Elitism F L O R E N C E
“ Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails” - Mark Twain Explore, live and enjoy the best of the city.
Issue nº 3 ~ December 2017 · January · February 2018
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Welcome If you have chosen Florence as your holiday destination, you will already know that however long you are going to stay, in any case, it will always be too short to reveal the wonders of Florence, a city full of monuments, art, museums, squares, and unforgettable experiences. As locals we are the ones who experience the many gifts of the city first, and therefore Elitism aims to be a collection of suggestions, a notebook, a smart guide, to make the stay in the cradle of the Renaissance a piece of your life that you will always carry in your heart. We’ve arrived at the third issue of Elitism Florence and are starting the dances with our best wishes for Christmas and a Happy New Year and especially, for a wonderful 2018. Already with the second issue, some of Elitism’s pages have changed their look. We’ve added new columns and altered some existing ones, making them more visual with less text. These are big little changes, which we really wanted to make, to give more breathing space to images and style. We think immobility is synonymous with boredom and that evolution, change, new designs are the driving force that allow us to move forward, and wishing you CONSTANT CHANGE, and new improvements, that we leave you to read our magazine. Compiled with passion, just for you. Enjoy your reading! Elitism Florence: the quarterly magazine focused on discovering and living the city and its magnificence. What to see, where to eat, trendy bars, historical places, architecture, shops, clubs with complete address lists and all the advices you need to enjoy the city like Florentines do. And more, interviews to locals, details on the surroundings, highlights on what to buy, fun facts, and all of the top events you don’t want to miss out in town.
ELITISM MAGAZINE Issue n° 3 December 2017 January ~ February 2018 Quarterly ~ Florence ~ Italy EDITOR Francesca Querci VICE - EDITOR Francesca Cellini EDITORIAL DESIGN Niccolò Galimberti www.slumdesign.com CONTRIBUTORS Maura Aiello, Cinzia Azzerboni, Liliana Antoniucci, Serena Becagli COVER Niccolò Galimberti PHOTO CREDITS Matteo Vistocco TRANSLATIONS NTL traduzioni PRINTING IGV Stampa - Piazza Nasoni, San Giovanni Valdarno (AR) PUBLISHER F Society SAS Via del Leone 37, Firenze p.iva 06722440481 Aut.Trib. Firenze N. 6048 del 14 Aprile 2017 info@readelitism.com www.readelitism.com You can follow us on: Instagram: @elitismflorence Facebook: @elitismflorence
In partnership with: Windows on Italy Doorways to Italy Apartments Florence Family Apartments MadeinItaly Holiday Home Apartments in Florence Dot Florence Real Estate Suite Florence
Le informazioni diffuse hanno finalità divulgative, le fonti utilizzate riflettono le esperienze e le opinioni degli Autori. I link citati e le immagini tratte da altri siti sono proprietà dei rispettivi Soggetti. L’Editore, che ha posto ogni cura nel citare correttamente la fonte, si dichiara disponibile a pubblicare eventuali rettifiche per involontarie citazioni improprie. L’Editore e gli Autori di Elitism declinano ogni responsabilità per uso improprio delle informazioni riportate o da errori relativi al loro contenuto.
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Contents December 2017 January ~ February 2018
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To Do Five amazing things to do in Florence we selected and guarantee for you
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Where to Eat Top restaurants and typical taverns to satisfy your hunger
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To See First things you have to see once you arrive
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Where to Drink Best wines and drinks around town.. raise your glass with style
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Centro Pecci Prato Centro per l'arte contemporanea Luigi Pecci
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Suggested by Advices from Roberto Focardi
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Dress Well What and where to shop in town
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Map Get lost and enjoy
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Spa & Wellness Relax in the city
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No you can’t miss it! A quick to-experience list
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Italian Taste Recipes and flavours, Chicken Liver Appetizer
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Nearby People giving emotions
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Yoga time Florence for yogi and not only, increase your flexibility
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Agenda Events, meetings and much more
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Our Selection Everything you need to bring home together with your memories
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This is so contemporary Mister G
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1, 2, 3 days in Florence Flip through our suggested 1-2- 3 days itineraries
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La Dolcevita The Negroni cocktail
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San Niccolò One of the special places in Florence
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Style Icon Marcello Mastroianni
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Via Tornabuoni
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You cannot miss the recently renewed Mercato Centrale, a real gastronomic melting pot, for those who want to taste emotions. The Loggia del Porcellino where you can buy genuine leather products and caress the famous luck charm bronze boar muzzle at the side of the market.
Arno River
Enjoy the Diladdarno discovering San Frediano, snooping around workshops, antiques and art galleries. Piazza Santo Spirito is the right place for a typical dinner or a late evening drink. Piazza del Carmine with its mixed between sacred and profane atmosphere is another must-see.
· The Rive Gauche
To do
· Not just Art
Go for some top-level shopping in Via Tornabuoni: Gucci, Emilio Pucci, Tiffany, and many more are there waiting to fuel your vanity. Discover vintage jewels in Piazza Strozzi at Barducci Jewelry. Design and crafts lovers are welcome in Via della Spada where a tour is a must.
· Tuscan Food
Taste tradition: a Lampredotto sandwich in Piazza de’Nerli, Bistecca alla Fiorentina at Cambi restaurant, extraordinary Pappa al Pomodoro at Santo Bevitore. Want some ice cream? Sorbetteria in Piazza Tasso and the world-famous Vivoli near Piazza Santa Croce are waiting for you.
Il ratto delle Sabine
Loggia del Porcellino
· Markets Tour
Second Italian museum for number of visitors, the Accademia displays the largest amount of Michelangelo’s sculptures in the world. A must-see, where you can find the original Michelangelo’s David and probably experience the Stendhal Syndrome. Remember to book in advance!
· Galleria dell’Accademia
IL Dumo
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Piazzale Michelangelo
Ponte Vecchio
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Palazzo Vecchio, the seat of the city’s civil and administrative authority. Sight is surrounded by ancient marble, bronze and stone statues, like Donatello’s Marzocco, the lion leaning on the coat of arms, and the Nettuno fountain. Here, the most famous gallery: the Uffizi.
Links the main part of the historical city centre with the “Diladdarno”, with artisan goldsmiths that once were butcher shops lining the path to the scenic terraces. The Vasari Corridor, that crosses the Arno at Ponte Vecchio, was built in 1565.
· Ponte Vecchio
To see
Palazzo Pitti
· Piazza della Signoria
Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, Campanile di Giotto and Battistero; with its white Carrara marble front, hallowed in the year 1436, the Duomo dominates the whole square and Giotto’s Campanile. The Cathedral’s dome, finished with red bricks, outstands everything around.
· Piazza Duomo
Piazza della Signoria
A 5 minute walk to embrace absolute beauty: the city sight from Piazzale Michelangelo. You can walk the ancient stairways “Rampe del Poggi” starting from San Niccolò to climb up toward Piazzale. Once there just a few more steps to fall in love with the Church of San Miniato.
· Piazzale Michelangelo and San Miniato
Residence of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, home to the Medici, the Lorena and the Savoia families. The palace hosts an articulated compound of different galleries and museums: Palatina Gallery, Appartamenti Monumentali, Modern Art Gallery, Boboli Garden.
· Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Garden
Campanile di Giotto
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Centro Pecci Prato readelitism.com
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On the left: Centro per l'Arte Contemporanea Luigi Pecci
“The Centro per l’Arte Contemporanea Luigi Pecci is the first Italian institution which has been built from scratch to present, collect, document and promote the most advanced artistic research.”
The new Centro per l'Arte Contemporanea Luigi Pecci is comprised of two architectural structures. The original core, designed by the architect Italo Gamberini, opened in 1988, and the extension conceived by the architect Maurice Nio, built in 2016. The former is inspired by a modernist matrix which led to a reinterpretation of motifs deriving from the industrial architecture typical of the Prato area. The latter seems to have originated from the search for new sensibilities mainly expressed in the form of a large curved element that encircles the architecture of the original building, on the side facing the road where the main entrance is located. Two architectural ideas that stemmed from different display requirements; two different design cultures, two ways of thinking about the museum and its relationship with the city and with the territory. Yet these structures are the participants of an intimate dialogue and skilfully integrate their functions giving rise to one of the most original examples of museum architecture produced in recent years. At a quick glance, the extension to the Centro Pecci designed by Maurice Nio seems to be summarized by a single, immediately recognizable gesture, provocatively distinct from the building to which it is joined. A brasscoloured curved metal body, a sort of great arch suspended above the ground, embraces and almost hides the old museum designed by Italo Gamberini, the last exponent of the happy season that characterized the search for modernity in Tuscan architecture. The new circular movement proposed by Maurice Nio actually drew inspiration from the design of the park that surrounded the original museum, accompanying visitors to see the works of art at that time displayed outside. Maurice Nio had chosen a strongly evocative title for the building: “Sensing the Waves”. This is suggestive of its receptive function (almost like a transmitter), capable of picking up and broadcasting the vibrations of present times. The project is based on a systematic rethinking of expositive features which are manifested externally through the creation of an unexpected and unusual object which is open to multiple interpretations. Nio’s project enters into dialogue with the museum by Gamberini, without reducing the discussion to a simple display of diversity: defining itself into a strictly functional plan that took account of requirements concerning accessibility, circulation, routes and the relationship with the city, recognized as critical points of the previous design by Gamberini.
Therefore opens up to the idea of a museum and cultural centre which is much more complex and aware of its necessary changeability. It is a question of establishing a fragment of the contemporary city. Exhibitions: October 14, 2017 - January 28, 2018 Józef Robakowski Nearer - Farther curated by Bożena Czubak April 08, 2017 - January 28, 2018 From the Cavern to the Moon A Journey through the Collection of the Centro Pecci Exhibition Itinerary curated by Stefano Pezzato Centro per l'Arte Contemporanea Luigi Pecci Viale della Repubblica 277, 59100 Prato Tel. +39 0574 5317 info@centropecci.it www.centropecci.it
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Benheart
Benheart, the leather quality at its top. The owners works only with the finest carefully selected local artisans and all raw materials, leathers and accessories, are sourced and chosen by Ben, their Stylist, who mix the look and the quality to create garments which will last a lifetime. // Via della Vigna Nuova 97r www.benheart.it
Aprosio
In Florence it is Ornella Aprosio who stands out through her hand-crafted production of jewellery and accessories in Murano glass beads and Bohemian crystals and thanks to her, history rewinds through reusing high skilled feminine labour and recovering extremely fascinating materials. // Via del Moro 75-77r www.aprosio.it
Bjork
This is an independent concept store based in Florence, offering contemporary apparel brands and a broad selection of international publications. Bjork is known among the city's hippest people as the source for super-cool stuff you can't find anywhere else in town. // Via dello Sprone 25r www.bjorkflorence.com
Dress Well
Playground
A very well-known boutique on a residential corner of Viale Don Minzoni, not far away from the city centre. Here you’ll find a wide range of brands: from Marni, Dries Van Noten, and Comme des Garçons to Stone Island and much more. Simplicity is the keyword of this huge shop (2 floors of selected styles). // Viale Don Minzoni 31 www.playgroundshop.com
Aquazzurra
The Italian luxury footwear brand Aquazzura was co-founded by Edgardo Osorio in 2011. Today the colourful designs with uncompromising comfort and craftsmanship have made Aquazzura an instantly recognizable household name in the world of luxury footwear. // Lungarno Corsini 42r www.aquazzura.com
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Roy Roger's
Roy Roger's is the first Italian blue-jeans since 1952. Made to measure service is specially conceived to offer the luxury of customised jeans. Roy Roger's proposal includes men's, women's and children's total look, with different lines and labels. // Via Calimala 27r www.royrogers.it
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Asmana
Located 20 minutes from Florence, this place is where wellness finds its new dimension in between the Eastern splendor and the multisensory experience of the West. On the Asmana spa menu, you will find various massages to suit your needs. The one we love more? The Hammam ritual. // Viale Allende 10, 50013 Campi Bisenzio www.asmana.it
Soulspace
SOULSPACEÂŽ Florence Spa & wellness center offers an exclusive, regenerating space to find wellness, through an extraordinary sensorial experience, and the pleasure of a moment in time dedicated to the pursuit of that superb harmony of mind and body. // Via S. Egidio 12 www.soulspace.it
Fourseasons Spa
Inspired by the beauty of Italy, the Spa is nestled amongst the ancient trees of the Hotel's botanical gardens. A luxurious retreat from the pace of the city, immersed in the tranquillity of the Gherardesca Park. Ten spa treatment rooms, including one double room and one double VIP suite. Amazing. // Borgo Pinti 99 www.fourseasons.com
Spa & Wellness
Bodycare
650 square meters in the heart of Florence, 22 treatment cabins, a team of 40 professional aesthetists, a Center for Advanced Aesthetic Techniques, one for Basic Aesthetics, DaySPA and Medical Division make Body Care Florence a reality unique in the area // Via Santa Caterina d’Alessandria 10a www.bodycarefirenze.it
White Iris at Lungarno Collection
A beautiful embracing ambience paying tribute to the elegance and simplicity of Florentine style, with warm tones given off by the typically Tuscan stone walls. The Spa offers a wide selection of treatments and massages to choose from. // Vicolo dell'Oro 6r www.lungarnocollection.com
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Sila Thai
The location is quite outstanding, surrounded by the lush Boboli and Torrigiani garden vegetation, as well as other landmarks including the Basilica of Santa Maria del Carmine. The colors are sober and relaxing, the style is simple and elegant, and the experience is un que and engaging. // Via De Serragli 63r www.silathaimassage.com
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Where to Eat Enjoying food is one of the best pleasures of life. The staff of Elitism presents you the top 5 restaurants of the month, selected after a fine and accurate test. Momoyama $$$ E In a minimal, elegant and cozy style, Momoyama will immerse you in an oriental atmosphere just across the threshold, involving all your senses. Furnished with tones of white, gold and green water, the restaurant has 3 indoor halls, an outdoor area and a bar area at the entrance. Japanese traditions and creativity are the indispensable ingredients of our cuisine. // Borgo S. Frediano 10r www.ristorantemomoyama.it
Zibibbo $$ E Located in the center of Florence in the neighborhood of Santa Croce, has a lovely spacious courtyard where you can eat outside, especially in the Summer. “At Zibibbo we share an idea: cooking is more than approaching flavors, welcoming you is more than a professional gesture.” // Via delle Seggiole 14 www.ristorantezibibbo.it
Essenziale $$ E Essenziale is a project started in September 2016.Essenziale serves Italian cuisine that enjoys to be contaminated from the rest of the world. Inside the same space, guests can immerse themselves in three different ambiences. Each one focused on the simplicity and creativity that characterizes this place. // Piazza di Cestello 3r www.essenziale.me
La Giostra $$$ E Executive chef Ubaldo Tornarelli joined by the talented kitchen staff, craft their unique art of cooking each day. A kitchen that seldom sleeps… in the early morning hours you will find Liliana, kneading pappardelle noodles and ravioli, with all of the ingredients she picks fresh from the local market. A merry band of dispensers of joy. // Borgo Pinti 10-18r www.ristorantelagiostra.com readelitism.com
Buca Lapi $$ E Buca Lapi is the oldest restaurant in Florence. It was founded in 1880 in the Palazzo Antinori cellars and still shows evidence of more than a century of history, thanks to a very careful restoration. Meals recall the genuine tastes of the old tuscan cuisine such as hand-made pasta, ribollita, a pan of tripe, fried food. // Via del Trebbio 1r www.bucalapi.com
Internal view of Enoteca La Barrique
Enoteca Le Barrique What we love more of Enoteca le Barrique? You will find it out at the end of this article. While walking down via del Leone in the San Frediano area, you will notice a glass door with various stickers... Michelin, Les Routard, Pitti Taste and many more...and we are sure you will not be able not to get in. There you will be embraced in a typical Tuscan friendly atmosphere. Warm yellow/orange painted walls, a wood-made bar counter with a couple stools to taste a nice prosecco before taking place at your table. Candle lights, few sits, for a relaxing and sophisticated dinner. That’s how we got to know Le Barrique, strolling around San Frediano quite some years ago. It was because of Jacopo, the owner and sommelier, that we could not do but fall in love with it. Experienced, with his empathy he is able to guess and satisfy your taste with an amazing and detailed wine list. Jacopo is an old facts narrator, he knows how to make you feel comfortable...and once you taste the lasagnette with calamari and zucchini ragu, you can only say “ok, this place is more than special”. Enoteca Le Barrique Via del Leone, 40r, 50124 Firenze Tel. 055 224192 www.enotecalebarrique.com
Jacopo "The owner"
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Where to Drink Places to taste fine wines and artistic cocktails. Our top 5 selection, with some alcoholic degree. Amble A cozy space in one of the best hidden corners of Florence, Piazzetta dei Del Bene, a place hidden in the alleys of the city center, enclosed between the palaces that divide it only a few meters from Ponte Vecchio, out of the chaos and the typical frenzy of the streets crowded with contemporary cities. A place designed to enjoy special food and at the same time.. shop beautiful furnitures! // Piazzetta dei Del Bene 7a www.amble.it
Mayday At Mayday you’ll find the distilled essence of the alchemist’s magic. It’s a place where everything, even the beer, bears the consummate touch of the artist. Selected organic products are teased apart and merged anew, in expertly calibrated combinations that strike the right note. // Via Dante Alighieri 16 www.maydayclub.it
Locale Firenze Locale is a historic palace in the center of Florence, converted into wine bar and restaurant. The winter garden, with its large glass gives an exceptional glimpse. Essential and classy, the cellar is behind a large wrought iron and crystal, to protect the treasures of precious Tuscan wines. // Via delle Seggiole 12 www.localefirenze.it
Rivalta Here flavors take shape within the shakers thanks to the passion of the Rivalta bartenders, which translates research, originality, innovation in the mix of every single drink. Each day they create new combinations of flavors and fragrances constantly revisited and rediscovered in an unprecedented formula. // Lungarno Corsini 14r www.rivaltacafe.it readelitism.com
Manifattura Firenze Located in Piazza San Pancrazio, a stone's throw from the Museo Marini, Manifattura is a 50-year- old Italian lounge bar, with typically Tuscan lacquered wood tables, and waiters in a jacket and tie. Where does the name come from? From the word that implies the work behind the processing of raw materials. A must. // Piazza di S. Pancrazio 1
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www.harrysbarfirenze.com
Roberto Focardi
Often in the afternoon I enjoy penetrate the city and the “Fiorentinitudine.” From Lungarno Vespucci till the (Old Bridge) Ponte Vecchio for a wine glass at the Gallery Hotel Art, to stroll through the Porcellino across Piazza della Signoria till the Duomo crossing Via Calzaioli, a stop at Pegna, then to go towards Corneliani. Essential, for a fun and innovative dinner, La bottega del Buon Caffè, for something unique.
Suggested by
Roberto Focardi
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Harry's Bar Firenze / L.no A. Vespucci 22/R, 50100 Firenze / +39 055 2396700 www.harrysbarfirenze.com readelitism.com
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Lorenzo Fagnoni
CEO of ApartmentsFlorence.it & Top Local Expert Who is Lorenzo Fagnoni? Born in Florence, Florentine by birth, cosmopolitan by choice, he worked and lived in Amsterdam, Milan and London. He has always been in love with Florence and he loves to value the traditions and typicality of Florence in the world. Tourist hospitality is in its DNA. What’s the story behind Apartments Florence? Apartments Florence was born about ten years ago as a family-run activity managed by me and my wife Ana. It was not our main job, but just a secondary work. We were renting a handful of apartments from our family. Later on, we started renting other apartments on behalf of relatives and friends. Day by day, the company has grown up and it is now managed by a group of determined and passionate professionals and friends, including me, Niccolò Degli Alessandri and Matteo Checchini. Today we manage more than 350 exceptionally well located properties in the heart of our beloved Florence and very close to the main attractions. What about your apartments? Do you select them? Our apartments are always carefully evaluated and monitored before being included in our offer: that is to always ensure our guests top quality and functionality standards. We also constantly gather feedbacks and observations from our clients to be sure we fully meet your each and every need.
Are you just another touristic booking portal? No, we aren’t. We take pride in not being just an online portal. We take care of our guest every step of the way: from choosing the right apartment to providing him with information, assistance and customized services to enjoy a unique Florentine experience. Our goal is to never make you feel alone! Do you consider yourselves as experts of the city? Our staff consists solely of genuine Florentines or adoptive ones who have been living here for a long time, and we all love and cherish our city. That's why you can trust us and our insider tips on which apartment would be a better fit for your desires and needs or which places you should pay a visit to, aside from the main touristic tracks. Apartments Florence Srl Borgo degli Albizi, 15 Florence Office: +39 0552479309 Whatsapp: +39 3929976890 www.apartmentsflorence.it info@apartmentsflorence.it
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Osteria De' Benci
Borgo Santa Croce, 31r, 50122 Firenze Tel. 055 234 4923 www.osteriadeibenci.it Facebook: Osteria Dè Benci Firenze
Piazza San Marco
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Giardino de Semplici
Galleria Dell’ Accademia
S.M. Novella Central Train Station
Mercato Centrale
Piazza dell’Unità
Piazza della S.S. Annunziata
San Lorenzo
Piazza S. Maria Novella Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore
Palazzo Strozzi
Piazza Goldoni Ponte Alla Carraia
Piazza della Repubblica
Piazza San Firenze
Piazza S. Trinita Ponte S. Trinita
Piazza della Signoria
Mercato Nuovo
Piazza Santa Croce
Galleria Degli Uffizi Ponte Piazza Vecchio Mentana
Piazza Santo Spirito
Arno
Piazza Dei Pitti Palazzo Pitti
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Piazza De’ Mozzi
Ponte Alle Grazie
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Giardino della Gherardesca
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Sinagoga
Piazza Dei Ciompi
Piazza S. Ambrogio
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Arno Torre G. Poggi
Get lost in Florence · Santa Croce Impossible not to stop to admire this gorgeous Church, that gives its name to the neighborhood. Walking the narrow streets and the small squares in the area you will find old workshops and small but precious museums like the Museo Horne and the Museo di Storia della Scienza. The first one displays a significant collection of paintings and sculptures collected by the art critic Horne itself, who lived there. The second is kind of a shrine to Galileo Galilei and hosts his telescopes and the lenses he used to discover the largest moons of Jupiter. Among the many peculiarities of this area, Michelangelo Buonarroti lived for a short period of his life right in Via Ghibellina. Time for the best ice cream in the world now, Vivoli! · Santo Spirito and San Frediano Workshops, goldsmiths, restorers and antiques shops make this two adjacent districts the area of the city in which still lives the old Florentine craftsmanship tradition. A visit to Church of Piazza Santo Spirito, Piazza del Cestello and to the Church of San Frediano in Cestello is in order. Walking through typical cobblestone small alleys named like the old jobs once exerted in the streets themselves (via dei Tessitori, via dei Cardatori, etc…) you can reach Piazza del Carmine. Don’t let the unfinished front side mislead you! Inside the Church one of the greatest Renaissance masterpieces, the Cappella Brancacci, especially known for the astonishing fresco “Expulsion from the garden of Eden” painted by Masaccio. · Duomo and San Lorenzo San Lorenzo was one of the districts where the Medici family lived and where you can discover unbelievable beauties, strolling around the lanes maze. After the Duomo named Santa Maria del Fiore, the main city Cathedral, you can find the Cappelle Medicee, with their gorgeous marble and stone walls cladding and the first Medici palace, Palazzo Medici-Riccardi, at number one in via Larga (now via Cavour). If you are hungry, the best for a quick meal is the Mercato Centrale, that offers a wide food and drinks choice in a fine steel, glass and cast-iron Art Nouveau building.
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Piazzale Michelangelo
· Sant’Ambrogio Lively, dynamic and always hot! The Sant’Ambrogio area usually surprises first time visitors. The main square, with the Sant’ambrogio Church, is one of the oldest in town and it is one of the locals favorite night-life places because of the plenty of clubs, bars, bistros and restaurants all around. A must-see is the Sant’Ambrogio covered Market where you can taste some of the traditional Tuscan products like “la Pattona”. This district is also home to the Synagogue and the Jewish Museum.
· San Niccolò It is not a district, not even a block, it is Via San Niccolò! In the Diladdarno is one of the oldest streets, and takes its name from San Nicola di Mira to whom the Church of San Niccolò Oltrarno is dedicated. The area is rich of notable historical buildings like the Palazzo del Rosso from the 17th century, the Palazzo Demidoff-Amici and the Palazzo GianniLucchesi-Vegni that shows on its facade a plaque to the memory of the Russian director Andrej Tarkovskij and his Florentine days. At number 99 Palazzo Stiozzi-Ridolfi, attributed to Baccio D’Agnolo, and at 107 the decorated front side of Palazzo Nasi-Quartesi with paintings from the 15th century.
· San Miniato al Monte and Piazzale Michelangelo The San Miniato al Monte Abbey is one of the most beautiful Romanesque Churches of Florence and is sacred to San Miniato, one of the first Florentine martyrs. Once you exit the Church, there you see it! The magnificence and the heart of Florence... Forte Belvedere, Santa Croce, the Arno, the Bridges...with the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, Bargello and the Badia Fiorentina bell tower standing out among the breathtaking panorama and, north-side, the smooth hills of Fiesole and Settignano. Piazzale Michelangelo can be reached from Viale Michelangelo, a lovely tree-lined avenue that climbs the hillside, or from the old stoop of the Rampe di San Niccolò.
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On the right: Pisa attacked by the Florentine troops, painting by Giorgio Vasari
No, you can’t miss it! A quick-list of all that you cannot miss while you are in Florence.
1 · Christmas Markets - One of the most famous is the Weihnachtsmarkt, the traditional German Christmas market in piazza Santa Croce. You can taste Tuscan products as well as food, wine and beer from all over Europe. Also, in Piazza Santissima Annunziata you’ll find a little fair called Fierucola dell’Immacolata. 2 · San Giovanni Baptistery - A masterpiece of Florentine Romanesque architecture. The interior of the dome is decorated with mosaics. The splendid bronze doors (including the Door of Paradise) were made by Andrea Pisano and Lorenzo Ghiberti. 3 · Treasury of the Grand Dukes - Located in the rooms on the ground floor at Palazzo Pitti in Florence, visitors can admire precious objects of all kinds, like gems, cameos, pietre dure, ivories and jewellery, all documenting the royal pomp and collecting tastes of the dynasties that succeeded each other in Tuscany. 4 · La Specola Museum - Special pride of this amazing museum is the collection of anatomical wax models, which had its moment of maximum splendour and technicalscientific accuracy in the 1700's. 5 · Santo Spirito - Dating from the half of the 13th century is today the nightlife hot-spot of the city, specially in the Diladdarno area. Things to do: get a pizza at GustaPizza and sit on the steps of the Church to watch the multitude coming and going. 6 · Opificio delle Pietre Dure Museum - The museum hosts a collection of works dating from the 16th to 19th centuries that have remained in the Opificio’s workshops, offering visitors a centuries-long journey through art and history. 7 · Salone dei Cinquecento – Is the largest and most important room in the historic-artistic style of Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. The hall has a length of 54 meters, a width of 23 and a height of 18 meters. By volume it is the biggest room in Italy for the management of civil power.
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“There is no sincere love than the love of food” (George Bernard Shaw)
Italian Taste Chicken Liver Appetizer by Elena Mattei "Cucina con Vista"
Ingredients: · 300 grams (10,6 oz) of chicken livers · 1 glass of red wine · 1 tablespoon of capers · 1/2 teaspoon of anchovy paste · ½ package of baking powder · 1 onion · 1 carrot, rib of celery · 2 cloves of garlic · 3 sage leaves · and a spring of rosemary.
The holidays are a perfect time to serve this delicious Tuscan recipe. A pre-dinner starter that is usually offered in Tuscany, and that is why they are often simply called Tuscan croutons. If you have never tried chicken liver appetizer you are going to like it after this! Each family has its secret recipe to prepare them, and in fact count numerous variants... Enjoy! How to make it: Rinse thoroughly the chicken livers and put them into a saucepan together with a coarsely chopped onion, carrot, rib of celery, 2 cloves of garlic, 3 sage leaves and a spring of rosemary. Cook over high heat until all the water contained in the ingredients has evaporated. Add one glass of red wine and let it evaporate; continue cooking with some broth, salt and pepper to taste. When all the ingredients are cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Pass the contents plus one tablespoon of capers through a food mill. Return everything to the pan, mix in 1/2 teaspoon of anchovy paste, bring just to a boil and turn off the heat. Cut Tuscan style bread in slices. Spread the chicken liver mixture on each slice. Serve immediately.
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Where to eat the best Chicken Liver Appetizer in Florence
Mangiafuoco Bracerie Via Guelfa 24/R Trattoria Pallottino Via Isola delle Stinche 1r Mamma Gina Borgo S.Jacopo, 37/r Trattoria Mario Via Rosina 2r Trattoria Vecchio Mercato Piazza del mercato Centrale 13
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YogaTime Baddha Konasana >>
Bhujangasana >>
Sit tall. Bend your knees, bring the soles of your feet together, spread your toes to activate the muscles of your legs, and internally rotate your thighs. Bring your face to your feet. Where >> Piazzale Michelangelo Suggested soundtrack >> Snatnam Kaur “Mul Mantra”
Lie on your stomach, press your toenails into the floor. Bow your head slightly. Keep your head slightly bowed forward, lift your head off the floor. Move your head back slightly to follow the lift of your chest. Where >> Boboli Suggested soundtrack >> Mirabai Ceiba “Ong Namo”
Salabhasana >>
Makarasana >>
Lie on your abdomen on the ground, place your hands by your side. Broaden through your chest and collarbones. Lift your head, legs, and hands off of the floor, turning your palms to face in toward you. Where >> Cascine Park Suggested soundtrack >> Shantala “Holy Ma”
Lie on your belly. Stack your forearms on top of each other and rest your forehead on your forearms. Separate your legs, turn your toes out. Bend your head a little forward. Relax your jaw and the muscles of your face. Where >> Pitti Square Suggested soundtrack >> Ajeet Kaur “Akaal”
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Lo Studiolo in Florence
Lo Studiolo
Messrs Ponziani have been operating in Florence already at the end of '800 as a restoration workshop of antique pieces of forniture gilded as well as laquared types of every epoche. Immediately after the war, Mario Ponziani started alongside with restoration work a production based on the deep knowledge of the originals. These copies met with an immediate success in the field of the interior decoration all over the world. The styles of these objects differ from Venetian, Sicilian, Genovese,as well as English, French and Dutch lacquered items of each historical period. As to maintain a high level working quality and an exquisite handicraft flavour only manual labour is employed during all working phases. The techniques are the same followed centuries ago. The time has come for them to share their experience with all the art lovers wishing to live a unique experience. These art classes are held in one of the most charming and unique antique workshops in the Oltrarno area, in the very heart of Florence, recently named "The Coolest Neighborood of the World" by Lonely Planet. A secret, incredibly suggestive place that can be visited exclusively by attending these classes. Discovering and learning to master Italian art and craftsmanship from people whose works adorn the most beautiful houses all around the world.
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LO STUDIOLO Master Italian art and decoration
Drawing, Tromp l'oeil, Decoration and Gold Leaf in a antique artisan workshop
Via Santo Spirito, 27 Firenze | lostudioloponziani@gmail.com
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By appointment only can one access this part of the journey: a guided tour in which the perfumer, perhaps over a cup of tea, through a conversation or by opening a bottle of a rare essence starts the process of creating new perfume for his client. // Via Borgo Santa Croce 6
The art ceramics of the company Ricceri represent an old craft tradition and well-known family. Lamps, ornamental plates, centerpiece are just a few examples of many items on display at the atelier. // Via dei Conti 14r
3 · Ricceri Ceramica
Our selection
1 / Mannina
2 · Aquaflor
Key characteristics of their creations are the absolute Italian craftsmanship and the care in the details of the products made which are true, indestructible masterpieces. // Via De' Barbadori 19r
5 / Tie your Tie Florence
5 ·Tie your Tie Florence
You can find in Florence the Italian luxury tailor Tie Your Tie. All the products here selected, ties, bow-ties, shirts and pocket square, are hand-made in Italy with the artisanal traditional method. // Piazza Dè Rucellai 8r
4 · Parione
The florentine shop Parione has been making since 1923 typographic and bookbinding works of the highest quality. In their typographic workshop, using traditional techniques, they also print personalized business cards. // Via dello Studio 11
3 / Ricceri Ceramica
2 / Aquaflo
1 · Mannina
4 / Parione
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Pitti Uomo 93 Menswear Evolution & Contemporary Lifestyle Pitti Immagine Uomo, the premier international event for men’s fashion and lifestyle projects with a global reach, will be held in Florence from 9 to 12 January 2018. This global salon captures the most up-to-date fashion currents and projects with a broad appeal. At this edition there will be a special focus on the athleisure phenomenon and greater emphasis given to venues dedicated to the most contemporary and experimental menswear styles. It will showcase the new generation of artisans from across the globe, cutting-edge designs and luxury underground brands. It will feature gender-neutral collections, a selection of the most forward-looking proposals and international talent who are hoping to be discovered. As always, at its core the fair offers quality fashion labels representing the new classic style and brands that promote modern sportswear. All of this together with the unique welcome provided by the Pitti Immagine fairs. Cinema is coming to Pitti Uomo this January. At this edition the fair will be transformed into a Film Festival where the styles of the various venues will be interpreted as different genres: thrillers, adventure, action and sport movies, spy stories. Pavilions will become movie theaters where one can enjoy the entertainment. The main forecourt of the Fortezza da Basso will evoke a movie theatres district with billboards announcing the scheduled blockbusters, cult and indie movies. Creative direction by lifestyler Sergio Colantuoni.
The general theme will be introduced by the new digital art project accompanying the advertising campaign for the fairs. Production and direction by Senio Zapruder, Executive Producer Benedetta Di Domenico, Sound Designer David Costa. Fortezza Da Basso Viale Filippo Strozzi 1 - Florence www.pittimmagine.com The event is open: 09 - 12 January 2018 every day 9.00 am - 6.00 pm last day 9.00 am - 4.00 pm
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One day in Florence “If you only have one day to visit our beautiful city we suggest not to waste time in long lines at the museums gates. The city itself is an open-air museum”
Let’s begin
From Santa Croce to the Pazzi Chapel The Church of Santa Croce is a good starting point because it’s testimony to the Gothic period of architecture in Italy and to the presence of the Franciscan order in 13th-century Florence. Head on at the new Oblate Public Library to have a coffee on the terrace, with one of the best view of the dome of the Florence’s Cathedral. Don’t miss the frescoes by Giotto in the Bardi and Peruzzi chapels, the tombs and memorials of famous Tuscans including Galileo Galilei and Michelangelo, the Pazzi chapel by Brunelleschi and the small museum housed in the refectory that has Taddeo Gaddi’s Tree of Life on one wall.
Move forward
We are talking about Brunelleschi Stop into the Church of San Lorenzo: this is the first whole building designed by Brunelleschi, on the other hand, San Lorenzo and the church in the Oltrarno of Santo Spirito are both projects that he didn’t finish. You take your pick. This church makes a lovely contrast to Santa Croce because it’s in the new Renaissance style, characterized by the harmonious alternation of grey pietra serena stone architectural accents and white wall. At this point you deserve a break, stroll down either via Roma or via Calzaiuoli for a bit of shopping.
After some shopping
Piazza della Signoria You’ll find yourself in Piazza della Signoria in front of Palazzo Vecchio, the city’s seat of government. The David out there is a copy but there’s no time to fit the Accademia into this schedule – unless you want to go right now! Usually there’s not much of a line in the late afternoon. Do go into the open Loggia (building with arches out front) on the far end of the piazza.
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Step by step
Who knows Benozzo Gozzoli? From via Martelli to via Cavour, you reach Palazzo Medici Riccardi. On the other side of a section of pavement with large slabs, you can reach the porter’s office to ask that the gate to the internal courtyard be opened. The elevator takes you to the second floor, where you may visit rooms in the palazzo, the Museo dei Marmi and have access to restrooms. The rooms and the chapel of Benozzo Gozzoli are all accessible (Cappella dei Magi is not accessible).
Two days in Florence “With 48 hours to spend in the city, there is no way not to suggest to art lovers and curious visitors a tourof the Palazzo Medici Riccardi”
Lunch with Lampredotto
Tasty tasty florentine food Head to San Lorenzo area for lunch, which could be lampredotto at the traditional vendor inside the covered market or a bistecca fiorentina at a local trattoria. Or, if you want to keep light in order to get right back out there to see more stuff, pick up a panino (sandwich) at any bar. Knock back an espresso coffee because there’s plenty more to see, you don’t want to be sleepy!
Up above
Florence rooftop When you start to tire of the crowded streets, leave the center behind and head for the hills! A testing climb leads up to Piazzale Michelangelo and San Miniato al Monte, it’s worth the effort to experience some of the most soul-soothing and inspiring views in the world with your own eyes.
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Away from the city
Val d'Orcia Montalcino, Abbey at San’ Antimo, San Quirico d’Orcia, Pienza, Monticchiello. Today’s highlight: Reaching the exquisite roman Abbey at Sant’Antimo: the abbey is unadorned and carved in local stone. With its cool, dark interior, redolent of incense, the abbey contrasts greatly to the indulgent decorative basilica in Siena or other towns. When we arrived, we were alone in the abbey – a magical feeling.
Away from the city
Chianti The Castle of Montegrossi and the abbey of Coltibuono, Gaiole in Chianti, Meleto castle, Vagliagli, Castellina in Chianti. Today’s highlight: A precious 18th century theatre at the Castello di Meleto, complete with a tiny balcony and original painted linen wings. The castle of Meleto is situated high in the hills of Chianti and offers guided tours, wine tastings as well as rooms for guests. Ask whether any weddings are planned before booking!
Three days in Florence “Val d'Orcia, Chianti and San Gimignano. With three days at your disposal you will probably want to take a tour and discover this beautiful lands.”
Away from the city
San Gimignano San Gimignano, also called the “Manhattan of the Middle Ages,” owes its fame to the incredible quantity of towers that rose above the rooftops of the small town, as many as 65 during the days of the town’s heyday. Thirteen of those splendid towers make up a distinctly unique skyline today. Tasting the Vernaccia di San Gimignano is an absolute must, an exquisite white wine produced only in these hills. It is said that vineyards were introduced to this area for the first time by a certain Vieri de' Bardi around the year 1200. text by www.visittuscany.com readelitism.com
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On the right: San Niccolò Tower.
San Niccolò, Florence San Niccolò is a small village by day, and a cosmopolitan neighborhood by night.
In the Oltrarno, a short walk from the historic center, the neighborhood of San Niccolò, you can stroll and get lost in a peacefulness that is uncommon in Florence, in places and streets from another time. Rediscover ancient traditions in the artisans' shops of the past, visit art galleries, and beautiful little-known, but fascinating gardens. A very beautiful combination of Renaissance palaces, vintage grocery stores, historic bars and restaurants. San Niccolò is a small village by day, and a cosmopolitan neighborhood by night. Ancient buildings will open out before you: Palazzo Quaratesi, Palazzo Alemanni, Palazzo Serristori. Venues frequented by the Florentines, such as Enoteca Fuoriporta, Zoe Bar, BevoVino, Beppa Fioraia. Well worth visiting is the San Niccolò Tower.
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Impruneta
Bagno a Ripoli
Usually called “L’Impruneta”, it is known all over the world for its fantastic terracotta products. By booking in advance it is possible to visit artisan kilns to discover the ancient secrets of this manufacture and buy genuine handmade jars. Two important fairs occur every year; Festa dell’Uva on the last September’s Sunday, and Fiera di Santa Lucia about the second/third week of October. The Santuario Mariano is very interesting just like Piazza Buondelmonti, surrounded by a quite notable open gallery from the 16th century.
At the time of the Medici, Bagno a Ripoli was also named “the garden of Florence” because of its wide green areas and its gorgeous country houses, some real Renaissance Villas, belonging to the old Florentine aristocratic families. To see: Oratorio di Santa Caterina and Spedale del Bigallo, established in 13th century, where an ancient refectory with its authentic coffered ceiling, the monumental kitchens and an old impressive stone-made sink can be admired. To visit also the Fata Morgana Fount, surrounded by a park that takes the name from a famous statue (Fata Morgana) carved by Gianbologna, that once was housed there.
Nearby
Fiesole
Greve in Chianti
As one of the best preserved Etruscan towns, Fiesole deserves a visit. You can start from Piazza Mino da Fiesole, the main square, where the monumental Romanesque Cathedral, the ancient Palazzo Altoviti (now home to the episcopal seminary) and the city hall are located. The Roman Theater, in all its glory, together with the ruins of a Roman necropolis, old Roman baths, and some other late Imperial age buildings, can be visited with a short walk. Every year the Roman Theater hosts a rich summer season named Estate Fiesolana.
From the amazing central square Piazza G. Matteotti you can start a tour of some of the most famous wineries in the world. A great chance to taste incredibly good wines and visit unforgettable places. Among the many locations we suggest the castles of Uzzano, Canonica, Mugniana and Verrazzano, together with the village of Montefioralle and Santa Lucia a Barbiano, whose castle has been a strategic fortress in the battles between Florence and Siena. In the area you can enjoy an astonishing panorama from Convertoie.
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Pisa
Lucca
At a 40 minutes drive far from Florence you can visit the famous World Heritage Site Piazza dei Miracoli, with the Cathedral, the Battistero and the leaning Tower from the 12th century, universally known for its tilt. Young and dynamic town with plenty to see also on a one-day trip. A tour of the Lungarni, specially the Lungarno Mediceo with Palazzo Medici, the church of San Matteo in Soarta and Palazzo Toscanelli, Piazza dei Cavalieri designed By Giorgio Vasari with Palazzo dell'Orologio. Art lovers can also appreciate “Tuttomondo” by Keith Haring, painted in 1989 on the backside of the Church of Sant’Antonio and donated to the city by the artist.
One of the crown jewels of Tuscany is Lucca. Its historic monumental town center is almost entirely intact and what we suggest to do first once you arrive is a walk through the small alleys or on the 16th century stonewalls that surround the historical city, starting from Porta Santa Maria dated back to 1592. Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, built on the ruins of an ancient Roman theater, the shopping promenade via Fillungo, Piazza Napoleone, Piazza San Michele and San Martino. Many villas in the area like Villa Guinigi and Villa Bottini. Such beauties will surely turn a visit to Lucca into something that you will never forget.
Nearby
S. Gimignano
Siena
The whole old town is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known as the “city of towers” and once you get there you can surely understand why. Take your time and let the beauties of this small town amaze you, like Piazza Duomo or the astonishing view from the top of the Torre Grossa. Tour the old city walls to the House of Santa Fina, and stop for some great red wine and typical food in one of the many places in town. Contemporary Arts at the Galleria Continua, that absolutely deserves a visit (check the exhibitions schedule on the web). If you stay at night...among the many restaurants we suggest you the Cum Quibus or the Echoes.
The silver thread is a color, the “Terra di Siena” (sienna), in an unforgettable balanced and smooth landscape. Let’s start your visit from Piazza del Campo, with its particular seashell shape, that is the focal point of town’s life since the 14th century. From this square you can admire the Palazzo Pubblico and the Mangia Tower. A must-see is the Museo Civico di Siena, where you find the “Allegoria ed Effetti del Buono e del Cattivo Governo” painting by Lorenzetti. Continue towards the Dome, the Battistero and the Opera del Duomo Museum to get as much as you can of the art and culture of this lovely city. Do not forget to taste typical sweets with wine...”ricciarelli e vin santo”.
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Dec. 2017 Jan. Feb. 2018 For information and to buy tickets: Box Office
www.boxofficetoscana.it - info@boxofficetoscana.it
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December 1 Eureka – Kataklo’ Teatro Puccini
Fiorella Mannoia Teatro Puccini
December 2 Massimo Ranieri
Nuovo Teatro Verdi – Montecatini Terme (Pistoia)
Jin Ju Pianoforte
Teatro della Pergola
December 4 Vittorio Sgarbi in Michelangelo Obihall
December 6/7 Gianna Nannini
Nelson Mandela Forum
Solitudes – Kulunka Theatre Teatro di Rifredi
December 7 to January 7 Imagine – Cirque Reckless Ippodromo del Visarno
December 7 Nextech Festival Fortezza da Basso
Danilo Rea
Teatro del Giglio (Lucca)
December 12 to 17 Enrico IV
Teatro della Pergola
December 16 Tony Allen
Auditorium Flog
The King’s Singers Teatro della Pergola
Until 01/05/18
December 19
Monet Experience and the Impressionists
Il Lago dei Cigni
Until 07/01/18
December 23
Passioni Visive
Lo Schiaccianoci
Auditorium Santo Stefano al Ponte
Palazzo Fabroni - Marino Marini Museum (Pistoia)
Teatro Verdi
Teatro della Pergola
New Year’s Eve Special Sarto Per Signora Teatro Cestello
La Briscola In Cinque Teatro Di Rifredi
Drusilla Foer – Eleganzissima Teatro Niccolini
Grease
Teatro Verdi
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January 1 New Year’s Eve Concert
February 3 Flamenco Live
Teatro del Giglio (Lucca)
Teatr Verdi
January 2
February 5
Il lago dei Cigni
Goran Bregovi
Teatro del Popolo – Colle Val D’Elsa (Siena)
Obihall
January 4 to January 7
February 15
Le cirque with the World’s Top Performers
Gue’ Pequeno
Obihall
Ob Viper Theatre - Firenze
January 9
February 18
Sturm und Drang Federico Maria Sardelli Director
Teatro della Pergola
Teatro Verdi
January 13 and 14 Skate Awards – Worldwide Roller Skating Nelson Mandela Forum
Jerusalem Quartet
February 28 Orchestra da Camera di Mantova
Teatro Verdi
January 20 Francesco Gabbani
Nelson Mandela Forum
January 25 Nomadi Obihall
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Who is Mr. G? readelitism.com
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On the left: Mr. G artwork
- This is so Contemporary Who is Mr. G? Let’s step into his world through the awesome lens of Serena Becagli.
Mr. G's world is populated with fantastic characters stuck between objects that come from reality and are the protagonists of the new urban alphabet. A clear stroke, black well-defined outlines that recall the style of the late Keith Haring, and from him, he seems to have inherited the tendency to rid the figures of flesh and flatten them, then repeat and clone them. An alphabet that multiplies on the walls, mostly on the Florentine ones, but which also finds another natural habitat on paper and in silk-screen printing. A mix of references, unconscious ones as well - in reality, they don't seem to be inspired by one particular artist, but rather to tend towards the world of illustration - in a series of re-contextualized icons, revised and corrected. New icons, taken from his dream-like surreal world, of feet that walk alone, of big eyes, that become recomposed as a puzzle along with the icons of objects drawn directly from the most banal everyday life: a hammer, a nail, a pencil. Everything is subjected to the same treatment under the marker, the brush or the spray can of Mr. G, an artist from Abruzzo who, some years ago, moved to Florence and trained at the school of industrial design. Cigarette-chimney beside a bestiary of hands that hold eyes between their fingers, characters trapped between geometric figures and solid elements, in an apparent attempt to break away from the background. A background that is sometimes empty, sometimes obsessively filled with the textures of polka dots, fake rains, stains, drops and dots, which bring everything back to share the same level, the same world, the same dimension of reality. What is boiling in Mr. G's pot? He throws in, fishes out and re-composes his pieces as dictated by an automatic writing but a writing that is always strongly attached to a figuration that is captured, observed and stylized. A filtered reality that can find a reference to the Italian radical mixed with the world of graffiti. A new lettering that has more tangents with the language of graphics than with the writing of the languages of graffiti, a whole language of its own, and there is the urge to say it again. By Serena Becagli
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On the right: a Negroni
- La Dolcevita The Negroni cocktail, it’s one century old and still among the best drinks, and the top ones, loved and well know around the world. Last year the prestigious magazine “Drinks International” ranked it number two behind the “The Old fashioned” and before “the Manhattan”. It was in Florence, in Via Tornabuoni, which is still today the main and most trendy street in Florence, that the Negroni was born named after the Count Camillo Negroni. At the end of the ‘800, in the Florentine cafès the gentleman used to meet in the late afternoon for the so called “Vermouth and Bitter hour”. From that it came the “Americano”, a blend of Vermouth and Bitter, still very appreciated. Then between 1917 and 1920, at Bar Giacosa in Via Tornabuoni 83, the Count Camillo Negroni asked the barman Fosco Scarselli to strenghten his Americano adding some gin, and that’s how the famous drink was born, at the beginning it was called “the Americano at the Count Negroni’s way”, but was soon to become the celebrated, famous till today, Negroni cocktail, the most aristocratic one and the most famous italian cocktail together with the Bellini. Many famous people loved the Negroni, like Orson Welles or Ian Fleming (the James Bond creator) that talked about the Negroni in his book “Risiko” in 1960. In the 50’s in the USA it was the preferred drink in the so called “transition bar”, the bars inside the railways stations. And in the movie “The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone” from a novel by Tennessee Williams, the protagonist in a transition bar asked for a “wonderful Negroni to forget and to open up to young loves”. Luca Picchi a well know and famous bartender from Florence, wrote in 2015 a second book on the Negroni: “Negroni cocktail. An italian legend”. The book is very pleasant and interesting, and reading it we discover not only how and where the legend started. If you love the Negroni, and you want to know more about Florence in those days, you should definitely read the book.
If you want to make your own Negroni at home, you are to serve it on a tumbler, an old fashioned glass, short and wide which is perfect for a drink on the rocks, and the ingredients are: 1/3 (3 cl) gin 1/3 (3 cl) bitter Campari 1/3 (3 cl) red vermouth A slice of orange You are to prepare it directly in the glass, where you first put the ice, then after you have drained the water, you pour all the ingredients in the glass and then you stir and mix well. At the end you add on top a slice of orange. If instead you want to drink one of the best Negroni in town, we suggest you go to Harry’s Bar. by Cinzia Azzerboni
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The Negroni cocktail readelitism.com
By Cinzia Azzerboni
Marcello Mastroianni the Italian Latin Lover par excellence, even though he did not like to be called so, but nobody better than him have ever embodied one the same as he did, through these days. Flair and allure, the eternal cigarette, the temptive, seductive and melancholy look, the sartorial suits, this was the handsome Marcello! A true sex symbol, the coolest and the hottest in a period when there were many other cool guys. He also represented the epitome of the Italian “Dolce Vita”. Moreover he was simply extraordinary without doing anything, but simply being always and only himself with his uncommon, irresistible, natural and unique charm. A real movie star and the unforgettable protagonist of so many masterpieces. A great actor, very gifted and talented and a gentle, good and generous man. He was in more than 160 movies, a very long career, nominated for 3 Oscars, another 45 wins and another 19 nominations. A life dedicated to his passion and very successfully so. In 1962 the Time acclaimed Marcello Mastroianni as the most admired foreign person in USA. Among his movies we like to remember: “La Dolce Vita” (1960). This film was the genesis of his latin lover persona. A series of stories following a week in the life of a philandering paparazzo journalist living in Rome. “Divorzio all’italiana” (1961) A married Sicilian baron falls in love with his cousin and vows to wed her, but with divorce illegal he must concoct a crime of passion to do away with his wife. “Ieri, oggi, domani” (1963) Stories about three very different women and the men they attract.
Style Icon “Yesterday, today and tomorrow ” the movie that in 1965 won the Oscar for the Best Foreign Film, also to mention it for Sophia Loren’s unforgettable and famous strip tease, which is in the annals of the cinematography. “ 8 ½” (1963) A harried movie director retreats into his memories and fantasies. “Matrimonio all’italiana”(1964) The rich man Domenico and Filumena, a penniless prostitute, share great part of their lives in the immediate post WWII Italy. Undeniable even his love for the women. In 1987 David Letterman in a TV interview pictured him as “a romantic at the Italian way”. In that interview Marcello Mastroianni talking about the women, said that: “I would want to make all of them happy, this is my intent. We think we are smart, but when you want too may of them, in the end you do not have any. It’s because we are generous, we are victims”. Marcello Mastroianni was also the perfect representative of the Italian style and an international Icon. In Florence in January it will be held as usual “Pitti Uomo”, the most famous and important meanswear show. Among the exhibitors many vendors that are, still to these days, manufacturing with passion, professionalism and tradition to deliver high end top quality products that bring the memory back to the perfect tailored suits that Marcello Mastroianni was wearing.
Marcello Mastroianni in "Mordi e fuggi"
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Virna Lisi
" Once they call you a Latin Lover, you're in real trouble. Women expect an Oscar performance in bed."
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Arrivederci!
See you next time in Florence. We can't wait to welcome you again. www.readelitism.com
A story of passion and commitment.
Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, a landscape of cultivated hills, and lush forests. Four independent residences adjoining the main house, a large swimming pool and a horseriding school. Come and join us. Wine Tasting on appointment www.campobargello.it Campo Bargello - LocalitĂ Fontino, 58024 Massa Marittima (GR) Toscana - Italy