Firenze, also known as Florence, is an artist's dream. Home to the Renaissance from the 14th through 17th century, Florence, Italy has made a name for itself due to its rich artistic heritage, beautiful landscapes, vineyards and rich Tuscan gourmet cuisine.
Let's discuss the amazingness of Florence:
Multiple masterpieces were created handmade in Florence including artist Botticelli's Venus sculpture, poem La Divina Commedia by Dante Alighieri and the pianoforte (modern day piano).
Florence used to be the capital of Italy from 1865-1871 before Roma became the capital.
The name "Florence" means flourishing or prosperous.
In addition to the Renaissance, refreshing treat gelato was also born in Florence.
Florence is a legend in artistic innovation. Here are some handmade arts crafted in Firenze:
Ceramics
During the Middle Ages, pottery artists started the "archaic" period where majolica produced ceramics with beautiful colors such as copper green and elaborate decorations. The archaic period was followed with advances in technology due to glaze. The Ceramiche Ceccarelli was founded by 3 brothers and has been making handmade ceramics since 1960. Three generations later this family-owned business still continues to make beautifully designed handmade ceramics.
Silk
Silk came to the attention of Italians from Catholic Missionaries in China around 1100. Wool production gained importance during the 1300s with silk manufacturing demand increasing in the 1400s. Historic silk factory Antico Setificio Fiorentino began producing this fine material in 1786 and is still open today and provides handmade silk as well as guided tours, workshops and private venue space.
Glass
Florence and the Tuscany area are revered for their glass-making skills. Starting around the 12th century, "Bicchierai," glass artisans, were greatly admired for their expertise. Glass-blowing studios started opening during the Renaissance used for artistic and scientific experimenting. Today there are several places in Florence and Tuscany region to make or buy handmade glass. There are glassblowing classes you can sign up for when visiting Florence where you can create your own handmade glass in a private or group setting.
Gold
Another art that rose during the Renaissance was gold craftsmanship. Ponte Vecchio, a bridge that crosses over the Arno River, was built in 1345, and many jewelers and goldsmiths set up shops. This resilient bridge withstood attacks during World War 2 and today there's still many jewelry and gold shops making handmade gold in the neighborhood including Ponte Vecchio Gioielli.
Leather
One of Florence's famous crafts is leather making. Leather craftsmanship started in the 13th century and flourished in 1282 by the Leather Workers Guild. By 20th century, fashion houses Ferragamo and Gucci and other designers who started in Florence built up Firenze's reputation for high quality leather. If you're visiting, you can sign up for a leather making workshop through your tour agency (I will be participating in a leather demonstration during my holiday) or travel search engine such as Viator, Expedia or Get Your Guide.
Perfume
Another art that has been crafted for many centuries is perfume making. In 1221, Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella opened, which is considered by many to be the oldest pharmacy in the world, though it doesn't claim to be a pharmacy. Initially, they used their garden plants to create herbal remedies and medicinal balms, today they have fragrances, skin and hair care products and home items such as scented candles.
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