If you’re in Florence in May, there’s one event you simply cannot miss. Artigianato e Palazzo opens its doors each spring in the enchanting garden of Palazzo Corsini, transforming the space into a living celebration of craftsmanship, tradition, and timeless beauty.
For four magical days, artisans recreate their workshops in the shade of this baroque garden: goldsmiths, ceramicists, jewelers, hatmakers, perfumers, woodworkers… It’s like stepping into the world of Renaissance guilds, but with a contemporary flair.
And there I am – utterly enchanted. One year, I walked away with a pair of marabou feather cuffs: bold, playful, and unmistakably me. This year, I turned even grocery shopping into a statement and treated myself to a handwoven basket – crafted right there before my eyes. I couldn’t resist… and honestly, I didn’t want to.
But what truly elevates this experience is the Giardino Corsini itself – a secret garden usually closed to the public. During Artigianato e Palazzo, the gates open, revealing citrus trees in terracotta pots, baroque statues, carefully clipped hedges, and a dreamscape of quiet elegance. As you stroll past lemon trees and antique fountains, you hear the soft clink of hammers, the rhythm of a letterpress, the creak of wood under a craftsman’s hand.
The garden was first created in 1625 and still radiates the austere yet graceful harmony of classical Italian design. There’s something quietly transformative about it – the symmetry of the paths, the calm of the trees, the silence of the statues. Antique figures line the central axis, whispering stories from the past, while cherubs and lions look down from the loggia, as if asking: “Do you know where you’ve just stepped into?”
This isn’t just a garden. It’s a stage. And whether you’re a master artisan or a visitor with a basket on your arm, you’re part of the scene.
This is one of those Florentine moments that touches more than just your eyes – it speaks to the soul. Unique, magical, and deeply unforgettable.