Florence - Mosaic Workshops and Museum

(Local Name: Opificio e Museo delle Pietre Dure) There is a long and unique tradition to "Florentine mosaic", as it is called, which consists of semi-precious stones inlaid in stone. Skilled craftsmen were especially in demand for the princes' chapel of San Lorenzo in 1588. They started in shops in the Palazzo degli Uffizi and then after 1796 moved to the Convent of San Niccolò where, chiefly for restoration purposes, this special Florentine craft is still carried on today.

Adjoining the studio is a museum full of interesting examples of the art of these consummate craftsmen, as well as their tools and some particularly valuable stones.