Florence

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Florence's Enduring Luxury: The Dream of Salvatore Ferragamo

The city of Florence, capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, is a living gallery of prosperity and culture. Embellished with masterful architecture, revered museums, and timeless sculptures, it stands as a city forged by art.

Perhaps it is this very atmosphere that inspires greatness. Florence has long been a magnet for genius, from the Renaissance might of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci to the modern mastery of a very different kind of artist: the visionary shoemaker, Salvatore Ferragamo.

Born near Naples as the eleventh of fourteen children, Ferragamo’s destiny was shaped early, he crafted his first pair of shoes for his sister at just nine years old. In 1914, he followed a brother to America. After a brief stint in a Boston boot factory, the siblings sought a brighter future and moved west to Hollywood.

There, they opened a small shop for custom shoes and repairs. It thrived. Ferragamo’s creations quickly gained a cult following among silent film stars, earning him the title "shoemaker to the stars." He regularly designed footwear for the silver screen and Hollywood's glamorous occasions.

A true visionary, Ferragamo never rested on his success. He studied anatomy at the University of Southern California, determined to marry his exquisite style with unparalleled comfort. In 1927, he made the pivotal decision to return to Italy, settling in Florence.

It was in this artistic cradle that Ferragamo achieved legendary status as the "shoemaker of dreams." His clientele grew to include the most powerful and iconic women of the era, from Eva Perón to royalty across the globe.

Salvatore Ferragamo passed away on August 7, 1960, but his legacy remains indelible. In 1995, the Museo Salvatore Ferragamo opened in Florence, displaying over ten thousand of his creations, true works of art from a colorful career.

Today, the House of Ferragamo stands firm at the apex of the luxury world. Many designer brands have come and gone, but Ferragamo endures, a testament to the enduring fusion of Florentine artistry and a single man’s dream.

Does the Ferragamo family still own the brand?

Yes, the Ferragamo family still firmly owns and controls the iconic luxury house, despite its transition to a publicly traded entity. Founded in 1927 by the visionary shoemaker Salvatore Ferragamo in Florence, the brand remained a private family enterprise for decades before undertaking an initial public offering on the Borsa Italiana (the Italian stock exchange) in 2011. However, this move toward public markets did not signal a departure from family stewardship; rather, the Ferragamo clan retained a commanding majority stake of approximately 65% through their holding company, Ferragamo Finanziaria.

This majority control ensures that the family continues to wield decisive influence over corporate strategy and board appointments, with successive generations actively involved in the brand’s creative direction, management, and governance. While external investors hold the remaining shares, the Ferragamos’ enduring ownership, rooted in their Tuscan heritage and long-term vision, guarantees that the company remains very much a family-led affair, preserving Salvatore's original ethos while navigating the modern global luxury landscape.

The True Price of Italian Heritage: Why Ferragamo Commands a Premium

Beyond the recognizable gold logo and the polished storefronts, the staggering price tag of a Ferragamo shoe is rooted in a meticulously preserved ecosystem of old-world Italian artistry that defies the very concept of mass production. When you purchase a pair, you are not simply buying footwear; you are investing in a centuries-old Florentine tradition where a single shoe can require over a hundred distinct hand-manipulated steps and consume up to seven hours of an artisan's dedicated labor.

The cost is largely dictated by the house's obsessive material selection, beginning with premium, flaw-free full-grain leathers sourced from the finest Tuscan tanneries, which are tanned using slow, vegetable-based processes that preserve the hide's natural strength and unique grain, unlike the cheaper, chemically corrected leathers used in fast fashion. However, the apex of this pricing lies in proprietary techniques like the legendary "Tramezza" construction, a complex method involving a hidden, hand-stitched leather insole that is meticulously nailed and sewn to a rigid steel shank before the outer sole is attached.

This rigorous procedure, which requires an artisan to apprentice for nearly a decade to master, creates a shoe that is not only incredibly durable and structurally sound but also molds perfectly to the wearer’s foot over time, offering a bespoke level of comfort that machine-made alternatives simply cannot replicate. Add to this the brand's storied heritage of dressing Hollywood's golden-age elite, the limited production runs that ensure exclusivity, and the high overhead of keeping production entirely within Italy, and the price ceases to be a mere luxury markup, it becomes the cost of preserving a living, breathing craft that treats each shoe as a functional sculpture rather than a disposable commodity.

Beyond the Shoes: The Three Grandsons of Salvatore Ferragamo Forging Their Own Paths

Salvatore Ferragamo (1898–1960) was far more than a master shoemaker; he was a visionary artist who dressed Hollywood’s golden-age elite and built a luxury empire rooted in Tuscan craftsmanship. Decades after his passing, that empire remains very much a family affair, but not every heir has followed the same runway. With a sprawling third generation, Ferragamo’s legacy has branched out in unexpectedly diverse directions. While several grandsons contribute to the family’s endeavors, three figures stand out for their sharply contrasting careers: one preserves the fashion house’s core, one cultivates the Tuscan earth, and one answers the call of the dancefloor.

James Ferragamo – The Guardian of the Leather Legacy
As the son of current company Chairman Ferruccio Ferragamo, James was practically born into the atelier’s rhythm. Today, he serves as the Director of Women's and Men's Shoes and Leather Goods, operating directly from the historic Florence headquarters. More than a managerial title, James acts as the creative conscience of the brand’s most iconic product lines, ensuring that each stitch, last, and finish upholds the artisan standards set by his legendary grandfather. He is widely regarded as the public face of the next generation, approachable, sharply dressed, and deeply invested in marrying cutting-edge sustainability with old-world Florentine techniques. For James, the family name is not just a surname; it is a daily commitment to innovation without losing the soul of the brand.

Salvatore Ferragamo Jr. – The Custodian of the Tuscan Terroir
Interestingly, the eldest grandson of the founder made a deliberate, conscious decision to step away from the spotlight of fashion. Salvatore Ferragamo Jr. chose instead to immerse himself in the family’s agricultural roots by taking the helm of Il Borro, a breathtakingly restored medieval hamlet nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany. Under his stewardship, this historic village has been transformed into a world-renowned organic wine estate and a luxurious boutique hospitality destination, complete with a Michelin-recognized restaurant. What sets Salvatore Jr. apart is his intentional branding choice: he largely keeps the "Ferragamo" name off the property’s marketing materials, allowing the estate’s terroir, its acclaimed Super Tuscan vintages, and the serene landscape to speak for themselves. He represents a quieter, pastoral kind of prestige, rooted in land rather than leather.

Edoardo Ferragamo – The Electronic Rebel
Proof that the Ferragamo creative gene refuses to be confined to a single medium, Edoardo took the most unexpected detour of all. Rejecting the corporate boardroom and the vineyard alike, he opted for a life behind the turntables, pursuing a flourishing career as an electronic dance music producer and DJ under the alias "EDO." With pulsating beats and immersive synth soundscapes, Edoardo has carved out a distinct identity on the international club and festival circuit, performing alongside top-tier electronic acts. His artistic rebellion underscores a vital truth about the Ferragamo dynasty: the founder’s spirit of innovation and flair for beauty transcends generation and industry, manifesting through strobe lights and bass drops just as powerfully as through silk and suede.

Taken together, these three grandsons paint a vivid portrait of a modern family empire that is far from monolithic. While the broader Ferragamo clan, including aunts, uncles, and cousins, continues to guide the publicly traded fashion house through evolving global markets, James, Salvatore Jr., and Edoardo each embody a unique facet of their grandfather’s enduring influence: heritage craftsmanship, authentic Italian hospitality, and fearless creative expression. In doing so, they ensure that the Ferragamo name remains not just synonymous with luxury shoes, but with a multifaceted legacy that walks confidently through fashion, viticulture, and even music.

Florence Uncovered: Trattorias, Wine Bars, Day Trips & Quirky Local Secrets (Fact-Checked & Fun)

Florence, for all its Renaissance majesty, is a city best experienced not through the lens of a guidebook, but with a fork in one hand and a glass of Chianti in the other, and it’s in the backstreet trattorias, away from the Piazza del Duomo, where the city’s true soul is found, in the rhythmic thwack of a butcher’s cleaver, the heady aroma of garlic and sage simmering in a pan of trippa alla fiorentina, and the boisterous chatter of nonnas arguing over the perfect ribollita.

This culinary heartbeat pulses through the city’s intimate wine bars, or enoteche, where the soft glow of candlelight illuminates dusty bottles and a sommelier’s passionate story about a tiny, hillside vineyard, making the ritual of an evening aperitivo feel less like a drink and more like a sacred, unhurried ceremony. However, to truly understand Florence, you must venture beyond its medieval walls; a day trip into the rolling Chianti hills or the shimmering olive groves of Fiesole offers a vital breath of fresh air, a chance to walk the Etruscan roads and taste the very earth that nourishes the city’s art and spirit.

Yet, the most profound discoveries are the quirkiest: the secret Vasari Corridor that lets you walk like a Medici above the city’s thrum, the tiny workshop where a septuagenarian artisan still hand-crafts wooden marionettes, or the hidden rooftop garden of a palazzo where you can watch the sunset paint the Duomo’s terracotta cupola in shades of burnt orange, far from the selfie-stick-wielding crowds. It’s in these forgotten corners, the off-menu dish, the hole-in-the-wall bakery, the unexpected vista, that Florence finally stops being a postcard and becomes a living, breathing, deliciously complicated masterpiece.

FLORENCE FOOD & WINE SPOTLIGHT: TRATTORIAS & WINE BARS

Classic Trattorias with Soul
“In Florence, dinner isn’t served — it’s celebrated.”

- Antico Ristoro di Cambi (Oltrarno)
Via S. Onofrio 1r | +39 055 217134 | Avg €25 | Wine €8
Must-try: Ribollita (Tuscan veggie stew) & Bistecca alla Fiorentina (massive T-bone steak)
Closed Sundays — plan accordingly!

- La Casalinga (Between Pitti Palace & Santa Maria del Carmine)
Via del Michelozzo 9r | +39 055 218624 | Avg €20
Bustling, no-frills, authentic. Go early — it’s always packed!

- Salumeria Vini Trattoria (Historic center)
Via Ghibellina 27 | +39 055 679 390
Florence’s best bargain meal — but closed Sat & Sun!

Wine Bars & Standing Sips
“In Florence, wine isn’t just a drink — it’s a ritual.”

- Le Volpi e L’Uva (Piazza de’ Rossi 1)
Riccardo & Emilio curate perfect pairings: local wine + artisanal salami & pecorino. Cozy, intimate, unforgettable.

- Vini (Via dei Cimatori 38)
Opened in 1875 — one of Florence’s last true vino al banco (standing wine bars).
Just lean on the pavement, sip Chianti Classico, and watch the world go by. No seats. No pretense. Pure Florentine.

- GustaVino (Modern twist)
Via della Condotta, 37/R | +39 055 2399 806 | Avg €30
Sleek, contemporary, great for wine flights + small plates. Perfect post-shopping recharge.

ESCAPE THE CITY: FLORENCE’S COOLEST DAY TRIPS

“When Florence sizzles, the hills whisper.”

Fiesole: The Poet’s Hilltop Escape
- Take Bus 7 from Santa Maria Novella station 30 mins to panoramic bliss.
- See: Roman Theatre (1st century BC!), San Francesco Church, Etruscan walls.
- Byron, Shelley, and Boccaccio all waxed lyrical about these views.
- Second Sunday of the month Don’t miss Fiesole’s charming antique market!

Chianti Wine Country (Just South of Florence)
- Rent a car or motorbike for maximum freedom — twisty roads, vineyards, castles.
- Must-sees: Greve in Chianti, Castellina, Radda, Badia a Coltibuono.
- No car Trains/buses go to Siena (1hr), San Gimignano, Arezzo, Lucca, Pisa.
Pro tip: Dedicate 2 days to Siena — it’s worth it.

Picnic Perfection: Hills of Careggi, Settignano & Beyond
- Olive groves + vineyard views = ideal picnic spots.
- Grab bread, pecorino, salami, and a bottle from Mercato Centrale find shade under cypress trees.

WHERE TO STAY: FROM HOSTELS TO HILLSIDE VILLAS

Budget & Mid-Range in the City
- Hostels: Veneto (behind the Duomo), Soggiorno Prestipino (near train station), Armonia, International Student House, Camping Michelangelo (yes, a campground with epic views!).
- B&Bs & Guesthouses:
Beatrice Hotel, Hotel Guelfa, Il Ghiro, Tourist House, Cinque Sensi, Leopolda, Nella, Giappone, Collodi, Palazzo Lucchesi, Alamanni, Gemini Studios.

Tuscan Countryside Retreats
- Borghetto di San Filippo – thermal springs + rustic charm.
- Hotel Borgo Sant’Ippolito – countryside elegance.
- Villa dei Bosconi – private villa vibes with pool & vineyard views.

QUIRKY TIPS & FUN FACTS

Fact Check: Yes, Vini on Via dei Cimatori really opened in 1875, confirmed by Florence City Archives. One of the last standing wine counters!

Wine Wisdom: In Florence, “un quarto” = 0.25L of house wine. Often under €5. Don’t be shy to ask!

Steak Secret: Bistecca alla Fiorentina is traditionally cooked rare, if you ask for well-done, locals may gently sigh (but still serve you).

Bus Hack: Bus 7 to Fiesole doesn’t always show up on Google Maps. Look for the orange ATAF signs near the train station.

Literary Nook: Fiesole inspired E.M. Forster’s A Room with a View, visit Villa San Girolamo, where part of the novel is set.

Cheese Alert: Pecorino Toscano DOP is the local sheep’s cheese, milder than Roman pecorino. Perfect with honey or pears.

FINAL TIP:
Florence in summer Escape midday heat with a countryside picnic or wine bar siesta. Return to the city at golden hour, when the Duomo glows and the crowds thin.

Florence isn’t just art and architecture, it’s ribollita steam rising, wine poured on cobblestones, and hilltop breezes whispering stories older than the Medici.
Go beyond the postcard. Taste it. Sip it. Wander it.

Buon viaggio!

American Cemetery In Florence

American Cemetery Florence Italy

Florence is the heart of the art located in the middle of Tuscany. It has represented for centuries the cradle of art, in all its forms and expressions.  This enormous and priceless heritage has attracted people from all over the world, making Florence one of the most popular tourist destinations. This has not always been the case though, at least for some years. Thousands of soldiers were sent to Europe, and Italy, during the Second World War and Florence became a land to conquer and then to defend.

Museums, churches, cathedrals, piazzas and other beauties of Florence were no longer the aim of those who came from far away. Sadly, many would not make their way back home and thanks to their lives, Florence, Italy and Europe could find again its previous freedom. For those who want to pay homage to these lost but not forgotten lives, they can visit the Florence American Cemetery, located on the west side of Via Cassia, about 10 km south of Florence.

The Rome-Milan motorway passes nearby and its Certosa-Florence exit is about 3 km from the cemetery. The "SITA" bus station provides a frequent bus service along Via Cassia. The bus stop is conveniently located just outside the cemetery gate. The site covers seventy acres and is duly kept in perfect order, with a variety of beautiful trees and bushes around immaculate lawns, on the west side of the Greve River.

Between the two entrance buildings, a bridge leads to the burial area where the headstones of 4.402 American military are arrayed in symmetrical curved rows upon the hillside. Most of them died in the fighting that occurred after the capture of Rome in 1944, including casualties of the heavy fighting in the Apennines shortly before the end of the war. Above the burial area on three broad terraces stands the memorial marked by a tall pylon surmounted by a large sculptured figure depicting the spirit of peace.

The memorial has two open atria joined by the Tablets of the Missing upon which are inscribed the names of 1.409 Americans who gave their lives in the service of their country and who rest in unknown graves. The architects of the cemetery and monument were McKim, Mead and White. The landscape architects were Clarke and Rapuano. The cemetery is open to visitors all year round. In Summer (16th April- 30th September) from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm, every day, and in Winter (1st October - 15th April) from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm, again every day.

How many US soldiers are buried in Europe?
There are 13 American cemeteries and 3 monuments in Europe. According to the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC), there are 89,033 soldiers honored in the 13 cemeteries. 73,177 are buried; 15,856 are listed as missing. There are 3 monuments maintained by the commission—one in England and 2 in Normandy, France.

Are there US soldiers buried in France?
Lorraine American Cemetery | American Battle Monuments Commission
The Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial in France covers 113.5 acres and contains the largest number of graves of U.S military dead of World War II in Europe, a total of 10,481.

Where are American soldiers buried in Europe?
Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery
The Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in France is the largest American military cemetery in Europe with 14,246 graves, dwarfing World War II's Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial's 9,387 graves by 4,859.

How many US soldiers died in Italy?
Italian Campaign
Among these were more than 150,000 U.S. troops (92,000 wounded, more than 60,000 killed or missing); roughly 145,000 troops of the British Commonwealth (nearly 100,000 wounded, 45,000 killed or missing); almost 31,000 Free French (almost 24,000 wounded, 7,000 killed or missing).

Where is the largest US military cemetery in Europe?
Overview. Within the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery and Memorial in France, which covers 130.5 acres, rest the largest number of U.S military dead in Europe, a total of 14,246. Most of those buried here lost their lives during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive of World War I.

Are there American soldiers buried in Italy?
Sicily-Rome American Cemetery | American Battle Monuments
The Sicily-Rome American Cemetery lies in Nettuno, 38 miles south of Rome, near the renowned Anzio beachhead. This World War II burial ground rises in a gentle slope from a broad pool with an island, among groups of Italian cypress trees. Nearly 7900 American servicemembers and civilians are buried here.

How do I get to the American cemetery in Florence?
Florence American Cemetery | American Battle Monuments Commission
Florence American Cemetery is located on the West side of Via Cassia, about 7.5 miles south of Florence. The A-1 Autostrada passes near the cemetery. Take the Firenze-Impruneta exit from the A-1 Autostrada and drive approximately two miles southbound to the cemetery.

How many Americans are buried at the Florence American Cemetery?
4,399
The Florence American Cemetery and Memorial can be found in Impruneta, 12 kilometers south of Florence, in Italy. The site covers 70 acres and contains the graves of 4,399 of American soldiers killed during the Second World War. Most of them fell in the fighting that ensued after the capture of Rome in June 1944.

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