Culture - Things to do in Florence

Archive for the ‘Culture’ Category

20
Jul

Wednesdays with the Nobile Wine of Montepulciano.

Wining has turned out to be one of Tuscany’s most attractive activities together with art and culture. With the upcoming good weather, the possibilities to enjoy the pleasure of wine tasting in Tuscany expand and we are faced with the perfect plan. For this reason, Tuscany lovers who are also wine lovers, Wednesday is your lucky day. And why is that? Well, because charming Tuscan town Montepulciano has organized an attractive weekly experience by the hand of its most famous local product: the Nobile Wine of Montepulciano.

Every Wednesday up to the end of July, in the prestigious cornice of the Enoteca del Consorzio del Vino Nobile, all wine lovers will have the opportunity to discover history, productive philosophy and characteristics of Montepulciano’s wine. The ideal moment for an encounter between producers and consumers. For next Wednesday 25th of July: wine tastings of Nobile di Montepulciano by MonteMercurio and Tanagatta together with ribollita and extra virgin olive oil. Absolutely tempting!

View of Montepulciano.

The wining and dining experience in a unique scenario: a medieval and Renaissance hill town at 605m in the Italian province of Siena in southern Tuscany. Famous for its 14th century city walls, its 1.5km main street, its beautiful Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta or its elegant Palazzo Comunale based on Florence’s Palazzo Vecchio. These are only a few of the things that hide behind Wednesdays with the Nobile of Montepulciano: one of the best wines of Italy, local delicacies, medieval beauty and exceptional company.

A great Wednesday that could be magically fulfilled by a matchless stay at Il Salviatino, the best 5 star hotel in Florence. Are you ready?

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Tags: "Nobile wine", Montepulciano
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13
Jul

Mercantia in Certaldo.

Tuscany will never stop surprising us. No matter where you go, every Tuscan town offers infinite possibilities for us to enjoy. This time, Certaldo’s city hall is preparing the 25th edition of Mercantia, an Italian live show festival with over 100 different events each evening that will be taking place from the 11th to the 15th of July.

Any kind of show that can come to mind is possible in Mercantia: prose, dance, circus, mime, street band, one man show…they magically spring up in Certaldo’s medieval squares, cloisters and parks. A fabulous way to bring together medieval traditions with modern and contemporary ways of expression. The perfect occasion for past and present to fuse in harmony.In this year’s edition, the theme is the fifth element or the collective game. Yes, you have heard well. To the fourth basic elements that make up our universe (earth, fire, water and air) this festival introduces a fifth one without which man would not survive: the game or the collective game. In words of the artistic director, Alessandro Gigli, “man cannot live without playing.” Thus, we’re all invited to participate and play in this peculiar spectacle.

A festival that revolves around four main key areas: theatre, craftsmanship, contemporary art and the singularity of Certaldo’s medieval borough. Always willing to convert each and every single one of us into main characters, leading us into participating and making part of an enriching collective experience.

Throughout playing, Mercantia is looking forward to draw a smile on our faces, to make us feel part of a great community willing to give our worries a break and simply enjoy Tuscany. A similar objective to that of the best luxury hotel in Florence, Il Salviatino, which aims to make your stay in Tuscany unforgettable at every single level.

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Tags: Certaldo, Mercantia, What to do in Florence
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29
Jun

Estate Fiesolana.

Summer is already back, which means the perfect occasion to enjoy outdoor activities has finally arrived. And what a better scenario than Florence and its surroundings? More concisely, how about beautiful hillside Fiesole? This charming village in the outskirts of Florence presents the 65º Estate Fiesolana (65th Fiesole Summer), the most antique outdoor festival in Italy with 92 years of existence (since 1911). Nearly a whole century full of music, dance, cinema and theatre make up the history of this extraordinary event.

Fiesole’s Roman Theatre has been the chosen place to give form to this festival. A 2,000 years old construction in perfect harmony with the beautiful landscape typical of this area. A very important piece for the Italian spectacle throughout the years that from the 20th of June – 27th of July will offer the public unique jazz and classical concerts, brilliant theatre representations and many other leisure activities ready to make you enjoy summer in Tuscany.

Fiesole's Roman Theatre

A firmament of stars amongst whom we may find national and international names developed into authentic legends like Gilberto Gil or Dave Holland and Marco Paolini or Toni Servillo. With the contribution of the Ministero per i Beni e le Attività Culturali, Regione Toscana, Provincia di Firenze and Ente Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze, the Estate Fiesolana proves itself as the perfect scenario for art, music, cinema and theatre to show us all its potential and make us enjoy a month full of new and exceptional experiences.

A great holiday that, together with a stay at Il Salviatino, the best luxury hotel in Florence, will be transformed into the dreamed holiday.

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Tags: "Estate Fiesolana", "Fiesole Summer", "Luxury hotel in Florence", "Roman theatre", What to do in Florence
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22
Jun

24th June: San Giovanni’s celebrations.

Willing to live Florence in its true essence? If you are in the Tuscan capital this weekend this is your opportunity: on Saturday 24th Florence dresses up in bright colours to honour the patron saint of the city: San Giovanni Battista. All sorts of different activities will be combined with medieval traditions that will make of such date the perfect occasion to enjoy Florence as a true Florentine.

The festivity is inaugurated in the morning with the usual historic parade from Piazza della Signoria to the Baptistery of Saint John followed by a candle offer to the patron of the city. A peculiar parade where the bright colours of the traditional dresses melt with the cheerful and joyful spirits of all of those congregated in the city centre. Furthermore, for the first time ever, Palazzo Vecchio’s tower, la Torre d’Arnolfo, will open to the public. A unique opportunity to enjoy an awesome view of Florence from such an emblematic scenario.

The afternoon celebration comes in the form of medieval sport: the Calcio in Costume, also known as historic Florentine soccer, which is held in Piazza Santa Croce. The square transforms into an improvised stadium that, together with the cry “Viva Firenze!”, brings to life this peculiar sport from the 16th century which might be considered as a combination of wrestling, rugby and soccer. With the corresponding parades before and after, in the end, it turns out to be more of a show than a real sports game.

fireworks

When dusk comes and night takes over, the time’s begun to enjoy a pyrotechnic spectacle. An astonishing fireworks display at Piazzale Michelangelo called fuochi di San Giovanni (Saint John’s fireworks) at around 10 P.M. that attract multitudes to the Arno’s riverbank.

A very special date for the city that Il Salviatino, the best 5 star hotel in Florence, will happily like to share with you .

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Tags: "24th June", "Calcio in costume", "San Giovanni", Italian traditions, What to do in Florence
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15
Jun

The Tuscan Sun Festival.

June brings us warm temperatures and long sunny days to enjoy and discover a unique Italian region: Tuscany. And what a better occasion than of the hand of the Tuscan Sun Festival? Yes, you have heard well. For the first time in its ten years of existence, Florence hosts this magnificent outdoor festival usually held in the town of Cortona.

Of international renown, the Tuscan Sun Festival is considered as the region’s première arts event with an exhaustive program that honours every single art camp that pours a little more colour into our world: music, visual arts, culinary and wine, literature, film and local culture. A programme based upon international classical artists, actors and chefs that bring together all those small pleasures that make life shine brighter.

girasoles

Founded in 2003 by Barrett Wissman, cellist Nina Kotova and author of Under the Tuscan Sun, Frances Mayes, the Festival has traditionally been led by well – known artists together with the proud – hearted Tuscan community maintaining its unique identity as a festival of “artists to live with the artists”.

Thanks to the contributions of the Cassa di Risparmio and the collaboration of the Fondazione Teatro della Pergola and the sponsorship of Florence Town Hall, the Tuscan Sun Festival develops into a new dimension: wider and more prestigious with the participation of personalities of the highest level.

Music, theatre, literature and exquisite cuisine await for you from the 11th – 18th June in this festival honouring all five senses. Il Salviatino, the best luxury hotel in Florence, invites you to discover this opportunity along with the perfect stay. Enjoy Tuscany like never before.

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Tags: "Luxury hotel in Florence", "Tuscan Sun Festival", What to do in Florence
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8
Jun

Ponte Vecchio’s lock legend.

Florence is known for being the cradle of the Renaissance. However, amongst all the great pieces of art, emblematic buildings and vivid squares, Tuscany’s capital turns out to be one of the most romantic destinations. Furthermore, we could even say that Florence has a specific place dedicated to love in one of its most famous spots: the Ponte Vecchio.

The beautiful panorama at dusk, the numerous jewellery shops, in love couples passing by…and locks. Yes, locks. The barrier protecting Benvenuto Cellini’s statue in the middle of this bridge is crowded with locks due to a love legend which seems to have travelled around the world. Such legend says that if a couple places a padlock in the Ponte Vecchio and throws away it’s key to the Arno river, their love will be locked and will last forever.

Padlocks in the surroundings of Ponte Vecchio.

Consequently, through the years, as Ponte Vecchio was redecorated with thousands of padlocks, Florence proved itself as a highly romantic city. But we all know that love has no barriers. This is why the padlock tradition has extended to the surroundings of Ponte Vecchio, as well as to other Italian cities. Love’s contagious nature cannot be denied.

Whatsoever, the bridge’s health started to concern the local authorities and the removal of many locks took place to prevent the oldest bridge in Europe from suffering further damage. Thus, at the moment, one would have to pay a fine if found locking love at the Ponte Vecchio.

Love can be expressed in many other different ways and with Florence in the background romance arises naturally. With love lock, or without it, Florence awaits you with its romantic aura. An aura that reaches the best 5 star hotel in Florence, Il Salviatino, the perfect setting for a love story.

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Tags: "Luxury hotel in Florence", "Ponte Vecchio", locks, love, What to do in Florence
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25
May

The Search for Hidden Da Vinci

The mystery that seems to hide one of the most sought after works of Leonardo Da Vinci has lasted for more than 500 years. The Battle of Anghiari was commissioned in 1503 to DaVinci, to recreate one of the most splendid moments of the Republic of Florence, the victory over the Milanese troops in one of the bloodiest battles the Florentines lived during the fifteenth century.

The Battle of Scannagallo, by Giorgio Vasari

It is known that the order was carried out and replicas like the ones created by masters such as Rubens proved so. What is not yet known with certainty is whether in fact the lost work of Da Vinci is hidden behind the Giorgio Vasari fresco painted in 1563 on one of the walls of the Hall of Five Hundred in the Palazzo Vecchio. Finding the same exact pigment on the Mona Lisa and St.John the Baptist under Vasari’s work, originated the prospect of discovering five centuries later, the piece of the great genius Da Vinci. Maurizio Seracini, who began the search for this masterpiece 36 years ago, leads a group of researchers. The idea maintains that The Battle of Anghiari is located behind The Battle of Scannagallo of Vasari. They have used sophisticated techniques but critics say that only the supposed remains of Da Vinci will be found and may damage the artistic heritage of the Palazzo Vecchio.

Specifically, more than 500 experts from the National Gallery in London, the Louvre and the Metropolitan in New York have expressed their disagreement by signing a manifesto against the investigation. For now, it seems that the war between supporters and opponents of the search for lost Da Vinci still has many battles to fight. It remains to be seen if The Battle of Anghiari will continue to be in an unknown place or, by contrast, was always at home, hidden from the eyes of the Florentines and visitors.

Meanwhile, Il Salviatino, your luxury hotel in Florence, encourages guests to enjoy the many other art treasures on view at the Palazzo Vecchio, which include, besides the works of Vasari, the work of Bronzino and Michelangelo, among others.

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Tags: "Da Vinci", "Giorgio Vasari", "Luxury hotel in Florence", "Palazzo Vecchio", "The Battle of Anghiari", "The Battle of Scannagallo", What to do in Florence
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18
May

Dante and his strong ties with Florence.

Dante Alighieri has been one of the most important Italian personalities in world history. Poet, prose writer, literary theorist, moral philosopher, political thinker… Basically known as the father of the Italian language. He was born and raised in Florence, a city which turned out to be highly inspirational for such a master, that had very present where he came from.

"Dante meets Beatrice at Ponte Santa Trinita" (Florence), Henry Holiday, 1883.

He admired every single corner of Florence and its surroundings. Something natural, given the special charm of the area. He even left a trace in his master piece, the Divina Commedia (the Divine Comedy), relating to a beautiful area nearby Florence known as Galluzzo. An allusion in his monumental work (which can be found in the song XVI of Paradise (vv. 52-55)), making reference to the charm of local people along with a nostalgic undertone.

“Oh quando fora meglio esser vicine

quelle genti ch’io dico, ed al Galluzzo

ed a Trespiano aver vostro confine”.

[“Oh how much better would it be being close

to those people I say, and at Galluzzo

and Trespiano have your boundary.”]

And Galluzzo quite deserved the quote. With uncertain origins, it enjoys a privileged location in the southern extremity of the Florentine province at the top of a beautiful hillside. It is well known for the Carthusian monastery, founded in 1342 by Niccolò Acciaioli.

Santa Lucia Church, Palazzo del Podestà or the Everest Theatre make up part of what Galluzzo has to offer. A nice promenade, away from the city stress. An unforgettable experience that can be accomplished with a stay at the best luxury hotel in Florence: Il Salviatino.

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Tags: "Divina Commedia", "Divine Comedy", "Luxury hotel in Florence", Dante, Galluzzo, What to do in Florence
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11
May

“La figura rivelata” (The revealed figure), by Giuseppe Gavazzi.

Through a highly expressive language, rich in primitive instincts, and an interesting dialogue with nature, the environment and own experiences, Giuseppe Gavazzi has brought to life wood and stone in a particular and unique way. Through the sculpturing of human figures, the Italian artist has managed to transmit and evoke a whole bunch of different feelings and emotions that go from hope to wonder through many others.

La figura rivelata, exhibition's brochure

Giuseppe Gavazzi was born in France but raised by Tuscan progenitors that ended up influencing tremendously his whole work. His constant contact with nature as well as his father’s job (coal miner) provoked on him a special predisposition for wood and stone, as well as an outstanding passion for the tactile and chromatic. His creative pieces are a continuous translation of reality, which is often treated with irony and a touch of innocence.

From such a magical composition arises an inspiring exhibition, “La figura rivelata”(The revealed figure), from the 6th of May to the 31st August: 25 sculptures in wood, bronze and stone crafted in the latest years of the Italian artist’s work. An exhibition held in Fiesole’s Archaeological Area for the 65º Estate Fiesolana. A surprising route round the antique Roman theatre, where one faces large human figures, mainly feminine, isolated or in a group, never in movement, but always dynamic in their interior vitality. All of them willing to transmit aspects that give Gavazzi’s world a human dimension, especially an ethic one combined with a precise sense of every day life, thus, popular.

A captivating exhibition which can be easily combined with a nearby stay at the best luxury hotel in Florence, Il Salviatino, hosting some of the author’s creations. A perfect compound to enjoy Tuscany.

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4
May

Americans in Florence: Sargent and the New World’s Impressionists

The squares, the buildings, the history, the people, the tradition… Florence is simply captivating. No wonder in the late 19th and beginning of the 20th century Americans felt eager to explore the ancient monuments and pieces of the city and discover everything that hid behind the Old World.

The painters of the New World came to Florence and established extremely enriching and versatile relationships with it and other Italian cities such as Venice and Rome. They were attracted by the charm and variety of the landscape, by the light and the panoramic views as well as by the picturesque charm of the local people, so different from what they knew across the Atlantic ocean.

An Italian Garden, by William Merritt Chase.

Their impressions and experiences reach us today in the form of a magnificent exhibition hosted by a masterpiece of local Renaissance, Palazzo Strozzi, from the 3rd of March to the 15th of July: “Americans in Florence”. A journey through the work of members of the American Impressionist group known as Ten American Painters such as John Singer Sargent or Mary Cassat.

At Torre Galli: Ladies in a garden, John Singer Sargent.

Through friendly relationships and embellishing encounters with local people, American painters introduced refined and wise lifestyles to Europe. In exchange, Italian artists showed them the keys of their art and their traditions, this way Americans brought European culture and sophistication to America. The result: a cosmopolitan ambiance that bound the city to the New World forever.

Portrait of Alexander J. Cassatt and his Son Robert Kelso Cassatt, by Mary Cassat.

This exhibition together with a superb stay in a 5 star hotel in Florence bring us the perfect opportunity to discover and admire the existing harmony between art, tradition and modernity throughout the city.

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Il Salviatino, Parto of the Salviatino Collection

Archive for the ‘Culture’ Category

Wednesdays with the Nobile Wine of Montepulciano.

Mercantia in Certaldo.

Estate Fiesolana.

24th June: San Giovanni’s celebrations.

The Tuscan Sun Festival.

Ponte Vecchio’s lock legend.

The Search for Hidden Da Vinci

Dante and his strong ties with Florence.

“La figura rivelata” (The revealed figure), by Giuseppe Gavazzi.

Americans in Florence: Sargent and the New World’s Impressionists

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