Florence is a city teeming with history, art, and culture. As you stroll through its charming streets, you’ll inevitably be drawn to the plethora of souvenirs available—each offering a piece of Florentine heritage. Whether you’re looking for a keepsake to remember your trip or a gift for loved ones, Florence has something for everyone. Here’s a guide to some of the best souvenirs Florence has to offer, along with suggestions on where to find them.
1. Leather Goods
Florence is world-renowned for its high-quality leather products, from jackets and bags to belts and wallets. The tradition of leatherworking in Florence dates back centuries, and today, you can find a wide range of leather goods that combine craftsmanship with style.
What to Buy: Leather handbags, jackets, belts, wallets, and notebooks are popular choices. Many shops offer personalized items, such as monogrammed leather accessories.
Where to Buy:
- Santa Croce Area: This area is home to the Leather School of Florence (Scuola del Cuoio), where you can watch artisans at work and purchase exquisite leather items directly from the source.
- San Lorenzo Market: This bustling market is one of the most popular spots for leather shopping. While there are many stalls, be sure to look for vendors who offer genuine Italian leather.
2. Ceramics and Pottery
Florentine ceramics are another beautiful and authentic souvenir option. The region’s ceramics are often hand-painted with intricate designs and vibrant colors, making them both a functional and decorative addition to any home.
What to Buy: Hand-painted plates, vases, bowls, and decorative tiles are among the most popular ceramic items. Many pieces feature traditional Tuscan motifs, such as lemons, sunflowers, and landscapes.
Where to Buy:
- Piazza del Duomo: Several shops around the Duomo offer a variety of ceramics, from traditional Tuscan designs to more contemporary styles.
- Montelupo Fiorentino: Located just outside Florence, this town is known as the “City of Ceramics” and is worth a visit if you’re interested in seeing where these beautiful items are made.
3. Gold Jewelry
Florence has a long tradition of goldsmithing, particularly along the Ponte Vecchio, where the city’s most famous jewelry shops are located. The craftsmanship in these pieces is unmatched, making them a timeless and elegant souvenir.
What to Buy: Gold necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings are available in various styles, from classic to modern. You can also find unique pieces inspired by Florentine history and art.
Where to Buy:
- Ponte Vecchio: This iconic bridge is lined with jewelry shops offering a wide range of gold and precious stone pieces. Though prices can be high, the quality and craftsmanship are exceptional.
4. Handmade Paper and Stationery
Florence is famous for its tradition of marbled paper, a craft that dates back to the 17th century. This exquisite paper is often used to create beautiful notebooks, journals, and other stationery items.
What to Buy: Marbled paper notebooks, journals, writing paper, and bookmarks make thoughtful and unique gifts. You can also find leather-bound diaries and albums.
Where to Buy:
- Il Papiro: With several locations throughout Florence, Il Papiro is one of the best places to buy marbled paper products. Each piece is handmade, ensuring that no two items are exactly alike.
- Pineider: A historic shop located on Via Tornabuoni, Pineider has been producing luxury paper goods since 1774 and offers a range of handcrafted items.
5. Tuscan Wine
No visit to Florence is complete without sampling some of the region’s famous wines. Tuscany is home to some of Italy’s best vineyards, producing world-renowned wines like Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
What to Buy: Bottles of Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, or a Super Tuscan are great choices for wine lovers. Many shops also offer gift packs with selections of different wines or wine paired with local delicacies.
Where to Buy:
- Enoteca Alessi: Located near the Duomo, this historic wine shop offers an extensive selection of Tuscan wines, as well as the opportunity to sample them before you buy.
- Mercato Centrale: In addition to its food offerings, this market has several vendors selling wine and other local products, making it a convenient one-stop shop.
6. Olive Oil
Tuscany is also famous for its olive oil, known for its rich, fruity flavor and deep green color. Bringing home a bottle of extra virgin olive oil is like taking a piece of the Tuscan countryside with you.
What to Buy: Look for cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil. You can also find flavored oils infused with herbs like rosemary or truffle, as well as gift sets that include both olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Where to Buy:
- La Bottega del Chianti: Located near the Ponte Vecchio, this shop specializes in Tuscan olive oil and offers a range of high-quality options.
- Eataly: This popular food market, located near the Santa Maria Novella station, carries a variety of Tuscan olive oils, as well as other local delicacies.
7. Florentine Perfume and Cosmetics
Florence is home to some of the oldest apothecaries in the world, producing perfumes and cosmetics that are as luxurious as they are unique.
What to Buy: Fragrances, soaps, and skincare products made with natural ingredients are popular souvenirs. Many of these items are handcrafted using traditional recipes.
Where to Buy:
- Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy: Founded in 1221, this historic pharmacy is one of the oldest in the world. It offers a range of perfumes, soaps, and skincare products made with natural ingredients.
- AquaFlor: Located in the Santa Croce area, AquaFlor is a boutique perfumery where you can find bespoke fragrances and other luxury products.
8. Florentine Food Products
Florence is a paradise for food lovers, and taking home some local delicacies is a must. From pasta and biscotti to truffle products and balsamic vinegar, there are plenty of edible souvenirs to choose from.
What to Buy: Cantucci (Tuscan biscotti), jars of truffle sauce, artisanal pasta, and aged balsamic vinegar are among the most popular food items. You can also find gift packs that combine several products.
Where to Buy:
- Pegna: This historic grocery store, located near the Duomo, offers a wide range of gourmet food products, including Tuscan specialties.
- Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio: A more local alternative to the Mercato Centrale, this market offers a variety of fresh and packaged food products, perfect for picking up some authentic Tuscan flavors.
Final Tips
When shopping for souvenirs in Florence, it’s important to keep in mind that many items, especially leather goods and ceramics, can vary greatly in quality. It’s always a good idea to do a bit of research or ask locals for recommendations to ensure you’re getting authentic products. Additionally, consider shopping at smaller, family-run shops and artisans, as they often offer unique items that you won’t find in larger stores.