Please sign in to post.

Leather shops in Florence

Hello, I'll be visiting Florence in May and would like to purchase a leather handbag. I visited the San Lorenzo leather market and some nearby shops when in Florence in November, but wasn't brave enough to make a purchase. I knew I was returning in May, so felt like I'd try to do a bit more research in hopes of avoiding inflated tourist prices or making the mistake of buying something not actually made in Florence, or at least Italy. I wonder if anyone can recommend particular leather shops that you had a good experience with and who you felt were fair with their pricing. How can I know if a bag is really Florentine? Are there some leather makers/craftsmen you can name?

Posted by
481 posts

The San Lorenzo market sells leather which isn't always good quality. Their products might say "Made in Italy" but often they are almost completely assembled outside Italy, then a finishing touch, such as a tassel, is added in Italy. The Leather School next to Santa Croce church in Florence makes their beautifully handmade leather goods on the premises, but is somewhat expensive. But you get what you pay for. They will monogram your purchases (not sure if that is included in the price).

Posted by
30 posts

Some friends of mine bought theirs in a shop in Siena (easy to get to via train from Florence). I'm not sure whether there's a substantial price difference between what's in each city. I also, unfortunately, don't have specific information about store name/location, but perhaps someone else on the board would be able to chime in if this were an option you were open to pursuing.

Posted by
11613 posts

I buy from stores rather than stalls at the market, although some stores also have stalls. The leather school is a good idea.

Posted by
2085 posts

Last month, we purchased three leather jackets from Massimo Leather, just outside the San Lorenzo Market. He's not the cheapest but all goods are made just outside of Florence, and quality is excellent. He is known throughout the States--in fact, that's how I heard about him. He's been in business for over 20 years, and he and his Irish wife Colette will take very good care of you.

http://www.massimoleather.it/home.html

Posted by
316 posts

I was there last September and bought a bag at the Santa Croce leather school. The bags are beautiful and they have many bags for a reasonable price. We also bought our sons leather shoes in a shop on the other side of the Ponte Vecchio bridge. There are many glove, shoe and handbag shops on that side of the bridge. We bought leather gloves for our entire family as well.

Posted by
1 posts

I was in Florence in September 2015 and spent a fair amount of time shopping for the perfect leather jacket. In the end, I followed the recommendation from the Rick Steve's Italy 2015 book and bought my jacket from Davide Cerasi leather. I am extremely happy with my purchase. The leather was of noticeably higher quality that other shops I visited and the customer service could not be beat! Davide was genuinely interested in making sure that I was happy with my purchase so much so that he altered the sleeves twice, free of charge, and shipped the jacket to me in the US. I read a lot of travel forums but I rarely take the time to post. I was so pleased with my purchase and the experience that I wanted to share.

I recommend Davide Cerasi Leather without hesitation. You will not be disappointed!

Posted by
1022 posts

I was in Florence 2006 and 2007 and bought leather items from Misuri (sp?) by Santa Croce. I liked that shop.

Hope you get some wonderful items.

Posted by
15794 posts

You should bargain firmly to get a better price, whether at a stall or a shop.