Posts Tagged ‘What to do in Florence’
25
May
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.
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 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.
Tags: "Divina Commedia", "Divine Comedy", "Luxury hotel in Florence", Dante, Galluzzo, What to do in Florence
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11
May
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.
Tags: "La figura rivelata", "Luxury hotel in Florence", exhibition, Gavazzi, sculpture, What to do in Florence
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4
May
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.
Tags: "Americans in Florence", "Luxury hotel in Florence", "Palazzo Strozzi", exhibition, What to do in Florence
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16
Apr
Florence is certainly one of the most recognized cities worldwide for its beauty, artistic value and architectural heritage, a place of pilgrimage for art lovers in its purest form. But Florence is also an ideal destination to spend a few days off and enjoy the unique environment the Italian Tuscany has to offer.
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.
Tags: florence, Italy, Luxury, luxury hotels, relax, spa in Florence, things to do in florence, What to do in Florence
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23
Mar
One of the great architectural gems with a history full of curiosities and anecdotes in the city of Florence is, without a doubt, the Vasari Corridor. Built in just five months by the architect Giorgio Vasari, the Vasari Corridor is an elevated and enclosed passageway almost a thousand meters in length and crosses the main points of the city.
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.
Tags: florence sightseeing, things to do in florence, What to do in Florence
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24
Feb
A city like Florence, known as the city of Renaissance, frequently seduces the tourists with its countless breathtaking monuments. But for once it would be nice to give the museums a rest, get out of the tourists torrent and enjoy il dolce far niente in the Italian style.
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.
Tags: florence sightseeing, things to do in florence, Traveling, What to do in Florence
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17
Feb
Someone who has only experienced Florence in summer, should definitely give this wonderful city another try with a winter weekend break, and have the chance to visit the museums without waiting in line, avoid crowded streets, and get into any restaurant with no need of a reservation.
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.
Tags: florence sightseeing, things to do in florence, What to do in Florence
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1
Feb
When it comes to celebrating Valentine’s day most people reach for the usual things, like chocolate, flowers and a candle light dinner at home.
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.
Tags: florence sightseeing, things to do in florence, Valentine's day, What to do in Florence
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31
Jan
Costume parades, joyful music, splendorous masks… Those are no more than just a few of the countless details that make Carnival in Tuscany simply magical.
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.
Each one of those figures take about a year to be built, and there is a lot to it that doesn’t meet the eye. Besides being impressive works of art in the outside, bringing them to live through mechanical movements makes them fairly complex structures.
Every year thousands of people from all over the world choose Viareggio as a Carnival destination, and many say the major reason to do so is the opportunity to enjoy the parade and see what theme they come up with each year.
Although dressing up in full costume is not strictly required most people choose to do so, while other prefer to keep it simple and just wear a “Burlamacco” mask or put on some fancy make-up. Whatever may the case be, what really matters is enjoying the party atmosphere.
Needless to say that no description could ever match the sensation of being there.
Il Salviatino will be keeping at your disposal a special carnival package, valid every weekend from the 4th of February to the 4th of March.
It includes, besides a 2 nights stay in De Luxe Double Room of our luxury hotel in Florence, a trip to Viareggio with Lunch for two. All of this to let you experience Tuscan’s Carnival at its best.
Tags: Carnival, Italian traditions, Tuscany, Viareggio, What to do in Florence
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