Leather Shopping in Florence: A Journey through Italian Tradition and Craftsmanship

Wander through Florence’s historic quarters and uncover a world of craftsmanship, where leather is shaped by hand and tradition lives in every stitch.

Florence has been synonymous with fine leather craftsmanship for centuries. From family-run workshops to high-end boutiques, the city offers some of the best handcrafted leather goods in the world. Whether you’re exploring traditional artisan districts or browsing through upscale boutiques, Florence offers a variety of shopping experiences for anyone seeking authentic, handcrafted leather, made with traditional Italian techniques and the highest quality materials.

Why Florence is Famous for Leather

Florence has a deep-rooted tradition in leather craftsmanship that dates back to the Renaissance. Historically, the city was a hub for the tanning and production of leather, particularly in the Santa Croce district. Today, Florence continues to uphold its artisan legacy through generations of leather workers who use time-honored techniques, locally sourced hides, and meticulous hand-finishing processes.

Historic Leather Districts to go shopping in Florence

Santa Croce – The Traditional Heart of Leather Craftsmanship

Wander through the streets of Santa Croce, and the scent of leather fills the air. This historic neighborhood, located just steps from the Basilica of Santa Croce, has been the epicenter of Florence’s leather industry for centuries. Along its quiet backstreets, you’ll find small studios where skilled craftsmen shape soft, full-grain leather into elegant handbags, belts, and jackets.

At the heart of this district is Scuola del Cuoio, the city’s most renowned leather school. Located behind the basilica, visitors can watch artisans at work as they cut and stitch leather using traditional techniques passed down through generations. The leather goods sold here, ranging from classic totes to hand-tooled accessories, are made on-site and designed to last a lifetime.

Also in the Santa Croce area, Misuri offers a refined retail experience inside a historic building. With over a century of experience, the shop blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, making it a reliable destination for luxury leather goods.

Santa Maria Novella – Where Heritage Meets Boutique Design

Santa Maria Novella district combines Florence’s rich heritage with a more contemporary shopping atmosphere. Here, high-end leather boutiques sit side by side with artisan workshops, offering refined collections.

Boutiques like Francesco Lionetti focus on custom-made leather belts and handbags crafted from full-grain Italian leather. A few blocks away, Benheart adds a modern edge to traditional craftsmanship, specializing in stylish jackets, boots, and bags—all handcrafted in Italy. The area also hosts Il Bisonte, one of Florence’s iconic labels, known for timeless designs that develop rich patina over time.

Oltrarno – Florence’s Authentic Artisan Quarter

Across the Arno River, Oltrarno offers a quieter, more traditional side of Florence, known for its strong artisan roots. This district is home to many family-run leather workshops, where the craft is still practiced in the same small studios where it has been passed down for generations.

Explore the cobbled streets and you’ll discover independent workshops creating bespoke leather bags, belts, and accessories—often made by hand right in front of you. This area is less commercial than other parts of the city, making it ideal for travelers seeking one-of-a-kind, high-quality leather pieces in a more local setting.

Highlights include Casini Firenze, located across from the Palazzo Pitti, where Jennifer Tattanelli blends her father’s Florentine legacy with modern design. Also in the district, Stefano Bemer is revered for handcrafted luxury shoes and custom leather accessories, reflecting exquisite attention to detail.

Market Shopping

San Lorenzo Market – A Mix of Craftsmanship and Chaos

For a more vibrant shopping experience, San Lorenzo Market is the place to explore. Just steps from the Duomo, San Lorenzo Market, one of Florence's busiest shopping areas, is a lively stretch of stalls selling leather jackets, bags, and accessories. Vendors call out to passersby, eager to showcase their latest designs.

While some vendors sell imported or machine-made products, there are also reputable leather shops that offer high-quality and genuine Florentine leather goods. If you choose to shop here, take your time. Look closely at stitching, materials, and labels, and don’t hesitate to ask questions about where and how a piece was made.

Final Thoughts

From the historic streets of Santa Croce to the boutique-lined lanes of Santa Maria Novella, to the authentic studios of Oltrarno and the lively energy of San Lorenzo Market, Florence offers a shopping experience rooted in tradition of excellence in Italian craftsmanship. Whether you're searching for a one-of-a-kind handbag, a custom belt, or an heirloom-quality jacket, the city’s leather artisans deliver craftsmanship that stands the test of time. In Florence, every piece tells a story — and it’s one you’ll carry with you long after you leave.