The craftspeople of Italy, famous around the world, are decreasing in numbers. High rents and taxes have pushed their work places from city centres to the suburbs, and a lack of interest among the young means these trades are at risk. In order to promote artisans from around Italy, Giorgiana Corsini has opened the doors of her palace in Florence for the last ten years to a three-day fair and exhibition. This year, from Fri 14-Sun 16 May, the gardens of Palazzo Corsini sul Prato, in Via della Scala 117, will be open for "Artigianato e Palazzo" from 10.00-21.00.

There will be more than 100 exhibitors, including cameo-makers from Naples, one of the last tailors to make the tabarri, the traditional costumes worn by Venetian gondoliers, straw weavers, tapestry restorers, shoe- and glove-makers, lute makers and silver smiths. There will even be a specialist workshop producing Bolognese tortellini. Admission to the fair costs 7,50 per day or 5 reduced. For information www.artigianatoepalazzo.it, tel. 0552654589.