16 Unique Products to Buy in Florence, Florence, Italy (B)

Compared to other Italian "grands" like Rome, Venice, or Milan, Florence is relatively less-known to an outsider for any local products, save, perhaps, Florentine mosaics and Fiorentina FC. Fortunately, there are tonnes of locally-originated things that this Italian city is rightfully proud of. Knowledgeable insider will tell you, or best, study this list and see for yourself!

There’s a small town near Florence, called Montelupo, boasting a pottery tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages. Handmade reproductions of robbiane (Renaissance-style glazed terracotta) from Florence, making for a wonderful present with a touch of Italian artistic charm, can be found at La Botteghina (Via Guelfa, 5/R). This very small shop carries a stock of plates, jars, pots, bowls, carafes and other lead-free, dishwasher-proof earthenware, some of which are also usable in the oven, made by several local artists specialized either in contemporary design or reproducing 13th century patterns.

Montelupo’s design is particularly traditional and rustic, while Deruta’s patterns (also displayed at La Botteghina’s) are more geometric, elaborate and extremely colored. Prices for a medium size pot start at 12 euros (35 euros for a larger one), while the biggest Montelupo or Deruta plate can cost up to 250 euros, and a mediums-size jar - between 50 and 90 euros, depending on the design. La Botteghina is open on Mondays from 3 to 7 pm and Tue-Sat, 9 am-7 pm. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).