Santa Croce sull'Arno
area operatoriSanta Croce sull'Arno
Santa Croce sull'Arno is an important manufacturing centre of the Comprensorio del Cuoio and has based its economy on leather and hide working since the 18th century, when the first tanneries were founded in the zone.
Today the transformation of the leather, while still based on creativity and quality, is done mechanically using technologically advanced procedures that have improved the work setting and spawned a class of professional specialists.
The tanning activity involves the transformation of the raw hide to obtain refined leather ready to be used in the clothing, footwear and leather goods sectors. The name and prestige of Santa Croce throughout the world has reached such heights as to be dubbed the World Leather and Hide Capital. In more recent years splinter companies have been founded in the District offering items at bargain prices.
The town enjoys a healthy cultural activity: the Centre of Expressive Activity is set in Villa Pacchiani, a centre of contemporary art and the home to museum and scientific documentation, with graphics, engraving, music, theatre and photography workshops. Teatro Verdi features a bill aimed at young people (see the review II Baule dei Sogni) as well as a strong prose programme. Not everyone knows that one of Tuscany's most popular carnivals, Carnevale d’autore, takes place in Santa Croce, with costumes that are true works of art in themselves.
The Reserve Area of Poggio Adorno in the nearby hilly zone of the Cerbaie is a fitting location for enjoyable walks.
