Made in Florence

For a city, its art and culture are like a bridge connecting with the rest of the world while its handicraft a business card shown to the world. Many have heard of “made in China” and “made in Italy”, and more and more are attracted by products “made in Florence”. Florence, an ancient capital sitting in Tuscany, has every reason to declare itself as a well-established craftsman. Why is this city proud of its handicraft? All starts with a handicraft association which was born around the 13th century. The association grouped people who were engaged in the same profession and thus had common interests. They specialized in handicrafts and rarely participated in the city’s political life. These people seemed to be of little importance for society. However, handicrafts which were of great artistic and aesthetic value soon became well-known and popular. Among the handicrafts of Florence in the past, leather, tailoring, weaving, paper and fragrance were particularly prominent. The craftsmen have inherited the traditions and applied innovative technology, making Florence a production center of exquisite handicrafts today.

Every tourist in Florence might be attracted by magnificent churches of European styles or vivid sculptures. Nevertheless, handicrafts by artisans can’t be missed in this ancient capital. Today’s Florence showcases plenty of world-famous handicrafts, including gold, leather, glass, ceramics, silk, spices, tailoring, embroidery and shoemaking. Hand-made jewelry workshops in Florence are mainly located in Oltrarno among residential areas in Santo Spirito、San Niccolò and San Frediano, or the nearby Ponte Vecchio and Santa Maria Novella. These workshops are particular about the material selection and creation details. Artisans are always pondering how to meet the demands of picky customers.

A new handicraft cultural center Officina Creativa has been established in Vecchio Conventino within Oltrarno. It has evolved into a place to make, teach and promote arts and crafts. Recently, a website has been built to specifically introduce Florence’s handicrafts: www.firenzecreativa.it. Such superb craftsmanship has contributed to the continuous boom of the industry that has lasted for thousands of years. A great many prestigious sites here hold grand exhibitions and expositions every year. These events are intended to rebuild the image of Florence as a well-established center of handicraft in Italy and across the world, since handicraft has always been the city’s great strength.

Notice of Handicraft Events in 2021:

The 1st Event

Name of the Event: MIDA 2021, or the Florence International Crafts Fair

Introduction: The event will showcase the diverse abilities of artisans in the multiverse. They are prepared to learn from the past and at the same time enhance the command of high technology.

Address: Fortezza da Basso (Viale Filippo Strozzi, 1, 50129 Firenze FI, Italia)

Time: April 24, 2021 to May 2, 2021 10:00 to 22:00

Price of the Ticket: Please keep an eye on the latest information on the official website: https://mostrartigianato.it/.

The 2nd Event

Name of the Event: Artigianato e Palazzo XXVII edizione, or the 27th Palace Exhibition of Handicrafts

Introduction: A new group of master craftsmen will be present in the event. The audience will be immersed in an unprecedentedly enchanting experience, enjoying the masterpieces of traditional artisans and learning about the future development.

Address: Giardino Corsini sul Prato (Giardino Corsini, Via della Scala, 115, 50123 Firenze FI, Italia)

Time: September 16, 2021 to September 19, 2021 10:00 to 19:30

Price of the Ticket: €10 for each person; free for children less than 12 years old.

These are two handicraft exhibitions that have attracted much attention in the ancient capital of Florence. They represent the faithful inheritance of craftsmanship and are of great educational significance. Florence in spring boasts pleasant weather and brings you great joys. More importantly, every one of you coming here is a gift from God.

Please click on the following website to check the Chinese version of the complete Florence guidebook.

https://papermine.com/pub/experienceflorencechinese-7322/