December, Florence in the name of the warmth of the holidays
December is one of the most awaited months of the year. Thanks to the holidays, there is no shortage of opportunities to gather around loved ones, carve out moments for yourself and take a break before entering the new year.
Take the opportunity to travel to Florence and experience the city enchanted by the Christmas lights and the festive decorations.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception
The entrance into the Christmas holidays has its own long-standing tradition. On December 8, in front of a large crowd of citizens, onlookers and tourists, the officials in charge turn on the lights of the Christmas tree in Piazza Duomo, ushering in the festivities.
A show that can only be admired at this time of year, which gives a further touch of magic to the cradle of the Renaissance.
In front of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore you will find a delightful nativity scene. Made with life-size terracotta statues, it will remain in Piazza Duomo together with the tree until the Epiphany.
Christmas in Florence
In addition to the graceful Christmas tree, the lights scattered throughout the streets of Florence make the city more fascinating than ever.
During your stay in Florence let yourself be conquered by the splendor of the streets of the historic centre. You can take a tour of those most dedicated to shopping, or visit the many museums in the city.
If the beauty of Florence is always the same every day of the year, experiencing it with the fairy-tale atmosphere of Christmas will make your trip special. Think about taking a tour of the splendid Piazza di Santa Croce: in addition to the famous church, you will also find a market in this period, considered by specialist guides to be among the most beautiful in Italy. The stalls of the Heidelberger Weihnachtsmarkt bring a bit of Northern European tradition to the city, with lots of mulled wine, strudel, pretzels and crafts on offer.
If you prefer the products of local farmers or artisans, you will find them Oltrarno. In this part of the city, less crowded by tourists than elsewhere, you will savor a touch of authentic Florentine life in the merchants' shops, some of which date back to the last century.
There are many restaurants in the city center that on Christmas Day offer special menus based on the best Tuscan culinary tradition. You'll be spoiled for choice: if you need some advice, the staff of the Grand Hotel Adriatico will be able to direct you according to your preferences.
New Year's Eve in Florence
Traveling to Florence for New Year's Eve is one of the best ways to say goodbye to 2022 and start 2023 on the right foot.
The city is preparing to celebrate the festival in the best possible way, thanks to the many attractions located in the various squares in the city. From concerts to free shows to clubs packed with people until late at night, Florence has something to offer for all tastes.
However, there are opportunities to celebrate the new year in a more intimate way. Cinemas and theaters are open and welcome customers after midnight.
The December festivities give a magical air to the whole city, never found at other times of the year. Book now with our special offer your stay at the Grand Hotel Adriatico now and experience the charm of Florence in December.
Summer in Florence, between exhibitions and museums
After the exhibition dedicated to Donatello, two other exhibitions and a new museum (close to our hotel) arrive in Florence, which have generated many expectations since the presentations.
One more reason to stay at Grand Hotel Adriatico and experience the cultural heritage of the cradle of the Renaissance at 360 degrees.
The largest miniature train museum in Europe
About 300 square meters of tracks, stations and 70 trains. The convoys move from North to South Italy, from the mountains to the coast, from the city to the suburbs.
Peering inside the wagons, passengers can also be seen. Some are busy reading the newspaper, others are enjoying the ride looking out the window. Still others are preparing to get off, luggage in hand.
It is in the sign of great attention to detail that the miniature train museum, one of the largest in Europe, has opened its doors at the HZero (former Cinema Odeon), in Piazza Ottaviani in Florence.
The monumental railway model owes a lot to its creator, Giuseppe Paternò Castello di San Giuliano, who began to design it with great passion in 1972. Once the work was completed (thanks to the contribution of his sons), the miniature work has been the basis, for years, in a hangar in Scandicci. Now it contributes to the development of the neighborhood in which it is finally exhibited, Santa Maria Novella.
Entirely made in Ho scale, another railway modeling enthusiast, Carlo Brandolini d’Adda, contributed to its final realization.
But the fledgling miniature train museum also offers other content to visitors. On the upper floor of the building, in a temporary setting, scrolls a selection of vintage newsreels, from the historical archive of the Italian FS Foundation.
In the adjacent teaching room, museum visitors will be able to enjoy the last stages of the creation of the work, thanks to a documentary of about 25 minutes.
Let's Get Digital! celebrates new artistic horizons
What if an exhibition could help us investigate that ever thinner boundary between real and digital? Until July 31, in the courtyard of Palazzo Strozzi and the Strozzina, Let's Get Digital! explores the new frontiers of reality and digital.
The exhibition offers a focus on the revolution in art produced by NFT, through the works of international artists such as Refik Anadol, Daniel Arsham, the collective Anyma, Krista Kim, Beeple and Andrés Reisinger.
The exhibition unfolds between multimedia experiences and digital installations that celebrate the new artistic expressions of Crypto Art, in turn based on NFT.
The exhibition is open every day; Thursday even in the evening.
Da Vinci Experience, a tribute to the genius of the Renaissance
Da Vinci Experience celebrates the greatest genius of the Renaissance with an immersive exhibition at the Cathedral of the Image, inside the church of Santo Stefano al Ponte, in Piazza Santo Stefano.
The protagonist will still be digital. In fact, thanks to a videomapping project, the visitor plunges into the history of Leonardo Da Vinci appreciating, in an unprecedented way, his most successful works.
The exhibition offers some examples of the machines designed by Leonardo - taken from the original sketches - both in scale and in full size.
The exhibition, which can be visited every day, does not yet have an end date.
Book now your stay at Grand Hotel Adriatico, discover the largest miniature train museum in Europe and the most anticipated exhibitions of the Florentine summer.
June, big events arrive in Florence
June marks the return of major events to Florence. The city is preparing to welcome numerous tourists who will arrive in the cradle of the Renaissance to attend two major events: Firenze Rocks and Pitti Uomo.
Firenze Rocks is back, two years later
Two years after the forced stop due to the restrictive measures aimed at containing the contagion and the spread of covid-19, Firenze Rocks returns home to the Visarno Arena.
It starts with a bang. Green Day will take the stage on Thursday 16th June. With over 70 million records sold and over 10 billion streams, they are among the most popular punk rock bands in the world. To open the evening, there will be the Weezer, a multi-platinum band that won a Grammy Award, considered on a par with the Oscar for cinema.
The following day it will be the turn of Muse. The most famous contemporary rock-progressive band returns to Italy after the three dates (in Milan and Rome) of the Simulation Theory World Tour in 2019. Before them, there are The Mysterines and Placebo to warm the hearts of all fans.
Saturday 18 June the Red Hot Chili Peppers arrive, with the line-up in full force. The international tour of the US band will also count on the return of the historic guitarist John Frusciante. To inaugurate the day, Remi Wolf and Nas.
Final with a bang. Sunday 19 June will be the turn of Metallica, led by James Hetfiled. Greta Van Fleet (now acclaimed all over the world) and Jerry Cantrell will open the dance. Already founder and leader of the Alice in Chians group, in 2012 the popular Guitar World magazine placed him in 37th place in the ranking of the 100 most famous guitarists of all time.
June, also Pitti Immagine in Florence
For a few days at the same time as Firenze Rocks there will be Pitti Immagine Uomo. From 14 to 17 June, the doors of the Fortezza da Basso will open for all lovers of men's fashion. The perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the latest trends of the big names.
The "Isola" concept will be at the center of the whole event and will also reverberate in the settings in the square and in the pavilions of the Fortress. Pitti_Island defines its characteristics as an island, a fixed point of encounter and comparison. For Pitti Uomo, the Island allows you to experiment, reflect and regenerate yourself.
For Pitti Immagine Bimbo, the island is transformed into the "Treasure Island", a place for play and relationships. The event dedicated to children will take place from 22 to 24 June, again at the Fortezza da Basso. The event will take you on a real journey in search of the styles of the great brands that will leave a significant mark throughout 2022.
Pitti Immagine Filati will close the event, from 29 June to 1 July, again at the Fortezza da Basso. In this context, the lush vegetation of the island becomes a material to be woven and experimented in, in which to discover the naturalness and purity of the fabrics.
A June with great expectations for Florence. Book your stay at the Grand Hotel Adriatico, do not miss two highly anticipated events with an international flavor.
"Donatello, the Renaissance" the unmissable exhibition
Palazzo Strozzi Foundation and the Bargello Museums present the unrepeatable Donatello exhibition, the Renaissance.
In the name of Donatello
From 19 March to 31 July 2022, Palazzo Strozzi and the Bargello National Museum open their doors to a historical and unique exhibition of its kind.
The exhibition projects the visitor to the origins of Donatello's artistic career, guiding him throughout his career.
Located between two museums, the intent of its curator Francesco Caglioti is the desire to make the works of art of one of the most influential masters of Italian art ever interact with other masterpieces by other artists.
Donatello's works will confront the inventiveness of Masaccio, Raphael, Michelangelo, Brunelleschi, Giovanni Bellini and Andrea Mantegna, in a riot of beauty that can rarely be seen in a single exhibition.
An international event
The celebration of Donatello's genius therefore takes place in dialogue with museums, institutions and collections in and around Florence.
Not only. The contribution of international collaborations is also very important, thanks to which the space for reflection is widened with respect to the works of the master.
Time, techniques, genres and materials unfold in a global dimension, allowing you to fully appreciate the artistic production of the entire Donatellian universe.
Palazzo Strozzi Foundation and Bargello Museums have collaborated with the Staatliche Museen in Berlin and the Victoria Albert Museum in London to organize and promote the exhibition.
When? From March 19th to July 31st, every day from 10 to 20. On Thursday museums open until 11.00 pm.
Book a stay with our special offer and discover the fascinating exhibition.
The magic of Christmas holidays in Florence
When the Christmas spirit pervades the streets of Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance offers a wonderful spectacle. From the Feast of the Immaculate Conception to New Year's Eve, passing through December 25th, there are some places that give back all the magic of Christmas.
The Markets in Piazza Santa Corce and in Piazza Santissima Annunziata
After the forced break of a year, the delightful Christmas market returns to Piazza Santa Croce, inaugurating the entrance to the city in the festive atmosphere. It starts on November 20 and, until December 19, the appointment is set every day from 10 to 22.
Over fifty stands are expected in the square, as per tradition housed within the wooden stalls. A golden opportunity to go in search of handcrafted Christmas gifts and let yourself be conquered by exquisite gastronomic specialties from all over Italy and abroad.
Among the stands set up there will also be the Santa Claus House, a true center of attraction for the little ones. Thanks also to live music, there will be opportunities for fun for adults too.
For the whole day of 8 December the appointment is fixed with the famous Fierucola market in Piazza Ss. Annunziata. This market-meeting focuses on the taste and goodness of products grown at zero kilometer, together with the splendid products made by Florentine artisans.
The Florence Cathedral, the Christmas tree and the nativity scene
The start of the holiday season is accompanied by the lighting of the majestic Christmas tree in Piazza Duomo. Located in front of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the event attracts a large number of enthusiasts and onlookers.
The inauguration ceremony usually takes place in the presence of some representatives of the institutions. Animations and concerts will be at the center of the evening even after the Christmas tree is turned on.
The nativity scene of the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore will be set up in the same square. In the churchyard of the Cathedral will be placed some statues that reproduce the Nativity, handcrafted with the famous terracotta of Impruneta and built in natural dimensions.
New Year's Eve 2021, Florence dressed up
On the last night of the year, Florence dresses up and floods its streets with joy and fun. The classic New Year's Eve is staged in the restaurants, with set menus (mostly based on Tuscan cuisine) that will gently accompany the start of the new year.
Between concerts, performances and shows, there are many initiatives planned in the most important squares of the historic center of Florence. Everything is set up to experience a magical evening full of fun, art and culture and thus welcome 2022 in the best possible way.
The magic of Christmas holidays in Florence
When the Christmas spirit pervades the streets of Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance offers a wonderful spectacle. From the Feast of the Immaculate Conception to New Year's Eve, passing through December 25th, there are some places that give back all the magic of Christmas.
The Markets in Piazza Santa Corce and in Piazza Santissima Annunziata
After the forced break of a year, the delightful Christmas market returns to Piazza Santa Croce, inaugurating the entrance to the city in the festive atmosphere. It starts on November 20 and, until December 19, the appointment is set every day from 10 to 22.
Over fifty stands are expected in the square, as per tradition housed within the wooden stalls. A golden opportunity to go in search of handcrafted Christmas gifts and let yourself be conquered by exquisite gastronomic specialties from all over Italy and abroad.
Among the stands set up there will also be the Santa Claus House, a true center of attraction for the little ones. Thanks also to live music, there will be opportunities for fun for adults too.
For the whole day of 8 December the appointment is fixed with the famous Fierucola market in Piazza Ss. Annunziata. This market-meeting focuses on the taste and goodness of products grown at zero kilometer, together with the splendid products made by Florentine artisans.
The Florence Cathedral, the Christmas tree and the nativity scene
The start of the holiday season is accompanied by the lighting of the majestic Christmas tree in Piazza Duomo. Located in front of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the event attracts a large number of enthusiasts and onlookers.
The inauguration ceremony usually takes place in the presence of some representatives of the institutions. Animations and concerts will be at the center of the evening even after the Christmas tree is turned on.
The nativity scene of the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore will be set up in the same square. In the churchyard of the Cathedral will be placed some statues that reproduce the Nativity, handcrafted with the famous terracotta of Impruneta and built in natural dimensions.
New Year's Eve 2021, Florence dressed up
On the last night of the year, Florence dresses up and floods its streets with joy and fun. The classic New Year's Eve is staged in the restaurants, with set menus (mostly based on Tuscan cuisine) that will gently accompany the start of the new year.
Between concerts, performances and shows, there are many initiatives planned in the most important squares of the historic center of Florence. Everything is set up to experience a magical evening full of fun, art and culture and thus welcome 2022 in the best possible way.
Florence, is the time to relax
Florence is not just beauty, art and culture. Whether it is a business trip or a pleasure trip, in the cradle of the Renaissance you cannot give up the beneficial and regenerating effect of massages. Before visiting the monuments of the city or returning after shopping in the center, regenerate body and mind with a treatment organized by our hotel, alone or as a couple. Alternatively - or in addition - the Grand Hotel Adriatico offers facial treatments, manicures and pedicures.
Holistic massage: balance between body and spirituality
Restoring balance and harmony between body, mind and spirit: this is the goal of the holistic massage. The philosophy of treatment has its roots directly in holistic medicine. The latter focuses on individual well-being, both in an interior perspective and in relation to the external environment.
Holistic massage professionals act on the so-called energy meridians. According to some oriental medicines, the energy meridians are considered to be all those channels present in every organism and within which vital energy flows. By manipulating these points, the proponents of this type of massage find a 360-degree balance that also involves the emotional part of a person.
Swedish massage: widespread well-being
Swedish massage is one of the most popular treatments in the Western world. The name derives directly from the country where it was born, even if it is known to most as “standard traditional massage”, “western basic massage”, “western classic massage”.
The goal of the Swedish massage is to spread a general feeling of well-being in the individual, both physically and mentally. Professionals rely on specific massage oils and different body manipulation techniques that generally involve all parts of the body. The techniques used consist of brushing, rubbing, percussion, kneading and friction.
Couple massage: between emotion and sharing
The couple's massage is a very popular type of treatment that allows you to share the experience of a relaxing message with another person (be it a partner, relative or friend).
In this type of treatment, sharing of the moment plays a fundamental role, thanks to a room specially designed to enhance every moment of the experience, with soft lighting and background music.
Whether it is a massage or a specific treatment - face, manicure and pedicure - do not miss the opportunity to stay at Grand Hotel Adriatico, allowing yourself a moment of relaxation, alone or in company. Book by clicking here.
The summer of Florence between events and exhibitions
After the relaxation of the restrictive measures, Florence has reopened its doors to tourists, who have resumed moving for both business and pleasure reasons. Thanks also to the rich schedule of events and initiatives, a summer full of unmissable events promises to be experienced, all to be experienced by staying at the Grand Hotel Adriatico.
The museums of the historic center
14 "new" rooms with 129 works, some of which have never been exhibited before. It seems almost impossible to enrich such a rich and wonderful offer, but as early as 4 May the Uffizi have presented their great news to the public.
The rooms, located on the first floor of the Gallery, will therefore house the 129 works so far exhibited only on the occasion of temporary exhibitions. Thanks to a rethinking of the museum itinerary, the visitor will be immersed in an all-encompassing experience that will lead him to contemplate the Uffizi in all its beauty. The latest generation glass without refractivity also contributes to a visit that promises to be unforgettable, making it possible, as never before, to admire the museum's masterpieces up close.
What about Dante's celebratory events? In the year that marks the 700th anniversary of his birth, Florence is preparing to celebrate the poet in a big way. The events are many, located in various points of the city. Do not miss the appointment at the Dante's House Museum. Located in the historic center of Florence, the poet's house has undergone a technological renewal in a multimedia key, aimed at ensuring visitors a more interactive involvement in his life and works.
The most exciting part of the sensory experience is found inside Room 7. "The Love that moves the sun and the other stars" is the title of the immersive show that will allow you to support Dante in his otherworldly journey, among valuable performances visual and sound suggestions.
Palazzo Strozzi will project visitors into a modern artistic scenario with the exhibition “American Art 1961-2001”, staged from 28 May to 29 August. The collections of the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis are on their way, for an extraordinary journey through stages among the most important and iconic works that have marked American art from the beginning of the Vietnam War to the September 11 attack on the Twin Towers. American modern art will be celebrated with more than 80 works of art by 53 different artists, including Andy Warhol and Kara Walker.
From historical football to concerts
From 14 to 27 July Florence will sing under the stars. In Piazza Santissima Annunziata, as part of the MusArt Festival, some great international artists will return to the stage to give emotions in the open. Not far from the Duomo, Piazza Santissima Annunziata is the ideal setting for artistic performances, thanks to its stylistic harmony, rendered by arcades and twin buildings that seem to frame an enchanting natural stage.
Florence will greet the summer with one of the most anticipated events of the year, that of “calcio in costume”. After a year in which the tournament was not played, the show was scheduled in September - and not in June, as usual, during the period of the patron saint of the city - to allow people to watch from the stands.
The Whites of Santo Spirito, the Greens of San Giovanni, the Blues of Santa Croce and the Reds of Santa Maria Novella are ready to battle to be crowned winners of the much acclaimed prize in the city. The period changes, but not the place: in fact, Piazza Santa Croce will always host the event.
For those who choose to spend their holidays in Florence, all that remains is to book a stay at the Grand Hotel Adriatico and choose the events to participate in and the places to see.
Pitti 2021, a taste of normality
We are almost there. Pitti Immagine Uomo will be staged from 30 June to 2 July, simultaneously with Pitti Bimbo, both hosted at the Fortezza da Basso. Their vocation is clear: they are real epicenters of artistic inspiration, thanks to the ability to anticipate and guide the trends of the next period in terms of fashion, costume and lifestyle.
Pitti Filati 2021 will instead be held at the Stazione Leopolda, a highly anticipated event in which it will be possible to know, appreciate and admire all the products of the most cult names in the world of knitwear and all those companies that have made eco-sustainability a real vocation.
In the city, eccentric and extravagant characters are expected who have always represented the avant-garde of style in the world. The aperitif time becomes an unmissable event; the streets of the big names become the stage for an open-air show.
Stopping in a hotel in the historic center is therefore a real must. The Grand Hotel Adriatico is located just 5 minutes walk from the famous Via Tornabuoni and the gateway to the coolest neighborhood in Florence: San Frediano.
In September the “Fragranze” kermesse will close the circle of Pitti, staged from 17 to 19 September at the Stazione Leopolda. During the three days, it will be possible to delight in the world of artistic perfumery, the undisputed star of the late summer edition.
Florence, not only Pitti
Pitti Immagine represents only the beginning of the recovery of the events and congresses sector, which has always found a privileged welcome in Florence. From large events to small ones, the Grand Hotel Adriatico offers a tailor-made solution for every need.
Our meeting rooms are always in great demand also for their centrality and comfort: in the historic center, with dedicated parking and only 200 meters from the Santa Maria Novella train station. The bright rooms, the high level of technological comfort and an attentive and friendly welcome make the hotel's meeting rooms always in great demand.
Florence between cultural and gastronomic tourism
Traditional tourism is also lending a hand to the revival of the Cradle of the Renaissance.
Cultural tourism, which has always been the beating heart of the city, has come back to life with all the museums open: from the Uffizi Gallery to the Accademia passing through the city's Cathedrals, Florence has finally reopened the doors of its treasures envied in worldwide.
The jewel of this summer is the unmissable temporary exhibition of Palazzo Strozzi. From May 28th to August 29th 2021 the AMERICAN ART 1961-2001 - The collections of the Walker Art Center from Andy Warhol to Katara Wallker lands in Florence. One more reason to visit Florence and get lost in the wonders scattered throughout the city.
And the gastronomic tourism? Even the poor florentine cuisine is among the main elements of attraction. Find the hidden treasures among the city's kitchens, let yourself be captivated by the charm of the historic trattorias and wander among the many clubs in the center to start the evening with delicious aperitifs.
Our Opera Restaurant also offers an exciting journey into the heart of tuscan cuisine. To guide you through a thousand flavors there will be the gourmet menu of sea and land, in the sweet company of wines expertly combined with the dishes proposed by the chef.
My first suggestions: 5 things not to be missed in Florence
Let me introduce myself: I am Chiara Caridi, the owner and manager of the Grand Hotel Adriatico and the Rivoli Boutique Hotel in Florence.
I was born and grew up in these hotels, breathing hospitality all day long. I am very proud to represent the third generation of hoteliers in my family. My grandmother Mirra was the first to become an hotelier: in fact, she opened a boarding house in her own home during the post-war Jubilee. She transmitted her passion to my father Gianni, who expanded the hospitality activity together with her, inaugurating the first family hotel in Florence in the '60s.
I can say I inherited the same passion of my father and so it was natural for me to take over the reins of the business. Actually, I graduated with full marks in civil engineering and I travelled to Austria, Germany and England to learn languages. After this linguistic-scientific start, the choice to take care of the family business came naturally, so I started paying my dues in the hotel and today, thanks to the guidance and support of my father, I manage all our properties.
I love traveling, mountains and sport. I am fond of skiing and I go looking for snow whenever I can. This helps me taking a break from everyday life. My own family, together with parents and my job, is a fundamental part of my life.
Managing hotels at first glance may look a trivial job and people often fails to understand the complexity and the continuous innovation that it offers. This is exactly what I love about my work: it is not ordinary, there is no script, it requires continuous updating, even in very distant sectors.
Obviously, you are always at the center of everything: you are our guests! For me, if you want to get customer satisfaction, you need a hotel that is up to date with quality and service, but above all, you have to make guests feel at home. Welcome you with a smile that tells all our passion is essential.
I adore my city and one of my greatest desires is to share with you the Florence that I know, the Florence I have the pleasure to experience as a true Florentine.
For starters, here are some suggestions of things not to be missed in Florence:
- A walk in Oltrarno area, from Vespucci bridge to Santo Spirito, among the artisan shops and Florentine shops. We are outside the "magical quadrilateral" of the center, always so crowded with tourists.
- If you are in Florence for the first time, you have to visit the Uffizi, one of the most beautiful art galleries in the world, or the Accademia Gallery, home to the memorable artworks of Michelangelo. But remember that there is also something else, from the new Museo dell'Opera del Duomo to Palazzo Strozzi, Palazzo Pitti, the Stibbert Museum and the Bargello.
- Just for one evening, desert the renowned restaurants in the center of Florence and treat yourself to a very florentine lampredotto sandwich eaten in one of Florence's many trippai stands, perhaps followed by a delicious ice-cream ate while strolling along the river.
- You cannot absolutely miss the Antico Setificio Fiorentino, where artisans still works on Renaissance looms to make beautiful fabrics. It is located in Via Bartolini, just a few minutes from the hotel.
- I love the Officina Santa Maria Novella, an ancient pharmacy perfectly restored where perfumes, soap bars and a many other home and body essences are still produced.
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The little known Florence: discover the Opificio delle Pietre Dure
Everywhere in Florence you can meet famous museums, ancient churches and wonderful bridges. All the most renowned attractions are within walking distance.
But our city has lots of treasures hidden behind thick walls, inside museums that are less known but not less fascinating than the others.
We have to admit that unfortunately, Florence is usually seen as a long series of clichés: going walking along the river towards Ponte Vecchio, the candlelit dinner at Piazzale Michelangelo and the visit to the house of Beatrice, the woman that inspired all the artworks of Dante.
Sure, all this stuff is beautiful and interesting, but as a local, I feel like I have to give some advices to all our guests, in order to discover that our city is so much more than this. It is full of extraordinary and off-the-map places.
For example, the Opificio delle Pietre Dure (the Factory of the Semi-Precious stones), proud watchdog of semi-precious stones since the Medici Family ruled Florence.
A life long tradition
If you are visiting Florence with your partner, the Opificio is a not to be missed attraction. Especially if – just like me and many other Florentines – you are fond of unique and little known places.
The Opificio delle Pietre Dure is a purely Florentine excellence, because it was funded by one of the Signori of Florence: the Granduca Ferdinando I de’ Medici in 1588 subsidized the foundation of a lab specialized in the art of inlaid semi-precious stones.
At the factory, expert artisans invented the complex technique of the “commesso fiorentino”, a kind of perfect puzzle made of a combination of inlaid pieces of marble and semi-precious stones. They were able to create astonishing figures, humans, sceneries with clear profiles and hues. A particular effect very close to painting.
A present and past art hero
For over than 3 centuries, the prestigious factory formed artisans that created true artworks to adorn the villas and residences of noblemen in Florence and all around the world.
Later on, the factory became an important restoration laboratory for top-notch works of art.
Today the people that work here are the best you can find and the Opificio is the most important restoration institute in the world: the restorers worked on the Cross of Giotto, the Pala di San Zeno of Mantegna, Alchemy by Jackson Pollock and La Visitazione of Luca della Robbia.
Young restorers and students from all around the world try to spend some months at the Opificio to learn the best techniques of this art.
An exhibition about the Twentieth Century
If you are staying in Florence these days, I recommend you to spend some time at the Opificio delle Pietre Dure and its Museum. On display, there are the Medici Collections, the tools and instruments to make the commesso fiorentino and the exhibition The Twentieth Century of the Opificio delle Pietre Dure.
Until the 4th of May, 2019 you can have a look at the recent history of the factory, especially the artworks made with commesso fiorentino technique during a competition of 1953.
As a fond of arts Florentine, I was really moved by this exhibit and I ended up falling in love with the inlaid stones I could see.
Falling in love is definitely the right word to describe this world, a strong feeling that you can perceive all around you in this place.
A magic and unique place, perfect to be visited by couples, even better if you are coming on Valentine’s Day.
Green masterpieces: a stroll in the monumental gardens of Florence
There are so many things to do and attractions to see in Florence that you are spoiled for choice!
Among the historic buildings and the ancient Medici palaces, the most famous museums and cathedrals, not to mention the alleys of the historic center and the Lungarno full of sun.
The exclusive shopping is waiting for you in the boutiques of Via de 'Tornabuoni and Piazza Strozzi, for an espresso with a touch of elegance, the historic cafés of Piazza della Repubblica and Piazza della Signoria are the best choices.
However, if you visit the city with the eyes of a Florentine, you will soon recognize green treasures of unexpected beauty next to mighty walls and Renaissance coats of arms. The monumental gardens of Florence are precious gems, mosaics of nature to explore with slowness and wide-open eyes.
The most famous garden: Boboli
Everyone coming to visit Florence has certainly heard once about the Boboli Gardens... it would be strange otherwise! Due its central position, within the museum complex of Palazzo Pitti but accessible from other points in the city, and the sculptural masterpieces housed inside, our most noble garden is probably the best-known one. Precisely thanks to its lucky position, Boboli is ideal for tourists taking a break in nature while working their way between one museum and another.
Florentines love it the same way, or even more: I personally like to take an hour or two a week, in the spring, to stroll among gushing fountains and stone allegories. The Medici family created the Boboli Gardens in 4 centuries of constant work and I thank them every time for such a gift.
Immerse yourself in this open-air museum with curiosities and you will be amazed by the Fountain of the Ocean by Giambologna, Buontalenti’s Grotto and the eighteenth century Kaffehaus.
Embrace the city at the Bardini Garden
Not far from Boboli, there is another garden worthy of a visit (but also more than one!): the park of Villa Bardini. Inside, you will feel in a small eighteenth-century court, surrounded by English gardens, neat flowerbeds and refined statues. Intense spots of color and very sweet fragrances come from blooming wisteria.
But what I appreciate most here is definitely the view: with its terracing, the garden ensures an overall view of the city center. In a single glance, your eyes embrace Brunelleschi's Dome, the noble profile of Palazzo Vecchio, the frenetic riversides and the solemn Church of Santa Croce.
The most romantic gardens: Iris and Rose
If you are traveling in couple, you can’t beat a stroll in the Rose Garden, in my opinion. The atmosphere is impalpable and magic, due to the gentle slope of Piazzale Michelangelo, the terrace overlooking the city and the sweetest scents in the air. From May to July, in fact, the fragrances of more than 350 species of roses bloom, giving all their essence. Treat yourself to a very romantic walk, among enchanted petals and the sculptures by Jean-Michel Folon. You will not regret it!
The Iris Garden too is entirely dedicated to a flower, the lily, symbol of our city. The flowering season of this flower is brief, so the park is open less than a month a year, from 25 April to 20 May.
At other times of the year, it can only be visited by appointment. If you stay in Florence in springtime, I really recommend you to take some time to breathe deeply the indescribable fragrances of this garden.
The green outside the city center: the Cascine
The Cascine garden is a bit far from the center, but you can easily reach it by public transport and is definitely worth the trip. Vast and well kept, it was designed by the Medici and it has long been the main park of the noble Florentine family.
Nowadays families, couples and lovers of running and cycling come here, especially during weekends. Looking for a little escape from the city, the Cascine Park is one of my favorite spots. This is the largest Florentine public park, 130 hectares of leafy trees and green meadows where you can run or lie in the sun.
Stroll through the internal avenues, admire the ducks and herons on the Arno riverside or treat yourself to a sandwich on the grass. Breathe deeply.
Unusual Florence: the lesser known museums and the unmissable gardens with unique city views
September in Florence means many things: we come back from summer holidays (in Italy we traditionally leave in August), schools and university courses start again, the city begins to change colors and purifies itself from the heat. Tourists and Florentine families appreciate this month to discover the attractions making us famous in the world.
I personally love September and the sparkling air blowing in the streets, I think it’s the perfect time to walk around in the historic city center. And to fall in love every time with a different, hidden corner. Or a museum far from the bustle, nestled in the urban landscape, almost invisible to cursory glances.
Our city hides many gems of art, collections of unexpected beauty to admire without haste. Today, come with me in the alternative Florence museums, ideal to visit in September.
The Stibbert Museum and its weapons
On top of a gentle hill away from the center of Florence, a refined villa became a museum thanks to the generosity of an intellectual, Frederick Stibbert. Son of an English soldier and a Tuscan woman, he was born in Florence but was educated in England. He came back here in his early twenties and decided to reside in a villa, built by great Florentine artists.
The Stibbert Museum, a city property at the death of the owner, today collects fifty thousand objects, the result of Stibbert's two greatest passions, travel and collecting. The most fascinating section is the one dedicated to the armory: if you love armors and fights you will have pleasant surprises. White weapons and firearms are set next to each other in the European and Islamic armories of the museum. Costumes, porcelains and refined paintings complete the exhibition tour, in itineraries immersed in History and Beauty.
Leaving the museum, take a stroll in the Stibbert garden, designed as a nineteenth-century English garden, with small temples and neoclassical architectures, caves and fountains. Have fun catching the unusual and characteristic details ... there are plenty of them.
An art gallery inside the blue: the Bardini Museum
Like the Stibbert Museum, the Bardini Museum owes its origin to the passion of an Italian collector. Stefano Bardini, a passionate of arts and a painter, soon discovered his real vocation: trading ancient objects and artifacts.
If you love Greek and Roman civilizations and you are fascinated by non-traditional spaces, this museum should stand on top of things to see in Florence.
The building is located in San Niccolò district, in the Oltrarno area, but it isn’t don't easy to find: if there were no signs, you would have some problems to identify it. The palace itself boasts a fascinating history, it was built in 1237 as a church and convent to celebrate the peace between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines. In 1775 it was converted into the Palazzo dè Mozzi, then acquired by Bardini.
The collector gathered here ancient objects, artifacts, sculptures and paintings, all set in an ideal scene: the intense blue walls bring out the whiteness of the marble, items from different times and styles combine with unnatural but perfect harmony.
Do not expect a canonical museum: take your time to recognize aesthetic languages and guess the chronology of the works. It will be a new and pleasant experience, I promise you.
Even here ... leave yourself some time at the end of the visit! Stroll around the Bardini Garden, one of the most evocative and well-kept in Florence. The city view is extraordinary.
The Horne Museum, a house-museum
In Via de ’Benci, very close to the lively Piazza Santa Croce, lies a residence, vestal of the Florentine Renaissance. The Horne Museum is the precious legacy of Herbert Percy Horne, London architect and intellectual who chose Florence as his home in 1911. The building he purchased was restored taking inspiration from a noble Renaissance residence.
At his death, the furnishing of the rooms was completed, according to Horne's desires. The current collection contains paintings, sculptures, ceramics, goldsmith's and everyday objects, furniture and fabrics. The entire heritage dates back to the period between 1300 and 1500.
Visiting this museum is a special experience: you are in a house, an environment embodying the memory of repeated gestures, an intimate routine, a rarefied atmosphere. But at the same time, you walk slowly in different eras, among artifacts of incredible charm. A journey into the Florentine Renaissance, with a British touch… irresistible!
Natural History, the family-sized museum
The Museum of Natural History of Florence is one of the oldest in the world: most of its collections are due to the Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo. He sponsored the sciences and the Specola Museum, whose collection of fossils was the first nucleus of the current Museum of Natural History. The other "father" of the museum was Filippo Nesti, a Florentine scholar who gave a complete overview of fossil vertebrates.
The current exhibition is a plunge into the entire Italian paleontological history, an encyclopaedia following evolutionary criteria: from the first micro-organisms of 3.5 billion years ago to the appearance of mammals. I like to come back here from time to time, I believe that the passing of the ages and the changes of our planet - and of living species - is a warning to keep in mind, because the journey up to now has been complicated and millennial.
This museum is particularly suitable for families with children, who remain captivated by fossils and rocks never seen before. If you travel with the little ones, take half a day to slowly enjoy a museum interesting for all ages but especially for them, usually intolerant of "traditional" museums.
Hints of spring, it is the riot of smell
Winter is about to give way to spring, which is now upon us. With the arrival of summer, the air becomes lighter, longer days and more relaxed faces, while flowers begin to bloom and dress in the best clothes that nature offers them. A real sight and smell, delighted by pleasant and seductive perfumes. Florence in spring offers a postcard show, thanks to incredible works of art to be admired in all their splendor on lovely spring days.
The favorite destination of the season is the Officina del Profumo di Santa Maria Novella, which in spring shows itself in all its splendor, thanks to the seasonal products that ensure a riot of delicious fragrances on the nose of each person.
Officina del Porfumo of Santa Maria Novella, a bit of history
Also known as "Pharmacy" and "Antica Spezieria", the Officina del Profumo is located in via della Scala 16, in a portion of the convent of Santa Maria Novella. It is considered the oldest pharmacy in Europe, given its period of uninterrupted activity that has lasted for over four centuries. Its longevity also ranks it among the oldest shops of all time in the world, which is why a stamp celebrating its historicity has been dedicated to it. Already in 1831 we find traces of its existence: in fact, the sale of disinfectant rose water, especially in times of epidemics, by the Dominican friars of Santa Maria Novella, the first owners of the building, is documented. The modern structure dates back to 1612, when the friars also carried out the spice business. In 1866 it became property of the municipality of Florence, before being rented by Cesare Augusto Stefani, whose heirs still manage the business today.
At the heart of perfumes
No longer a pharmacy, today the Officina del Profumo is a perfumery and herbalist's shop, where you can appreciate a rich variety of perfumes. The environment is made suggestive by the considerable amount of decorations and sumptuous furnishings, made in different periods and by the collection of scientific material such as thermometers, mortars, scales, measuring spoons etc., which strongly nourish its charm. The Sales Hall, originally one of the chapels that made up the convent, is a gift that the wealthy florentine Acciaioli family made to the community of Dominican friars of the time. The frescoes found on the cross vault were made by Paolino Sarti and represent the four continents, which are called to represent, in a metaphorical key, the world fame of the Pharmacy and its products. To the right of the Sales Room you enter the Green Room, once used for the reception of special guests, who were served some specialties of the pharmacy, such as Alkermes, China or chocolate, a drink that was then very fashionable. The Antica Spezieria room, once reserved for sale, now houses large quantities of rare and fragrant spices. The vaulted ceiling, built in the eighteenth century, has a rich decoration consisting of fantastic animals, sphinxes, dragons and golden eagles. The Sacristy and ancient production laboratories now used as a museum complete the picture of a unique structure of its kind, where it is possible to experience the explosion of the scent of flowers in spring in an amplified way, thanks to a rich selection that will satisfy all tastes.
Easter in Florence, where to spend it
Sunday 19 April is the day on which Easter is celebrated this year. Florence is undoubtedly a splendid setting where to live the Easter holiday and Easter Monday, thanks to the wonderful works of art of the city, depositories of timeless charm and beauty. The appointment with which the celebration of Easter kicks off is the well-known burst of the wagon, which takes place every Easter Sunday, at around 10 am. Born more than 300 years ago, this tradition sees the so-called "Brindellone" as its absolute protagonist, a 9-meter-high wagon that is pulled by oxen from its warehouse, located in Via Il Prato, to Piazza Duomo. Here, during the mass, around 11, the Archbishop of Florence lights the "Colombina", or a rocket in the shape of a dove (symbol of the Holy Spirit) that reaches the "Brindellone" to set it on fire, thus triggering the fireworks uprights on it. According to tradition, if the "Colombina" returns to the altar, it will be a good omen for a positive and lucky year. The spectacle of the fire of the wagon leaves tourists and Florentines open-mouthed every year, who always respond in large numbers to the rite of the Easter celebration.
MIDA, the International Craft Exhibition of Florence
From the 25th of April to the 1st of May the 84th International Craft Show in Florence will be staged at the Fortezza da Basso, which welcomes many visitors every year. Artisans and artisan enterprises will exhibit their works, imbued with a sense of variety, richness and quality that will well illustrate the dynamics of a sector that is both hereditary and innovative. The exhibition hours are from 10:00 to 22:00. The inauguration is scheduled for Friday 24 April from 15:00 to 22:00.