Take a step back from Verona sightseeing and discover a slower rhythm — one rooted in centuries of tradition, craftsmanship, and the simple pleasure of making something with your hands.
This hands-on experience takes place in a working artisan studio, just a few minutes from the city’s historic heart. You’ll be welcomed into a space where leather is still cut, punched, and stitched using traditional tools and time-honored techniques. Guided by the local leatherworker, you’ll create your own mini wallet — a practical and personal item you can take home with you.
But before your hands get to work, you’ll get a glimpse into the deep roots of this ancient craft.
Leather has been essential to human life since prehistoric times. As far back as 5,000 years ago, people were already using hides for clothing and tools — as proven by archaeological finds like Ötzi the Iceman, discovered in the Alps, whose entire outfit was made of leather: from shoes to belt, even underwear. In the Middle Ages, leather was used for everyday objects like coin pouches, work aprons, sword sheaths, and even wallets.
You’ll learn how leather was tanned using natural materials like oak bark, and how different techniques — from boiling to oiling — gave it unique properties, making it suitable for everything from soft clothing to rigid armor.
Then it’s time to craft.
With the support of your guide, you’ll select your leather, trace and cut the pattern, punch the stitching holes, and slowly bring your wallet to life using hand tools. You’ll also learn about stitching methods — including those once used for medieval pouches — and you’ll finish your piece by adding small personal touches.
No previous experience is needed. Everything is explained step by step, and the goal is not perfection — it’s connection: to a material, a tradition, and a slower pace of travel.
