Posts Tagged ‘What to do in Florence’

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3
Aug

Top places to take pictures in Florence.

Florence and its natural charm, its precious artistic legacy, and the magical aura surrounding it all year long, make it extremely easy to take home with us beautiful memories. However, we all like to secure those mental memories with visual evidence that will help us recreate the lived moments over and over again. For such reason, here you have the top places from which to take some of the best pictures of Florence.

Piazzale Michelangelo is one of them. After a nice hike up through San Niccolo, the panorama is absolutely stunning. Beautiful hillside Fiesole, colourful and perfectly arranged fields reaching magical river Arno and the matchless skyline conformed by the bell tower of Santa Croce, Il Duomo, Il Campanile, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) speak for themselves.

View of Florence from Il Salviatino.

View of Florence from Il Salviatino.

Continuing the promenade slightly higher up we reach San Miniato al Monte with panoramic views that will inevitably get stuck in our retina. The panorama at dusk turns into a magical experience that, if you’re lucky, will be accompanied by the sound of the chants of the Monks of the church of San Miniato. A well of peace and tranquillity surrounded by the most spectacular picture.

If there is an outstanding construction among Florence skyline that is, with no doubt, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, commonly known as the Duomo. Climbing up the 463 steps that lead to the top of Brunelleschi’s dome will result in a stunning 360º view of everything surrounding Tuscany’s capital.

Last, but not least, we are faced with beautiful hillside village Fiesole surrounded by the colourful Tuscan countryside. A lovely town full of charm that, given its privileged location, offers one of the best views of Florence in its complex. An Etruscan jewel where one may find the best luxury hotel in Florence, Il Salviatino, from which to immortalise the unforgettable moments that one will surely enjoy there.

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27
Jul

Il Giardino del buon vino.

In the context of the Estate Fiorentina 2012 (Summer Florence 2012) arises a wonderful project which tries to make the best of pleasures like outdoor activities under good weather and wining and dining. The result: the Giardino del Buon Vino or, what is the same, the Garden of Good Wine. A scenario willing to deepen and divulge the culture of the wine activity, projecting it as the result of human wit and of our capacity of interacting with the environment and its natural resources.

A welcoming place where one can attend photographic exhibitions focused on the techniques used in the wine production, on its history and that of the main Tuscan wine enterprises.  To enrich the experience, one will have the opportunity to attend weekly encounters with winemakers that will happily illustrate the characteristics of their wine, the peculiarities of their production area and the cultivation techniques.

vino1

However, not everything starts and ends up only with wine. Suggestive Piazza Demidoff will host many other different small events such as concerts, shows, editorial presentations and poetry reading, etc. An excellent opportunity to enjoy wining along with many other activities in a superb natural environment that, combined with a stay at Il Salviatino, your luxury hotel in Florence, will make your summer days in Tuscany unique and worth remembering.

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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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13
Jul

Discover a service no hotel will give you.

Il Salviatino has elaborated a brand new video. Check it out!

Let us know how you find it.

If you like it, help us widespread it, share it and make other people enjoy it!

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6
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.

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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

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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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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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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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.

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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1
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.

Grapes

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.

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