Manifattura Tabacchi (via delle Cascine 35) recently introduced guided tours of its Caveau space, encompassing the history and legacy of the former tobacco factory.
Visitors undertaking the hour-long journey through the manufacturing complex begin at the building’s façade, where the expert guide details the area, bringing participants through to the spaces of the Factory and the Officina Botanica hanging garden.
Ph. Alessandro Fibbi
Ph. Alessandro Fibbi
Ph. Alessandro Fibbi
The tour then heads to the Caveau, an exhibition space created to accommodate the unique heritage. Machinery, windows, objects and materials that were found in the factory have been carefully catalogued and displayed. Stories by those who once worked at Manifattura Tabacchi in its former guise bring the space to life once again, detailing the lives and events in the neighbourhood, as well as more generally looking outwards to Florence and Italy to complete the historical framework. The archive of windows, gates, doors, lamps and more reflect the strong identity of Manifattura Tabacchi, with the items still used by the stores onsite
Free guided tours (in Italian) can be booked at www.manifatturatabacchi.com, with dates this month including May 4, 16 + 18 (sold out). Starting from June, guided tours will also be available in English.
