Italy is home to a rich tapestry of crafts that are admired all over the world for their intricate designs, uniqueness and quality. Each region in Italy offers a unique insight into their history, heritage and culture through their crafts, embodying an identity unique to each location.  The handmade treasures are testimony to Italy’s rich cultural heritage and the way it is embraced and maintained is admirable. The use of traditional methods passed down from generation to generation comes face to face with innovation and modernity meaning that Italian craftsmanship continues to live, evolve and flourish to this day.

The best of ‘handmade in Italy’

This article invites readers to explore Italy's handcrafted treasures, including hand-painted ceramics, leather work and fine fabrics, with a look at the traditional techniques and master craftsmen that make them unique. Of course, there are many more types of Italian crafts such as ironwork, hand weaving and jewellery making that continue to be created to this day.

The art of ceramics in Italy

Intricate hand painted ceramics are a hallmark of Italian craftsmanship, with regions like Tuscany, Umbria and Campania standing out for creating exquisite pieces. The many types of Italian ceramics that exist to this day are the Etruscan ‘bucchero’, the Renaissance majolica and lusterware, tiles from Sicily and many more.

The ceramics of Deruta: An Umbrian tradition

The town of Deruta is famous for its hand painted creations, known as maiolica, which are tin-glazed earthenware painted with vibrant colours and intricate detail. There are over 200 ceramic workshops in this artisan village in Italy, each using methods that began there during the Renaissance. A great place to pick up a souvenir to take home and treasure for ever.

The art of leather making in Italy

Italy is synonymous with quality leather goods and leather craftsmanship is a centuries old tradition that is well and truly alive to this day, with an unmatched reputation worldwide. Italian leather stands as the pinnacle of quality and investing in a piece will mean you will enjoy it for years to come.  Dating back to the Roman empire, leather making has flourished in Milan, Venice and Florence.

Leather making: the basics

The quality of the raw materials as well as expert Italian craftsmanship honed over centuries is what makes Italian leather so special. Typically favouring vegetable tanned leather, resulting in a more eco-friendly and soft finish, as well as allowing the leather to age wonderfully.  The skill of the craftspeople is also essential to Italian leather’s excellent quality, usually coming from small family-run workshops in Tuscany or Veneto using methods that have been passed down from generation to generation.

Textiles in Italy: beautiful patterns and delicate designs

Venice and Florence emerged as renowned hubs for producing high-quality and luxurious fabrics and became known all over the world as the epicentre for textiles. With many family-run businesses still using the traditional techniques and methods to create world-class Italian handcrafted textiles.

Florence: silk and wool

During the Renaissance, Florence, became a centre for silk and wool production thanks, in part, to the Medici family.  Thanks to the city’s ‘Arte della Lana’ the wool production could be regulated to ensure the highest standards. Both textiles remain a symbol of decadence and luxury to this day.

Venice: intricate lace

The island of Burano is home to generations of craftspeople who have been creating intricate lace designs with needle and thread for generations. The region of Veneto is also known for its damask fabrics, rich coloured fabrics adorned with delicate patterns used for both clothing and furnishings.

Murano glass: masters of glass

The glass making techniques in Italy, notably in Venice, date back to the Byzantine Empire, and have continued to innovate as well as maintain tradition through the generations. Murano glass is clear, then the colours are added using minerals and oxides creating wonderful one-off designs and patterns.

‘Made In Italy’ at Fiumicino Airport

Italy is not only admired for its aesthetically pleasing handmade items as we have mentioned but also for delicious cuisine and wine.  In addition to one of the many delightful handmade items you may have decided to purchase on your travels through Italy, why not take home a delicious treat? At Fiumicino airport you can purchase a wide range of local delicacies including wines, pastas, chocolates, sauces and more. With Shop & Fly, you can take advantage of the 10% discount by making an online order  and conveniently pick up items at the airport before your boarding.  Why not take a little taste of Bella Italia home with you?

Italy boasts a rich artisan tradition that spans the centuries and still stands proudly as producing some of the world’s most beautiful crafts. A true testament to the passion and dedication to tradition and quality found in the craftsmanship throughout Italy and a symbol of the excellence and creativity that runs deep in the Bel Paese.

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