Scuola di Cucina Lorenzo de' Medici

A cookery school on the first floor of Florence's Mercato Centrale, with open classes in pasta, pizza, meat, fish and pastry, from €85.

The Scuola di Cucina Lorenzo de' Medici gives cookery classes open to the public on the first floor of Florence's Mercato Centrale, the covered market of San Lorenzo. It presents itself as the market's first cookery school and belongs to the Istituto Lorenzo de' Medici, a teaching centre with half a century in the city, run by Carla and Fabrizio Guarducci.

What the classes are like

They are hands-on group classes, with fixed dates and times, bought one by one on the website. They last two to four hours. The calendar changes every month and mixes topics: fresh and filled pasta, pizza, bread and sourdoughs, pastry, meat, fish and seafood, food and wine pairing, olive oil and regional Italian cooking, as well as classes for couples and seasonal courses, such as those at Christmas or Carnival.

What is included and how much it costs

Each class includes the lesson, the ingredients, a tasting of what you have cooked with a glass of wine and water, the apron, course materials, the recipe, a diploma and insurance. It is not a full meal, but a tasting of the class's dishes. In the calendar published for winter 2026–2027, pizza classes cost €85, fresh pasta ones €90 to €100, meat or fish ones €95 to €140, pastry ones €120 and regional cooking, of four hours, €165. Couples' classes cost €180 per couple. There are gift vouchers and multi-class packages with a discount.

Who it is for

For over-14s; for younger people you must consult the school. The website is in Italian and English, but the course pages do not say in which language each class is given: ask before buying if you do not speak Italian. Places are limited and the website shows how many are left.

What they run

The Geocalia activities run by Scuola di Cucina Lorenzo de' Medici, with the prices and terms they publish.

Independent companies: you book with them, on their terms. Prices are as they publish them and may change.

Frequently asked questions

Where are the classes held?

On the first floor of Florence's Mercato Centrale, where the school has its information point.

How much does a class cost?

From €85 per person for a two-hour pizza class.

Is there a minimum age?

Yes, 14; for younger people, consult the school.

What language are they in?

The pages do not say. Ask the school before booking.

Independent company: you book with them, on their terms.

Opening hours and prices can change: check them before you go.

Is this your company? Write to us to correct or complete the details.