is visiting an artisan laboratory. Here, you can witness craftsmen painting marbled paper by hand or shaping hard stones, an art that dates back to the Medici era. The 'salesman of hard stones,' is a prestigious craft that saw its peak in the 16th century, and is still being produced by the only artisan who continues this delicate work today.
The Goldsmith’s Workshop: A Glimpse Into Luxury
If you’ve ever wondered about the delicate art of goldsmithing, a visit to Florence’s goldsmith workshops is a must. Skilled artisans craft intricate jewelry, each piece a testament to centuries of tradition and meticulous craftsmanship. The same methods that have been used for generations still shape every design.
The journey doesn’t stop at gold and leather. Florence is also home to luxury framing workshops, where art is carefully preserved in beautiful, custom frames. There’s also an antique dealer’s shop where the space is as much a work of art as the items it holds, we will see the workshop of a luxury framer, then an antique dealer whose study is like the scenography of Alice in Wonderland.
The Workshop of Pinocchio
No tour of Florence’s artisan world is complete without a visit to the workshop dedicated to Pinocchio. Here, artisans craft the beloved puppet, one of Italy’s most iconic cultural figures. The craftsmanship involved in creating these wooden puppets is a true reflection of Florence’s legacy of storytelling and artistry.
The Ancient Art of "Made in Florence"
The 'Made in Florence' legacy is not just about fine products, it’s about the centuries old tradition that continues to thrive in the city’s artisan workshops. From leather goods to marbled paper, from gold jewelry to framed art, each creation is a piece of Florence’s rich cultural tapestry.
