If you find yourself enjoying a stay in one of our villas in Florence and you are looking to bring back a little of this extraordinary city home with you as souvenirs to remind yourself of your trip or as gifts for friends and family, then you are probably considering what kinds of things you might purchase. Of course, there will be all sorts of touristy bits and bobs to buy all over the city but Florence, in particular offers some really special crafts, goods, and specialities that make for very chic souvenirs. Here is our countdown of the best things to bring back from the birthplace of the Renaissance...
Florence has long been known for her leather goods and you will see all sorts of items being sold throughout the city. These vary drastically in quality and price point and it can be easy to be tricked by less authentic and less beautifully made pieces. Heading to Madova ensures that you will get high-quality leather from Florence and at a very reasonable price. The only store in Europe that solely produces and is dedicated entirely to selling leather gloves, Madova has been run by the same family since it opened over a century ago in 1919. With prices starting at 40 euros, the items aren’t cheap but aren't crazily expensive for the quality of the craftsmanship, the quality of the leather, and the silk or cashmere linings, these are extraordinary additions to any wardrobe and absolutely, impossibly chic souvenirs.
Madova
Via de' Guicciardini, 1/red, 50125 Firenze
+39 055 239 6526
Officina Profumo - Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
Cult beauty lovers in search of the chicest beauty products that can count queens throughout the ages as fans should head to Officina Profumo - Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. One of the oldest pharmacies in the world, this is not where you can purchase a new toothbrush and some cold medicine but, rather, a wonderland in which you can buy the most beautifully-packaged perfumes, candles, skincare products, and more. Located, as the name might suggest, around the corner from the Church of Santa Maria Novella (which you may already be planning on visiting) and founded by Dominican monks all the way back in the 13th century, the shop began as a place where they made medications, balms, and pomades for their own infirmary with herbs from their own garden. In the following centuries, they opened to the public and sold an expanding line of items and it is now a global brand. We suggest visiting the original Florentine store, with its gorgeous antique wood and glass cabinets and grand interiors, maybe doing the tour, and stocking up with the chicest soaps and more if you have booked a holiday rental in Florence.
Officina Profumo - Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
Via della Scala, 16, 50123 Firenze
+39 055 216276
Located within a 19th century millinery studio in Florence, Antica Occhialeria is a boutique for handmade Italian eyewear that dates back to 1956. Founded by Lucio Enrico Di Nardo, an optician and art collector, and still run by his family, this charming boutique sells frames and sunglasses in vintage-inspired silhouettes and using high-quality materials from leather to gold to wood. In addition to getting a pair of beautifully made frames in top-quality materials, you can also have your initials engraved on the pair that you choose by the in-store artisans as a final stylish touch!
Antica Occhialeria
Via San Gallo 130R – 134R, Firenze
+39 055 473055
One of the crafts that Florence is known for is its marbled paper and Giulio Giannini’s shop has been one of the best purveyors of these wonderful items since 1856. Run by the same family to this very day, this shop is a paradise for stationary lovers. Selling marbled papers, handbound notebooks and photo albums, greeting cards, home goods, and more, they also offer workshops and tours, allowing guests on vacation in Florence to learn how to make their own marbled paper and to take those skills home along with the beautiful objects.
Giulio Giannini e Figlio
Via dei Velluti 1 red next to Piazza Pitti – 50125, Firenze
+39 055 212621
For those who also would like their leather in the form of incredibly high-quality handbags, Pelletteria Artigiana Viviani is a must. Following on from the centuries of leather-working studios in Florence, this store was opened in 1965 by the Master Craftsman Renato Viviani. One of the few remaining boutiques with an open-view artisan workshop, you will be able to see the impeccable craftsmanship with your own eyes as you browse the stunning collection of pieces in the store. Selling at a very reasonable price point for the quality of the materials and the pieces themselves and in a long list of shapes and shades, you will find both timeless bags and more contemporary pieces.
Pelletteria Artigiana s.r.l.
Via Guelfa, 3a - 50129 Firenze
+39 055 282730
So, book your luxury villa in Florence and then be sure to pay a visit to these extraordinary stores to purchase the chicest mementos and to bring a little bit of that wonderful Florentine style back home with you!