A curated guide to Rome's secret art spaces
One of the most enticing aspects of Rome is its passion for traditional artisan craftsmanship. The best of modernity is also present, but the heart of the city is home to masters of crafts that have been passed down for centuries.
Whether you want elite grooming, personalised footwear or crafted goods that seem plucked from a Renaissance painting, Rome is a wonderland for craft obsessives. Here are some tips from the Corinthia Rome team to start your artisan journey and explore the Eternal City's finest craftsmen.
Goli bespoke shoes: A fit like no other
Roman locals take footwear seriously and artisan cobblers abound in areas like Monti and Trastevere. However, we recommend a short walk from the hotel to Campo Marzio, where Goli produces some of Europe's finest shoes.
Forget about conventional footwear retailers. At Goli Bespoke Shoes every pair begins not with a pattern, but with a conversation. Craft experts lead visitors through their walking style, aesthetic preferences and physical measurements. When they know buyers well, they use their knowledge to craft shoes that fit every wearer naturally and intimately.
The workshop itself is endlessly fascinating. Apprentices and masters sing an ode to precision, featuring oak lasts shaped by hand, naturally tanned and supple hides and soles stitched with centuries of care.
Beyond Goli, Camp Marzio's craft boutique repays a visit. The handmade sandals are exquisite. And then there's Petrocchi. Long-time footwear designers for visiting film stars, this workshop near the Pantheon is a go-to spot for geometrically daring but traditionally crafted boots and pumps.
Experience artisan care during a Genco BarberShop appointment
Rome is not just a place to pamper your feet. It's also a sublime place to discover the magic of artisan grooming, and there's no better starting point than Genco BarberShop on Via dei Portoghesi.
Famed as one of Italy's oldest barber shops, Genco offers a typically Roman fusion of ancient and modern. Owner Roberto Genco treats every appointment as a restorative ritual, blending precise cuts with seductive scents and the soft touch of gently warmed towels.
Everything here is finely chosen. For instance, shaving experts use Italian-made Rosolio di Bergamotto shaving oil in Genco's unique blend. Bergamot, lemon and sandalwood combine in a sensual delight. Subtle touches like luxurious wooden chairs and complementary espressos elevate a truly exceptional grooming experience.
Genco is not alone, either. Rome is a place where style matters, and every neighbourhood hosts masterful barbers who sustain the passion for elegance.
Enjoy exceptional artistry at Bottega Mortet
The spirit of consummate artistry continues to burn in the hearts of Rome's gold-working community. There are many engraving workshops in the city centre, but Bottega Mortet rises above them all.
Here, goldsmiths and engravers manipulate chisels like paint brushes, transforming raw metal into works of art. The Bottega's craftsmen have created ceremonial pens for the Vatican, busts of Italian heroes for the Presidential Palace and gorgeous reproductions of Rome's iconic fountains. But they also specialise in more modest designs. Think golden chalices, silver medals and personally engraved jewellery.
Elsewhere, the masonry workshops of Via Margutta offer a window into ancient marble-working techniques. Order personalised marble pieces from Bottega del Marmoraro and browse the craft district for souvenirs while you wait.
We can also arrange a craft tour of Monteverde district - one of Rome's craft hubs. Work traditional clay into unique creations on traditional wheels and browse gorgeous necklaces and pendants at ateliers like Lumina Jewelry. You'll emerge with wonderful mementos and a deep appreciation for age-old techniques. Visiting may even ignite a life-long passion of your own.
Indulge in natural beauty at La Floreria
Finally, some of Rome's most skilled artisans work with earth's natural bounty: the scents and colours of Italian flowers. After soaking up the aromas and sights at Campo di Fiori marketplace, duck into La Floreria for a breathtaking display of floral brilliance.
This floral workshop near Campo Marzio combines Roman elegance and botanical imagination. We recommend booking an appointment with head florist Monica Altieri who will lead visitors through traditional and experimental combinations to find the perfect match.
Visits here are sensory encounters that last a lifetime. Encounter the heady scent of wild herbs and olive sprigs. Learn how Romans have linked luxury and roses from time immemorial, and why gladioli came to be symbols of strength and resilience. And savour a place where beauty, peace and craft infuse while creating a composition of your own.
Dive into Roman crafts during a luxury hotel stay
Blend artistry and luxury by enjoying an artisan escape at Corinthia Rome. Learn new techniques and hone your skills. Indulge your senses in a city where modern craft professionals keep ancient traditions alive.
Even a traditional barbering session becomes an indulgent ritual in this city of masters. Make a booking and choose your craft destinations. Our team will help you book classes, reserve master barbers and open doors to the finest craft experiences Rome has to offer.
