Art restorers, goldsmiths, dressmakers and tailors, carpenters and cabinet-makers, inlayers, embroiderers, upholsterers, violin makers, potters, shoe smiths, locksmiths, book binders, printers: the artisans of Rome. They have handed down their art and expertise from one generation to the next, keeping alive ancient workshops that are the real heart of the city. The approaching Christmas festivities offer a chance to wander around the streets of the historic centre in search of unique gifts and unusual shops, some of which have even achieved international recognition. One example is Franco Russo, who produces furnishing items in ancient and modern marble: ‘er marmista’, in Roman dialect, has his shop in Via di Panico and also sells his products online.
Then there’s the traditional bicycle shop Collalti in Via del Pellegrino, founded in 1899 by Rinaldo and now run by one of his sons, where you can rent a bike for a few hours. The instruments created by master liutist Michel Eggimann in Via di Montoro are appreciated by musicians the world over. Hats of every kind can be found at Troncarelli, a traditional milliner located in Via della Cuccagna. Rugs and mats are on sale and made to order by Valli in Via del Governo Vecchio.
On 15 December you can watch many of the artisans of the Ponte, Parione and Regola districts at work as part of the project ‘Botteghiamo’, promoted by CNA, the Rome Association of Craft Workers, to allow local inhabitants and tourists to get to know these ancient crafts and their secrets through specially designed itineraries among the workshops of the capital.
www.botteghiamo.it