Blacksmithing

The day before we went to Florence we visited a blacksmith’s shop.  It was very interesting and held many photo opportunities.

His name is Luca and his shop is build into the outside of the wall that surrounds the town.  Walking into it kind of feels like you are entering a dungeon.  He showed around and displayed the process for us. 

This is Luca putting a piece of iron into the forge.

This is part of his shop.  I love what he’s written on the cabinet.

Some of his tools.

When it’s hot enough he takes it out of the forge and hammers into shape.  When it starts to cool he has to put it back in the fire.  If he hits it while it’s too cold it can break. 

Some beautiful things in the shop.  I know it’s a little overwhelming to look at.  The whole place is like that, just packed with stuff.

He has to create his design here first.  This is half a fire place grate.   We got to see it almost done and it is beautiful.

I apologize for the lack of posts, but the internet is so slow here and it literally took me over 45 minutes just to upload these photos.  I don't have time to sit that long.  Not to mention, everyone else gets bent out of shape if I take up the internet that long.