Florence Handicraft and art Masterpieces: Workshops, Galleries and Churches in Oltrarno

An irresistible, not-be-missed tour that will allow you to come into contact with people who still embody the genuine traits of the Florentine character: a combination of fantasy, genius, intuition and originality.

The tour begins at the spectacular Piazza Pitti, from which, just a few steps away, you reach a small square where time seems to have stood still. This square hosts a variety of activities that pleasantly coexist: small family run restaurants are right next to shops selling cashmere or alongside extraordinary workshops, where masters of restoration known throughout the world are still at work.

Our walk continues with a visit to an atelier used for the production of engravings and art prints, where a master craftsman will welcome us in an environment both fascinating and harmonious.

Our next stop is a workshop of a craftsman who will tell us something of himself and how he worked his way at a young age to a master craftsman by producing exquisite handmade objects in silver and enamel.

We will later visit a workshop where we will be able to watch the making of the famous marbled Florentine paper, a product of long standing tradition that is used in a vast variety of designs and colours.

Our desire for exploring leads us then to the charming and picturesque Piazza Santo Spirito, with its many restaurants, shops and artists’ studios. In the magnificent Church of the Santo Spirito, together with the splendid architectural space designed by Brunelleschi, we can admire the only existing wooden sculpture of Michelangelo: a crucifix he carved at the age of only 17.

After fully enjoying this masterpiece, our journey will follow in the footsteps of the Florentine sculptural tradition ending up at the atelier of a great Florentine artist, descendant of six generations of sculptors. This studio, located in an eighteenth century Church, is a magical place that will undoubtedly fascinate the visitor. Within this space a vast wealth of moulds and forms, original models and copies of famous monuments are preserved. Both replicas of classical works of art and original pieces in marble and bronze are on display. This is a place that will surely take your breath away and create a fabulous finale to a memorable experience!