Artisan souvenirs: Signum
If you are visiting Florence, most likely you will be looking for souvenirs to bring back home to your loved ones. Sure, you can visit the city's famous outdoor markets and shop for your typical "Firenze" branded T-shirts or handbags but if you are looking for something more graceful and unique, you may want to visit Signum! Signum is an artisan marvel selling (handmade) art-centric wonders. Signum has three locations in the historical district of Florence (my favorite is on Borgo de Greci) and they have been in business for over 30 years.
They pride themselves on their handmade selection of products and per their website (www.signumfirenze.it) they describe themselves as "founded on principles of enhancement and divulging the historical, artistic, and culture heritage of the Florentine artisan tradition; Signum creates high-quality products characterized by strict hand production, quality of the materials and refinement of the design. In the last decade, we mainly focused on the production of leather and paper bookbinding articles, always keeping alive the link with the techniques and materials of the past, with the wisdom of the historical artisan tradition achieved thanks to our master bookbinder, a skilled craftsman who increased his art and knowledge during long periods of activity as a restorer for the National Library of Florence." Who wouldn't want a leather-bound journal from this place?!
When you step into Signum, it is truly like traveling back in time. One of my favorite products they offer is 3-D vintage postcards which I have never seen anywhere else. What a great find! They also have lovely marbled paper, handmade journals and sketchbooks, a large selection of wax seals and calligraphy supplies, old maps, compasses, postcards, posters and stationery. The list goes on...
The other item they sell that I find fascinating is their selection of tarot cards. With over 23 different options, I think these are alluring. From Florentine to Neoclassical decks, 15th-century to Geographical varieties, and regional decks from Marseille to Sardina; these are works of art! I know tarot cards are not for everyone but they are so beautiful and painted by hand; I don't think you can find something like this just anywhere.
Every year I stop in to buy a Christmas ornament for my tree and they have charming hand-painted glass and porcelain ornaments. I think this is also a wonderful gift for anyone that may have family ties to Florence. It's a great keepsake. Signum is a place you don't want to miss exploring. Even if you are not looking for stationery supplies, you should still take a few minutes to check them out. Everything they sell presents very well as a meaningful beautiful gift. I think you will be impressed with their old-world charm!
Their three locations are- L.no Archibusieri 14/R - B.go de Greci 40r - Via de Benci, 29/r-32/r
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