Florence is one of the fashion centres of Italy, which, as a nation, continues to be one of the trendsetters and fashion leaders. Famous brands such as Gucci, Pucci, Roberto Cavalli, and Ferragamo were all born in the city and it is home to some of the best stores and fashion museums in the world. In addition to this, Florence is known for its high-quality artisanal leather goods. If you have found a luxury villa in Florence and you are a fashion-lover spending time in the city, an ideal souvenir, that will last a lifetime, is a Florentine leather bag, pair of shoes, jacket or some other leather item.
If you are in search of such a piece, head to the Scuola di Cuoio, or Leather School. Located on via San Giuseppe, just by the Church of Santa Croce, the school produces and sells every type of leather good, all of which is the highest quality imaginable. In addition to purchasing pieces, you'll be able to see the incredible craftsmanship in action as the leather school’s artisans are sure to be working while you visit.
If you are in search of such a piece, head to the Scuola di Cuoio, or Leather School. Located on via San Giuseppe, just by the Church of Santa Croce, the school produces and sells every type of leather good, all of which is the highest quality imaginable. In addition to purchasing pieces, you'll be able to see the incredible craftsmanship in action as the leather school’s artisans are sure to be working while you visit.
The school is located in a lovely Franciscan monastery that dates back to 1294 and the school itself was founded in 1950 when the friars and a Florentine leather artisan named Marcello Gori, whose daughters and grandson run the school today, opened the institution in order to give a craft and livelihood to children who had been orphaned in WWII.
Today, the school is involved in two practices, continuing to teach the craft of leather working to new generations and producing goods for commercial purposes on a small scale. Visitors can also give it a go as there are proper courses but also three and six hour workshops in which you can try making your own leather book cover, frame or pouch. Free weekday tours are also available so you can learn more about the whole school.
When it comes to shopping, you can purchase their magnificent bags or jackets, wallets, belts, briefcases; smaller items like bookmarks, coin cases, key chains, etc; and traditional leather goods in the classic Florentine style like decorated jewelry boxes, gold engraved desk sets, and more. There is a very wide range of goods and price points with small items going for around €20, wallets for around €50, bags starting at €150, and jackets starting at €300. If you visit in January or July, there are sales periods in which there is 20% off items. However, no matter the price, rest assured that everything is of outstanding quality and 100% hand designed and hand crafted. Plus, you can get items initialed with gold gilding, free of charge, as an additional service.
An extraordinary experience and tradition to behold, it is a must-see for those who are interested in fashion and craftsmanship in Tuscany.
Scuola del Cuoio
Via San Giuseppe 5R
Florence 50122
(+39) 055 244 533
Opening Hours:
Autumn/Winter: Monday - Friday from 10am to 6pm, Saturdays from 10.30am to 6pm
Spring/Summer: Monday - Sunday 10am to 6pm
Closed on Sundays from November to March
NOTE: Artisans are in the workshop Monday to Friday from 10am to 5.30pm
Today, the school is involved in two practices, continuing to teach the craft of leather working to new generations and producing goods for commercial purposes on a small scale. Visitors can also give it a go as there are proper courses but also three and six hour workshops in which you can try making your own leather book cover, frame or pouch. Free weekday tours are also available so you can learn more about the whole school.
When it comes to shopping, you can purchase their magnificent bags or jackets, wallets, belts, briefcases; smaller items like bookmarks, coin cases, key chains, etc; and traditional leather goods in the classic Florentine style like decorated jewelry boxes, gold engraved desk sets, and more. There is a very wide range of goods and price points with small items going for around €20, wallets for around €50, bags starting at €150, and jackets starting at €300. If you visit in January or July, there are sales periods in which there is 20% off items. However, no matter the price, rest assured that everything is of outstanding quality and 100% hand designed and hand crafted. Plus, you can get items initialed with gold gilding, free of charge, as an additional service.
An extraordinary experience and tradition to behold, it is a must-see for those who are interested in fashion and craftsmanship in Tuscany.
Scuola del Cuoio
Via San Giuseppe 5R
Florence 50122
(+39) 055 244 533
Opening Hours:
Autumn/Winter: Monday - Friday from 10am to 6pm, Saturdays from 10.30am to 6pm
Spring/Summer: Monday - Sunday 10am to 6pm
Closed on Sundays from November to March
NOTE: Artisans are in the workshop Monday to Friday from 10am to 5.30pm
