Whether you like it or not; whether you play it or not, soccer is the most popular sport of the contemporary world. But soccer is not a recent phenomenon. Is has a long history behind itself and Florence has a lot to do with it. The ‘Calcio’ was born during the XVI^th century in Florence, where the men used to practice it every day. It was not like the current sport, being more numerous and more violent. Decades later it landed on England and its name changed to Foot-Ball. 

Nevertheless, during the XX^th century the tradition came back to life as the ‘Calcio Storico Fiorentino’. It consists of the confrontation of two teams of 27 players each that fight for victory in a 50 minutes match. There are four teams, representing four zones of the city: The Azzurri of Santa Croce, the Rossi of Santa Maria Novella, the Bianchi of Santo Spirito and the Verdi of San Giovanni. This year, as usual, the game will be played again, so if you are in Florence now and if you are into sports, you know what to do in town!

On 15^th June, Saturday, the Rossi will face the Bianchi and the next day will be the turn of the Verdi and the Azzurri. Finally, the two winning teams will play the finale on 24^th June, Monday. So, if the Calcio tempts you and you decide to see the games, you are welcome. Of course, Il Salviatino, your 5 stars hotel in Florence, will be excited to have you.

For more information, you can visit the game’s Website: Calcio Storico Fiorentino. 

Next Saturdays 8^th and 15^th June, at 9:00 pm, Verdi’s Violetta and Alfredo will step into the stage again at the Auditorium al Duomo. As you can see, in case you want to go, you are still on time to get your tickets. The prices vary from 20€ to 50€. You can consult the conditions on this website.

Of course, if you are going to see the show, you should remember that, after it, the most comfortable room will be waiting for you at Il Salviatino, your 5 stars hotel in Florence.

 “Beauty in the Park” is a package of 5 treatments of 75 minutes each, in which every session is composed of a massage and a wrap to model the body.  With the aid of our therapists, you can select a different type of massage from time to time, from drainage massages, anti-cellulite massages or just relaxing massages, in case stress is your major concern. A wrap follows each massage and, depending on what your needs are, choose from draining, firming, anti-cellulite or a warm mud wrap to loosen up stiff muscles for immediate relief. The package’s price is 600 €.

So, what do you think about this? Would you like to start preparing for the summer right now? For more information, do not doubt contacting us.

-    Where am I – he said out loud – I cannot remember…

He jumped off the bed and walked across the room. It was completely different from everything he had ever seen. The decoration… the organization of the space… it was all strange, but strange in a good way. He gazed through the window and he felt happy to see his hometown; his Florence. Nevertheless, the city seemed to be different too.

He got out of the room and ran along the hallway, looking for anybody who could give him some answers. Finally he saw a young woman and his heart beat fast.

-    Excuse me, Miss – he said with his eyes opened wide – Where am I? Who am I, in fact? I cannot remember. My memories are unclear!

The young woman looked at him tenderly and said:

-    Your name is Michelangelo Buonarroti and you are one of the greatest art masters of history. You are here because you made a deal with God, who, in exchange of all the beauty you left in the world, offered you to come back for one day to your native Florence, to be a guest of the best hotel in town.

-    And so, what is its name? – asked Michelangelo, stunned.

-    Il Salviatino, of course.

And that is the story of a miraculous happening. The story of how Mr. Buonarroti came back to life for one day and delighted Il Salviatino’s crew with its presence.

You may wonder: What should I buy a toy cricket and what is the point of this festivity? The reason is the commemoration of the Ascension of Jesus, which every year is scheduled in a different day of May. In the past, young men would give their lovers a living cricket, as a symbol of good wishes.

Nowadays, due to Florence’s efforts in protecting animal species, instead of living crickets you can buy toy ones with a mechanism that lets them chirp. Besides this curious custom, people could enjoy the musical performances. So, from Il Salviatino, your luxury hotel in Florence, we hope you had a great day and we wish you good luck!

A host of A-list celebrities descended upon Florence to help celebrate Fran’s special day including international supermodel Kate Moss, former model and socialite Jade Jagger, model and designer, Mary Charteris, actress Jaime Winstone and musicians such as Jaime Hince (from The Kills) and Robert Del Naja (singer of Massive Attack). Music was provided by Bobby Gillespie from seminal British rock group ‘Primal Scream’.

In between sipping Champagne and enjoying the views of Florence from the Villa’s terrace and Italian Gardens guests found the time to take to their social media accounts and update their followers on the celebrations. Birthday girl Fran Cutler tweeted: ‘Leaving the @IlSalviatino best hotel in Italy on my birthday weekend xxx pic.twitter.com/WV1piDEbag’. Whilst her gal pal and fashion model Mary Charteris described her stay as ‘@ilsalviatino The most amazing & accommodating hotel I’ve ever been 2. Thank U 4 the best weekend in Florence ever.pic.twitter.com/RDXr7wBpdH’

Set within the sloping hills of Fiesole, yet only moments from the city of Florence, Il Salviatino, your luxury hotel in Florence and part of the Salviatino Collection, is the Tuscan retreat of choice, offering a unique setting for lovers of the Italian countryside. The villa, which features 45 rooms and suites, captures an elegant 21^st century take on its aristocratic past where frescos, rich handcrafted leather and works of art sit alongside the most sophisticated technologies. Il Salviatino also offers guests an on-site spa, wellness centre and fine dining gourmet restaurant.

For further information and to book visit www.salviatino.com or call +39 055 90411.

Let us explain this point: if you are planning to stay 3 nights with us, and one of these nights is a Monday’s, then you will have a 50 percent discount that day. Does it sound good enough? Wake up in one of our comfortable beds, enjoying the stunning views from our location and not feeling sad for the finished weekend, but celebrating the beginning of a new week at Florence! What are you waiting for?

If you want more information about the offer, do not doubt visiting this website:  http://www.averyspecialholiday.com/

The programme includes ‘Milongas’, with the musical accompaniment of Duo Fuertes-Varnerin and the DJs’ Sergio Chiaverini and SuperSabino, among others, as well as tango lessons given by masters like Gustavo Rosas & Gisela Natoli. As you can imagine, some other well-known artists are taking part in the event: Marco Palladino & Sabrina Garcia, Esteban Moreno & Claudia Codega…

You are still on time to sign up to the festival; you can find all the information on its website. In case you do not have a partner, do not worry! After the signing up you will be able to search for one! Of course, you can enjoy this wonderful opportunity to do some tango, while being hosted at Il Salviatino, your luxury hotel in Florence. Dance and have fun!

1)      Chocolate Scrub Lessons: From now on and for a reasonable price, our guests can take an interesting course on scrub techniques using natural products as cocoa beans, cinnamon and rice. A good opportunity to share a special and relaxing moment.

2)      Chocolate Body Mask: The mix of a melted pure, dark chocolate bar with a cocoa-based body mask cream turns out to be a real ‘bomb’ of wellbeing, relaxation and hydration for your skin and for your whole mind-body structure. Would you like to try it?

These two links will provide you all the information you need in order to enjoy these wonderful offers:

-          Spa Offer Description: http://bit.ly/155BjXq

-          Invitation Letter: http://bit.ly/Zj9GCU

Of course, from Il Salviatino, your 5 stars hotel in Florence, we wish only the best for you and for your physical health.

Like every year before, since 1984, Florence will be the track for every runner who wants to join this city’s sporting tradition, conceived by the Unione Italiana sport per tutti (Italian Union Sport for Everybody); a chance to have fun and go with the town’s life while doing some physical exercise.

As usual, there will be three categories of races: The International Agonistic Half Marathon (21,097 km), for which you will need a medical certification in order to participate, The Non Competitive Race (10 km) and the one for the kids, The Tommasino Run (1,5 km).

Registrations will be accepted until tomorrow, April 5^th at 7 pm. So you are still in time! And, of course, after all that running you can have a good rest at Il Salviatino, your 5 stars hotel in Florence, where you will always be welcome.