Craftsmanship is a precious and honourable heritage in Italy, that unveils centuries of tradition, artistry, and dedication to excellence. Each region tells a story, and each craftsman is a story awaiting to be told. From Florence, known for it’s leather mastery to Venice, where the glass of Murano has made world-wide acclaim – there are a number of arts to discover, and we will walk you through a selected few that you can explore through The Place of Wonders, a new foundation of the Babini family and hoteliers whose portfolio includes The Place Firenze in Florence, Londra Palace Venezia in Venice and Borgo dei Conti Resort in Umbria, all part of The Hospitality Experience. This project is aimed at promoting Italian craftsmanship through a series of curated experiences with selected Venetian and Florentine artisans who typically remain closed to the public.
Florence
Leather
Matteo Caparrini, known as Matteo1to1, is the founder of the brand bearing his name. The concept is to create customisable sneakers from the initial design to the final touches, all the while embodying his family tradition in the shoemaking craft. He defined himself as a 3.0 artisan, as he is the third generation, after his father and grandfather, to continue the family business, adding his own unique character.
Scagliola
Step into the scagliola workshop of Bianco Bianchi, a world that treasures years of hard world and illustrious clients such as Gianni Versace and Pavarotti. Today, it’s led by Bianco’s son, who will walk you through the family journey of this meticulous craft. From the workshop, still in action today, to the showroom, showcasing antique scagliola, ancient tiles, old newspaper clippings, and family photographs. This form of art, essentially inlaid decorative surfaces, follows specific steps that include hammering, etching, mixing pigment, pouring, and polishing – so watch closely, as this is a precious work of art that requires patience, precision, and dedication. Every piece tells a story, and as you observe the process, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate details and the skill it takes to create these masterpieces.
Porcelain
Visit one of the most acclaimed and prestigious porcelain houses in Florence. Ginori, whose production dates back to 1735, is a brand with centuries of history and a reputation for blending timeless craftsmanship with innovative design. Renowned for its exquisite hand-painted porcelain, Ginori has graced the tables of royal families, dignitaries, and art collectors worldwide. Step though this legacy, admiring local artisans hard at work painting, firing, and casting these precious porcelain pieces. Furthermore, you’ll have access to Ginori’s archive, a sprawling space filled with sculptures, molds, and individual works of art.
Glass
Before safeguarding her family’s 100-year-old glass etching business, Paola Locchi was a successful journalist. Yet Paola felt this calling to continue the Moleria Locchi legacy, and today we find her in the atelier in San Frediano, working closely with the craftsmen and overlooking the entire business process. What sets Moleria Locchi apart from many workshops still standing today, is the skilful etching technique. Crystal goblets, glasses and vases are adorned with delicate designs and motifs that have been masterfully etched and carved into each piece.
Cashmere
In Prato, on the outskirts of Florence you’ll discover Beste, a textile hub that seamlessly weaves its ancestral roots with bold innovations, crafting fabrics of unmatched quality that adorn the world’s most revered luxury brands. Here, sustainability and innovation are integral to their philosophy, where excess and unused fabrics are given a new life.
Gold
Now this is an experience to remember and treasure, because Piccini has occupied the same spot on the Ponte Vecchio since 1903 and it’s one of the only workshops still standing with open doors in Florence. Beyond the beauty of the atelier itself, and the views across the river Arno, Piccini is a fourth generation run goldsmiths, creating the most beautiful and unique jewellery enhanced by precious gems. Today, the vision and the creative mind of the Florentine Maison is led by Elisa Tozzi Piccini, whose skills and passion for the craft was passed down by her great uncle, Armando.
Silver
Since the beginning of the 20th century, Pampaloni has been one of the world’s leading silversmiths led today by Gianfranco Pampaloni and his daughter, Teodora. What truly shines through with Pampaloni, is the harmony between old and new, classic and contemporary. It’s the effort in styling and enhancing such a centuries-old craft. The factory, and former Pampaloni family home, is where each handmade silver treasure is made, using antique machines from the 30s and local artisans who have skilfully mastered this craft. As well as watching the workshop in action, floor to ceiling cabinets showcase the legacy of Pampaloni, with objects from previous collections and collaborations such as the Pope, Tiffany and Dolce and Gabbana to name a few.
Venice
Marbled Paper
In a hidden alley, far from the tourist crowds, Federico and Isabella passionately preserve an art that arrived in Venice from Turkey in the 1600s, reinterpreting it for a modern audience. We’re at Arzanart, a bright workshop where paper takes on a new form. Admire the beautiful, colourful works hanging on the walls, watch over each stroke of the paintbrush, and discover the secrets behind paper marbling.
Burano lace
Burano, the picturesque island off the Venetian coast, owes much of its history and identity to fishing and its renowned lace-making tradition. The unique patterns of Burano lace, passed down from mother to daughter for centuries, represent a precious heritage kept alive thanks to the dedication of skilled artisans. Martina Vidal and her family have been faithfully preserving Venice’s sartorial tradition since the early 20th century, and continue the legacy by producing luxury linens and high-end clothing combining traditional savoir-faire with a modern and innovative vision.
millinery
Giuliana Longo’s atelier, located between Rialto and St. Marks Square, is a hidden gem where her magic craft takes place. Giuliana, Venice’s most renowned milliner, safely guards this family tradition that began back in 1901. She handcrafts each creation proposing both traditional and innovative designs for men and women. Her workshop also proudly bears the emblem of Locale Storico d’Italia (Historic Shop of Italy).
Wood
Founded by Angelo Lunardelli, Lunardelli Venezia was born from the expertise of Lunardelli est. 1967, a historic Venetian company specialising in custom woodworking for construction and interior design projects. The business combines decades of know-how with an innovative vision, creating objects that reflect the excellence of Italian craftsmanship with a contemporary touch. With a concrete commitment to sustainability, Lunardelli Venezia prioritises the reuse of wood, ensuring every piece is unique while respecting the environment at every stage of production.
Sculpture
The remèr (the makers of oars) has undoubtedly been one of the most important artisanal crafts in the city of Venice, considering the city is built on water and boating is a significant way of transport. Today, only five remèri across four workshops continue this tradition and one proudly unveiled by The Place of Wonders is Saverio Pastor. Saverio is a custodian of this tradition, beginning his craft in 1980 and, in 2002, opened the workshop LE FORCOLE near the Church of Madonna della Salute. While attentive to the aesthetic qualities of forcole, he experiments with new materials while remaining faithful to traditional techniques and tools.