Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
as well as jewellery, T-shirts and so on, cram this stylish boutique created by German-born
globetrotter Antje. A real highlight are the street sign art works by Florence-based street
artist CLET.
CHOCOLATE
Dolce Forte
(
www.dolceforte.it
; Via della Scala 21; 10am-1pm & 3.30-7.45pm Wed-Sat & Mon)
Elena is the
passion and knowledge behind this astonishing chocolate shop that sells only the best.
Think black-truffle flavoured chocolate, an entire cherry, stone et al, soaked in grappa and
wrapped in white chocolate or - for the ultimate taste sensation -
formaggio di fossa
(a
cheese from central Italy) soaked in sweet wine and enrobed in dark chocolate.
Letizia Fiorini
(Via del Parione 60r; 10am-7pm Tue-Sat)
This charming shop is a one-woman affair - Letizia
Fiorini sits at the counter and makes her distinctive puppets by hand in between assisting
customers. You'll find Pulchinella (Punch), Arlecchino the clown, beautiful servant girl
Colombina, Doctor Peste (complete with plague mask), cheeky Brighella, swashbuckling
Il Capitano and many other characters from traditional Italian puppetry.
PUPPETS
Giulio Giannini e Figlio
(
www.giuliogiannini.it
;
Piazza Pitti 37r; 10am-7pm Mon-Sat, 11am-6.30pm Sun)
Easy to miss, this
quaint old shopfront has watched Palazzo Pitti turn pink with the evening sun since 1856.
One of Florence's oldest artisan families, the Gianninis - bookbinders by trade - make
and sell marbled paper, beautifully bound books, stationery and so on. Don't miss the
workshop upstairs.
STATIONERY
Aprosio & Co
(
www.aprosio.it
; Via della Spada 38; 10.30am-1.30pm & 2.30-5.30pm Mon-Sat)
Ornella Aprosio
fashions teeny tiny glass and crystal beads into dazzling pieces of jewellery, hair accessor-
ies, animal-shaped brooches, handbags, even glass-flecked cashmere. It is all quite magic-
al.
ACCESSORIES, JEWELLERY
