Florence: Silk Weaving Workshop and Factory Tour

Discover the art of silk weaving in Florence on a guided tour. Visit historic factories, learn about the craft, and weave your own fabric at a traditional loom.
Begin your journey at the Antico Setificio Fiorentino in the Oltrarno, one of the last remaining workshops in the world to use original 18th-century looms. Hear the rhythmic "clack-clack" of the shuttles and see the legendary warping machine designed by Leonardo da Vinci in action.

Next, head to the Fondazione Arte della Seta Lisio, where you will witness the technical pinnacle of the craft: hand-woven velvets and brocades made with real gold and silver threads, a testament to centuries of opulent artistry.

After witnessing the historic masters, move to a smaller, intimate textile studio such as Arteviva or a local boutique artisan space. Unlike the industrial-scale history of the first stops, these centers focus on the hobby loom and contemporary textile art, offering a more personal scale.

Here, your organizer, Saransh, takes the lead. A fluent English speaker and a weaver himself who runs his own fashion business, he bridges the gap between historic craft and modern application. He guides you in learning the essential difference between the warp (vertical) and weft (horizontal) threads. You'll feel the raw textures of Tuscan wool, organic linen, and cultivated silk.

Conclude with a visit to a curated textile archive where you can see how these timeless fabrics inspire modern fashion and interior design. Leave with a deep appreciation for the hours of labor behind every inch of fabric and perhaps a small sample of the weaving you helped create, now understanding the thread that connects the great setifici to today's artisan-entrepreneurs.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.