Via dei Velluti happens to be one of my favorite streets in Firenze. First, it's in the Oltrarno which is so near and dear to my heart. More importantly, I called this tiny little street home the first time I moved to Firenze back in the 90's.
One could almost miss it, but Via dei Velluti is a jewel in what is already a cradle of beauty & all things fabulous here in Firenze. There is a vibrant community on this little Via. It consists of master craftsmen & women, using ancient skills and traditions passed down through generations. Here you'll stroll by the bottegas (workshops) of furniture restorers (look for the chairs on the ceilings), wood sculptors, bookbinders, jewelry studios, makers of the famous marbled Florentine paper – a tradition still continued by hand, and more!
If you're in Firenze, I encourage you to check it out. Getting there from the city center is easy. Crossing over Ponte Santa Trinita is my recommendation. It's the next bridge over from Ponte Vecchio, very beautiful, less crowded and just so happens to be my favorite.
Allora....once you cross PST you will find yourself on Via Maggio. Just continue walking a few short blocks, and look up to the left for the little sign:
And don't be shy about popping your head in to say hi! These artisans are not only experts at their craft, but hold an enormous amount of history in their artistic genius and will gladly share.
Buon Weekend & Big Love, PatriciaG
As always, I'd love to hear from you on this or any of my previous blogs. If you feel inspired, please write me in the Comments section. Grazie! Ciao!