Scuola del Cuoio

Tucked behind the apse of Santa Croce in a Renaissance dormitory frescoed by Ghirlandaio’s school, the Leather School of Florence is where you watch artisans cut, stitch and gold-emboss bags in the open workshop. Why it matters: founded in 1950 by the Franciscan friars of Santa Croce and the Gori family to teach WWII orphans a trade, it still trains new artisans today through the Marcello Gori Foundation, which educates six underprivileged young people in leathercraft each year. Wander the workshop corridor for free, then have a wallet or belt personalized with 22-carat gold initials while you wait. Tip: enter through the garden on Via San Giuseppe rather than paying Santa Croce admission.