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.

Another great news is that the Oblate Library once again will be open at night! From Tuesday to Saturday hours are 9.00 a.m. until 12.00 a.m. – midnight! You can go there to study or read local newspapers or simply relax reading a book. I strongly suggest you go once.

If this is not enough, the Oblate cafè organizes thematic happy hours and dinners, animated with music, readings and tastings. If you can make it tonight, I highly recommend the musical happy hour with a performance by the Spitilli Jazz Trio.

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!!

From Friday through Sunday: in the afternoons the consortium of Maremma Milk Producers will be offering children free samples their new line of milk snacks called “Fresca Bontà” while throughout the day free tastings of fresh whipped cream will be offered , perfect with chocolate!

Today, February 5 – Piazza Santa Croce

4 p.m. – Tastings area (area degustazioni)
Tastings of how chocolate is used in the kitchen, from savory dished to desserts. Only 20 spots, reserve your place by emailing the address above.

5 p.m. – Fair area
The local RDF 102.7 radio station will be interviewing participants and asking their opinions. Free gadgets for everyone!

7.15 p.m. – Via della Pergola 18/32 – Dance salon in the Pergola Theater
“Lo spettacolo del gusto”: Simone de Castro and Rossella Gatti from the artisan workshop l’O located on Via Pietrapiana, 44r experiment with chocolate to create new and exciting tastes and matchings.
6 experiements on each night for a total of 12 different symphonies of aromas and tastes. Each participant will receive a gift. Reservations required by email, cost is € 10,00, 30 spots available.

Saturday, February 6

10.30 a.m. Piazza Santa Croce
In front of the church, a short class of streching and easy exercises and at the end all participants will receive a classic energetic snack: bread and chocolate. Participation is free as long as you register by email, 30 spots available.

2 p.m. in front of church again, the Company of the Red Wolf will exhibit a mock battle with medieval swords with active participation of the public.

3.30 p.m. – Tastings area (area degustazioni)
Winners of Florentine Sweets will be announced by the major. Tastings of the winning sweet will be available.

7.15 p.m. – Via della Pergola 18/32 – Dance salon in the Pergola Theater
Second evening of the “Lo spettacolo del gusto” as above for Friday.

Sunday February 7

11 a.m. Tastings area (area degustazioni)
Simone De Castro will interview 4 chocolatiers present at the fair: the presentations will be accompanied with free samples

3 p.m.  Tastings area (area degustazioni)
Presentation by Andrea Trapani, executive chef of Apicius, ACF Fiorentina and STILNOVO Catering in collaboration with Andrea Bianchini and Giuseppe Calabrese called “Cambio consistenze e contrasto temperature del cioccolato”, with tastings
30 spots, free participation, book your spot through email.

For more information, see http://www.fieradelcioccolato.it/

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.

Florence was the setting for one of the most famous love stories in history, the love story between Dante and Beatrice. You can follow their story as you visit the small Church of Santa Margherita de’ Cerchi, location of their first encounter and where love at first sight struck Dante. A small tombstone marks the burial spot of Beatrice within the church. A short distance from the church are the houses of the two: Beatrice’s home, Palazzo Portinari-Salviati (also called the Palazzo Cepparello) still sits on Via del Corso and for many years has been the offices of a bank while Dante’s house has been turned into a museum where you can find reproductions, documents and more regarding the Great Poet.

Outside of the main center, we recommend two special romantic spots: Piazzale Michelangelo and Fiesole. From the large terrace of the Piazzale Michelangelo you can enjoy magnificent views of the city, particularly at sunset. A short distance way, at the top of a series of stairs, is the ancient San Miniato al Monte Church from which you can further enjoy a stupendous view of Florence. You are a bit higher up and see a different angle than from the Piazzale.

On the other side of Florence you’ll find Fiesole, a small yet precious jewel just 20-25 minutes bus ride from the center of Florence. On the weekend of February 13 and 14 the main square will host the Chocolate Festival where you’ll surely find special chocolate hearts to give to your beloved! To enjoy a beautiful view of all of Florence, take the steep road that starts in front of the cathedral up to the Convent of San Francesco where you’ll find a small garden with benches to sit and enjoy the view.

A select number of lodgings in Florence are also offering special offers for St. Valentine’s Day:

• La Casa del Garbo Bed and Breakfast , located on Piazza della Signoria with magnificent view of the square and Palazzo Vecchio, is offering a 10% discount for a stay of 2 nights in a Deluxe Room during St. Valentine’s weekend, with a free bottle of champagne and small chocolates.
• The Johanna Bed and Breakfasts are offering special offers in February and March for stays of 1 or 3 nights in the various elegant residences they have in the center of Florence.
• La Casa dei Tintori B&B near Piazza Santa Croce is located within a beautiful medieval palace and offers a special atmosphere for couples at great rates all year round.
• The romantic boutique hotel Villa Antea offers couples wishing to spend two or more nights in Florence a special offer that includes an icy wine bottle and fruit basket in your room upon arrival.

These are just a few ideas of how to spend a wonderful romantic weekend in Florence, whether on St. Valentine’s Day or another weekend. We hope you will have a lot of fun making your own very special memories.

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.The paper mache carts are different every year and take inspiration from various areas of life, from politics to current events and more general events (for example, last year the winning cart was related to the theme of immigration). There are also many figures which remind us of several Italian politicians. Some newspapers reported that this year some masks took inspiration from Micheal Jackson and Barack Obama. Most carnival floats also have singers and performers and music that encourage people in the audience to join in the parade. The allegorical floats are certainly the main attractions. At the end of the celebrations, the carts are voted and awarded prizes.

Every year more than 800.000 visitors attend the Viareggio Carnival and as you can imagine the city becomes quite crowded. During the days of celebration it is hard to move around the city. You can park your car in especially reserved parking areas. We however recommend to take the train. The train station is just 10-15 minutes walking from the seaside avenue and you avoid getting stuck in traffic at the end of the parade. We also have to say that parking isn’t very cheap.

Entrance tickets can be purchased directly at the parade. Tickets costs 15 euro while children younger than 10 years old enter free of charge. A pass card for all 5 parades can be purchased for 25 euro.

Don’t miss out the occasion to be children again: dress up and join in at the Carnival!

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.

A really positive year’s end that gives hope for 2010. Florence is certainly one of the most beautiful artcities in Italy and its musuems displays wordly renowned masterpieces.
If you are planning to visit Florence and its museums, read our suggestions in order to avoid long waiting lines and book Florence museums in advance >>

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.Besides the regular services libraries offer, such as consultation and loan of books, the Oblate offers various services for visitors such as:

• Free Internet connection
• Films and music loans
• use of play-station
• 2 Satellite TVs
• a children’s playroom with programmed workshops and activities
• a newspaper library
• large space where to read and spend time inside the library
• a café with breathtaking view

Then every month there are many different events. For example up until December 31st, the library opens until midnight from Monday to Saturday.
To take advantage of all these services, you have to become a member for free with a valid ID. If you like just to read the newspaper drinking a coffee you don’t even need to be a member.

I suggest you visit this new jewel of Florence when you are in town. If you would like to have more information about the library, its services and history, you can join the free guided tour to the Oblate Library on January 16th at 4.30 pm.

Read our article and find more information about the Oblate Library!

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.

This is probably the main attraction for Florence’s  New Year’s Eve celebrations, a result of a profitable collaboration between the Municipalities of Florence and Bologna. In fact, the two cities are going to exchange some musicians during the celebration: Lucio Dalla will first sing in Florence and then he will move to Bologna, while the Negrita will do the opposite. This exchange will take place thanks to the special high speed rail service called Frecciarossa that can be caught by all those lucky people that will get a free ticket for the event distributed in Piazza della Repubblica from December 29th.

The second concert will be held in Piazza della Signoria where party goers can attend a classical performance by the Ukrainian Philharmonic Orchestra directed by Giuseppe Lanzetta.

The third choice for celebrations will start at 10.30 pm in Piazza Santissima Annunziata where Riccardo Marasco, a famous Florentine singer will perform his best songs.

Lastly, between Piazza Duomo and Piazza delle Repubblica the street orchestra Banda Improvvisa will perform.

This year Florence will be animated by many different events on December 31st and we cross our fingers for mild weather so that you can enjoy the New Year’s celebrations without cold or rain!

Those who decide to lodge around the city center and don’t have an accommodation in Florence yet,  can have a look at this list of hotels and B&B in Florence center.

Here is also a useful list of Florence museums open on December 31 and January 1. Many museums will close in the early afternoon on Tuesday and almost all of them will be closed on January 1, unfortunately.

Discover Tuscany team wishes you a Happy New Year!