A hidden gem: Migone, a family story in Florence

While walking through Florence, it’s easy to miss the small places that truly tell the story of the city.

One of these is Migone, a historic family-run shop that has been part of Florence for generations.

The shop used to be located on Via Calzaiuoli, one of the busiest streets in the city. Today, you can find it tucked away in a small medieval street, quieter and more intimate.

And there’s a reason for that.

The owner explained to me that the shop is still entirely run by the family. They prefer to keep everything personal, without bringing in outside staff. Over time, the workload in a busy central street became too much to handle.

So they made a choice:

instead of growing bigger, they chose to stay authentic.

They moved to a smaller space, where they could continue working in their own way—slowly, carefully, and as a family.

✨ What makes Migone special

At Migone, you won’t find mass-produced sweets.

Instead, you’ll discover traditional Tuscan specialties like:

• Cantucci (almond biscuit): they are not simply called “biscotti,” which is a general term for any kind of biscuit. They are specifically called “cantucci,” and they are traditionally eaten after being dipped in Vin Santo, a sweet dessert wine often referred to as “holy wine.”

• Ricciarelli: they are traditional soft marzipan biscuits made from almonds, sugar, and egg whites, usually shaped like a lozenge or resembling a grain of rice.

  
  

• Panforte: a traditional cake made with almonds and candied fruit. It is typically enjoyed during the Christmas period.

• Confetti: traditional Italian sweets made of almonds coated in sugar. Nowadays, there are many variations, including pistachio, hazelnut, or chocolate centers, all covered in sugar. They have been produced since ancient times and are considered symbols of good luck and prosperity. They are especially used at weddings and other celebrations.

  
  

Many of these are best enjoyed with Vin Santo, following a tradition that has been part of Tuscan culture for centuries.

💛 More than a shop

Places like this are easy to overlook, but they are what make Florence unique.

It’s not just about what you buy—it’s about the story behind it, the people, and the choice to keep traditions alive in a world that often moves too fast.