As an Italian family business, our roots are important to us. Marco Marconi founded UASHMAMA in Tuscany many years ago, and is the creative mind of the company, while his wife Emanuela (Manu) and their four daughters Chiara, Giulia, Gemma and Gaia all take an active role.

We’re so proud of our heritage, we keep our manufacturing and production local, employing local craftsmen and artisans from the surrounding Tuscan area.

If you’re planning a trip to Italy this summer, we’d love to welcome you to one of our UASHMAMA stores. Here's our guide to each location, with local tips and nearby attractions.

 

Le Sorelle in Lucca - the original UASHMAMA store

📍 Piazza Anfiteatro 30-31, Lucca, Tuscany

 

 

Our very first UASHMAMA shop opened in 2001 in the historic Piazza Anfiteatro, built on the ruins of a Roman amphitheatre within the walls of the beautiful town of Lucca.

Originally an interiors store run by Emanuela, it was then the first location to sell our signature innovative washable paper products. As I’m sure you can imagine, it’s a very special store for us.

 

Must-dos in Lucca, Tuscany

Torre Guinigi (or Guinigi Tower) - climb the 230 steps, and you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view, as well as a small garden with holm oak trees.

Mura di Lucca (the city walls) - walk, run, or hire a bike to cycle the 4.2km loop that encircles the city.

Buccellato - a traditional cake made in Lucca with anise and raisins, usually accompanied by wine or vinsanto - a liqueur wine. Locals say, “Chi viene a Lucca e ‘un mangia il buccellato è come se ‘un ci fosse stato”, meaning if you come to Lucca and don’t eat buccellato, it’s as if you were never there.

 

Our two-storey UASHMAMA shop in Montecatini Terme

📍 Viale Giuseppe Verdi 45, Montecatini Terme, Tuscany

 

 

Our Montecatini Terme store opened in 2014 and is spread over two levels, showcasing our full range of homewares, bags, and beauty. It’s located in the elegant Liberty style Tamerici Pavillion, an Art Nouveau gem with beautifully painted frescoes.

The Marconi family’s hometown, Montecatini Alto, sits on the hill above Montecatini Terme, and is where everything started for the Marconi family - they lived there for almost 15 years, the sisters grew up there, and our first Le Sorelle store was opened there in 1994.

 

Must-dos in Montecatini Terme, Tuscany

The Montecatini Funicular - take the original red carriages from 1898 up to the medieval village for panoramic views.

Terme Tettuccio - Montecatini Terme is renowned for its therapeutic thermal waters, and this is the most famous of the city’s spas.

Montecatini Terme Market - shop everything from designer shoes to local cheeses every Thursday morning on Via di Maratona.

 

Visit UASHMAMA in Florence - an open-air museum

📍 Via Porta Rossa 48-50, Florence, Tuscany

 

 

Located just steps away from Piazza della Repubblica, our Florence store is a perfectly curated jewel in the historical centre, opened in December 2021.

Visiting Florence is always a good idea - it is so full of art and beauty, the whole city is like an open-air museum, and we feel so lucky to have a UASHMAMA shop here.

 

Must-dos in Florence, Tuscany

Giardino Delle Rose & Giardino Dell'Iris - peaceful gardens near the River Arno dedicated to the beauty of roses and irises.

Piazzale Michelangelo - the best panoramic viewpoint for admiring Florence in all its glory.

Uffizi Gallery - home to masterpieces by Botticelli, Giotto, Leonardo, Raffaello, Caravaggio.

Chic Nonna - a refined Italian dining experience, and keep an eye out for their aprons designed by UASHMAMA.

 

A modern UASHMAMA store inside a middle-age San Gimignano cave

📍 Via San Matteo 55, San Gimignano, Tuscany

 

 

Tucked inside a historic medieval building in a beautiful traditional Tuscan hilltop town, you’ll find our San Gimignano store - only open during the summer months.

This year, we added the brand new UASHMAMA Bar to this location, where you can enjoy traditional Tuscan food and drinks inside our gorgeous setting.

 

Must-dos in San Gimignano, Tuscany

The towers of San Gimignano - once home to 72 medieval towers, 14 still stand tall above Elsa Valley.

Porta San Giovanni - the impressive 13th century city gate, with external segmental arch.

Piazza della Cisterna - the most beautiful square of the town, originally lined with workshops and taverns.

Rocca di Montestaffoli - originally a castle built in 1353, and later a Dominican Convent, this fortress has breathtaking views.

 

So if you’re planning a visit to Tuscany, we’d love to see you. Whether you’re exploring Florence’s art, relaxing in Montecatini’s thermal waters, strolling Lucca’s ancient walls, or sipping wine in San Gimignano, do stop in to see us at one of our locations.

If you can’t make it to see us in-store, you can always shop online, and read gift guides, styling tips and more on the UASHMAMA blog.

From our family to yours, we’re excited to welcome you to UASHMAMA.