Accademia Riaci

My son studied arts at the Accademia during two-month course in Drawing and has got a good foundation for his further studies. The group was small, so professors provided individual tutouring. We are absolutely satisfied with our option, and can only express our gratitude to Professor Berti, Professor Puccioni, and all Accademia staff.

I took both Painting and Art History classes in a 4-week program in the summer of 2022. It was a fantastic experience! The small number of students in the class (as far as I know is limited to 8 students) made this course perfect. Grazie a tutti

I had an absolute blast in beautiful Florence! Through this program, I was surrounded by open-minded people from different backgrounds who were eager to explore and try new things. I didn't think it was possible to learn so much so fast, but thanks to an amazing instructor, Mr. Daniele, I learned how to produce my own jewelry. Best four weeks I ever had abroad!

I never thought I could have such an incredible experience with a short program (2 months). The shoemaking class was everything I could ever ask for and more. I made some of my best friends and truly never really had a bad day. The teacher was not only a great instructor but also a real Italian gentleman. Without all of the people I have met throughout the semester and everything I learned because of them, would not have been possible without this entire program.

I had the most amazing experience abroad in Florence! From the moment I received my acceptance into the program until the end of my program, the Accademia Riaci staff were friendly and helpful with answering any questions I had! The city of Florence itself is stunningly beautiful, and the people are friendly and eager to help you learn. I also loved all of my professors, which made it hard to leave. I will never forget this experience and how it helped me grow into a more independent and confident person. I highly recommend this program without any hesitations.

I attended a 3-month shoemaking short course taught my a great teacher but also a great person Mr. Angelo. Everybody knows him here in Italy, as he's considered one of the best artisanal shoemakers. I really hope I can join another short program this winter...

I am a person that had always wanted to travel and study abroad, but I am also the person that was so homesick I couldn't eat for 3 days after going to college. So making the final decision to go to Italy was scary for me but one of the best ones I had ever made. I completely fell in love with everything about Accademia Riaci and the shoemaking program, and of course I fell in love with Florence. The assistants and the teacher, Mr. Angelo, were so helpful and very patient to teach me all the steps to create my first pair of handmade shoes. Looking forward to coming back next summer!!!

One of the best courses I took that made me understand the fashion (and the beauty business). The curriculum is designed professionally. The school is so close to the Florence cathedral and you can really feel the history everywhere!!

I've just finished a 3 month course at Riaci and overall the experience was very positive. I already had some knowledge in leather crafting but the instructor, Ms. Juliana, was able to fix some flawed works that I brought to school. I believe the school doesn't accept more than 5 or 6 students, so it's easy to ask everything you need to the teacher. The school staff was very nice...

To me, studying shoemaking in Florence has always been a dream. I had to wait such a long time to be admitted into a course, as all classes were fully booked for more than a year. The teacher, Angelo, is a kind of "god" for the local shoemakers, but he was very patient to teach me the entire shoe construction process. I'm still getting a lot of practice here in my town, but what I got from this course totally changed my idea of shoemaking.

It was a really great experience. I brought my projects (3) and I could realize all my leather bags. The course is not easy as you need to be focused (especially with the sewing machine) but the instructor Giuliana was very helpful and nice. I'm already thinking to apply for the next summer...

The school and the laboratory are pretty small, but, as far as I know, they don't accept more than 8 students per class and this is great to practice and talk to the shoemaking instructor. Keep in mind that the cost of the tools and the material is not included. Anyway, I could take my tools home right after the course. I would recommend this course.

I truly loved every minute of this course. I took a short course, for a total of 8 weeks. I felt the the course was challenging but it worth it. The prof is really a master craftsman and I really wanted to extend my program but the next class was already fully booked. I would absolutely recommend this Shoe Making course.

I took a 4-week summer course last year and the overall experience was excellent. The school is very small but the instructors are very professional and helpful. We were only 5 students, so we could work well and follow our individual projects. I can now understand the difference between a high-quality leather product and a bad one.

The shoemaking teacher Mr. Angelo was really amazing. We studied in a small group so I could ask several questions to the teacher. Furthermore, the school is located in an excellent location near the Duomo of Florence. Although the course was not really cheap, I would highly recommend this class if you have an interest in learning the traditional Italian shoemaking process. Totally worth it!!!

The school, located a few steps to the Duomo cathedral, was small but this was a must, as I could study and practice leather art in avery cozy environment together with other three students. The teacher taught me how to create my original leather bags, starting from my own sketches. I highly recommend this school.