From Paper to Ceramics, Leather to Gold. Discover the Florentine Handicraft Tradition

Jan
2013
30

posted by on History & Culture

 
Handcraft shopping in Florence, Italy - Paper

A cute handmade notebook done with Florentine paper

There are many shopping tours in Florence, Italy, but none quite convey the beauty and creativity of this incredible city, like a Florentine handicraft tour. Traditionally, handicraft in Tuscany was one of the most important activities used to bolster the region’s economy, and there’s no better place to gain an insight into the true artistic flair and amazing craftsmanship of the region, than in Florence.

During medieval times, Tuscany was the region that produced and exported the most products, particularly clothes and jewellery. Throughout the centuries, craftsmen continued to uphold this tradition and they are still trying to do so today, working hard at keeping the knowledge and creativity alive, which has been handed down to them from previous generations.

As well as preserving these traditions, they are also branching out into new areas of creative expression. In Florence alone you can find everything from ceramics, terracotta and leather goods, to wrought iron, silver, gold and paper products.

Florence itself is like one big piece of art, so it’s no wonder that you can find such a varied collection of handmade products in this creative city. You don’t have to go very far before you come across small workshops selling handmade leather bags, or beautiful handmade jewellery. One place in particular that showcases the best in artistic talent, is the ‘Fondazione Firenze Artigianato Artistico’.

It may be difficult to pronounce, but it’s easy to see the huge amount of imagination, intuition and originality that goes into the many handmade products here. Located in the Vecchio Conventino in Florence, the aim of this organisation is to promote artistic craftsmanship through events such as exhibitions, conferences and workshops. Whether you’re interested in paintings, textiles, mosaics or sculpture, there will be something here to impress you.

With a unique Caf Tours shopping tour of Florence, Italy, you can explore all the creative corners of this city, and see first-hand how these amazing goods are produced. From the Piazza Pitti with its many workshops, to finding out how marbled Florentine paper is made, and visiting the charming Piazza Santo Spirito, this tour will divulge all there is to know about handmade Florence. So why not give in to your inner creativity, and see for yourself how Florentine craftsmen maintain strong links to the past, whilst always looking to the future.

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