The Florentine Guilds

This tour will take you to various historical sites related to the major and minor guilds of Florence. You will discover how these corporations of doctors, merchants, artisans and craftsmen, managed to protect their mutual interests for centuries. They all had representatives in the government to protect and regulate the arts, trades and industry; they remained influential during the middle-age and throughout Renaissance up to 17-18th century shaping city life, politics and its masterpieces. By strolling around the city we will search for many symbolic hidden corners and more obvious squares that talk about the guilds. We will also have fun hunting for the most famous guild's coats of arms on display here and there. I will show you some of the most famous churches and buildings of Florence all connected with the Guilds. Finally, we will approach a local jewelry designer and artisan in her studio/workshop to show us amazing items in gold, silver and enamel representing the Florentine Guilds.

We meet at the UNESCO site in Piazza del Duomo, the main religious center in Florence. We will explore ancient Roman remains and focus on a spot that tells us a long history about the major Florentine Guilds. Moving to the northern zone to central historical narrow alleys we will see medieval palaces and churches related to the Guilds. As we reach the southern area close to the Arno River we will stop at the main site of Piazza Signoria, Ponte Vecchio and other old district nearby. This is a gente walk that will touch the most important historical spots in town. It's also a discovery through contemporary Florence that keeps its own traditions, trades and art in lively markets and jewellery workshops. You will have also the chance to meet a local artisan at work, a real memorable experience with old and new places and people of Florence.