Inside Florence: A Tale of Palazzi and Botteghe

Name: Inside Florence: A Tale of Palazzi and Botteghe
SKU: 9791254632642
Availability: InStock

EGP4,555.00

Touring the traditional craft workshops and historic palazzi that help to preserve Florence’s exceptional art and architecture

Picturesque medieval streets, breathtaking cathedrals and legendary art: there is much to love about the city of Florence, as its droves of tourists will tell you. Yet the city is not completely overrun by visitors, and Florence’s locals are eyewitnesses to today’s world while also heirs to a centuries-old history of tradition, creativity and independence.
Livia Frescobaldi invites readers to discover the city that lies beyond the tourist realms, in the form of the age-old craft workshops and their ability to preserve all that makes Florence one of the world’s most admired cities. Together with photographers Alessandro Moggi and Eugenia Maffei, Frescobaldi charts an itinerary through which to discover the arts and crafts. We visit the botteghe, or storefronts, housing these time-honored practices: framers, stonemasons working in marble or brilliant pietra dura, printmakers and ironworkers. Meanwhile, Frescobaldi also stops to show us some of the most historic palazzi still inhabited and cared for, such as the 13th-century villa home to fashion’s Pucci family, or a former monastery-turned-mansion once belonging to Henry Brewster, an American expatriate in Florence. With essays rich in anecdote and admiration, Frescobaldi offers an intimate and original view of what it means to live in Florence today.
Livia Frescobaldi grew up in Florence’s Oltrarno district. As an appraiser, she has produced valuations for private estates and cultural sites across Italy. She also established the Associazione Amici di Doccia―which she heads―for research into and preservation and promotion of the Ginori porcelain manufactory.

4 in stock

SKU: 9791254632642 Categories: Books, E Fashion, E Interior Design, English Books Author: Livia Frescobaldi

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Inside Florence: A Tale of Palazzi and Botteghe Book Description

Inside Florence: A Tale of Palazzi and Botteghe invites you to leave bustling museums and step into living workshops and historic palaces that keep the city’s art breathing. The narrative is written in clear English and follows locals who safeguard centuries‑old traditions. Striking photographs sit beside personal essays, giving readers an intimate and educational experience.

Author Livia Frescobaldi acts as your guide on a walking tour of traditional craft workshops, or botteghe, that line medieval streets. You meet framers, marble masons, master printmakers and ironworkers who practice techniques passed down through generations. Meanwhile, the guide opens doors to historic palazzi still inhabited today, such as the 13th‑century Pucci villa and a former monastery‑turned‑mansion once owned by American expatriate Henry Brewster.

Photographers Alessandro Moggi and Eugenia Maffei capture delicate details of stone, glass and leather that define Florence’s hidden arts. Their images complement Frescobaldi’s essays, rich in anecdotes and reflections. Readers feel the pulse of the city’s creative spirit and understand why Florentines remain proud custodians of a cultural legacy that draws visitors from around the world.

Each chapter opens with a brief historical overview followed by a modern perspective, helping you discover the relevance of ancient crafts today. Additionally, the book offers a curated itinerary that points to specific workshops and palaces you can visit, making real‑world exploration simple and rewarding. A handy glossary explains terms such as pietra dura and bottega, ensuring the content stays accessible to all.

Key Features of Inside Florence: A Tale of Palazzi and Botteghe

Readers can enjoy a clear historical timeline that connects past and present. The guide provides maps and suggested routes, allowing you to plan a day‑long adventure through hidden corridors and workshops. In addition, each section includes QR codes that link to short videos of artisans at work, adding a multimedia dimension to the reading experience.

Because the guide emphasizes sustainability, it suggests ways to support local craftsmen while you travel. Also, the glossary makes unfamiliar Italian terms easy to understand, so you never feel lost in translation. Finally, vivid photography showcases textures of marble, glass and iron, bringing the city’s hidden arts to life on every page.

Why Read This Book?

Fans of art history, architecture and cultural travel will find a wealth of new information presented in an easy‑to‑read format. The story uncovers hidden layers of a city famous for its masterpieces, showing how everyday artisans contribute to its global reputation. Many readers appreciate the vivid photography, which makes the textures of stone, glass and metal feel tangible.

The author’s background as an appraiser and founder of the Associazione Amici di Doccia adds credibility to discussions of preservation. Therefore, the book serves both as a practical guide for visitors and as a scholarly resource for enthusiasts. Inside Florence: A Tale of Palazzi and Botteghe encourages you to explore beyond the usual tourist routes and connect with the living heart of the city.

About This Book

Inside Florence: A Tale of Palazzi and Botteghe is available at Kalimat Bookstore Online. For more details about the author and reviews, visit the Goodreads page. You can also explore other top English titles in our store through this link.