SAN Lorenzo Leather Bag Market in Florence, Italy

The SAN Lorenzo Leather Bag Market is a paradise for leather goods lovers and a landmark center for handcrafted goods in Florence, Italy. Just a few steps away from the historic SAN Lorenzo Church and the Medici Church, this place is renowned worldwide for its high-quality and affordable leather goods handcrafted by local artisans. Here you can also enjoy magnificent scenic spots and taste delicious local cuisine.

The leather history of Florence

Florence enjoys a superior geographical location and is highly suitable for developing the leather manufacturing industry. The surrounding land is abundant and suitable for animal husbandry, while the Arno River provides the necessary water source for the tanning process. For this reason, the tanners in Florence have been dedicated to leather production for hundreds of years.

As early as the Middle Ages, artisans began to establish Arti (a kind of trade union) to protect workers and keep business secrets. In 1282, the Leather Workers’ Guild (Arte dei Cuoiai) was established. These Arti laid the foundation for Florence’s continuous economic prosperity to this day.

Buying leather products on the streets of the SAN Lorenzo Leather Market means going back in time, brimming with beauty and tradition, culture and genuine values.

Why is the SAN Lorenzo Market a must-visit place for buying leather goods?

• The SAN Lorenzo Bag Market boasts authentic Tuscan craftsmanship: many stalls have been run by generations of old workshops, using traditional vegetable tanning leather techniques.
• A wide variety of leather goods: from jackets and bags to wallets, belts and diaries, everything is hand-sewn and durable.
• Leather goods are reasonably priced: more affordable than luxury boutiques in Milan, with room for bargaining (especially when paying in cash).

About the SAN Lorenzo Leather Market

The SAN Lorenzo Market consists of two separate markets: an indoor market, known as Mercato Centrale or the Central Market, which sells various foods; The outdoor market is distributed along the streets around the large Mercato Centrale building, selling leather goods (including handbags, backpack, belts, wallets and jackets, etc.), clothing and various souvenirs.

As you approach the SAN Lorenzo Leather Market, the air is filled with the fresh scent of leather. Here, the most popular items are leather bags, ranging from small handbags to large ones, from the most elegant ones to those suitable for daily use. You can find something that suits you.

The location and opening hours of San Lorenzo Leather Market

• The address of San Lorenzo leather bag market is: Mercato di San Lorenzo, Via dell ‘ariento, 50123 Firenze, Italy. It is located in Piazza San Lorenzo in Florence, adjacent to San Lorenzo Church and Mercato Centrale.
• The opening hours are from 7:00 to 14:00 from Monday to Friday, and from 7:00 to 17:00 on Saturday. It is closed on Sunday.

Popular leather goods of SAN Lorenzo leather market

On the streets of SAN Lorenzo Market, there are hundreds of stalls selling all kinds of leather goods (bags, belts, jackets, wallets, gloves) as well as scarves, hats and tourist souvenirs. Popular items include:

• Backpacks and travel bags: such as vintage cowhide travel bags and simple-designed backpacks, suitable for daily or travel use.
• Handbags and crossbody bags: Classic Italian style, with a wide variety of designs, ranging from simple to luxurious.
• Small leather goods: wallets, card cases, notebooks, etc., are exquisite and practical, making them ideal souvenirs.

Transportation guide to SAN Lorenzo leather market

• Walking: If you live in the center of Florence, it’s within walking distance.
• Taxi: About 5 to 10 euros from the city center.
• By bus: Take bus No. C2 or 14 and get off at “Mercato Centrale” stop.

How to find a good leather bag manufacturer in the SAN Lorenzo Leather Market?

In the Florence Leather Bag Market, there are many factories specializing in leather goods and accessories. Every day, local factories produce leather products and accessories that reflect the outstanding quality of Italian manufacturing, mainly including bags, briefcases, wallets and accessories.

Florence leather goods do not deteriorate over time; instead, they acquire invaluable value because through use, these leather products develop a retro and unique appearance that cannot be reproduced in any way. So if you are running your own bag business, then cooperating with a leather bag manufacturer in Florence to produce your own bags is a great choice. It not only ensures the quality and craftsmanship of the bags but also gives you an advantage in brand marketing.

If you are looking for leather bag manufacturers here, then you should pay attention to the artisans who make them on the spot. The SAN Lorenzo Leather Market is home to many highly skilled artisans who make and restore leather goods on the spot. This is an excellent opportunity to understand the leather-making process. You might also learn some production skills and get to know their own leather workshops or factories through them. Of course, you can also ask them to recommend high-quality leather bag manufacturers to you.

What other ways are there to find leather bag manufacturers?

In the SAN Lorenzo Market of Florence, there are many leather goods stalls that offer wholesale or customization services. You can also look for stores nearby that have connections with manufacturers. Of course, you can directly search for some leather factories or companies.

Locals’ tip: Giorgio 1966 Leather Factory (Via del Canto dei Nelli 34, Florence) is the locals’ favorite store. Besides the store, they also have a stall in the SAN Lorenzo bag market.

How to buy leather bags at the SAN Lorenzo Leather Market?

• Bargain politely: You need to know how to bargain with the seller so that you can buy leather products at a lower price, but you should show respect (generally speaking, the price will be 30% lower than the asking price).
• Authentic Italian-made items: Some stalls may sell imported leather goods, while genuine Tuscan leather goods will have labels or stamps, as well as unique leather textures and scabs.
• Avoid “too cheap” counterfeits: Ultra-low prices may indicate synthetic leather or low-quality leather.
• Go early: The SAN Lorenzo leather market is very crowded. The morning is calmer and the shopping experience is better.

The surrounding area of the SAN Lorenzo Leather Market

• Mercato Centrale: Located within the SAN Lorenzo Market, the first floor sells fresh ingredients (such as meat, cheese, and fruits), while the second floor features restaurants and snack stalls where you can enjoy Tuscan cuisine.
• The Church of SAN Lorenzo: A historical building beside the market, designed by Brunelleschi, it houses the Medici family’s mausoleum and has extremely high artistic value.
• Palazzo Medici Riccardi: A Renaissance palace within walking distance, showcasing the art collection of the Medici family.

Conclusion of SAN Lorenzo Leather Market

The SAN Lorenzo Leather Market is the center of Florence’s leather products tradition. Here, you can witness the combination of traditional and modern craftsmanship, creating the fashionable, noble yet rustic leather products you desire.

If you are looking for a leather bag manufacturer in the SAN Lorenzo leather bag market, you can also delve into the workshops or factories of those stores. You might encounter a suitable leather bag manufacturer. Of course, apart from taking a chance, you can also directly cooperate with Chinese leather bag factories. Gionar has world-class high-end leather bag manufacturing capabilities and has produced leather bags for many luxury brands. You can collaborate with Gionar to customize your high-quality leather bags.