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Florence Artisan Workshop Tour with Oltrarno Neighborhood

Support local artisans and explore the tradition of craftsmanship in the Oltrarno neighborhood
From US$403 privately
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Tour Details
Duration
3 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
  • Oltrarno neighborhood
  • Piazza Santo Spirito
  • Artisan Workshops
Photos & Highlights
  • Explore the hidden craft workshops in the Oltrarno neighborhood which has produced quality goods for countless generations
  • Led by a Florence expert
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Tour Description
The Florentine tradition of producing artisanal goods has been in existence for centuries and remains one of the cornerstones of Florence's visual and social history. This Florence Artisan Workshop tour explores the area known as Oltrarno (“on the other side of the Arno”), which has produced goods for countless generations of kings, queens, gentlemen, and noblewomen. Florentine leatherworkers, silversmiths, shoemakers, and milliners continue to practice their crafts building upon methods passed down through generations. We will visit the private workshops of these distinguished individuals, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the current state of artisan production.

Florence Artisan Workshop Tour

We will begin in the lovely Piazza Santo Spirito and enjoy a stroll through the Oltrarno neighborhood, which has been home to artisans for the last five hundred years. The neighborhood is virtually carpeted with a maze of these small workshops on tiny side streets, representing some of the most historic enterprises in the city. The group will have the opportunity to see some of these craftsmen at work, observing their meticulous practices and the tools of their trades.

Preserving the Art

In the company of our guide, an expert on these workshops, we'll talk about Tuscan artisan traditions and the value and role of work and manufacturing in Italian culture. This walk is very much for the traveler looking to scratch a little more beneath the surface of the city. It should not be thought of as a shopping tour, instead, it is an in-depth look into the workings of this precious industry and should provide a better understanding of the importance of preserving and promoting this dying art.

FAQ

Where does it start? Where does it end? 
The tour begins near Piazza Santo Spirito and ends in the Oltrarno neighborhood. 

Why isn't this available in August? 
Most of the studios are closed, and the artists are usually out of town.
Where You'll Start
164 Reviews (4.8)

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Helen did a wonderful job, was charming, engaging, and informative. One of the best days of our trip.
Craftsmanship and artisan wisdom combined to make the Florence Artisan Workshop Tour a highlight of our visit to Florence. Little did we know that behind doors in the Oltrarno neighborhood where we were staying we would find artisan treasures with centuries of design and current handmade quality. The artists willingness to share their skills, dedication and knowledge with us was enjoyable and inspiring. Our guide Christiane introduced us to the Artisan craft through her extensive knowledge of art restoration and the relationships built on mutual respect that she had developed with the artists. This tour is a must if you want an inside view of Italian craftsmanship.
A wonderful experience! Truly was an off the beaten path tour that without Context and Luca would not have been something my group could have ever experienced on our own. We had the chance to connect with the true local artisan community, learn about the various crafts (jewelry, paper making, etchings, etc) and bought some wonderful souvenirs to bring home. 10/10 recommend!