The architecture of the buildings that populate Central Florence is quite simple and understated. It is on the interior that the wealthy families of the 13th century really spent their lire! The palazzo that is shown in the video below was actually built in 1289 as a single-family home. The frescoes that cover many of the ceiling within this mansion today are original to the building of the home...they have been re-touched with great care and are a sight to behold.  In 1937, a young man by the name of Salvatore Ferragamo purchased it and converted it into a shoe factory. It has been the world-wide headquarters of this prestigious house of design and fashion since then.

In the beginning...the chapel suite was where leather was stitched and machinery was stored. In an adjoining room - all the leather that was used in the manufacturing process was stored. Florence is known around the world for its fine leathers and, of course, there are few finer than those produced by The House of Ferragamo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAWErkp6mPM

Filed under: Florence Day Trips

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