Shopping in Florence: 4 Favorite Artisans in the Oltrarno

We love shopping in Florence—but our favorite stores aren’t the chains and high-end designers of the center. They’re the artisans and independent workshops in the Oltrarno, just over the Arno river from the heart of Florence.

Florence’s artisanal crafts, which range from leather to ceramics, are as much a part of the city’s tradition as, say, Renaissance art. And even if you don’t have the room in your luggage for a single extra purchase, these artisans’ shops are worth checking out; the goods are so high-quality, you’ll feel like you’re in a (free!) museum or gallery. Not to mention you can often watch the artisan actually handcrafting the item, a fascinating process to observe even if you don’t buy a single thing. (Although it can be hard not to!).

The best quarter for finding Florentine artisans is, hands-down, the Oltrarno. Literally meaning “over the Arno,” this medieval neighborhood is lovely, local—and just off-the-beaten-path enough to be full of hidden gems. (Don’t miss our post on reasons to visit Florence’s Oltrarno, and consider exploring the Oltrarno’s hidden gems with us!).

Trying to figure out where to find the best artisanal shopping in Florence? Here are four of our favorite Florence artisans to help you get started!

In Monaco Metropolitana you can find belts of all types, purses and shoes – and create your own! | Photo Gina Mussio

Monaco Metropolitana
Via Ramaglianti 6/r, 50125
Tel.: +39 055 0121534

Monaco Metropolitana doesn’t offer your typical purse-shopping experience. Instead, you’re invited to look around, get a feel for the craft of leather-making, and—if you want—help design an item the artisans make for you in the workshop. True leather-lovers even can study here, learning the techniques that have been passed down over the years. The class, which culminates in creating your very own leather purse or shoes. And since the workshop allows only two students per class, the near-private instruction means you’ll leave with a true understanding of the process.

Artisan Ugo Bellini of Cose Preziose, creating one-of-a-kind jewelry

Cose Preziose by Ugo Bellini
Via S. Agostino 19/r, 50125
Tel.: +39 055 288679

Forget the trinkets in the souvenir shops. Instead, meet jeweler and artisan Ugo Bellini to design your own one-of-a-kind pieces. Bellini uses traditional methods, but he keeps tabs on new jewelry trends to create modern, beautiful designs.

Pitti Mosaici
Via Sdrucciolo de’ Pitti 5/r, 50125
Tel.: +39 055 2678730

Perfecting the art of Florence’s pietre dure, or inlaid hard stones, the founder of Pitti Mosaici creates handcrafted mosaics in the Florentine tradition. Tables, panels and floors are opulent and intricate, using semi-precious stones. Make an appointment to visit their historic workshop, where you can watch the even most detailed mosaics come together as smoothly as a painting.

Fruit basket in the making. Photo courtesy of Pitti Mosaici

Oro e Colore
Via Toscanella 18/r, 50125
Tel: +39 055 289415

The Martelli family runs this shop, which restores both gilded and painted works of art. Though you’re not likely to need a gilded frame restored, you can watch—and learn—the craft first-hand. The Martelli, whose works are featured in the Museo Civico di Siena, Palazzo Pitti and the Uffizi Gallery, also offer personalized courses for beginners or professionals interested in studying the art of restoration.

Frames line the walls in Oro e Colore’s workshop. Photo by Gina Mussio