Explore the craft shops on the Oltrarno

Discover the Oltrarno neighbourhood's craft heritage on the so-called “Left Bank” of the city, across the river Arno. This bohemian district is studded with stylish bars and buzzy inns interspersed with antique shops, jewellery-makers, picture-restorers and bijou art galleries. This is a journey back into a bygone age, visiting ancient “botteghe” (artisans’ workshops). Despite tourism, this arty-crafty area remains authentic and is home to specialist artisans whose trades have survived in the same district since medieval times. Depending on your interest, call into craft shops run by carpenters, tailors, printmakers or leather-makers. This is the place to ponder the delights of buying bespoke furniture, lithographs, sculpture, or hand-tooled leather handbags. Explore on your own or go on an Oltrarno craft tour with Eating Italy. Their craft tour also takes you to places for tastings of Tuscan meats, cheeses and Cantucci biscuits.

Web: www.eatingitalyfoodtours.com/florence/tours/oltrarno/