Shopping & Style: Apothecaries, Ateliers & Italian Fashion
Shopping
Florence offers shopping with a sense of theatre: from the original Santa Maria Novella apothecary to lively antique markets and polished contemporary boutiques. Add in family-run ateliers tucked into the Oltrarno, and, for fashion devotees, The Mall outlet nearby brings Prada, Gucci, Valentino and McQueen together at reduced prices.
Begin in Florence’s historic quarters, where shopping and craft overlap. The Oltrarno is home to artisan studios producing leather, jewellery and handmade paper, while the San Lorenzo market buzzes with leather stalls and everyday finds. The Santa Maria Novella apothecary, founded in the 13th century, remains a landmark for perfumes and soaps. Between stops, small cafés and piazzas provide the rhythm for an unhurried day.
For a different pace, The Mall Firenze gathers Italian fashion houses—Prada, Gucci, Valentino, Alexander McQueen—into a single, well-curated outlet space. About 90 minutes from the villa, it suits a dedicated half-day trip or a stop after Florence. Closer to Cetinale, Siena and Colle Val d’Elsa reveal a quieter side of shopping, with ceramic studios and design workshops offering pieces rooted in place and made to last.
DISTANCE FROM VILLA CETINALE
1hr 10 mins to Florence
1hr 30 mins to the Mall outlet
WHEN TO GO
Midweek mornings for markets and ateliers
For timings, drivers, or a route that combines boutiques with galleries and a relaxed lunch, Isabella, the house manager, is on hand. She can arrange transfers, check opening times, and keep your day seamless—whether you’re looking for fashion, ceramics, or something unexpected.
