Every district around Florence has its own character, even in the handicraft production.
Although some of the traditional activities have definitely closed and their memory is preserved only in museums, other productions continues with the wisdom of the past, being a symbol of pride for the territory.
This special itinerary will let you discover the typical craftmanship of four small towns around Florence.
Signa was famous for its straw production, even if hats were called Florence straw hats. Today this tradition has almost disappeared, but the history of straw hats is told in detail in the lovely Straw and Wickerwork Museum.
The terracotta of Impruneta is an artisan workmanship evolved over time to the industrial phase, passing the test of time. The excellent quality of the clay and some centuries-old kilns hand down a tradition to be proud of. Visits to the kilns and direct purchase are possible.
One of the most prestigious porcelain factories in the world is Richard Ginori, whose activity has always been linked to the town of Sesto Fiorentino, just outside Florence. Richard Ginori porcelain is still produced and can be purchased, although at the moment the interesting museum that documents its history (dated back to the eighteenth century) is closed.
Finally, wine and its production are key elements of the region. The village of Rufina is totally dedicated to viticulture, with an interesting museum of Vine and Wine at Villa Spalletti, where the production is told through equipment and tools, photographs, videos and original documents.
