I got back from Italy this week and I still need to recover! Florence truly got me and next year, I will definitely spend more time to discover other parts of wonderful Tuscany. I have to confess, that I did not really act as a typical tourist (I mean I did not queue 2 hours to enter some of the most famous museums, considering 40 C heat), but I rather followed my wild nature to discover city on my own. What does it mean? I simply get rid of a paper map, which I got in the hotel and decided to check all hidden, little streets to find out the real beauty of this city.
I found many art shops, little fashion boutiques and home decor stores, which are worth to visit, once you end up in Florence.
Let’s start with Alessandro Dari jewelry showroom. When I entered this place I felt like Alice in Wonderland, seriously I have never seen such a marvelous jewelry! The way it was presented, was just beyond the words. I found many exciting rings there and to be honest, I would not mind to receive one during my engagement? I was never a big fan of diamonds (not that I own many) and if I could choose, I would always go for some vintage, gold rings with emerald or sapphire. They looks so lavish, that I do not have more words to describe their beauty. This absolutely stunning Jewelry Museum-Shop is located at : Via di S. Niccolò, 115R, in the old Palace “Nasi-Quaratesi”.
Let’s talk a bit about home interior. Florence is definitely one of the best city to buy different home decor items. I was absolutely in love with Pitti Mosaici, located at Piazza dei Pitti 23R. If you are a big fan (like me) of any golden ornament frames and mirrors, beautiful chandeliers and mosaic coffee tables this place is definitely for you! Once I was walking around this store, I realized that it would be great to have actually bigger apartment or little house, where I could place renaissance fountain on my patio. Maybe in the near future, who knows?
Another place which you definitely need to stop by, once you are in Florence is Trecentesco Fiorentino. This little store operates as a workshop, where an elder gentleman Luciano Caglieri reproduces renascence paintings such as Botticelli’s Birth of Venus. You will find there many home items, like jewelry boxes, gold mirrors, many frames and any other wooden decoration all in the renaissance style. This little place is located at Via Faenza67/r.
Something for your body
Once you are in Florence you need to visit Ortigia Sicilia, which is a small Italian soap and scent company founded in Sicily in 2006. All Ortigia products are made by small family companies who pride themselves on the quality of their products. You will find there many fragrances, packed in beautifully designed boxes with little exotics Sicilian drawings. I fell into Bergamot scent, which is the essential oil derived from the bitter orange tree. I was a bit obsessed with their candles. Perfect fragrance and ultra cool design is worth any price! This place is located at Borgo S. Jacopo 12/R.
Another great Italian store with natural cosmetics, which you can not miss once you are in Italy is L’Erbolario (http://www.erbolario.com/en/). Founded in Lodi, in 1978 is one of the most recognizable Italian cosmetic brand. You can buy many products, starting from shower gels, soaps and the most amazing perfumes. I got for myself Tra i Ciliegi perfume, consisted of Italian Bergamot, Sicilian Orange, Cherry Blossom and Italian Tangerine. It’s wroth to mention that those cosmetics are not animal tested nor contain animal-derived ingredients. They are also GMO free. This place is located at Piazza del Duomo, 13-r.
I am planing my next trip to Tuscany next spring, can you recommend some hidden spots there?
Any great villages worth to visits?
