Via del Porcellana: Home to Antonina Poppy’s First Space
3’ read
One of the most intriguing and storied streets in Florence, Via del Porcellana is a place steeped in history, personality, and tradition. It is here that the first Antonina Poppy space was born, nestled amidst centuries of Florentine heritage. While the street itself has undergone many changes over the years, its connection to the city’s artistic and industrial past remains deeply felt.
In medieval times, Via del Porcellana was renowned for its tanneries; thus it is no coincidence that the great painter Sandro Botticelli—son of a leather tanner—was born here in March 1445. The name "Porcellana,"meaning "porcelain," is believed to stem from the area’s historical association with pottery production—particularly fine ceramics. In the 16th century, workshops producing high-quality porcelain and earthenware thrived here, and these goods were highly prized in Renaissance Florence. Fast forward to the 19th century, and the area underwent significant urban transformations, but its cultural legacy remained intact.
Via del Porcellana is not only a street of historical intrigue; it is also home to some of Florence’s most inspiring workshops, including Ranfagni Cornici dal 1946, known for its handmade wooden frames, and many other artisanal spaces that welcome visitors every day. The story of our Antonina Poppy space would not be complete without acknowledging the famous restaurants that line the street, particularly Trattoria Sostanza, which has been serving legendary Tuscan cuisine since 1869. Known affectionately by locals as Il Troia, this iconic eatery is the only one in the city that cooks exclusively over charcoal.
Antonina Poppy – Via del Porcellana 23r
The connection between Antonina Poppy and this celebrated street is more than just geographical—it remains present in the iconic green door and jewelry shelves—made from former coffee windows—inside the space itself. The Antonina Poppy storefront came to life after months of meticulous work, trial and error, and a deep commitment to preserving the soul of this historic space. Antonina Pawlowicz, the founder, painted the ceiling choosing to make it a sky with pink clouds and vanilla walls inspired by typical tuscan houses, adding custom furniture, a chandelier, and subtle decorative touches like flowers and accessories to bring warmth and character to the space.
Yet, she deliberately kept the word "Caffè" painted on the front of the building, paying homage to its original function as an offshoot of Caffè Trattoria Sostanza. Here, coffee was once passed through windows to clients in the adjoining space, creating a unique, bustling atmosphere. Today, those same windows now showcase our jewelry and product displays, creating a bridge between the past and present.
The Antonina Poppy Caffè opening, poster designed by Antonina Pawlowicz and subtly enhanced with an aquarelle by Rominha Segovia. Discover Antonina Poppy Friends to learn about upcoming Aperitivo at Antonina Poppy.
If you’re ever in the area, look for the “Caffè” sign. It’s your invitation to immerse yourself in the world of Antonina Poppy, where you can experience the artistic blend of tradition and modernity that defines our brand. Our atelier and showroom at Via del Porcellana offer a charming glimpse into the history of Florence, with a perfect blend of classic Florentine architecture and newer elements that reflect our evolving identity.
Join us and be part of a community that celebrates craftsmanship, creativity, and history—our Antonina Poppy Friends experience is waiting to welcome you into this inspiring world.
For the cover of “Via del Porcellana: Home to Antonina Poppy’s First Space”, we used the artwork of Jean Dubuffet French – “Woman Grinding Coffee” 1945.
