Italian Craftsmanship: a tourist heritage to discover

Handicrafts stand out among all that is ‘made in Italy’, and they are also attractive to tourists. Italy boasts a high level of craftsmanship that is exported all over the world. It is a heritage that conceals the authentic face of the country, with its thousand-year-old traditions, passed down through the generations.

Discovering Italy, therefore, implies getting to know these artisanal enterprises that can be found from north to south, in small villages and large cities. According to the most recent data from Confartigianato, of all the categories involving tourist demand, the handicraft sector includes more than 213 thousand businesses. Furthermore, territorial analysis underlines how handicrafts in the sectors with a touristic bent, are particularly well developed in certain regions: in Sicily, where they represent more than a fifth of all artisanal work with 22.4%, in Tuscany with 21.8% and in Campania with 20.2%.

From Sicilian puppets to Venetian masks.

But what are the most celebrated examples of Italian craftsmanship? Starting from Sicily, one great example is Sicilian puppets, the first in Italy to be included in the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list. These unusual marionettes, with a wooden structure completely covered in metal armour and fabric, are based on chivalric tales, mostly derived from the poems of the Carolingian cycle. Even today there are still families who carry on the ancient tradition of puppeteering, staging traditional puppet shows: a truly authentic Italian experience. Still in the south we have Neapolitan jewellery, with its cameos, or the religious figurines from Lecce, traditionally made of papier-mâché.

In Tuscany, leather goods still represent one of the most flourishing markets in Florence. Using materials of the highest quality with that unmistakable smell, it’s no accident that some of the greatest high fashion boutiques were founded and continue to work in this region. And then there is Emilia Romagna, with its traditional printing works, Friuli Venezia Giulia with its carpenters and cutlers and, last but not least, the Veneto region with its Venetian masks and Murano Glass. Every Italian Region has its traditions and excellences.

Soft, sustainable tourism with True Italian Experience and Trenitalia

Going to visit small artisanal workshops, learning about traditions and ancient crafts and immersing oneself in local communities - these are the ingredients that give life to a concept of travel that goes far beyond stereotypes, revealing a far more authentic side of Italy. It is the kind of tourism promoted by True Italian Experience, a digital hub that proposes original and exclusive travel experiences designed for living the true Italian way of being.

Experiences to enjoy sustainably, in a way that respects the territory thanks to the travel solutions offered by Trenitalia, the main partner of True Italian Experience. What better way to travel than by train, to move from one part of the country to another and discover lesser known destinations?

The wide range of travel options offered by Frecciarossa, Intercity and Regional trains allows you to go in search of hidden, lesser known treasures, or unexpectedly curious and fascinating places. The promotions “Italia in Tour 3” and “Italia in Tour 5” will also allow you limitless travel for 3 or 5 consecutive days in second class on Trenitalia and Trenitalia Tper’s regional, fast regional and metropolitan trains at a cost of 29 and 49 euros for adults and 15 and 25 euros for children over the age of 4 and under the age of 12. It’s a great way to combine comfort, sustainability and economy.