Discover Tuscany’s Blog: exploring Tuscany and all its hidden corners…

Piazza della Repubblica in Florence

On March 8th we celebrate the International Women’s day, that is the perfect opportunity to visit Florence. Many events and parties will take place in Florence, as well as all around Italy. Don’t miss out on initiatives organized by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities, that on Saturday 6 March and Sunday 7 March 2010 offers free entrance tickets for women to all State museums, archeological parks and monuments. On the official website of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities you find a list of all free museums and monuments in Florence, such as the Uffizi Gallery, the Medici Chapels and the Academy Gallery.

We’d like to remind you the new art exhibit at Palazzo Strozzi in Florence “De Chirico, Max Ernst, Magritte, Balthus – A look into the invisible” that really deserve a visit.

On Women’s Day and the weekend before there are many events and parties. If you are planning to visit Florence those days, we suggest you book one comfortable bed and breakfast in Florence center or a relaxing farmhouse near Florence.
Women’s day celebration or holiday, every excuse is good to visit Florence!

I’ve talked about the Oblate Library in Florence recently since it was a pleasant and unexpected discovery just a few months ago. The library organizes many events so here is a new post to tell you about some of them.

From March to June, the library will offer free guided tours to the former convent of Oblate, where it is located. Tours are in Italian and take place on March 6th, April 3rd, May 8th and June 12th. The meeting point is at 4.30 p.m. in the main cloister in Via dell’Oriuolo and the tour lasts about an hour and a half. During the visit you discover the history of the building, the stories about the convent and the Oblate Order. Many legends and views make the visit pleasant. In addition, with the ticket you have a discount for breakfast at the Oblate cafè on the second floor. Continue reading post »

In the Room of the Elements in Palazzo Vecchio - Fresco of Venus representing water

If you’re in Florence this Thursday, February 18, you should know that the city commemorates the memory of the last Medici, Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici, with a conference in Palazzo Vecchio at 5 p.m. It is thanks to her that most of the treasures the Medici collected and had commissioned are still in Florence – she bequethed all the family’s treasures and buildings to the city of Florence so that they could be taken care of, admired and shared with the rest of humanity.

We are thankful to Anna Maria Luisa and to the city that on this day a few of the city museums are free of charge. This year, you can visit for free:

• the Palazzo Vecchio Museum (monumental quarters) from 9.00 a.m. through 2 p.m.
• the Santa Maria Novella Museum from 9.00 a.m. through 5 p.m. (this is through a separate entrance from the church itself and merits a visit for the 14th century frescoes by Paolo Uccello, Andrea di Bonaiuto and Alessandro Allori).
• the Brancacci Chapel in the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine from 10.00 a.m. through 5.00 p.m. (this last one might require signing up for a specific time since groups of up to 30 people can enter every 15 minutes. You might head there, see if you can enter at the next entrance time or sign up and return later. The chapel merits a visit for the fresco masterpieces by Masaccio and Filippino Lippi. You can’t visit the chapel passing through the church as it is closed off).

So if you’re in Florence, take advantage of the free entrance and visit one of the above museums, taking a moment to thank Anna Maria Luisa for making sure we can still admire the masterpieces here in Florence and that future generations will continue to enjoy them as well.

The days are dreary, wet and cold but if you’re here this weekend anyway, why not enjoy some time enjoying the best decadent treat there is at the Chocolate Fair in Piazza Santa Croce? Even with the rainy weather, the fair goes on under tents.

The fair started yesterday and goes on through Sunday, from 10 am to 10 pm. There are stands from local chocolatiers from Florence and Tuscany but also from the rest of Italy as well as France, Spain and Belgium.

Here is an idea of some of the free tastings or events available but, since space is limited, go ahead and email info@fieradelcioccolato.it right away to reserve your spot!!

Continue reading more about the Chocolate Fair »

Panoramic view from Piazzale Michelangelo

Florence is the perfect city to spend a romantic weekend with your beloved. The historical center is small and full of beautiful period palaces, large squares, narrow passageways waiting to be discovered as well the famous Ponte Vecchio and the streets along the river which all present a unique setting for a couple celebrating each other. Walking along the streets of Florence isn’t just romantic, it is also the best way to visit and appreciate the city itself. Since Piazza del Duomo was closed to traffic a few months ago, the heart of the city is even more enjoyable!

So where should you go on St. Valentine’s or on your special romantic weekend in Florence? First of all, let’s remember that the historical center is one of the most magical spots in the city so anywhere you go, you won’t go wrong. But Ponte Vecchio, particularly at night, is considered the most romantic spot in the city center and the softly lit sidewalks along the river make an evening stroll under the stars very romantic.

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We posted a fun video of the allegorical float parade of the Carnival of Viareggio from last year to give you an idea of what the carnival in Viareggio looks like. If you’re in Tuscany this month, you can head to Viareggio by train and join in the fun every Sunday this month before Lent!

The Burlamacco - Official Mask of the Carnival of Viareggio

In a few days the famous Carnival of Viareggio 2010 will begin. The carnival in Viareggio is one of the greatest masked parades in Italy. The official calendar for this year’s carnival is: 31st of January, 7th and 14th of February (Sundays), 16th of February (Tuesday) and 21th of February (Sunday). The parade starts at 3.00 p.m. (and at 5.00 p.m. on the 21st of February).
Every Saturday before the carnival in Piazza Mazzini and at the Natural Commercial Center you’ll find entertainers, artists and music for both adults and children.

The Viareggio Carnival is really spectacular both for all ages. One of its unique characteristics are the giant Carnival floats in paper mache, even 20 meters tall, that parade along the seaside avenues of Viareggio, known as La Passeggiata of Corso Mazzini. These giant carts are built over several months, hard work that follows the ancient technique of the construction of sailing ships. Viareggio is known around the world for its workmanship in realizing sailing ships and yachts. Read Full Post »

December was a successful month for Florentine Museums. A local newspaper reported that in the past month, after a difficult year, museums in Florence have finally registered a relevant growth of visitors.

The most visited museums were the Uffizi Gallery and the Medici Chapels, but also the National Museum of Bargello and Davanzati Palace, recently reopened.
A great result also for the current exhibition “Artful Deception” – “Inganni ad arte” at Palazzo Strozzi till January 24. It displays several works of modern and contemporary art by European artists showing the phenomenal trompe-l’oeil technique.

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I’ve just found out about the Oblate Library, located in the former convent of Oblate between via Sant’Egidio and via dell’Oriuolo. I had heard about it before but had never been there until last week. I have to say that I am really impressed so much so that I became a member of the Oblate library right away

The Oblate Library is not just a library but a place where you can get a cappuccino looking at Brunelleschi’s Cupola, enjoy a game on a Play Station and spend some time with friends. Inspiration for this cultural and multimedia center in the heart of Florence has been the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris. The antique and contemporary come together perfectly: the 3 floors of the 15th century convent has been transformed into a multifunctional building that has something for everyone, from 0 to 99 years old. Furthermore, it’s entirely and easily accessible for visitors with special needs and moms with strollers. Continue reading post »

Anyone who will be spending New Year’s Eve in Florence and wants to spend the last night of the year outside can choose from four different free performances.

In the main square right in front of Santa Maria Novella train station a rock concert will take place starting from 9.00 pm where great Italian singers Irene Grandi, Lucio Dalla and the Negrita will be performing. After them there will be a DJ set going on until 2.00 am. Irene Grandi (Florentine singer) and the Negrita (Tuscan rock band) are both Tuscan musicians and are loved by mostly young people, while Lucio Dalla (singer from Bologna) is generally more appreciated by a more grown up crowd.

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