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Archive for the ‘Traveling’ Category
6
Jul
Jul
Shopping in Florence.
Apart from being one of the most romantic cities in Italy, the cradle of the Renaissance and an outstanding scenario for open air festivals, Florence turns out to be one of the main centres for shopping in Italy. Whether you’re looking for traditional products or either stylish Italian fashion, Tuscany’s capital proves itself as a shopper’s paradise.
For those interested in getting soaked in local culture and Italian traditions, Florence offers a wide range of different markets throughout its many squares. The perfect encounter with real life. One of the most popular ones is San Lorenzo’s market which takes over Piazza San Lorenzo, alongside San Lorenzo Church. At this busy street market you can purchase some excellent leather goods, jewellery and clothing. The Mercato Centrale and the Mercato Nuovo make up a good example of beautiful Italian architecture. From the 19h and 14th century respectively, the Mercato Centrale is well known for its food stalls and the Mercato Nuovo for its fantastic and varied leather and straw work.
However, if you’re highly interested in tendencies and the latest Italian fashion, via Tornabuoni will satisfy your wishes. The one location where the more outstanding Italian designers can be found. From Armani to Ferragamo going through Prada are only some of the luxury names you will encounter.
If, on the other hand, you really appreciate artisan work, the Oltrarno quarter, typically known for neighbourhoods like Santo Spirito and San Frediano, is a good example of Florence’s pride in craftsmanship. The “botteghe” (workshops) where craftsmen work make part of the city life. Just to name a couple, in this area you may find: Antico Setificio Fiorentino, famous for its silk production, and Stefano Bemer, expert on hand made men shoes. Both renowned worldwide for their excellence. Also, antiques, furniture or home accessories are a sum of what Florentine craftsman have to offer. However, we cannot leave behind Ponte Vecchio’s ultra famous jewellery shops, specialists in their delicate gold designs. A glittering spectacle of the most refined jewels.
As can be observed, there’s a Florence for everyone. As there is also a 5 star hotel in Florence willing to welcome each and every single one, Il Salviatino.
29
Jun
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.
22
Jun
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.
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 .
15
Jun
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.
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.
8
Jun
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.
1
Jun
Jun
The scents of Lamole.
It is time to give a break to museum visits and trips and reserve some of our time to worship those little pleasures that make life great: winning and dining. And what a better place than a small village in the outskirts of Florence? This is the scenario that I Profumi di Lamole (The Scents of Lamole) will be offering this weekend, from the 1st to the 3rd of June in a tiny village in Greve in Chianti. The 11th edition of this event proves Lamole as the capital of good drinking.
An annual event willing to promote Lamole’s unusual and special vineyards situated at higher altitudes: up to 600 metres above sea level. The extraordinary and delightful fragrances of such wine can be enjoyed in the piazza at Lamole with an opening ceremony today at 5 P.M. awarding an outstanding native, which this year goes to Ernesto Gentili.
Whatsoever, the main character will always be the same one: Lamole’s wine. And in order to honour il Gallo Nero wine, a traditional rite will inaugurate the event: the IX wine ceremony. A rite symbolising the sacred union of Lamole’s wines that are poured in a big bowl all at once. The resulting nectar is bottled but only for it’s symbolic value. Together with the significance of a team work there is the added value of it’s sticker, designed and renewed year after year. Surely, a bottle perfect for collectors.
However, wine will not be the only tasting encounter. Apetite will naturally arise and, in consequence, one will be able to sample local delicacies and Lamole’s naturally organic, fruity, aroma-rich olive oil. An unforgettable weekend surrounded by nature, wine and local tradition which could be perfected with a stay in the best luxury hotel in Florence: Il Salviatino.
25
May
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.
18
May
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.
11
May
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.
