Rome
Artisan Rome
Rome is known for its ancient history so it’s only natural that its artisan industry follows suit. The city is full of historic handicraft workshops where local craftspeople use traditional methods to make everything from bespoke suits to handmade shoes and hats. Take a tour of the best artisans in the capital with this two-day itinerary.
Day one
Start locally with a trip to Bocache & Salvucci, located a one-minute walk around the corner from the hotel.
Bocache & Salvucci
Bocache & Salvucci crafts the bespoke, customised shoes that are an essential component of a Roman gentleman’s wardrobe. Shoes are made from superior quality leather that’s cut, shaped and finished by hand, and moulded to the wearer’s feet to ensure a perfect fit.
Choose between a five-minute drive or a 15-minute walk to reach Saddler’s Union.
Saddler’s Union
In the heart of Via Margutta, a road known for its artisans, visitors can find Saddler’s Union, a boutique that has specialised in leather pieces since the 1950s. Visit to discover a range of handmade handbags and travel bags, as well as belts, wallets, accessories, and home furnishings. Look inside the workshop at the back of the store, where pieces are personalised or repaired.
Then, take a five-minute walk to Sartoria Ripense.
Sartoria Ripense
Owned by tailor Andrea Luparelli, elegant atelier Sartoria Ripense specialises in bespoke Italian suits. While the workshop beneath the shop is particularly adept at crafting classic three-piece suits, it also offers a custom suit service whereby each design is tailored to the customer’s personal tastes. Shoes, hats, umbrellas and other accessories for gentleman are also available in the boutique.
Next, it’s a 10-minute drive to Antica Manifattura Cappelli.
Antica Manifattura Cappelli
For headwear that will last a lifetime and never go out of style, Antica Manifattura Cappelli is the place to go. This is the oldest hat workshop in Rome and it opened in 1936. Hats are handmade by milliners who use traditional time-honoured techniques to craft a range of modern, classic and custom accessories for any occasion.
Finally, take a 20-minute drive to Pro Loco Pinciano.
Pro Loco Pinciano
While in the Lazio region of Italy, sample traditional Lazio cuisine at Pro Loco Pinciano. The delicatessen is full of foods from local farmers and producers, such as salami, cheese, pasta, and condiments, while the restaurant serves timeless recipes handed down through generations, including some of the best pizza in town.
To return to the hotel, it’s a short five-minute drive or a leisurely 15-minute walk.
Day two
Start the day with a 20-minute drive to the first destination.
L’Antico Forno Roscioli
Start the day right with freshly baked artisanal breads at Antico Forno Roscioli. The bakery has one of the oldest kilns in Rome, and has been serving local citizens since 1972. Its specialities include Roman focaccia, pizzas, and Milanese sweet breads such as Panettone. The bakery also bakes customised breads upon request.
Then, take a five-minute walk to Michel Eggimann’s workshop.
Michel Eggimann
Michel Eggimann is Rome’s premier independent violin maker. The award-winning artisan has been crafting the instruments since 1982, and specialises in perfect reconstructions of 17th and 18th century Cremonese violins. Having made instruments for musicians and orchestras across the globe, his workshop on Via di Montoro is a must-visit for classical music enthusiasts.
Continue on foot with a five-minute walk to Delfina Delettrez.
Delfina Delettrez
A stone’s throw from Piazza Navona, visitors can find the boutique of Delfina Delettrez. The jewellery designer combines traditional Italian craftsmanship with surrealist iconography and contemporary materials to craft pieces that are innovative, beautiful, and unlike anything you’ll have seen before. Items are handcrafted at the Rome atelier and feature colourful precious stones.
Next, take a 30-minute drive to Mondicaffè.
Mondicaffè
Mondicaffè was making artisan coffee long before it became a global trend. Founded in Rome in 1959, the café serves pure single-origin espresso that’s delicious, ethical and certified. Try one of the key signature blends; High Palomar is a full-bodied, sweet coffee made from beans grown in plantations in Peru; Sidamo Gr.2 is a citrus-floral coffee from Ethiopia.
The final location is a 30-minute drive from here.
Roscioli
Head to Roscioli for dinner, the restaurant and fine food delicatessen owned by the same family as the bakery you visited this morning. Browse the deli counter (Salumeria Roscioli) before you are seated to discover an extensive selection of rare cheeses, hand-cut meats, preserves, pastas, oils and wine. The adjacent Ristorante Roscioli serves up simple Italian dishes using high-quality artisanal ingredients from both local and international producers.
The hotel can be reached with a 15-minute drive from Roscioli.
All journey times are approximate and subject to variation.
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