Preserving Italy’s artisanal heritage, the role of women in craftsmanship, and why mindful tourism is key to cultural sustainability.
I sat down with Michela Canzi Babini, director of The Place of Wonders, for a conversation that spanned history, culture, and the delicate balance between tradition and modernity. Speaking from her home in Geneva, Switzerland—though she travels to Italy every month—Michela’s passion for Italian craftsmanship is unmistakable.
“Every time I return to Italy, I see the beauty of our traditions, but also the risks they face,” she told me. “We are at a crossroads. If we do not support artisans today, their knowledge will disappear tomorrow.”
The Place of Wonders, the foundation she leads, is on a mission to ensure that does not happen. By providing scholarships to young artisans, integrating craftsmanship into the hospitality industry, and promoting mindful tourism, the foundation works to keep Italy’s cultural heritage alive for future generations.
Listen to the full conversation on ‘Italy Answered,’ Live in Italy Magazine’s podcast on Spotify.
The Mission of The Place of Wonders
The Place of Wonders was created out of a deep-rooted love for Italy’s cultural identity and artistic heritage. As globalization and industrialization continue to change the way goods are made, many traditional crafts—once passed down from generation to generation—are now at risk of disappearing.
“We started because we saw a big problem,” Michela explained. “These crafts—goldsmithing, lace-making, weaving—are disappearing because young Italians cannot afford to learn them. The schools are expensive, and many don’t even know these careers exist. Meanwhile, tourists come to Italy to buy ‘authentic’ souvenirs, but so many of them are mass-produced. We need to change this.”
The foundation operates under three guiding pillars:
- Preserving Italy’s artisanal traditions by working closely with master artisans and providing them with visibility.
- Supporting the next generation through scholarships and apprenticeships, ensuring that young Italians can access training in traditional craftsmanship.
- Promoting mindful tourism, helping travelers move beyond surface-level sightseeing to experience the real depth of Italy’s artisanal heritage.
In just three years, The Place of Wonders has awarded 27 scholarships, allowing aspiring artisans to train under the mentorship of master craftspeople.
Meet the Women Leading Italy’s Artisanal Revival
Elisa Piccini – The Goldsmith of Florence
On the Ponte Vecchio, the heart of Florence’s goldsmithing tradition, stands Fratelli Piccini, the last artisan-run jewelry workshop in this iconic location. At its helm is Elisa Piccini, a fourth-generation goldsmith whose work bridges the past and the future.
“Elisa has the same talent as her great-grandfather, but she also brings something new—a feminine sensibility, a creativity that is completely her own,” Michela shared.
She is s redefining jewelry-making in Florence, blending tradition with contemporary creativity while also giving back to the next generation. Through scholarships and mentorship, Elisa actively supports young artisans, ensuring that Florence’s goldsmithing legacy continues to thrive.
Florence has long been known for its master goldsmiths, and the Le Arti Orafe (LAO) Jewelry School continues to train new generations in the centuries-old techniques of handcrafted jewelry. However, as Michela pointed out, many of LAO’s students today come from abroad.
“We need to make sure young Italians see this as a future, not just something from the past,” Michela said. “The savoir-faire of Italian artisanship is world-renowned, yet we risk losing it in our own country. That’s why our scholarships are so important. Without support, these schools, these techniques, could disappear.”
Through The Place of Wonders, scholarships are now helping aspiring artisans study at LAO, train under master goldsmiths like Elisa Piccini, and continue Florence’s legacy of handcrafted jewelry.
For travelers looking to experience Florence’s artisan culture firsthand, The Place Firenze offers a direct connection to the city’s artistic heritage.
“Everything in The Place Firenze reflects Florence—the colors, the textiles, the handmade details. We work with artisans to ensure that guests feel a true sense of place, from the Murano glass chandeliers to the hand-painted furnishings,” Michela explained.
Martina Vidal – The Lace Keeper of Burano
Venice’s Burano lace-making tradition dates back to the 16th century, with each intricate piece requiring months of detailed hand-stitching. But in the face of globalization, fewer artisans remain, and the craft is at risk of fading into history.
“In the past, lace-making was a community effort,” Michela explained. “Women would sit together, each one specializing in a different part of the design. Only at the end, one woman would put all the pieces together to reveal the masterpiece. This kind of collaboration is so powerful—women working together, creating something that could not be done alone.”
Today, Martina Vidal is leading the charge to keep this tradition alive.
“Martina is not just running a business; she is preserving an entire world,” Michela said. “She keeps the old techniques alive and makes sure the next generation is learning.”
For guests staying at Hotel Londra Palace in Venice, this immersive connection to craftsmanship continues.
“Londra Palace has always been a place where travelers can truly feel the spirit of Venice,” Michela shared. “We don’t fill our spaces with generic luxury brands—we choose artisans. Every object, every detail is part of the city’s story.”
Inside the hotel, guests will find limited-edition artisan collections made exclusively for the property, curated through The Place of Wonders.
“These objects aren’t just decorations. They spark curiosity. Guests ask about them, and then they want to learn more about the artisans who created them,” Michela said.
Marta Cucchia – The Weaver of Umbria
In the rolling hills of Umbria, a region rich with medieval traditions, the art of weaving on ancient looms continues thanks to Marta Cucchia, a fourth-generation weaver carrying forward the legacy of her family’s historic atelier.
“Marta is preserving something truly special,” Michela said. “Her great-grandmother founded this workshop in the early 20th century, at a time when it was rare for a woman to start a business in this field. But she did it, and the knowledge has been passed down ever since.”
Through The Place of Wonders, a new one-year training program called ‘Passaggio di Saper Fare’ has been established in Umbria, ensuring that the next generation of artisans can master the traditional weaving techniques that make this region’s textiles so unique.
“Marta is not only keeping history alive—she’s evolving it. She’s incorporating new designs while still working with these massive looms, just as they were used centuries ago. When people see her work in person, they truly understand why craftsmanship matters,” Michela said.
Visitors staying at Borgo dei Conti, The Place of Wonders’ hospitality property in Umbria, can visit Marta’s workshop, witness the weaving process, and even try their hand at making their own textile piece.
“In Umbria, everything we do is connected to the land, the people, and the heritage. Guests can meet artisans, see their work up close, and truly understand why these traditions are worth preserving,” Michela shared.
The Challenge of Globalization: Why Supporting Artisans Matters
As mass production and international brands flood Italian cities with cheap, factory-made imitations, the distinct identity of Italy’s artisan culture is at risk.
“In Florence, Venice, Rome—you see so many fake products,” Michela noted. “Tourists come looking for ‘real’ Italian craftsmanship, but what they find is often made elsewhere. The real artisans, the ones who have dedicated their lives to their craft, are struggling to survive.”
Even within Italy, fewer young people are choosing artisanal careers.
“We visited Le Arti Orafe jewelry school in Florence, and most of the students were foreign. Italian students don’t even know this is an option. They think craftsmanship is something from the past, not a real career. But why? Because these schools are expensive. Because they don’t even realize how valuable these skills are. That was heartbreaking.”
The Place of Wonders is working to change this mindset by offering scholarships and increasing awareness, ensuring that Italy’s next generation has access to proper training. The foundation collaborates with institutions like LAO and master artisans across Italy to help young talents see craftsmanship as a viable and respected career path—not just a relic of the past.
“We need to make sure young Italians see this as a future, not just something from the past,” Michela said. “The savoir-faire of Italian artisanship is world-renowned, yet we risk losing it in our own country. That’s why the scholarships are so important. Without support, these schools, these techniques, could disappear.”
“If we allow everything to become mass-produced, we lose our uniqueness. Our cities will become like any other. But if we invest in real craftsmanship, we keep our culture alive.”
How Travelers Can Support Authentic Craftsmanship
Whether visiting Italy or admiring from afar, every choice matters. Here’s how travelers and readers can contribute:
- Choose handmade over mass-produced – Seek out authentic artisan workshops.
- Stay in places that support craftsmanship – The Place of Wonders hotels integrate artisanal elements into their design.
- Follow artisans on social media – Visibility helps small businesses thrive.
- Support the scholarship program – Donations provide training for the next generation.
“Every small action counts,” Michela emphasized. “If we want future generations to experience the beauty of Italy’s craftsmanship, we have to protect it now.”
Experience The Place of Wonders Firsthand
The Place of Wonders doesn’t just support artisans—it brings their work directly into the guest experience.
Florence offers guests the opportunity to admire custom-made goldsmith pieces, each reflecting centuries of craftsmanship. Travelers to Venice can witness the delicate artistry of hand-blown Murano glass. Meanwhile, in Umbria, visitors can explore traditional textile workshops, where ancient looms are still in use today.
“When you see an artisan work with your own eyes, you understand the value,” Michela said. “You understand why something costs more. You see the history, the skill, the patience. And then, you want to be part of it.”
Join the Movement
- Follow @ThePlaceOfWonders.Foundation on social media.
- Visit their website to learn more and support the scholarship program.
- Experience the magic of Italian craftsmanship firsthand—through workshops, artisan visits, and mindful travel.
- Listen to the full interview on ‘Italy Answered,’ Live in Italy Magazine’s podcast on Spotify.
Because when we invest in craftsmanship, we invest in Italy’s past, present, and future.
The Hospitality Experience believes in hotels that offer more than a place to sleep, hotels that put guests in touch with local tastemakers, thinkers, designers, homeowners, artists, wine producers, food artisans and craftspeople, that forge friendships and broaden horizons. Learn more.
Photo Credit: Dario Garofalo for The Place of Wonders
