Scuola del Cuoio S.r.l. on Postcard

"This leather workshop is hidden away in a former Franciscan monastery next to Santa Croce. The Scuola del Cuoio was originally founded to provide skills and work for some of the city’s orphans after World War II; masters and apprentices still produce wallets, purses, journals, and jackets. Take a quick tour of the beautiful cloisters, frescoed corridors, and workspace, or sign up for a full workshop and try your hand at making something of your own. Everything is crafted on-site using traditional methods. Be sure to get your purchases personalized with a gold-stamped monogram."

What to Do in Tuscany

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@afar

"This leather workshop is hidden away in a former Franciscan monastery next to Santa Croce. The Scuola del Cuoio was originally founded to provide skills and work for some of the city’s orphans after World War II; masters and apprentices still produce wallets, purses, journals, and jackets. Take a quick tour of the beautiful cloisters, frescoed corridors, and workspace, or sign up for a full workshop and try your hand at making something of your own. Everything is crafted on-site using traditional methods. Be sure to get your purchases personalized with a gold-stamped monogram."

The Best Places to Shop in Florence

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@afar

"This leather workshop is hidden away in a former Franciscan monastery next to Santa Croce. The Scuola del Cuoio was originally founded to provide skills and work for some of the city’s orphans after World War II; masters and apprentices still produce wallets, purses, journals, and jackets. Take a quick tour of the beautiful cloisters, frescoed corridors, and workspace, or sign up for a full workshop and try your hand at making something of your own. Everything is crafted on-site using traditional methods. Be sure to get your purchases personalized with a gold-stamped monogram."

The Best Things to Do in Florence

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Flo Yeow

Google

Visiting Ingresso Scuola del Cuoio (School of Leather) offers a unique shopping experience. Located behind a church, the walk to the entrance is particularly calming, especially at night. The view of the workshop itself adds a sense of authenticity and history to your visit. Inside, you're greeted by an array of stunning leather goods, from small accessories to larger bags and jackets. While not the cheapest, the quality is undeniable, and you get the satisfaction of supporting skilled artisans who are passionate about their craft. Overall, a memorable find!

Jason Hiak

Google

Visiting Scuola del Cuoio feels like stepping back into a post-World War II leather workshop. The rich history of the place alone makes it worth a visit, even if you’re not planning to buy anything. The variety of leather products is impressive, with something for almost every taste and need. While the craftsmanship is exceptional, some items can feel a bit pricey. Still, the experience of soaking in the workshop’s history and seeing artisans at work makes it a memorable stop in Florence.

APRIL THOMISON BRENNER

Google

I went here looking specifically to get a new high-quality leather belt and I ended up buying two because I couldn't decide! The staff was very kind when answering my questions. There are a lot of beautiful items in the workshop and you can also order custom-made goods and have them shipped to your home. The story behind the school's history is very endearing. Outside on the street it was really busy and loud, but as soon as we walked through the entrance and into the courtyard, it was a wonderful sanctuary. Definitely worth a visit, even if you do not end up buying any goods.

Ricardo Velez

Google

I found this place after reading some comments from Rick Steves guide as well as recommendations on Reddit. My wife and I really wanted a place where we could purchase leather that was legitimate. There are hundreds of locations in Florence that sell cheap leather goods, but none compare to this place. This school is a full experience, not just a location to buy quality leather. From the moment you enter it feels like you walked into a monastery. There's much to observe, from the garden of herbs and plants, to the historical artwork of some of their own students and professionals. My wife and I loved it so much we ended purchasing several items from this store to take back home. We had the pleasure of working with Francesca, Nora and Fatima who were all extremely helpful, kind and courteous when assisting us fulfill our purchases. They ensured they had every single detail correct and just how we wanted it as they filled out the orders. We were pressed for time as we had to catch a train, but they made sure we were happy and comfortable with our order. They were never pushy, they just showed humility and pride in their craft. It was a great overall experience and we are most thankful to all 3 of them for their professionalism and hospitality. Cost wise, depending on what you are looking to purchase, the prices vary from 15 euro for small things such as luggage tags, to mid high price items in the 100-300 euro range for bags in the shop and closer to 500+ euro for items in the glass display cases. If you find yourself wanting to buy real crafted leather work, do yourself a favor and skip the cheap knockoffs from the street vendors and go to the Scuola del Cuoio for true value and master craft work.

Linda

Google

This is a quiet spot with many leather goods made with high attention to detail. Some of the designs have been copied elsewhere, but those copies are just made without the same real leather. The smell and feel are different and you can tell they take pride in their work.

Danielle Langley

Google

This is a great visit. Highly recommend! The craftsmanship is amazing. Such friendly and helpful staff. You can just have a look around or if you want to treat yourself there are such beautifully made leather products to suit all budgets. We went back after our first purchase on the Friday . Unfortunately the Saturday we couldn’t have our initials embossed on the extra purse I purchased. But it wasn’t a problem at all. And your purchases are supporting this amazing school too!

Felipe Echeverri

Google

It feels that is great as a museum, but not for shopping. I think it was too expensive for my taste. Buy on any brick and mortar shop in Florence and should be ok. But not here.

Sebi

Google

Wonderful experience even if you don't plan on getting anything. It's a beautiful place and you can see the master artisans at work. Everybody is great and helpful. So many options of leather goods. I ended up picking up a messenger bag and I am in love with it and got a cool story to tell :)

Flo Yeow

Google

Visiting Ingresso Scuola del Cuoio (School of Leather) offers a unique shopping experience. Located behind a church, the walk to the entrance is particularly calming, especially at night. The view of the workshop itself adds a sense of authenticity and history to your visit. Inside, you're greeted by an array of stunning leather goods, from small accessories to larger bags and jackets. While not the cheapest, the quality is undeniable, and you get the satisfaction of supporting skilled artisans who are passionate about their craft. Overall, a memorable find!

Jason Hiak

Google

Visiting Scuola del Cuoio feels like stepping back into a post-World War II leather workshop. The rich history of the place alone makes it worth a visit, even if you’re not planning to buy anything. The variety of leather products is impressive, with something for almost every taste and need. While the craftsmanship is exceptional, some items can feel a bit pricey. Still, the experience of soaking in the workshop’s history and seeing artisans at work makes it a memorable stop in Florence.

APRIL THOMISON BRENNER

Google

I went here looking specifically to get a new high-quality leather belt and I ended up buying two because I couldn't decide! The staff was very kind when answering my questions. There are a lot of beautiful items in the workshop and you can also order custom-made goods and have them shipped to your home. The story behind the school's history is very endearing. Outside on the street it was really busy and loud, but as soon as we walked through the entrance and into the courtyard, it was a wonderful sanctuary. Definitely worth a visit, even if you do not end up buying any goods.

Ricardo Velez

Google

I found this place after reading some comments from Rick Steves guide as well as recommendations on Reddit. My wife and I really wanted a place where we could purchase leather that was legitimate. There are hundreds of locations in Florence that sell cheap leather goods, but none compare to this place. This school is a full experience, not just a location to buy quality leather. From the moment you enter it feels like you walked into a monastery. There's much to observe, from the garden of herbs and plants, to the historical artwork of some of their own students and professionals. My wife and I loved it so much we ended purchasing several items from this store to take back home. We had the pleasure of working with Francesca, Nora and Fatima who were all extremely helpful, kind and courteous when assisting us fulfill our purchases. They ensured they had every single detail correct and just how we wanted it as they filled out the orders. We were pressed for time as we had to catch a train, but they made sure we were happy and comfortable with our order. They were never pushy, they just showed humility and pride in their craft. It was a great overall experience and we are most thankful to all 3 of them for their professionalism and hospitality. Cost wise, depending on what you are looking to purchase, the prices vary from 15 euro for small things such as luggage tags, to mid high price items in the 100-300 euro range for bags in the shop and closer to 500+ euro for items in the glass display cases. If you find yourself wanting to buy real crafted leather work, do yourself a favor and skip the cheap knockoffs from the street vendors and go to the Scuola del Cuoio for true value and master craft work.

Linda

Google

This is a quiet spot with many leather goods made with high attention to detail. Some of the designs have been copied elsewhere, but those copies are just made without the same real leather. The smell and feel are different and you can tell they take pride in their work.

Danielle Langley

Google

This is a great visit. Highly recommend! The craftsmanship is amazing. Such friendly and helpful staff. You can just have a look around or if you want to treat yourself there are such beautifully made leather products to suit all budgets. We went back after our first purchase on the Friday . Unfortunately the Saturday we couldn’t have our initials embossed on the extra purse I purchased. But it wasn’t a problem at all. And your purchases are supporting this amazing school too!

Felipe Echeverri

Google

It feels that is great as a museum, but not for shopping. I think it was too expensive for my taste. Buy on any brick and mortar shop in Florence and should be ok. But not here.

Sebi

Google

Wonderful experience even if you don't plan on getting anything. It's a beautiful place and you can see the master artisans at work. Everybody is great and helpful. So many options of leather goods. I ended up picking up a messenger bag and I am in love with it and got a cool story to tell :)

Scuola del Cuoio S.r.l.

Scuola del Cuoio S.r.l.

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