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Destination:

Florence


What to Buy

As the capital of Tuscany, Florence has the best of Tuscan crafts and goods to offer. If it’s high fashion you’re after, head to Via de' Tornabuoni to shop at Armani or the flagship Gucci store. For antiques and artisan goods, cross the river to Oltrarno, where cobblers, picture framers and papermakers have their workshops. Or hunt for bargains at Florence’s cheerfully chaotic San Lorenzo Market.

topSanta Maria Novella Perfumes

A Florence institution, this company began around 1221 as a pharmacy run by Dominican monks. It began selling to the public in 1612 and within a hundred years was internationally famous. Many of the perfumes and other products are still made according to centuries-old formulas, using herbs and flowers from the Florentine hills.

topCeramics and Porcelain


Tuscany is known for its Majolica, a type of pottery that’s covered with an opaque white glaze and then painted in bright colors (usually greens, blues, yellows and oranges). Made in Italy since the 15th century, these pieces have become increasingly decorative over the years. Florence and the nearby town of Montelupo and Sesto are major producers of Majolica. Sesto was also home to one of the first porcelain factories in Europe, and still produces most of Italy’s high-quality porcelain.

topMarbled Paper

This beautiful paper, with its swirling patterns, was once made throughout Europe, but is now produced mostly in Florence. Marbled-paper boxes, blank books and stationery make wonderful and easy-to-carry souvenirs – every sheet is unique.

topFabrics and Linens

Tuscany has been famous for its linens since the Renaissance, with major weaving centers in Florence, Siena, and Anghiari. Today, Florence still offers a wealth of top-quality, hand-embroidered tablecloths, curtains and bed linens – floral motifs are especially popular. The nearby village of Prato is an important manufacturer of wool, cashmere, silk and other fine fabrics.

topFine Gold and Silver Jewelry

The traditional place to buy jewelry in Florence is the Ponte Vecchio – its gold- and silversmiths have been renowned for fine craftsmanship since the 16th century. Prices are steep, though.

topLeather Goods

You’ll find plenty of leather belts, bags and jackets in Florence, from high end to low. The outdoor stalls at San Lorenzo Market are the most affordable, though quality can vary – don’t be afraid to haggle. For more reliable quality (and prices to match), try the Scuola del Cuoio (Leather School) of Santa Croce, or the shops on Borgo dei Greci near Piazza Santa Croce.

topShoes


Ferragamo, the high church of footwear, has its flagship store in the Palazzo Spini-Feroni on Piazza Santa Trínita – and of course, there’s always Gucci. If you want shoes made to order, visit one of the cobbler workshops in the Oltrarno.