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Offered languages
- German
- English
Step across the Arno river and into the hidden, dusty, and fiercely proud workshops of the Oltrarno district. This is not the Florence of crowded museums and marble statues; this is the living, breathing, sweating Florence. On this immersive sensory journey, you will uncover the secret world of the Oltrarnisti—the master artisans who are keeping Renaissance-era craftsmanship alive against the crushing tide of mass tourism. From the rhythmic clacking of 18th-century wooden looms to the sharp scent of raw leather and ox gall, you will experience the tactile reality of true mastery. Join us to discover why true luxury is measured in time, patience, and the calloused hands of the makers.
- A 2.9 km self-guided tour with 6 stops over 98 min
- Ideal for travelers interested in Art, Design & Aesthetics and Social Fabric & Everyday Life
- Immersively told in a podcast style by experts and locals
- Matching audio content, AI guide and navigation through the app
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Meet at Stefano Bemer Shoemaker in Florence on Via di San Niccolò. From Florence's main station, take local public transport toward the atelier, get off at the nearest stop, and walk the final few minutes. Check the current local connection on the day of travel.
The tour ends at Antico Setificio Fiorentino on Via Lorenzo Bartolini. From here, walk to the nearest public transport stop and travel back to Florence's main station. Check the current local connection on the day of travel.
Itinerary
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1
A bespoke shoemaking atelier housed in a deconsecrated church, illustrating the intersection of sacred space and high craftsmanship.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
One of the oldest bookbinding and papermaking workshops in Florence, showcasing the mesmerizing art of marbled paper.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
A small studio demonstrating the meticulous, anachronistic process of Acquaforte etching on copperplates.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
A legendary woodcarving and restoration bottega packed floor-to-ceiling with antique molds and wooden friezes.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
A contemporary artisan workshop showcasing the raw, pungent reality of traditional Florentine leatherworking.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
One of Europe’s oldest silk weaving mills, operating antique wooden looms that produce a mesmerizing auditory and visual experience.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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