Il Papiro, Florence

What to buy here: Florentine Paper.

Italy is renowned for its traditional, handcrafted occupations, some of which are fiercely resisting automation to preserve their distinctiveness and precise craftsmanship. One such occupation is that of the "mastri cartai" in Florence, who possess a remarkable skill in papermaking. The Florentine paper they create is considered one of the most exquisite and unique papers in Italy. It is crafted with special blends, coatings, and embellishments, making it ideal for various purposes, including letter paper, packaging paper, greeting cards, photo albums, calendars, address books, picture frames, and any other paper-based items one can imagine.

While stationary sets in Florence often feature pages adorned with marbled paper, the fleur de lis, or drawings from renowned Florentine artists, the most famous of all is the Florentia paper, distinguished by its blooming decorations. You can find this exceptional paper at numerous locations throughout the city, but a recommended destination is Il Papiro, a chain of shops located in the city center.

Prices vary depending on the specific item and packaging you choose. On average, a package of letter paper costs between 13 and 15 euros, photo frames are priced around 40 euros (with cost varying by size), wedding invitations (including envelopes) are available for 20 euros, note blocks can be purchased for approximately 10 euros, business cards come in boxes that can cost up to 30 euros, and greeting cards range from 15 to 20 euros per package.