Lather bags display in a boutique in Rome

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.
T: +39 06 8376 6008 | Via Francesco Crispi 115 A, 00187 Rome

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.

Artisan hand making shoes in Rome
Lather bags display in a boutique in Rome
T: +39 06 3212 0237 | Via Margutta 11, 00187 Rome

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.

T: +39 06 323 3727 | Via di Ripetta 38, 00186 Rome

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.

Detail shot of a tailor with his work tools
Artisan hand making a hat in Rome
T: +39 06 3972 5679 | Via degli Scipioni 46, 00192 Rome

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.

T: +39 06 841 4136 | Via Bergamo 18, 00198 Rome

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.

Detail shot of a pizza margherita

Day two

Start the day with a 20-minute drive to the first destination.
Photograph of a panettone cut in half, with powdered sugar
T: +39 06 686 4045 | Via dei Chiavari 34, 00186 Rome

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.

T: +39 06 6880 8518 | Via di Montoro 13, 00186 Rome

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.

Detail shot of a violin
jewellery boutique in Rome
T: +39 06 6813 4105 | Via del Governo Vecchio 67, 00186 Rome

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.

T: +39 06 259 3194 | Viale della Serenissima 10, 00177 Rome

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.

Detail shot of coffee beans
Food shot of a pasta dish
T: +39 06 687 5287 | Via dei Giubbonari 21, 00186 Rome

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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