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.

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.

Primavera, also known as Allegory of the Spring, by Sandro Botticelli, at the Uffizi Gallery

It was a festivity that symbolized the renewal of the cycle of life. It consisted on a set of games and theatrical presentations known as ludi florales, including scenic games and plays, with a final day devoted to circus games where animals were set free and beans were scattered to insure fertility.

However, for the city of Florence, Floralia seems to represent something more. It is said that the foundation ceremony of the city took place at the same time as the roman celebration of the arrival of spring. On this way, some say that Florence’s first name, Florentia, developed from the name given to Floralia’s games: Ludi Florales. On the other hand, some claim that Florence first name was Fluentia, owing the fact that it was built between two rivers, and then developed into Florentia.

Either way, Florentia or Fluentia, enjoy the city and the blossom of spring. We will be delighted to share it with you in our luxury hotel in Florence.

Tomorrow is 28th of April…let Floralia begin!

The beauty of its streets and squares transmits  real magic. It offers a host of charming places to discover and invites one to stroll down and have an appetizer in its famous taverns along the Arno River, as well as, to enjoy a glass of chianti, the typical red wine in this area.

View from Hotel Il Salviatino in Florence

Furthermore, with the arrival of spring,  Florence is revealed at its best through its gardens. The gardens are in full bloom which can be found along the entire town during this season. An inevitable stop at this point is the Boboli Gardens, located behind the Pitti Palace. It has  a total area of ​​45,000 square meters, which makes it the largest green area of Florence. Here, guests can visit the statue of the Goddess Fortuna or the Neptune Fountain and the beautiful lake that lies within.

The Giardino dell’Iris (Iris Garden) also proves to be an ideal route in the springtime. Symbol of the city of Florence since 1251, the Iris is the real star of this botanical garden which hosts more than 1,500 varieties of this flower. This can be all admired and appreciated together with the stunning views of the entire city.

Finally, to conclude your rest and pleasurable stay, there’s nothing better than to relax completely at the new Spa Il Salviatino, at your 5- star hotel in Florence. It offers a variety of treatments specifically created to balance body and mind in a state of total harmony. The “Relax and enjoy Florence” package is the perfect choice for those wishing to enjoy a massage with vegetable oils and antioxidants or a thousands-years old relaxation technique using the essence of Egyptian jasmine and a touch of mint to recover energy. It also includes a full tasting of Tuscan cuisine enabling guests to enjoy the holiday without having to worry about anything else.

In short, if you are looking for a few days of peace and tranquility, Florence is revealed as the perfect place to enjoy moments of rest and relaxation in a unique space.

Cosimo I de Medici  ordered to build this endless hallway to link Palazzo Pitti, the official residence of the Medici, with the Florentine nobility’s government headquarters, the Palazzo Vecchio. This decision was triggered  by the Grand Duke’s to avoid unending and tiresome  trips through the streets of the city. Moreover, these long walks through the city had to be done with guards and escorts to prevent possible attacks.

The corridor passes through the Ponte Vecchio

That is why the corridor passes through one of the most emblematic sites of the city, the Ponte Vecchio. It is one of the most visited places because of the stunning view over the River Arno.  According to legend, the Florentine Duke ordered the demolition of butcher shops that were housed in this part of the walkway because of foul odor and so today one can still see the goldsmiths and jewelers which took their place back then.

The Vasari Corridor was also a stopping point for soldiers and combatants during the Second World War, and crosses one of the most interesting places to visit in Florence: the Uffizi Gallery. It is considered one of the most important museums in the world and it is home to works of art, such as Rubens, Bernini and Delacroix self-portraits that could be the cause of Stendhal syndrome.

In short, the Vasari Corridor is one of those places with real magic in the beautiful Florence. Il Salviatino, your 5 star hotel in Florence, invites you to enjoy the city and feel the authenticity of places like the Vasari Corridor.

If seeking the pleasure of experiencing Florence like a true Florentine its absolutely mandatory to choose either a trattoria or a osteria – traditional restaurant with typical Tuscan cuisine- instead of going to the usual famous restaurants that generally offer common-international dishes.

Fontana del Nettuno, Florence

The Markets in Florence are charming places to wonder around searching for a particular thing or just getting lost among the unique pieces of history exposed in the stands. Most tourists prefer without a trace of doubt to visit the famous Mercato delle Pulci – yes, the Flea Market- but for a deeper understanding of the Florentine daily life it’s advisable to choose other local markets like San Lorenzo Market, La Fierucolina, or Mercato Centrale.

All over the world Italy is well known for its expertise in Ice-cream making. And true as it is, stepping on Italian soil and leave without tasting a true gelato wouldn’t be fair. In Florence having a gelato as desert or as a treat in a sunny day is very typical, and to do so there are various Ice-cream parlors all over the city, like the Festival del Gelato or Cavini. Creamy consistence, the taste of real fresh fruit, and a mesmerizing variety of flavors… the perfect combination of factors to transform a simple sweet treat in a delicious event.

Italians, or better said humans in general, for some reason find a special joy in what is called “people watching”, which is nothing but simply choosing a bench in a crowded piazza and watching people pass by. Tourists taking pictures, locals rushing to go to work, some clearly in honeymoon mode, while others struggling to get the kids to school.

It is definitely fun to be the tourist, but just for once Il Salviatino, your luxury hotel in Florence, recommends you to admire Florence through a different perspective. Like a true Florentine.

As many people say the very best of Florence can be experienced in only two days by using the morning to visit monuments and the afternoons shopping in those luxurious designer stores, which will probably be on sales by this time of the year.

Il Duomo, Florence. View from Il Salviatino.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria dei Fiori, with it’s magnificent dome built by Filippii Brunelleschi in 1436, should be the starting point as it is known to be the most famous Florentine landmark.

Very close by there is also the Baptistery and the Campanille de Giotto, both worthy of paying a visit. And if there is enough time and courage hike to the top of the bell tower of Giotto.

Art lovers would surely demand an entire week to visit the Uffizi Gallery, seeing a room a day. However, in Winter it is possible to see all the important masterpieces, as the Birth of Venus, in only a few hours as it wont be as crowded as during the other seasons.

Make time to go see Michelangelo’s David, and be sure to stop by the Gothic church of Santa Croce to admire such glorious structure and to find Galileo’s tomb.

If not to buy unique pieces of jewelry, a visit to Ponte Vecchio is absolutely required to enjoy the sunset upon Arno river, which is a breathtaking sight.

In wintery nights there is nothing one can cherish more than the warmth of a suite and for that reason “Il Salviatino” places at your disposal a Unique Suite Winter Promotion, offering you the opportunity to enjoy any of it’s best suites.

Although very different from one-another, each one of those Suites are fully equipped with all the elegance and luxury a 5 star hotel in Florence can grant.

But as always Il Salviatino dares you to think bigger, welcoming you and your beloved one with a special Package valid from 11th to 19th of February. May that be a triumphant beginning to what will be an unforgettable romantic getaway.

This year’s St. Valentine Package includes, besides accommodation in De Luxe Room with breakfast “à la carte”, a romantic dinner for two and a 30 minutes couple massage.

Although it will be hard to want to leave the hotel even for a minute, we advise you to do so and explore the city of Florence which is on its own very romantic.

A golden sunset in Ponte Vecchio gazing at Arno river, a sip of Tuscan’s fine wine, and a quick stop in one of the top Florentine Chocolatiers could provide you lovely memories to treasure for a lifetime.

It is said that originally St. Valentine in Italy was celebrated by young lovers in ornamental gardens enjoying music and poetry reading. It could be pleasant to take a few hours of your time to visit Pitti’s Palace and stroll into the Boboli’s Gardens, to have a little taste of what this day could have been like so long ago.

Trusting your fine taste Il Salviatino welcomes you, with a glass of Champagne, to an Aphrodisiac Dinner for two to be served on the February 14th , with a tailored menu created by our Chef Carmine Caló.

As a guest in this 5 star hotel in Florence set your mind on simply enjoying with your Valentine the incomparable environment of Florence, the City of Renaissance.

This festivity usually takes place four Sundays before the Shrove Tuesday, in Italian “Martedi Graso”, and it is an event celebrated like no other, specially in Viareggio. A city located at a relatively short distance from Florence.

Begun in February 1873, Viareggio’s Carnival is considered worldwide to be one of the finest celebrations in all Italy, and its biggest assets are definitely the float parades displaying enormous figures made of papier-mâché, alongside 200 people dressed up in full costume.

Dubbed as the “city of Stendhal syndrome”, originating from the shock the writer suffered as he witnessed the overwhelming beauty of Santa Croce church, the city’s great historical and artistic heritage makes the Tuscan capital the true cradle of Italian Renaissance. Its historical center was declared World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1982. A visit to the Santa Maria del Fiore Basilica, the Piazza della Signoria and its famous Palazzo Vecchio is a must, and not to mention, the Ponte Vecchio, one of the symbols of the city, must not be missed. We can also visit dozens of museums, such as the Galeria de la Academia, where the famous “David” of Michelangelo is located.

Santa Croce church, origin of Stendhal syndrome.

Florence is also an enigmatic city that has sheltered all kinds of legends throughout its history. For hundreds of years, Master Brunellschi kept his secret about how the dome of the Florence cathedral was being sustained, which can be seen practically from anywhere in the city. Florence also houses the tombs of masters such as Michelangelo and the fake tombstone of Galileo Galilei,which was actually buried in a chapel without public access.

Florence not only has artistic heritage but its festivals and popular traditions also make it a unique place in the region. The Maggiolata is one of the most important festivals of the year. It is a celebration to welcome the arrival of spring with dances, parades and a beautiful display of flowers in the city center. If arrival is in June, one can attend the famous event called “Calcio in Costume”, a football match done in medieval style on the feast of San Giovanni, or the Three Kings parade on January 6.

But whatever the travel season may be, Il Salviatino would like guests to enjoy their stay in this luxury hotel in Florence. Whether it is for a romantic getaway or honeymoon, a family time or for relaxation purposes, there is always an option available to make the visit to this city an unforgettable one.

Lastly, exploring Florence requires delving into each of its corners; slowly discovering its myriad of treasures. Relish the full experience in a 5 star hotel in Florence.  It certainly is a feast for the senses.