FLORENCE NEWS by FN

Florence News MAY 2016, N 0 4 www.florencenews.it

FLORENCE TAXI

TAXI

TAXI - ENGLISH SPEAKING Like

MAY FLOWERS Basilica di San Lorenzo

Basilica di San Lorenzo

Via L

.Go

THE THREE BIGGEST SUPERMARKETS IN THE CITY CENTER • Borgo San Lorenzo (near the Dome) • Largo Fratelli Alinari, 6/7 (near the station) • Via de’Bardi, 45/47 (near the Ponte Vecchio)

Il Supermercato... da Gustare e deGustare

Basilica di San Lorenzo

Via L

.Go

_S&D_Firenze_3 PDV_31x38.indd 1

06/11/15 17.30

_S&D_Firenze_3 PDV_31x38.indd 1

06/11/15 17.30

Florence News

NEWS lorence News is distributed throughout Florence in all key reference points for the Englishspeaking community, including hotels and hostels, universities and language schools, libraries, tourist information points, restaurants and cafes. Free copy. Price 10c.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Lorenzo Picchi GR APHIC & L AYOUT DESIGN: Narine Nalbandyan Ekaterina Chebotareva CONTRIBUTORS: C. De Melo, Kayleen Miller, Marine Le Canne, Kevin Reid, Will Hainsworth, Thomas Ricciotti. REGISTERED AT THE TRIBUNAL OF FLORENCE N. 6008, ON 9/12/2015. PUBLISHER: IAF PRINT: Rotostampa SRL, Florence

INTERN WITH US

Florence News is currently seeking outgoing and motivated candidates for its internship program. Interns will be exposed to all facets of weekly production, including news writing, photography, layout, advertising, public relations, circulation and graphic arts. Students currently studying art history, communications, journalism, marketing, advertising, public relations or graphic design are encouraged to apply.

Design by Naz Kangal

Tel: + 39 380 90 44 142 Email: fnewev@gmail.com

MAY www.florencenews.it

May Flowers

THOMAS RICCIOTTI

n Florentine culture, May has always meant happiness, regeneration and, according to a tradition called Calendimaggio, is the period of trysts. Popular songs were dedicated to this magic moment of flowering and rebirth, accompanied by colored flowers and garlands in people’s dress. However, the history of Florentine May flowers also has a particular, less joyful meaning. In fact, the most important festivity of this month in Florence is the anniversary of a sad memory: the public execution of a Dominican friar, Savonarola, which took place on May 23, 1498. From his Church, San Marco, Savonarola had tried to change the Florentines' minds, and preached to improve the morality of their customs. But he drove out the Medici and accused Pope Borgia of favoring corruption within the Church, and thus the powerful people he demonized had him hanged and his body burned. The festivity that remembers Savonarola is meant to transform pain into resurrection. Every year, on May 23 at 10:00 a.m., a celebration in his memory begins in the Piazza della Signoria. A procession accompanies city authorities from the Piazza to the Ponte Vecchio, where flowers are thrown by Florentines and tourists alike into the Arno, as Savon-

arola's faithfuls did with his ashes. Known as La Fiorita (literally, “the flowered”), this commemoration is the demonstration of an unforgotten affection for a friar whose ashes are taken, year after year, towards a faraway ocean. Another notable significance of May in Florence is the death of Leonardo da Vinci. Leonardo was 67 when, on May 2, 1519, he died in Clos Lucé, Amboise, France. May is also the month of the inauguration of the Santa Croce facade. After remaining unfinished for nearly three centuries, the facade of Santa Croce was officially inaugurated on May 3, 1863. It was consecrated in 1443 but not completed until 1865, on the occasion the 600th anniversary of Dante’s birth. Spearheaded by architect Niccolò Matas, it was built in the Neo-gothic style, typical of Florentine architecture, in white, yellow, green, red and black marble. May also marks the birth of Bartolomeo Cristofori, inventor of the piano, who was born on May 4, 1655. Appointed in 1688 to the Florentine court of Grand Prince Ferdinando de' Medici, Cristofori was a sophisticated innovator in the development of the musical instruments and solved many technical complexities. Only three of his pianos have survived: one can be found at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, one at the Museum of Musical Instruments in Rome, and one at the

Design by Naz Kangal

In his later years, Botticelli became a follower of Savonarola and cast several of his works in the the so-called ‘Bonfire of the Vanities.’ Museum of Musical Instruments at Leipzig University, in Germany. On a May day also came the unveiling of the Dante Alighieri monument in Piazza Santa Croce. Created by Enrico Pazzi, the marble sculpture was inaugurated on May 14, 1865 after being unveiled by the first King of Italy, Vittorio Emanu-

ele II. Another anniversary of this month is that of the death of Sandro Botticelli which occurred on May 17, 1510. The youngest of five children, Botticelli was in his early year apprentice to Fra Filippo Lippi. Upon establishing himself professionally, Botticelli’s work was in high demand from the Medici family, who are often thought to be the subject of his art pieces. In 1481, he was invited to Rome to contribute in the painting of the Sistine Chapel. In his later years, Botticelli became a follower of Savonarola and cast several of his works in the the so-called ‘Bonfire of the Vanities.’ When he died he was 65. In the most recent Florentine history, May marks the tragedy of the bomb exploded by the Mafia on May 27, 1993. The explosion destroyed the Georgofili Library and damaged an estimated 25 percent of the Uffizi Gallery’s artworks and part of the Vasari Corridor. Five people died, including Caterina, the daughter of the guardian of the library, who was born just 50 days beforehand. The Mafia was attacking the government that less than one year before had passed effective laws against organized crime, including a comprehensive witness protection program and a harsh prison regime for mafiosi. The two laws had the combined effect of favoring the unprecedented phenomenon of Mafia witnesses, thus breaking the omertà, the Mafia's code of silence. This month's flowers are, above all, in the memory of the city's martyrs: Savonarola and the five victims of the Mafia.

MAY www.florencenews.it

Zeffirelli Among Leonardo’s Descendants

he famous Italian movie director Franco Zeffirelli is among the 35 living descendants of Leonardo Da Vinci. The news was released last month after results of a 43-year-long research were announced. The research began in 1973 and was carried out by art historians Alessandro Vezzosi, who directs the Leonardo da Vinci Museum in the town of Vinci where Leonardo was born on April 15, 1452, and Agnese Sabato. The astonishing results will make it possible to isolate Leonardo's DNA exactly five centuries after his death in France. The son of Ottorino Corsi and nephew of Olinto Corsi (a notorious person in Vinci at the end of the 19th century), Zeffirelli, whose real name is Gianfranco Corsi, became related with the Leonardo in 1794 following the marriage between Michelangelo Tommasi Corsi and Teresa Alessandra Giovanna di Ser Antonio Da Vinci, a direct descendant of Leonardo's father Piero. Among the the 35 living descendants of Leonardo is Giovanni Calosi, a former accountant of a small company in Vinci, who was the first to be informed of the discovery nine years ago and since then helped identifying the other

descendants. When he was told about the finding, Calosi recalled the words of his mother, Dina, who often talked of documents and letters spelled backwards, from the right to the left, as only Leonardo was doing. These letters and documents, which had been sold by the family, could be read only in front of a mirror. Calosi' s daughter, who also helped identify other descendants, also recalls the words of her grandmother and concludes that the recent research has transformed legend into history. Leonardo Da Vinci hit the headlines of newspapers and other media last month not just because of the finding of his descendants, but also because another researcher said that Leonardo's most famous painting, the Mona Lisa, is androgynous. The researcher, Silvano Vinceti, concluded that, to portray the Mona Lisa, Leonardo did not use just one model but two, the first one being Lisa Gherardini, the second being his pupil Gian Giacomo Caprotti. Vinceti carried out his study through infrared rays, photoshop and documents, the latter being the only base for previous researches.

Florence News

NEWS

Possible Caravaggio Found in France

painting discovered in 2014 in a Toulouse attic because of a leaking roof may be Caravaggio's. The piece, similar to Caravaggio's Judith Beheading Holofernes, is thought to have been in the attic for at least 150 years and is said to be in an exceptional state of conservation. It has been banned from traveling by French authorities until attribution on the author will be certain. This though appears as quite controversial. French painting expert Eric Turquin said that the painting has “the light, the energy, typical of Caravaggio, without mistakes,

done with a sure hand and a pictorial style that makes it authentic” and that it could be worth as much as 120 million Euro. Other specialists questioned that it could be Caravaggio's and said that the author is Louis Finson, a Flemish painter and art dealer familiar to the Italian master to the extent that his paintings look like copies of Caravaggio's. Top Caravaggio expert and former director of the Naples museum, Nicola Spinoza, believes that the work is not just Caravaggio's, but also a masterpiece of the Italian master. “One has to recognize the canvas

in question as a true original of the Lombard master, almost certainly identifiable, even if we do not have any tangible or irrefutable proof,” said Spinoza. The dispute will unlikely be solved.

Vasari Corridor Portraits to Return to Uffizi by 2017

ffizi Director Eike Schmidt told the Italian Associated Press last month that at least 50 of the most important portraits now in the Vasari Corridor will be moved to the 'piano nobile' of the Uffizi by the end of 2017, as part of the plan recently announced by Schmidt of opening the entire Corridor to the public. The first portraits to be moved will

be very soon followed by the other 730 in the Corridor and will be replaced by detached frescoes and Roman sculptures. An elevated enclosed passageway connecting the Palazzo Vecchio with the Pitti Palace, the Vasari Corridor crosses the Lungarno dei Archibusieri following the north bank of the river Arno, crossing the Ponte Vecchio covering up part

of the façade of the Santa Felicita Church, to end over rows of houses in the Oltrarno district. Designed by architect Giorgio Vasari, the corridor was built in 1565 in just five months by order of Cosimo I de' Medici who wanted to move freely between his residence and the government palace as he felt insecure in public.

Via Pietrapiana , 55/R ( near Sant’ Ambrogio) tel.: 055 240708 Via XXVII Aprile 8-10/R ( near Piazza San Marco) tel.: 055 4628908

Florence News

NEWS

One Year in Art

Uffizi Releases Program of Exhibits for 2016 The museum complex Uffizi Gelleries, recently born following the reform implemented by Italian Culture Minister Dario Franceschini, released last month the program for the exhibits at the Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens for 2016. The exhibits presented by the museum complex directed by Eike Schmidt are nine. A tenth exhibit, realized in conjunction with the Pitt Immagine Discovery Foundation, will be announced later on this year.

♦“ Fece di scoltura di legname e colorì”. 15th Century Painted Wood Sculpture in Florence Curated by Alfredo Bellandi Uffizi, March 21-August 28

proximity of so many art workshops, meeting points of artists of all kind, particularly sculptors, painters and architects, was essential in determining the trends of the artists and in shaping the art of that period.

In exchange for two artworks by Pontormo, the Palatine Gallery will receive from the Frankfurt Städel Museum the Polittico of Adam Elsheimer's Santa Croce. The altarpiece, which was part of the collection of Cosimo II de' Medici, will be exposed together with a didactic kit realized on the base of archive documents illustrating its history, dispersion and recomposition.

♦ Buffoons, Villains, and Players at the Medici Court Curated by Anna Bisceglia, Matteo Ceriana and Simona Mammana Palazzo Pitti, Galleria Palatina, May 9-September 4

♦ Guests at Palazzo Pitti: The Polittico of Adam Elsheimer's Santa Croce Curated by Matteo Ceriana and Anna Bisceglia Palazzo Pitti, Galleria Palatina, April-July

Throughout the first half of the 15th century, wood, marble or faience painted sculpture represented the artistic primacy of sculpture. This exhibit aims to investigate, through about 50 pieces, painted wood sculpture in the 15th century Florence, a city where the

About 30 artworks from the 17th and the 18th centuries, prevalently from the Palatine Gallery, will illustrate the bizarre characters that were animating life in the courts of the Medici, representing themes considered low or without decorum. Marginal, less important characters such as buffoons, ignorant

MAY www.florencenews.it and grotesque peasants or villains, dwarfs and players of licit or illicit games alike will become protagonists, in such a way that the exhibition will explore an aspect of life often neglected by the official iconography.

Curated by Valentina Conticelli, Riccardo Gennaioli and Fabrizio Paolucci Palazzo Pitti, Museo degli Argenti, June 21-November 2

♦ An eye on the twentieth century. Drawings by Italian artists between the two World Wars Curated by Marzia Faietti and Giorgio Marini Uffizi, Department of Print and Drawings, May 17-September 4 37 between drawings and prints, many of which never previously exposed, made in the first 30 years of the last century and representing figures, portraits, self-portraits all characterized by deep expressiveness, will reveal the complexity and the approaching dramatic facts that took place in the first part of the 20th century. Among the authors showcased will be Jacques Villon, Alberto Giacometti, Anders Zorn, Ram e Thayat, Giovanni Costetti, Giuseppe Lunardi, Pietro Bugiani, Kurt Craemer, Primo Conti, Giuseppe Lanza del Vasto, Marino Marini.

♦ Minimum Splendid. Small, Precious Sculptures in the Medici Collections: From Francesco I de' Medici's Tribune to the Grand Ducal Treasure

At the Uffizi Galleries is stored up one of the most important existing collection of an extremely rare sector of glyptic art: the small sculptures made of hard stone that were produced for the most part in the Hellenistic and Roman periods, whose technique went lost in the Middle-Ages to be rediscovered in the Renaissance period. The exhibit, the first one ever dedicated to this kind of production, will showcase all the micro sculptures of the Medici collection together with others made of plastic in precious materials to highlight their technical and stylistic characteristics.

♦ Discoveries and Massacres. Ardengo Soffici and Impressionism in Florence Curated by Vincenzo Farinella and Nadia Marchioni Uffizi, September 26-Jenaury 8 (2017)

MAY www.florencenews.it

The first monographic exhibit ever dedicated to painter and art critic Ardengo Soffici (1879-1964) will showcase, alongside those of Soffici, works by Segantini, Cezanne, Renoir, Picasso, Degas, Medardo Rosso, De Chirico, Carrà, with the aim to explore one the most prolific interpretations of the origins of a kind of art, the contemporary one, characterized by revolutionizing “discoveries” and dramatic “Massacres.”

♦ The Revenge of Color Against Line. Venetian Drawings from the Ashmolean Museum and the Uffizi Gallery

The exhibit will highlight the developments in the practice of drawing in Venice and in the Veneto region that occurred from the period of artists such as Tiziano, Veronese and Tintoretto to that of Canaletto when the figurative production became particularly influenced by the artistic workshops of Venice and other cities. The aim is that of understanding the ways of expression of Venetian drawing by confronting works from the Department of Print and Drawing of the Uffizi Gallery and the Ashmolean Museum of the Oxoford University.

NEWS

The exhibit presents 80 of the over 200 clocks stored at Palazzo Pitti made in the period from the 18th to the 19th century, chosen for their artistic and scientific value.

♦ The Four Continents. Florentine Tapestry Cartoons by Giovanni Camillo Sagrestani Curated by Caterina Chiarelli and Daniele Rapino Palazzo Pitti, Galleria Palatina, September 27-January 8 (2017)

♦ Real Time and Time of Reality. The Clocks at Palazzo Pitti from the XVIII to the XX Century Curated by Simonella Condemi and Enrico Colle Palazzo Pitti, Gallery of Modern Art, September 13-January 8 (2017)

Curated by Marzia Faietti, Giorgio Marini and Catherine Whistler Uffizi, Department of Print and Drawings, October 18-January 8 (2017)

Florence News

The Firenzecard is a way for tourists and locals alike to visit the countless museums the city has to offer. For 72€, the card includes the cost of entrance, the ticket for the exhibition, and the reservation for all the museums of the Firenzecard Circuit.The card lasts 72 hours after it is activated. Activation occurs when the card is used for the first time at a museum. Cardholders do not need to make any reservation with Firenzecard because it includes, in its price, the reservation for all the museums. With Firenzecard, cardholders can visit the museums when they choose and can access to the museums through the reserved entrance. Firenzecard can be used at 67 museums, but it can only be used once per museum. The card cannot be shared or transferred. For more information on the card or to purchase one, visit www.firenzecard.it

The exhibit will showcase four magnificent tapestry cartoons from the third decade of the 18th century made by painter Giovanni Camillo Sagrestani. The cartoons represent the four continents on the base of the interpretation, often characterized by fantasy, of the cultural and historical identities of the world that was prevalent in the beginning of the 18th century.

Your Private Concierge in Florence Every day problem solving - Workshops Access to treasures off the beaten path Property finding. Ask with confidence Contact us at +39 055 5357527 www.florenceoncall.com

Design by Naz Kangal

Premium Tourist Services

& s u d i i r v Da diva a r t S tour

39€

TICKET INCLUDED

phon e: +39 what 055 0 45 www ’s app: + 39 323121 .keys 4 075 offlo 6 rence .com714

Florence News

NEWS

MAY www.florencenews.it

FROM

KANDINSKY TO POLLOK The Art of the Guggenheim Collections

KEVIN REID

Exhibit at Palazzo Strozzi until July 24 KEVIN REID

alazzo Strozzi is presenting the exhibition From Kandinsky to Pollock. The Art of the Guggenheim Collections from March 19 until July 24. Displaying over 100 works of 20th century American and European artists, the exhibit reconstructs the relationship and the ties between the two sides of the Atlantic through the lives of two leading American collectors, Peggy and Solomon Guggenheim. From Kandinsky to Pollock tells the

story of the birth of the Neo-AvantGarde movements after World War II in a tight and uninterrupted interplay between European and American artists. Visitors will have the opportuni-

ty to compare and contrast the production of European masters of modern art such as Marcel Duchamp, Max Ernst, Man Ray and Pablo Picasso, Alberto Burri, Emilio Vedova, Jean Dubuffet, Lu-

The exhibition tells the story of the birth of the Avant-Garde movements after World War II in a tight and uninterrupted interplay between European and American artists.

cio Fontana, with that of some of the most important personalities on the American scene of the same period: Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, Willem de Kooning, Alexander Calder, Roy Lichtenstein and Cy Twombly. The event has a particular imporfor Florence in general and Neo-tance for Palazzo Strozzi in particular, as it celebrates and reinforces the tie between the Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation in New York. It was in fact in the Palazzo Strozzi’s Strozzina undercroft that,

in February 1949, Peggy Guggenheim showed the collection that later found a permanent home in Venice. The paintings, sculptures, engravings and photographs on display, on loan from the Guggenheim collections in New York and Venice and from other leading international museums, paint a vast fresco of the extraordinarily heady season of 20th century art in which Peggy and Solomon Guggenheim played a key role. The display will be held in the palazzo’s Piano Nobile and in the Strozzina area. It will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with special closing hours on Thursdays at 11 p.m. Guided tours will also be available. The entrance fee for the exhibition is €12.

From Kandinsky to Pollock. The Art of the Guggenheim Collections Palazzo Strozzi, March 19 to July 24 TICKETS Full price €12.00 Concessions and groups €9.50 and €4.00 Advance sale charge per ticket (excluding schools) is €1.00 To make a reservation for groups and schools please contact: Sigma CSC Monday to Friday 9.00-13.00 / 14.00-18.00 Tel: +39 055 2469600 prenotazioni@palazzostrozzi.org

MAY www.florencenews.it

Florence News

NEWS

Jan Fabre. Spiritual Guards

Exhibit on display at Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio and Forte Belvedere until Oct. 2

he exhibition Jan Fabre. Spiritual Guards will be on display at Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio from April 15 to Oct. 2, and at the Forte Belvedere from May 14 to Oct. 2. With three such locations, the exhibit is one of the most complex and multifaceted that the Flemish artist has ever produced in Italy. It is also the first time that a living artist will be expounding his art in three venues of outstanding historical and artistic importance at once. About 100 pieces produced from 1978 to 2016 will be showcased, including bronze and wax sculptures, performance films and works made of wing cases of the jewel scarab. The opening will take place on the morning of April 15, when

two bronze sculpture specifically produced for this exhibit will be exposed and presented by Fabre himself in Piazza della Signoria. The first, large sculpture is entitled Searching for Utopia and will interact with the equestrian monument to Grand Duke Cosimo I, a Renaissance masterpiece by Giambologna. The second, called The man who measures the clouds (American version, 18 years older), will stand on the Arengario outside Palazzo Vecchio between the copies of Michelangelo's David and Donatello's Judith. Both works identify the artist as knight and guardian, as a mediator between heaven and earth and between natural and spiritual forces. Opposite to the art of Piazza della Signoria, which exalts political

and financial power with its marble giants (the David, Hercules and Neptune) and its biblical, mythological and local figures (Judith, Perseus and the Marzocco Lion of Florence), Fabre's work embodies the power of imagination and the mission of the artist as “spiritual guard.” Fabre refers to the human body, its fragility, and its possible defense. His art is conceived in the name of beauty, as an ‘exercise’ in which we all celebrate life as a preparation for death, while his fascination with the human body and for science dates back to his youth, a period from which, influenced by the research entomologist Jean-Henri Fabre (1823-1915), the Belgian artist’s favorite activity was to examine the insects and other animals by dissecting their bodies and

turning them into new creatures. In his conception of metamorphosis, the existence of man and animals interact continuously, the creation of various types of bodies in their transformations being dictated by the natural cycle of growth and decay. The works on display at Palazzo Vecchio include a 2.5 metres in diameter globe, totally clad in iridescent beetle wing cases, which will be interacting with the globe in the Sala delle Mappe geografiche made by Ignazio Danti in the 16th century. The exhibition at the Forte Belvedere will be inaugurated on May 14. On showcase will be about sixty works of art in bronze and in wax, along with a series of films focusing on some of the artist's historic performances. The fortress served to defend Flor-

ence from outside attack but to protect the Medici family in troubled times, thus being a stronghold for both external and internal defense. This suggests a journey through the life, the ambitions and the woes of the powerful Medici lords and alluding to opposing human perceptions and sensations such as control and abandonment, but also to opposing needs and desires such as armed protection and spiritual elan, so deep and so deep-rooted as to influence the form of architecture and the configuration of natural space. Next to the exhibition at Forte Belvedere, from May 13 until the end of July the contemporary art gallery Il Ponte is presenting a series of works by Jon Fabre. The gallery is located in Via di Mezzo 42.

Ristorante Natalino since 1880

Borgo degli Albizi 17/r 055 289404 ristnatalino@hotmail.it

Florence News

NEWS

A Museum for Leonardo

Exhibit showcases working models of da Vinci’s designs

family of Florentine craftsmen has discovered previously unknown theorems hidden in Leonardo’s mechanical designs, shedding light on the full scope of his genius. Carlo Niccolai and his son Gabriele have spent decades constructing working models of Leonardo’s inventions through close study of his famous codices. In collaboration with a team of specialists, the Niccolai family re-creates the designs using materials such as wood, rope, fabric and metal that date back to the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The rigor of practical and mechan-

ical tests carried out on each model has given rise to a number of insights into Leonardo’s approach and surprisingly modern grasp of technology, such as his famous ‘robot’, which was originally believed to have been designed as an armored robotic knight. However, during laboratory tests the robot was discovered to be limited in its upper body movement and instead possess flexible wrists adapted to drumming, and is now believed to have been designed for use in parades and ceremonies. In his studies for a European Commission-sponsored exhibition of the machines in Brussels earlier

this year, Gabriele Niccolai noted how Leonardo appears to have deliberately scattered the mechanical components required to create his inventions over several different pages of his codices, allowing artisans to create individual elements but preventing their understanding of the machine as a whole. This may be due in part to the fact that Leonardo’s codices have been split up and reassembled over the years – sculptor Pompeo Leoni took the liberty of cutting and dividing several of the codices into scientific and artistic categories in the seventeenth century – however such a practice would have also

MAY www.florencenews.it safeguarded his inventions during times of war. Leonardo’s catapult design in the Atlantic Codex is rendered useless without details of its ballistic adjustments, which are found in a different part of the codex as a series of self-locking mechanisms. A deeper understanding of Leonardo’s codices has revealed that many of his technological innovations rested upon those of his engineering predecessors, such as Brunelleschi, Vitruvius, Heron of Alexandria and Archimedes of Syracuse, which Leonardo adapted to his own context. His modification of a mechanism based on a description found in Herodotus and believed to have been used for building the pyramids surpassed all expectations when Niccolai created its working model in 2011: a 300kg concrete block was so reduced in weight that a six-year-old child was able to lift it. The Niccolai family has been reconstructing working models of Leonardo’s designs since 1995, when Carlo Niccolai dedicated himself to the work full-time in a desire to realise Leonardo’s legacy. His passion founded the Niccolai Collection, the largest private collection of Leonardo models in the world, comprising more than 300 working models created by himself and his sons, together with a team of artisans, engineers, historians and architects. The models have been displayed at more than 100 international exhibitions throughout Europe and as far afield as Australia, New Zealand, China, the US, Brazil, Saudi

Arabia and Finland. More than 50 working models are on permanent display at The Machines of Leonardo da Vinci exhibit at Galleria Michelangiolo in Via Cavour. Here visitors have the chance to not only observe but also interact with various prototypes, such as the aerial screw used in today’s helicopters, alongside a scuba-diving apparatus, glider, bicycle, tank and missiles; and view reconstructions of Leonardo’s studies of anatomy. The exhibit also displays copies of six codices, in which the visitor can view the sketches that reveal the workings of the great man’s mind. The Niccolai family has been widely praised for its ongoing devotion to realising the vast inheritance that Leonardo left to science. Professor Carlo Pedretti, director of the Armand Hammer Center for Leonardo Studies at the University of California, says, “Carlo Niccolai is an admirable figure, a talented craftsman who has developed his own way in studying the technological level reached by Leonardo da Vinci. Moreover, he is a person gifted with great simplicity and humility. His work is important to scholars because it helps our theories and contributes to study in-depth Leonardo’s machines and all the technological discoveries made at that time.” Indeed, as Bill Gates’ $30 million purchase of the Leicester Codex indicates, we have much to be grateful to Leonardo for: next time your car gets a flat tire, you can thank Leonardo for inventing the jack.

Design by Naz Kangal

MAY www.florencenews.it

Florence News

NEWS

Inside the House of Michelangelo Discover the Casa Buonarroti Museum

he Casa Buonarroti Museum celebrates the greatness of Michelangelo while presenting a pompous and Baroque exhibition of the art collections of the family. The museum also offers the possibility of admiring the two famous marble relief pieces, sculptured by Michelangelo in his early years: the Madonna della Scala, which shows Michelangeloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passion for Donatello, and the Battle of the Centaurs that echoes the admira-

tion of the artist for classic art. The Buonarroti family greatly contributed to enlarge the building and embellish the museum with the aim of preserving objects from different cultures (that include the recent collection of the autograph drawings by Michelangelo consisting of 205 precious sketches and the equally important Archive and Library). The exhibit showcases rare art collections including paintings, sculptures, majolicas

made for the New Sacristy. The idea of creating a building to celebrate the glory of the Buonarroti family was an initiative of Michelangelo Buonarroti the younger, a prolific promoter of cultural activities, who employed for the works of the building the most renown Florentine artists such as Artemisia Gentileschi, Pietro da Cortona, Giovanni da San Giovanni, Francesco Furini and the young Jacopo Vignali. The rooms were chosen by Michelangelo the younger to exhibit the most precious objects of his colleciion, including the small cartoon of Mi-

chelangelo showing a Madonna with Child and the wooden panel representing some episodes of the Life of St. Nicholas masterpiece by Giovanni di Francesco, a disciple of Domenico Veneziano.

Casa Buonarroti Museum Via Ghibellina 70 Closed on Tuesday Opening Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. www.casabuonarroti.it

Madonna della scala, marmo

Battaglia dei centauri, marmo

and archaeological findings that are arranged on the two floors of Michelangeloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Casa. A specially equipped room displays on rotation a small number of the drawings of Michelangelo. Among the works exhibited are the Crucifix of Santo Spirito, which critics tend to attribute to Michelangelo, the two 16th century Noli me tangere based on the lost cartoon, the Wooden model for the faĂ§ade of San Lorenzo and the River Divinity, which was used to prepare one of the sculptures

Studi per la testa della Leda, matita rossa

Madonna col Bambino, matita nera, matita rossa, biacca e inchiostro

10 Florence News

NEWS

MAY www.florencenews.it

Uffizi Hosts Painted Wooden Sculptures

Liu Xiaodong’s Migrations on Display

he Strozzina area of Palazzo Strozzi is showcasing the exhibit Migrations by Liu Xiaodong until June 19. The exhibition showcases paintings, drawings and photographs realized by the Chinese artist in Tuscany between the autumn of 2015 and the spring of 2016. Its background are the cities of Florence and Prato and the countryside between Florence and Siena, which the artist filters through his direct contact with local people. The idea for such a display came from the artist’s strong interest in the Chinese community in Prato, the largest such community in It-

aly and one of the most important in Europe, now in its third generation. Xiaodong, who one may tell almost has the eye of a documentarist, reflects on how migrating people interact with their new physical, geographical and cultural environments, highlighting the current dramas taking place on the European borders that Xiaodong has witnessed in first person in Bodrum, Turkey, and Kos, Greece.In addition to other areas around Florence that host Chinese communities, such as San Donnino and Osmannoro, the artist also portrays the classic Tuscan countryside, including the hills of Chi-

anti, the Val d’Orcia and the Crete Senesi. Born in the Liaoning province in 1963, Xiaodong is rewarded for his personal style mixing classic painting with a reporter-type attitude on the contemporary world. In his art, routine moments and daily events of a world marked by or social tensions and conflicts take on an epic monumentality, assuming a new poetic dimension. As the artist himself wrote: “Yearning for a better place, a better life, is an intrinsic part of man's nature. Migrations are bursting with hope and energy yet at the same time they are weighed down by anxiety and loss.”

ALLEN VANDERSANDEN

he Uffizi Gallery will be hosting an exhibition exploring the story of the painted wooden sculpture throughout the fifteenth century in Florence, from the late Middle Ages to the early Renaissance. The exhibit, which from March 21 to Aug. 28, will display more than 40 painted sculptures by various artists of the period.

During the 15th century, painted sculpture was a medium of prime artistic expression, and a very important medium for artists as it displayed a new naturalism in the theme of the suffering body on the cross. The painted wood crucifixes such as those by Donatello and Brunelleschi became an inspiration for later artists. In addition to crucifixes are also carved statues of the Madonna and saints that served for the decoration of churces. The Collaborations between sculptors and painters to create such works were common in the 400’s, and in the last quarter of the 15th century some great family-run shops, due to the stress of the demands of the market, specialized in the creation of crucifixes for churches and private worship. This kind of production became predominant among exponents of the highest Florentine woodcraft tradition. The exhibition will also investigate the presence of foreign artists of this trade such as for example John the Teutonic, creator of several works in Florence including a crucifix in the Sant’Jacopo Soprarno church. Opening hours are Tuesday-Sunday, 8:15- 18:50. Tickets are available online or at the Uffizi ticket office.

LIFESTYLE SALON & SPA VIA DE’ NERI 53-55/R 055 23 98 553 CONCEPT SALON WITHOUT APPOINTMENT VIA DE’ NERI 49/R 055 28 28 41

ARDUINO DI BELLA GIOIELLI

SMALL SHOP, GREAT ARTISANAL JEWELS

CONCEPT SALON VIA DEI BENCI 5/R 055 21 92 27

Fellini’s Favorite

The Trattoria di Boboli in Oltrarno

DESIGN ♦ REALIZATION JEWELRY ♦ BIJOUX MODA www.arduinodibella.com Piazza dei Ciompi 5

It was Federico Fellini’s favorite restaurant in Florence. It was here that the most famous Italian movie director of all time loved to spend the beginning of his nights in Florence. Drinking good red wine, chatting with friends, breathing the most authentic atmosphere of the city and eating the traditional, homemade food that he loved. Via Romana, 45/R 055 233 6401

www.salonecontrasto.it

MAY www.florencenews.it

Florence News 11

NEWS

Color: The Perfect Thought

Elsheimer's Altar Unveiled

Domenico D’ Oora’s personal exhibit at Santo Ficara Art Gallery until June 20

T T

he Santo Ficara Contemporary Art Gallery is presenting the exhibit Color, The Perfect Thought by Domenico D’Oora until June 20. The exhibit showcases fifteen works realized in 2016 made of acrylic resin on canvas and on multilayer boards placed in Plexigrass or Pvc. Born in London in 1953, D’Oora has since the 1990’s collaborated with important contemporary art galleries in Italy, Germany and Switzerland and has showcased his works in more than 40 personal exhibit. In his works, color becomes the manifestation of a costantly

evolving thought, intuition and knowledge at the same time. The modulated surfaces end up defining the boundaries of a moment of concentration where the two dimensions of space and time cohabit in the same instant. Color’s exalted presence, offering itself with no limits, assumes an unexpected physicality in which light and shadow become indissoluble. Ideal conception and execution are in D’Oora’s art fragments of a system that combines perception and production, in which the three dimensions of each piece express medidative intensity and a subtle disquietude, aiming to radically

reconstruct, through each particular, a concept of totality.

Color: The Perfect Thought Santo Ficara Contemporary Art Gallery Via Ghibellina, 164/r Monday to Saturday: 10 a.m. 12:30 p.m., 4 – 7 p.m. Tel.: + 39 055 2340239 www.santoficara.it

he Altarpiece of the Holy Cross by Adam Elsheimer is on display until the end of July at the Palatine Gallery in the Pitti Palace. The showcase was made possible by an exchange between the Stadel Museum of Frankfurt and the Palatine Gallery, that has temporarily donated in return two artworks by painter Pontormo. The central panel of the altar on temporary display at the Palatine Gallery represents the exaltation of the Holy Cross in a heavenly context of saints and angels, with the Virgin being crowned on the background. The other two panels represents the Bizantian emperor Eraclio. The altarpiece has a four-century-long history. It was bought in 1619 by Cosimo II de' Medici from the Roman collection of Juan Perez

and it later became the property of the dukes of Arundel before being dismantled. Its three panels ended up in various English collections, until in 1981 the Stadel Museum was able to reunite the three parts and showcase the altar permanently. Born in Franfurt in 1578, Adam Elsheimer worked in Rome and, in spite of his untimely death at 32, was a very influential Baroque painter of the early 17th century. His relatively few works are small scale paintings made on copper plates of the type known as ascabinet paintings, made with a variety of light effects and an innovative treatment of landscape. Elsheimer influenced many later artists including Rembrandt and Peter Paul Rubens.

City Guide MUSEUMS & MONUMENTS Galleria dell’Accademia

Galleria Palatina e Appartamenti Reali

Michelangelo’s masterpieces: the David and the Slaves. Sculpture, paintings and casts by various artists.

Cappelle Medicee

Via Ricasoli, 60 Tel: +39.005.294883 Hours: 8.15-18.50 Closed: Mondays

The Old Sacristy, the New Sacristy, with architecture and sculpture by Michelangelo, and the Chapel of the Princes, decorated with inlaid marble and hard stones.

Battistero di San Giovanni Romanesque temple dedicated to St. John the Baptist, patron saint of the city. Outside, the doors by Ghiberti. Piazza San Giovanni Tel: +39.055.2302885 Hours: 11.15-18.30 - Sundays, 1st Saturday of month 8.30-13.30.

P.zza Madonna degli Aldobrandini, 6 Tel: +39.055.294883 Hours: 8.15-17.00 Closed: 2nd, 4th Sunday; 1st, 2nd, 5th Monday of month

Palazzo Vecchio Quartieri Monumentali

Galleria degli Uffizi Open since 1591, the Uffizi hosts one of the most important collections of art of all time, classical sculpture and 13th to 18th century paintings, on an area covering about 8.000 sq.m.

Piazza Pitti Tel: +39.055.294883 Hours: 8.15-18.50 Closed: Mondays

Paintings and sculptures related to the art in Tuscany from the late 18th century to the period between the two world wars. Temporary shows of contemporary art.

Campanile di Giotto Famous bell tower, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture by Giotto, built between 1334 and 1359.

Piazza Pitti Tel: +39.055 294883 Hours: 8.15-18.50. Closed: Mondays.Fri, Sat, Sun 9.00 18.00. Thur 9.00 - 14.00.

Piazza del Duomo Tel: +39.055.2302885 Hours: 8.30-18.50. Closed: Easter.

Loggiato degli Uffizi Tel: +39.005.294883 Hours: 8.15-18.50 Closed: Mondays

Museo delle Porcellane Collections of porcelain from reigning royal families. Palazziana del Cavaliere, Boboli Gardens, Piazza Pitti, 1 Tel: +39.055.294883 Hours:8.15-18.30 Closed: 1st and last Monday of month

Galleria d’Arte Moderna

Residence of the Priors, the Signoria and the Medici. Paintings, sculpture, furniture and hangings. Piazza della Signoria Tel: +39.005.2768224 Hours: Sept: 9-24 - Thursdays 9-14 Oct: 9-19 - Thursdays 9-14.

The Palatine Gallery occupies the whole left wing of the first floor of the Pitti Palace, which was the residence of the Medici grand-dukes. In 1828, when Tuscany came under the rule of the Lorraine, the most important paintings in the Palace, most of which had been collected by the Medici.

Galleria del Costume Museum on the history of costume. Palazzina della Meridiana, Boboli Gardens. Pitti Palace Tel: +39.055.294883 Hours: 8.15-18.30. Closed: 1st and last Monday of month.

Museo Novecento Italian art of the 20th century, in a journey backwards from the Nineties to the first decades of the century.

Museo del Bargello Residence of the Captain of the People, of Justice and ancient prison. Masterpieces of painting and sculpture, plus minor arts. Frescoes by the school of Giotto in the Chapel. Via del Proconsolo, 4 Tel: +39.005.294883 Hours: 8.15-17.00. Closed: 2nd, 4th Sunday; 1st, 3rd, 5th Monday of month.

Piazza Santa Maria Novella Tel: +39.055 286132 Hours: Oct to March- Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun 9.00 - 18.00. Thur 9.00 14.00.

Museo degli Argenti

Cupola di Brunelleschi The masterpiece of Brunelleschi. Frescoes of the Last Judgement by Federico Zuccari. Suggestive itinerary to the top of the dome with breathtaking views over the city. Piazza del Duomo Tel: +39.005.2302885 Hours: 8.30-18.20 - Saturdays 8.3017.00pm. Closed: Sundays and Easter day.

Summer apartments of the Grand Dukes. It contains vases in hard stone that belonged to Lorenzo the Magnificent, and the jewellery that belonged to the Electress Palatine. Piazza Pitti Tel: +39.055.294883 Hours: 8.15-18.30 Closed: 1st and last Monday of month.

Giardino Bardini These beautiful gardens, recently restored, contain many rare plants and specialised areas, such as Italian and English gardens, as well as a fine Baroque staircase, statues, fountains, a small amphitheater and panoramic views. Entrances: Via dei Bardi, 1 r and Boboli Gardens. Info and reservations: Tel: +39.055.294883 Hours: 8.15-18.30 Closed: 1st and last Monday of month.

CHURCHES

TOURIST INFORMATION

Santa Maria Novella

SOS

Gothic, started in 1246, completed in 1360.

Santa Maria del Fiore

Emergency Phone Number: 113 Ambulance Service: 118 Carabinieri (National Military Police): 112 Environmental Emergency: 1515 Fire Department: 115

Piazza Santa Maria Novella Tel: 055 210113 Hours: 9.00-17.30, Fri 11.00-17.30, Sun and Holidays 13.00-17.00 Sunday Mass: 8.30, 10.30, 12.00, 18.00

+ HEALTH SERVICES

Gothic, started by Arnolfo di Cambio (1296). Dome (Brunelleschi), works by A. del Castagno, P. Uccello, B. da Maiano, G. Vasari, Michelangelo, Della Robbia, and others.

Piazza Duomo: 055 212221 Open Pharmacies: 800 420707 Veterinary Services: 055 7223683 Poison Center: 055 7947819

Piazza San Giovanni Tel: 055 2302885 Hours: 10.00-16.30, Saturdays 10.00-16.45, Sundays and Holidays 13.30-16.45 Sunday Mass: 7.30, 9.00, 10.30, 12.00, 18.00

San Marco

Santa Croce Gothic, built in 1294, attributed to Arnolfo di Cambio; Pulpit by Benedetto de Maiano; frescoes in Bardi and Peruzzi Chapels (Giotto); Annunciation (Donatello); Pazzi Chapel (Brunelleschi).

Expanded in 1437 by Michelozzo. Hosts a large crucifix by the school of Orcagna, the “Transfiguration” by Giovan Battista Paggi, the precious altar crucifix by Fra Angelico, Passignano, and Giambologna’s works and decorations of Alessandro Allori. Piazza San Marco Tel: 055 2396950 Hours: 9.30-19.00 Sunday Mass: 10.30, 11.30, 12.30, 18.30

Piazza Santa Croce, 16 Tel: 055 2466105 Hours: 9.30-17.00, Sun and Holidays 14.00-17.00 Sunday Mass: 9.30, 11.00, 12.00, 18.00

Santo Spirito Gothic, rebuilt in 1444 by Brunelleschi; Bell tower (Baccio d’Agnolo), Vestibule, Sacresty, Last supper of S. Spirito frescoed by Orcagna.

San Lorenzo

Piazza del Mercato Centrale 7a.m. to 2p.m. Monday to Saturday

Santo Spirito Daily food market 8a.m. to 2p.m. Monday to Saturday Antique market

San Lorenzo Leather, clothing, and souvenirs. Via Ariento to Via Nazionale 9a.m. to 7p.m. Tuesday to Saturday

All day on 2nd Sunday of the

Sant-Ambrogio Market Food market, mostly locals. Piazza Ghiberti 13 8a.m. to 2p.m. Monday to Saturday

Via Cavour, 1r - 055 290833 Vespucci Airport - 055 315874 Piazza del Duomo - 055 215440 Piazza Stazione, 4 - 055 212245

ON THE ROAD Roadside Assistance for Foreigners: 800 116800 Obstruction, theft, and towed vehicles: 055 4224142 Highways, route planning and traffic jams: www.autostrade.it/en

LAW ENFORCEMENT Railway Police: 055 211012 Florence Municipal Police: 055 3283333 Local National Police Force: 055 49771 Fire and Rescue Service: 055 24901

BUSES Ataf: 6 a.m.-9 p.m. : 800424500 Li-nea: Bus info, 055 7355742 FBUSITALIA: SITA NORD: Via Santa Caterina da Siena 15 www.fsbusitalia. it, 800 373760 ETRURIA MOBILITA SCARL (Arezzo): www.etruriamobilita.it 0575 39881 CAP (Prato): Largo Frali Alinari 9 www.caputolinee.it, 055 214637 VAIBUS: Piazza Stazione/Via Fiume. www.vaibus.com, 800 602525

TOURIST INFO POINTS

AIRPORTS A Vespucci, Firenze Peretola: www.aeroporto.firenze.it/en 055 3061300 Lost and found: 055 3061302 G. Galilei, Pisa: www.pisa-airport.com 050 849300 Lost and found: 050 849400

TRAINS Trenitalia: 89 2021 Interactive Voice Response System: 063000 Italo: Call center, 6 a.m.-11 p.m. 060708

TAXI

TAXIS

CO.TA.FI 055 4390 SO.CO.TA 055 4242, 055 4798

Piazza S. Lorenzo Tel: 055216634 Hours: 10.00-17.00 Closed: Holidays. Sunday Mass: 9.30, 11.00, 18.00

MARKETS

General food market with typical Tuscan products.

Romanesque building altered by Brunelleschi; Pulpits by Donatello, Old Sacristy, cloisters

Piazza Santo Spirito Tel: 055 210030 Hours: 9.30-12.30 & 16.00-17.00 Holidays: 11.30-12.30 & 16.00-17.30 Sunday Mass: 9.00, 10.30, 18.00 (summer).

Central Market

EMERGENCIES

Cascine Market

Mercato Nuovo/ Porcellino Market

Clothes and shoes; fruits and vegetables.

Leather and knick-knacks.

Cascine Park 8a.m. to 2p.m. on Tuesdays

Piazza di Mercato Nuovo 9a.m. to 7p.m. Tuesday to Sunday

MAY www.florencenews.it

Florence News 15

NEWS

Preparing for Artigianato e Palazzo Artisan festival returns May 12–15

he garden of the historic Corsini Palace will host the 22nd edition of Artigianato e Palazzo, the Florentine festival dedicated to Italian craftsmanship, from May 14 to 17. Promoting ‘Made in Italy’ works, mostly Florentine but also from other parts of Italy and also of Europe, the event focuses on handmade productions and consists of presentations from highly skilled craftsmen and displays of traditional guilds and age-old techniques. Artisan demonstrations allow the

public to feel as though they are in actual workshops and, in some cases, audience members can even participate as assistants. In this way, visitors have the opportunity to discover how artisans create their objects by watching them work in the small workshops in the garden and orangeries of the Corsini Palace. Ceramics, bookbinding, mosaics, printing, inlay, jewelry, footwear, perfume and hat-making are among the many artisan crafts shared with the public, as is the art of working with materials such as

bronze, iron, marble, wood and glass. Producers of fine foods are also on display. More than 9.000 visitors attended the festival last year. By inviting the public into the world of Italian and local artisans, Artigianato e Palazzo offers the chance to share crafts often at risk of dying out while helping to preserve the authenticity of Italian production. As every year, a “Mostra Principe”, or Main Exhibition, will spotlight a business or a cultural foundation that began as an artisan activity and then became successful on an

international level. Many activities are scheduled for visitors during the four-day event, including the popular “Ricette di Famiglia” (Family Recipes), now in its third year, organized in with food writer Annamaria Tossani who will involve authors of unusual cookbooks who will prepare rare recipes rediscovering the traditions of Italian culinary culture. The fair was inaugurated in 1995 with the objective to valorize contemporary artisans stressing their link with a tradition that made Florence great. The Corsini Garden

is located in the Florence city center on Via della Scala 115.

Artigianato e Palazzo May 12–15 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Corsini Gardens 115 Via della Scala, Florence www.artigianatoepalazzo.it

16 Florence News

NEWS

MAY www.florencenews.it

Il Ponte Presents Bernard Joubert

(1978). In the second half of the 1970s Joubert was invited to take part in important international exhibitions: Contemporeana in Rome (1974), Paris Biennial (1975), Plan & Space in Gand (1977), The Art of the Performance in Venice (1979) and Europa ‘79 in Stuttgart (1979). In 1974, some of his drawings were bought by the MoMA in New York, and in the same year numerous of his works became part of the Panza di Biumo collection. The 80’s were years of change. In 1980, the surface of the ribbons expanded and the monochrome was broken by fields of different colors, while in 1984, with the series of Simultanés, Joubert began to research to piece the picture back together into a whole. In the mid 1990s Joubert began to develop a type of paintwork consisting of dabs of color forming a structure over figures from existing pictures. In 1999, together with Chris-

Exhibit on display until June

he contemporary art gallery Il Ponte is presenting the exhibition Bernard Joubert. Painting on the Edge. The exhibit, which will be on display until June 3, showcases Joubert’s artistic research, which forcing the boundaries of painting creates new styles of thought and vision, and re-establishes a tie, broken at the end of the 1970s, between the French artist and Italy. Painting on the Edge covers over forty years of Joubert’s work through a wide selection of artworks ranging from the first paint-

ings on blank canvases and the ribbons of painted canvas (some of which never displayed before) of the early 70’s, to recent prints and reproductions of paintings. Bernard Joubert was born in 1946 in Paris, where still today he lives and works. In the early 1970s he moved to Strasbourg, where he spent 8 years and experimented a minimal painting mainly consisting of lines drawn straight from the tube of paint onto a blank canvas. Since 1972 he began to ‘open’ his painting. The results of this new process became evident with his

tian Bonnefoi, Monique Friedman, Jean-Pierre Pincemin and François Rouan, he took part in the Tableaux. La peinture n’est pas un genre exhibition organized by Tristan Trémeau in the Musée des Jacobins, the Musée de Brou in Brug-en-Bresse and the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Tourcoing. Finally, in 2010 an exhibition at the Alain Margaron gallery in Paris set out twenty years of his painting from 1990 to 2010. The exhibit at Il Ponte, which is accompanied by a monographic catalogue edited by Bernard Marcelis and Alessio Marolda, provides an overall view of his art.

Il Ponte Art Gallery Via di Mezzo, 42 / b Phone : (+39) 055 240617 Email : info@galleriailponte.com

works of the early 70’s such as Rubans, canvas ribbons painted a single color, attached to the wall to outline square, rectangular geometric surfaces whose perimeters never quite joined up. These works were exhibited in 1974 upon his first one-man show at the Yvon Lambert gallery in Paris. In the same period, other important galleries showcased his art including Françoise Lambert in Milan (1974, 1975, 1979), Albert Baronian in Brussels (1975, 1977), Rolf Ricke in Cologne, Ugo Ferranti in Rome (1977) and Hal Bromm in New York

In Florence there is a new pharmacy

Cavour Come to visit us. You will find a wide range of skincare products dedicated to you. Ask your pharmacist for advice.

Since its foundation in 1982, Medical Service Firenze has developed a solid reputation for providing rapid, reliable assistance to tourists and residents in need of medical attention. We accept all major travel/medical insurance policies. SERVICES INCLUDE: • 24-hour prompt house calls by general practitioners all year round. • Our physicians are available for walk-in visits to our clinic on Via Roma, 4. Monday to Fri.: 11 a.m.–12 p.m., 1–3 p.m., & 5–6 p.m.; Sat.: 11 a.m.–12 p.m. & 1–3 p.m. • Prompt consultation with specialists by appointment. • All the medical staff speak English. • For information or request visit our clinic from Mon.–Fri.: 9:30 a.m.–1:30p.m. Via Roma, 4 055 475 411 medserv@tin.it www.medicalservice.firenze.it

Lloyds Farmacia Cavour Via Cavour, 59/R Firenze We are open for you: Monday to Saturday 9.00 - 20.00

MAY www.florencenews.it

Fabbrica Europa Returns The 23rd Fabbrica Europa’s annual summer festival is returning the Stazione Leopolda from May 5 to June 18. The event is a creative spot where artists from different fields will have the possibility to showcase their talents. For more information check the event website fabbricaeuropa.net

• May 5 – 15

Stazione Leopolda | Florence Cristina Caprioli / ccap NOTES ON A PEBBLE installation/performance

• May 5

Stazione Leopolda | Florence Sol Picó with Julie Dossavi, Minako Seki, Shantala Shivalingappa WE WOMEN dance

• May 5

Stazione Leopolda | Florence Max Casacci and Vaghe Stelle GLASSTRESS MEETS PULSE! music

• May 6-8

Stazione Leopolda | Florence Charlotte Zerbey 4 STEPS 4 ANGEL dance

• May 6

Stazione Leopolda | Florence Michele Di Stefano / Fabrizio Favale / Cristina Rizzo GAMELAN dance

• May 6

Stazione Leopolda | Florence DADDY G

• May 9-13

Stazione Leopolda | Florence Cristina Caprioli / ccap YELLOW LABOR workshop

• May 10

(Massive Attack) music

Institut français | Florence Rudi Laermans / Carlotta Scioldo / Erika Di Crescenzo / Cristina Caprioli / Gerarda Ventura THINKING DANCE / TOGETHERING meeting

• May 7-8

• May 10

Le Murate. PAC | Florence Inter Pares Project ACTS OF ATTENDING FocusDance35

Stazione Leopolda | Florence Mosè Risaliti 2BEE_Study FocusDance35

• May 7

• May 10

Stazione Leopolda | Florence Sol Picó ONE-HIT WONDERS dance

• May 7

Stazione Leopolda | Florence CHRISTOPHE CHASSOL in concert music

• May 7

Stazione Leopolda | Florence Inter Pares Project ACTS OF ATTENDING FocusDance35

• May 7

Stazione Leopolda | Florence BARBER MOUSE feat. SAMUEL (Subsonica) music

• May 8

Stazione Leopolda | Florence Motus

HAIRDRESSING SALON IN VIA DE’ BENCI

• • • • • • • • • • • •

MDLSX theatre

Shampoo & dry (short) ......... €17 Shampoo & dry (long) ......... €18/€20 Cut ................................................ €15 Perm ............................................. €30 Color [tips] .................................... €25 Color [full] .................................... €32 Toning .......................................... €17 Highlights with headset ............. €29 Highlights with spatula .............. €32 Woven highlights ....................... €42 Two-toned highlights ................. €62 Shampoo & cut (men) .................. €22 Tue. to Thurs.: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Fri. to Sat.: 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Via dei Benci, 37r 055 234 48 85

Stazione Leopolda | Florence Giovanna Rovedo ESPO: SINGOLARE/PLURALE_Study FocusDance35

• May 10

Stazione Leopolda | Florence Francesco Michele Laterza ACQUA ACQUA FUOCO FUOCHISSIMO_First study RITUAL FocusDance35

• May 10

Stazione Leopolda | Florence Tommaso Monza SKETCHES OF FREEDOM_Study FocusDance35

• May 11-12

Stazione Leopolda | Florence Lisi Estaras / Irene Russolillo THE SPEECH FocusDance35

Florence News 17

NEWS • May 11

Stazione Leopolda | Florence De Ferrari Sapetto + Graziano | Ninarello + Kinzelman | Cortesi + Petrella DAN+Z dance/music

• May 12

Stazione Leopolda | Florence Presentation of the project ART SWEET ART meeting

• May 12

Stazione Leopolda | Florence Cristina Donà SEA SONGS music

• May 13-14

• May 15

Stazione Leopolda | Florence VIEUX FARKA TOURÉ in concert music

• May 18-20

Le Murate. PAC | Florence Francesca Foscarini / Andrea Costanzo Martini VOCAZIONE ALL’ASIMMETRIA FocusDance35

• May 21

Limonaia Villa Strozzi | Florence Evan Parker & Walter Prati PULSE music

Stazione Leopolda | Florence Omar Rajeh / Koen Augustijnen / Anani Sanouvi / Hiroaki Umeda / Le Trio Joubran BEYTNA dance

• May 21-22

• May 13

• May 24-25

Stazione Leopolda | Florence ACTRESS / SEVEN DAVIS JR Ninja Tune Night music

• May 14

Teatro Studio | Scandicci Zaches Teatro IL MINOTAURO. VIAGGIO DI UN EROE theatre Teatro della Pergola | Florence Peter Brook / Marie-Hélène Estienne / Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord BATTLEFIELD theatre

Stazione Leopolda | Florence Generazione in transito MEETING YOUNG ARAB CHOREOGRAPHERS meeting

• June 7 – 9

• May 14-15

• June 14 – 16

• May 14

• June 14 – 16

Stazione Leopolda | Florence Salvo Lombardo CASUAL BYSTANDERS_secondo souvenir_preview FocusDance35 Stazione Leopolda | Florence BOMBINO in concert music

Le Murate. PAC | Florence Floor Robert INFLUENZA FocusDance35 Teatro della Limonaia | Sesto Fiorentino AttoDue / Laboratorio Nove IL TEATRO DELLA TRAGICOMICA FINE DELL’UMANITÀ teatro I Macelli | Certaldo Lorenzo Cianchi / Primavera Contu MULTILOVE//SUNSHINE theatre

18 Florence News

CITY BEAT

MAY www.florencenews.it

Color Runners: Are You Ready?

four runners, so the smallest team starts with four person. As team you always get a cheaper price per starter.

Race returns to Florence June 4. 10 tips to make the most of it

1) WHAT IT IS The Color Run is a 'fun run' and a worldwide running event in a colorful and cheerful environment. It's not about reaching the maximum running performance or the best time, it's about maximum fun. You will run the most colorful, happiest and craziest 5 kilometers on earth. 2) HOW IT WORKS To keep it short in 3 points: 1) Start shining white at the start line. 2) Arrive colorful and happy at the finish line. 3) Dance and celebrate

THE EVOLUTION OF ROLE PLAYING HAS ARRIVED! The Bank Mission: Steal the diamonds! The Bunker Mission: Deactivate the atomic bomb! Via Ventisette Aprile 59/r +393896852609 +390550196314 www.foxinaboxfirenze.com

in front of the finish-festival stage. Every color runner gets his starter package (bag, t-shirt, color powder, headband and bib number) for his ticket, before going to the start line in a shining white shirt. After the starting pistol fires, participants pass through one of five color zones after every kilometer to be pelted with 100% natural color powder based on cornmeal by our volunteers. With magnificent big color tosses and best music all color runners will celebrate together at the finish festival. You can start as a solo runner or in a team of at

5) PACKAGE PICK-UP You can get your starter package one or two days before the race in your city (exact location and time will be announced in the official website) or at the event day before the run. Each city has its own package pick up-location where you get your starter package. You can pick it up one or two days before race what you should do to start directly to the start line on Sunday. For more information (where & when) please go to Location (ex: Florence). Otherwise there will be a package pick up-station in the check-in area on the day of race where you can get your starter package. But this might take some time, so here you have to be a bit patient. So we highly recommend the package pick up one or two days before the race day.

least four runners. 3) DOORS OPEN & START Doors Open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; race Start from 3.30 p.m. To 5.30 p.m. Check-In Opening: 10 a.m. The Color Run Village: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Race Start: from 3.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. 4) TEAM STARTER You can register as team together with your friends and family. To start as team you have to be at least

6) TIPS AND TRICKS Oiling your hair well on race morning will make it easier to wash out the color later. Coconut oil or olive oil do the best job. A good leave in conditioner will do the trick as well. This is a particularly useful tip for runners with light colored or highlighted hair. After the most colorful run in your life you surely would like to wash yourself a few times to remove all the color. Instead of wasting your best shampoo or shower gel you should buy a low-priced one. Some runners wear a thick scarf or

bandana to cover their hair. Others use the bandana to cover their mouth as they run through the color zones or to help wash off after. However you choose to use it, a bandana or scarf is pretty useful at race. 7) REGISTRATION After the registration has been opened, you can buy your tickets here on our website. Considering that please go to your location page (Ex.: Florence). There you can find the booking opportunity on the right hand side. Every color runner gets his starter package during the package pick up. The package includes a shine white official t-shirt, a bib number, color powder and a headband. 8) COLOR RUNNERS: WHO ARE THEY? Participants are as colorful as the run itself: professional runners, hobby athletes, or families with kids. The race is a run for everyone. 9) RUN WITH A JOGGING STROLLER AND KIDS You can run with a jogging stroller or kids. Grab your kids and come to the race! Kids under 8 years attended by their parents can join us for free! We're sorry: dogs and other pets are not permitted. There is no age limit. As long as runners are able to walk, jog, run or dance they are welcome. It's necessary that all runners older than 8 years register and get a bib number. 10) THE MOST IMPORTANT Go to the colorrun.it/ and enroll.

BIKE RENTAL 1 hour 4,00 € 5 hours 10,00 € FULL DAY 15,00 €

♦ BREAKFAST: MUFFINS AND EGGS

Via Ghibellina 68/r 055 088 1484 giramondobybike@gmail.com

♦ LUNCH & DINNER Pizza all day long Via Maggio 2/r +39 055 288494

“It looks like a Vespa!”

20 Florence News

CITY BEAT

MAY www.florencenews.it

Florence Creativity at Fortezza da Basso Stazione Leopolda Hosts ModaPrima

he 80th international fashion show ModaPrima returns to Florence from May 20–22 at Stazione Leopolda with some important novelties including a new format and a larger accessories section. Hosted by Pitti Immagine, ModaPrima presents readyto-wear fashion trends and accessories for men and women for spring-summer 2017, with about 150 Italian manufacturers and selected international brands showcasing their items. The fair intends to confirm its key role for international medium and large scale top quality retailers.

Closing figures of the last ModaPrima event saw more than 1,700 buyers coming to Florence for the event, 800 of which were from Japan, the others from Turkey, Portugal, France, Belgium, Russia, Germany, Holland, Greece, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, South Korea, Ireland, Switzerland, Poland, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kazakhstan, Canada and Sweden. Previously held in Milan, ModaPrima relocated to Florence in 2011. Its host venue is an example of the innovation promoted by the event: once a disused nineteenth-century railway station, Stazione Leo-

polda has now become a hub for contemporary events happening in the city. Pitti Immagine also has an online exhibition project called e-Pitti that allows buyers to discover new collections and establish new contacts, offering access to digital versions of Pitti Uomo, Pitti W, Pitti Bimbo and Pitti Filati, and giving registered exhibitors the opportunity to digitalize their physical stands, prolonging the visibility of their collection. Further information is available on the Pitti Immagine website: www.pittimmagine.com

Tattoo Piercing Via degli alfani 32/r Firenze +39 344 20 48 393 +39 342 75 47 804 Fb: Blood Brotherhood

#bloodbhtattoo

reativity never ends, especially at the spring edition of the Florence Creativity festival taking place at the Fortezza da Basso May 5-7. The fair, now in its fifth year, includes events, courses and expositors presenting new ideas, techniques and materials, and is a not-to-miss event for all of those who feel passion in their hands and those who are interested in developing and investing in the art of 'do-it-yourself.’ Fabrics, buttons, paints, brushes, needles, threads, glues and paper will be the tools through which anyone will be able to stimulate his or her creativity. The courses offered include painting on silk with all its techniques, home decor, cutting, sewing, creative sewing, crochet, knitting, repairs, weaving for children and adults alike, creative workshops for children, creating bracelets, bijoux and necklaces, processing wool, painting and so on, as infinite are the ways human creativity can express itself.

One of the initiatives that was at the last edition that thrilled the most was the Creative Zoo, a panel to create a zoo following given patterns that can be downloaded from the fair website: www.florencecreativity.it. Tickets cost €10 for adults and €5 for children. A ticket for the four days of the fair cost €16. Entrance is free for children younger than 10 and for accompanies or disables. Groups of more than 10 people will pay €5, for each group bigger than 20 people, a free ticket will be given to the organizer. Those interested in becoming expositors can find a form in the fair website. Opening hours at the event are from 9.30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Florence Creativity Fortezza da Basso May 5-7 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. www.florencecreativity.it

PINART BOTTEGA D’OLTRARNO

ARTISAN LEATHER JOURNALS & ITALIAN PENS Situated 30 meters from the Ponte Vecchio, Pinart has offered quality stationery for more than 20 years. • •

•

Books, notebooks and photo albums in artisan-worked leather with handmade paper; A large selection of writing instruments from top Italian brands, including fountain, roller and ballpoint pens; Hand-painted wooden boxes and photo frames portraying details from Florentine monuments.

Open: Mon–Sat: 10 a.m.–7:30 p.m.; Sun: 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Via Guicciardini, 2/r 055 23 98 450 www.pinart.it

Cartoleria Lory Srl P.za Frescobaldi 8r 50125 055-213246 Shop.lory.net www.digital-fineart.it www.lorycad.net

MAY www.florencenews.it

Lorenzo il Magnifico The story behind the title

C. DE MELO

any people have probably heard the term il Magnifico (the Magnificent) in reference to Florence's 15th century ruler, Lorenzo de' Medici, but they're likely unaware of its origin. The Pazzi Conspiracy, which took place on Easter 1478, resulted in the violent assassination of Giuliano de' Medici. To avenge his brother's death, Lorenzo went on a bloody

rampage and many people were killed as a result. Pope Sixtus IV excommunicated Lorenzo for his vendetta against the Pazzi family, their supporters, and Archbishop Salviati. In addition to this, the Signoria was ordered by papal decree to surrender Lorenzo so that he could face judgement. Of course, they refused. The Tuscan Church supported the Signoria’s decision, which eventually led to its excommunication as well.

Such open rebellion against the Vatican only served to create more enemies for Florence. Lorenzo was soon faced with political threats from Milan, Urbino, and Siena, but the most serious threat came from Ferdinand, King of Naples. In order to solidify Florence’s position and keep peace in Tuscany, Lorenzo set off on several campaigns to secure political alliances. He departed- alone- from Pisa to Naples on December 14, 1479, and did not return to Florence until March of the following year. He risked his life for the peace and well-being of Florence, and the risk had paid off. Not only did he managed to successfully negotiate with the King of Naples but also with the pope. In short, he made his position in Florence stronger than ever before, and (although he never held political office within the Republic) the European rulers officially recognized him as the Head of Florence. The Florentines, grateful that their ruler had successfully thwarted war, bestowed upon him the title: il Magnifico. Pallas and the Centaur was painted by Botticelli in celebration of Lorenzo's political victory in Naples. Pallas (Peace) wears a flowing gown flaunting Lorenzo's personal symbol- the diamond (semperforever) and three interlaced rings (Renaissance symbol of the arts). The Centaur (War) is being tamed by reason and logic, which Pallas possesses in abundance. The background is most likely the bay of Naples, and the composition is enriched by olive tree branches (the universal symbol of peace).

Florence News 21

HISTORY

Why May Day

The historical roots of Labor Day

n ancient northern hemisphere spring festival, May Day on May 1 is a traditional spring holiday in many cultures. Dances, singing, and cake are usually part of the celebrations of this festivity. In the late 19th century, May Day was chosen as the date for International Workers’ Day by the Socialist and Communist parties to commemorate the Hay Market affair in Chicago. Also known as the Haymarket massacre or Haymarket riot, the Haymarket affair was the aftermath of a bombing at a labor demonstration at Haymarket Square in Chicago on Tuesday, May 4, 1886. Begun as a peaceful rally in support of workers striking for an 8-hour working day and in reaction to the killing of several workers the previous day by the police, it got violent when an someone threw a dynamite bomb at police as agents were dispersing the meeting killing seven police officers and at least four civilians and wounding many others. Though International Workers’ Day may also be referred to as “May Day” it is a different celebration from the traditional May Day. This tradition in Italy takes the name of Calendimaggio (from the Latin calenda maia) or cantar maggio, a seasonal feast to celebrate the arrival of spring.

A tradition still alive today in many regions of Italy, including Tuscany, as an allegory of the return to life and rebirth, this magical-propitiatory ritual is often performed during an almsgiving in which, in exchange for gifts (traditionally eggs, wine, food or sweets), the Maggi (or maggerini) sing auspicious verses to the inhabitants of the houses they visit. Throughout the Italian peninsula these Il Maggio couplets are very diverse, most of them being love songs that young people sang to celebrate the arrival of spring. Mentioned in the verses of the songs are the symbols of spring revival such as the trees (alder and golden rain) and flowers (violets and roses) with which the maggerini adorn themselves. In particular, the plant alder, which grows along the rivers and is considered the symbol of life, is almost in any case present in the ritual. In Tuscany, Calendimaggio is historically a mythical figure that had a predominant role and met many of the attributes of the god Belenus. It is a celebration that dates back to ancient peoples for whom the arrival of summer was of extreme importance and is very integrated with the rhythms of nature such as the Celts (celebrating Beltane), Etruscans and Ligures.

CHECK OUT OUR EVENTS AND KARAOKE NIGHT ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE

22 Florence News

LIFESTYLE

MAY www.florencenews.it

Florence News 23

LIFESTYLE

Vespa Celebrates 70th Anniversary THOMAS RICCIOTTI

wo men, an engineer and a entrepreneur. The engineer shows some weird drawing, a weird twowheel vehicle much 'fatter' than a bicycle or a moto. Wheels are so small, as never any vehicle had had before. He tells his boss: “Please, have a look at this uncomfortable and dirtying thing.” The other man looks at it. The baptism comes in an instant: “It looks likes a Vespa!” (in Italian it means wasp). Shortly after – it was 70 years ago, precisely April 23, 1946 – the entrepreneur, Enrico Piaggio, files a patent for “a motorcycle with rationally placed parts and elements with a frame combining with mudguards and engine-cowling covering all working parts,” of which “the whole constitutes a rational, comfortable motorcycle offering protection from mud and dust without jeopardizing requirements of appearance and elegance.” It was in this way that the Tuscan business man and his engineer, Corradino D'Ascanio, revolutionizes the transport system of Italy creating at the same time a new lifestyle. With its particular significance of liberty and escapism, to Italians of some seven generations the Vespa has meant the first loves, the thoughtless days spent at the beach or in the coun-

tryside. A form of emancipation for both men and women. Since 1946, 150 models of Vespa have been produced. All different, all with the same concept. Not much has changed from the breakthrough original design. Elements of the Piaggio Company’s aeronautic manufacturing influence can be seen in the aerodynamic front protection shield and compact, streamlined body shape. Following the scooter’s public debut at the 1946 Milan Fair, marketers and consumers were at first hesitant to embrace Vespas. Sales increased by 1948 and soon were increasing exponentially each year. By 1950, production had spread to foreign markets, and the Vespa solidified as the Italian symbol of fun, freedom, youth and imagination. Their low running cost, ease of use, maneuverability and wide range of colors and customizations made them popular with young people and adults alike. In 1952, the Vespa made its Hollywood debut in “Roman Holiday.” After Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck rode through the streets of Rome on a Vespa, scooters became a worldwide cultural phenomenon. By this time, worldwide Vespa Club membership had reached 50,000 and the Vespa had become an icon and primary mode of transportation for mods and punks in Britain.

La Notte Brava, Nanni Moretti's Dear Diary, and Sydney Pollack's The Interpreter, featuring Nicole Kidman. Such is the elegance of the Vespa's design, that Armani himself recently contributed to a very special series of the scooter almost exclusively targeting collectionists. Armani's model, the 946, is inspired to the first 1946 Vespa, has a grey color that shadows to an almost green in particular conditions of light and the Armani logo on the side and above the headlight. Technical characteristics in-

“After Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck rode through the streets of Rome on a Vespa, scooters became a worldwide cultural phenomenon”.

Celebrities such as Marlon Brando and Dean Martin were well-known Vespa lovers of that period, contributing immensely to the creation of the scooter’s image. The Vespa was destined to appear in other iconic movies, not just of the

period between the 50's and the 60's, but also later. Fellini 'directed' Vespa drivers in his 1960 La Dolce Vita, while among the many other films where Vespa plays an important role, almost that of a character, include Mauro Bolognini's

clude an almost silent four-stroke engine with electronic injection, a 220 millimeters double brake disc, a dual channel ABS, and 12 inches wide wheels. In 'simple' words, a scooter “with rationally placed parts and elements with a frame combining with mudguards and engine-cowling covering all working parts,” of which “the whole constitutes a rational, comfortable motorcycle offering protection from mud and dust without jeopardizing requirements of appearance and elegance.”

THE FIRST DINER IN FLORENCE SINCE 2004

Hash Browns, French Toast, Hamburgers, Bacon and Eggs, Home Fries, Milkshakes, Chocolate Chip and Bluberry Pancakes Via dell’Acqua, 3 • www.theflorencediner.com • 055 29 07 48 Open every day from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

24 Florence News

SPORT

An English Fairytale With an Old Florentine Acquaintance

Leicester City’s Premier League Victory conducted by former Fiorentina coach Ranieri

WILL HAINSWORTH

carpenter bet £5 on Leicester City winning the Premier League at the beginning of the season: he won £ 25.000. It is this initial odd that- better than anything else- explains the extent of Leicester’s victory of the most unpredictable Premier League, maybe the greatest exploit in the history of football itself. A fairytale, a dream

Rafting

Kayak

that has come true week after week since last August. At the forefront of this success is the calm, level-headed figure of Claudio Ranieri, whose measured approach has ensured egos stay checked and focus maintained. Ranieri’s style, coaching approach, and personality are well remembered here in Florence, too. The calm, measured man who is about to bring Leicester City to its first Premier League title was Fioren-

Sup

Rafting,Kayak and SUP on the Arno and the Sieve rivers. Half-day or two day activities over the weekend on rivers, lakes and the sea of Tuscany.

www.t-rafting.com info@t-rafting.com Enrico: 3356844664 Sebastian 3398979963

tina’s coach from 1993 to 1997, bringing up the team from Serie B to Serie A in the 1993-94 season, and winning an Italy Cup and Italian Super Cup in 1996. At various points in the season Ranieri has been in the news, whether giving his team two days off a week (longer than any other British club) or pizza when they keep a clean sheet, Ranieri has not put a foot wrong. As if these actions don’t embody his relaxed and

WINNER OF 2016 GELATO FESTIVAL Via de' Ginori 49r

MAY www.florencenews.it thoughtful philosophy enough, he was also found in Rome having lunch with his ninety-four year old mother on the day Chelsea played against Tottenham (a title deciding clash!). At no point during the course of the season has Ranieri been anything but humble; he has effectively and consistently played down Leicester’s chances to the extent that their title victory has almost crept up on the big clubs who assumed they would falter at some point. The winter in British football is notoriously hard to navigate. It is a time which exposes the cracks in a team’s makeup and the table begins to take its natural, more solidified path, the aftermath of which generally sees teams fluctuate in the rankings less. Few believed that Leicester had either the talent nor the stamina to sustain their success. It was precisely the winter that revealed that Leicester were definite title contenders, they entered the spring fresh faced having lost just one league game in three months. One of the major turning points in the season and perhaps the moment at which Leicester were deemed a serious outfit was the home win to Chelsea (2-1) on Dec. 14. In the first half Jamie Vardy latched on to a sumptuous curled cross from wide after making a crafty run between the centre backs. In the second half Leicester then went 2-0 up after an anguine run from Mahrez exhibiting his excellent agility. In February came a huge match away to Manchester City (1-3). At this point the contenders for the title

along with Leicester were Arsenal and City so this result proved paramount. Robert Huth took the lead after just two minutes striking home from the edge of the six yard box after a well worked training ground routine from an indirect free kick: set pieces being another good facet of Leicester’s game we can attribute to Ranieri. Mahrez the £400,000 explosive midfielder, as was his custom this season, then joined in by skipping jauntily through the City back four and firing hard to Hart’s right. Huth then completed his brace with a headed goal from a corner, again showing the clear effort and importance placed on set pieces. Not only was this a win, it was a comfortable one with exuded flair and real drive. Ranieri’s football style is typically Italian. His first concern was suring up the defense to then build the team’s spine, which has been Schmeichel, Huth, Kante, Vardy. This solidity showed itself to be crucial for Leicester. Over the course of the season they achieved 15 clean sheets made 152 blocks and 1005 clearances. Another decisive ingredient was that Leicester players have been quite lucky with injuries, with Jamie Vardy appearing 34 times before the decisive game against Manchester United. Ranieri’s humble outlook, combined with his frugal, intelligent signings and his emphasis on defense have all contributed to propel Leicester to the edge of paradise. And to make the fortune of a carpenter who admitted that, when he bet, he was drunk.

MAY www.florencenews.it

Florence News 25

NEWS

26 Florence News

CITY BEAT

Silvana Presents Valdimir Jovicevic

MAY www.florencenews.it

Cetkovic on Display

egan restaurant and shop Silvana is presenting the exhibition Il Viaggiatore nel Tempo by contemporary artist Maya Cetkovic starting from April 21. Since the beginning of her career, Cetkovic inspects the relation between matter and soul trying to discover the hidden connections to an “other” truth referring to the Cartesian Dualism key concept of “res cogitans”, the man’s psychic reality which finds its foundation, and the proof of its existence in the thought and toward which the “resextends” is opposed, that is the physical essence subjects to mechanistic laws that make the human being slave of senses. The human body becomes the physical case of a deeper essence, invisible and immortal, that permeates the whole universe.

The Silvana organic vegan restaurant and shop is presenting an exhibition by Valdimir Jovicevic. The opening is sheduled fot May 19 at 6.30 p.m. in Via de’ Neri 12/r. Born in Montenegro in 1987, Jovicevic attended the school of painting in the Cultural Center Civat before moving to Italy where he completed his studies at the Accademia delle Belle Arti in Terni. He then specialized in realistic painting at the Florence Academy of Art, where he received a scholarship and was awarded in 2013 the prize for the best painting of the year.

Murano Glass in Santa Croce

urano glass and Carnevale mask enthusiasts need not travel to Venice for quality souvenir items. Alvise Giustinian is a gift and art store specializing in Murano-made items, which guarantees the sale of purely Murano products without importation. Products include masks, jewelry, and glass objects for the home. Jewelry has proven to be the shop’s most popular item, due to the ease of transport and availability of products starting at merely €5, according to its owner Paola. Alvise Giustinian’s spacious interior allows for an abundant selection of gifts and a comfortable shopping experience. Paola’s customers tell her that prices in this beautiful, museum-like shop are lower than those in Venice.

Alvise Giustinian

Corso Tintori, 19/r www.alvisegiustian.com

28 Florence News

CHIANTI

Greve Celebrates Giro d’Italia Historic Bicycle Race Stops in Chianti

Since 1909, the Giro d’Italia is an annual race held in Italy between May and June. First organized to increase sales of the newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, the race quickly gained popularity reaching its peak in the immediate post World War II years thanks to the rivalry between the two giants Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartoli. A Tuscan native and an observant catholic, Bartali was opposed to Piedmontese Fausto Coppi who primarily had the support of the working class and thus of the Communist party’s supporters. The rivalry between Coppi and Bartali became metaphor of the internal division, in both politics and society, between catholics and communists, between middle class and working class. The Giro this year has 21 stops, one of which is Greve in Chianti, on Sunday, May 15. Greve is celebrating the Giro with two weeks of events.

The Program of the Events • May 6 –22

Art Exhibition – Greve in Chianti “Cycling in a flight on Fancy” Cast-iron sculptures by Giacomo Del Giudice S. Francesco Museum and art installation in Piazza Matteotti. Inauguration May 6, 5 p.m.

• May 6-8

Iris Festival – S. Polo in Chianti “A Flower for a Territory” – Photography exhibition by Francesco Cerbolini

• May 6-22

S. Anna Baby Park – Greve in Chianti Games and other attractions for kids

• May 16-21

Growing aware Slow Lab – Greve in Chi-

anti Parco S. Anna, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Organized by La Tarumba

• May 7-8

Flowers Festival – Greve in Chianti Saturday 4 – 8 p.m. – Sunday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Floral installation in Piazza Matteotti “The Pink Square” by Florence Flower Glowers’ Association and plant nursery TISSI Leonello – until May 22

• May 7-22

Windows en rose – Greve in Chianti Downtown window dressing contest Prize given by CCN “Le Botteghe di Greve” and retailers association Confesercenti Sunday May 22 at 11 a.m. in piazza Matteotti

• May 8

Vintage Vespas meeting – Greve in Chianti “Riding a vespa on the Routes of the Giro d’Italia” Riding on the course of the time trial Chianti Classico Stage Organized by the VESPA CLUB of Greve in Chianti

• May 13

Book Presentation – Greve in Chianti Greve Public Library, 5:30 p.m. “Vineyard touring on wheels. From Prato to Chianti and back” By Emiliano Gucci – Published by Laterza Concert – Greve in Chianti “Pink tunes”

MAY www.florencenews.it Marco di Maggio’s Trio Piazza della Resistenza, 9:30 p.m.

• May 14

Traditional Market in Greve in Chianti Piazza Ferrante Mori, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Amateur cycling tour “The Rooster in Pink” Greve – Radda – Castellina – S. Donato In Poggio – Panzano – Greve – 65 km Starting point Piazza Matteotti, 9:30 a.m. Concert&Aperitif – Greve in Chianti “Pink Drink” by the School of Music of Greve in Chianti Terrace of the Museum S. Francesco, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Concert – Greve in Chianti “Rumore Rose” live Piazza Angelo Vassallo, 9:30 p.m. Following BIBI DJ – Live Set “Rock on Vinyl” “Vino al Vino in Miniatura” – Panzano in Chianti Wine tasting organized by Panzano Vintners’ Union Piazza Bucciarelli Saturday 12 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Sunday 11:30 a.m.– 7 p.m. Live Jazz 5 p.m. 7 p.m. Concert – Panzano in Chianti Live music by “Gli scordati” Piazza Bucciarelli, 9:30 p.m.

• May 14-15

Aritsans’ garden – Greve in Chianti Organized by CAN Piazza Trieste, from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

WINE & TYPICAL TUSCAN PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING Piazza Matteotti 18 50022 Greve in Chianti (FI) 055853631• chianticlassicshop@gmail.com Enoteca Bottega del Chianti Classico

• May 15

Wine&Food village – Greve in Chianti Local associations and our traditional cuisine Largo Finetti “Panzano and the Giro” – Panzano in Chianti Photography exhibition on Panzano’s love for cycling Organized by PROLOCO PANZANO Piazza Bucciarelli

• May 16

Book Presentation – Greve in Chianti Palace of the Tower, 10:30 a.m. “Tommy sapeva correre” by Paolo ALBERATI Ed. Giunti – Progetti Educativi

• May 21-22

Showcase of Cittaslow – Greve in Chianti Exhibition of the Bikes of the Operation Mato Grosso “Recycling, renovating and reusing: second life for the bikes from the dump” and“Artisans at work” with the organic market “Il pagliaio” Piazza Matteotti and Piazzetta S. Croce Wine in the Castle – Montefioralle Chianti Classico wine tasting and medieval entertainment in the ancient town of Montefioralle 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Photography exhibition – Greve in Chianti Organized by FotoClub Chianti “On the roads of the Giro: May 15 stage in pictures” FotoClub Chianti, Via Giuliotti n.13 Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.

SPECIALTIES Typical Tuscan Grill Handmade Pasta

Via C. Battisti 9 50022 Greve in Chianti 0558544802 www.enoristorantegallonero.it

MAY www.florencenews.it

Florence News 29

CHIANTI

5 Tips for Visiting Greve, the Heart of Chianti

San Gimignano Prepares Harvest Feast Fiera delle Messi returns June 17-19

cesco, which was inaugurated in 2002 in the former convent of San Francesco and presents several important paintings and other pieces of art; the Wine Museum, just outside the square, set in a space as big as 800 square meters where previously were the Mirafiori cellars and where now it is possible to learn and ‘see’ the history of wine. 5) What to eat: Beyond sipping on the wine from Greve in Chianti, must-eats in Greve are grilled meat and pig products such as prosciutto, salami, finocchiona, crostini, and truffles. For more information on Greve visit the website: http://www.comune. greve-in-chianti.fi.it/

Credits: Flickr User Stefano Costantini

1) How to get to Greve: Although getting to Greve in Chianti via car would be the easiest and the most scenic, there are other modes of transportation available. An easy way to get to the town would be from the Santa Maria Novella station. Hop on bus line 365 and you will get to Greve in Chianti in just about an hour. 2) What to do: Beyond being the entrance gate into the Chianti region, Greve in Chianti is full of historical sites. Every Saturday morning, the

weekly market takes place in Greve in Chianti’s main square, Piazza Matteotti. The Saturday morning market offers local products by artisans, workshops and restaurants. 3) What to see: the Piazza Matteotti; the Chiesa Santa Croce, constructed in the 11th century and was rebuilt in 1325 with a neoclassic façade; the Montefioralle and Verrazzano castles. 4) Museums: Greve offers two museums, the Museum of San Fran-

Book your trip to Chianti with tour agency KEYS OF FLORENCE. www.keysofflorence.com

modern version of the Harvest Feast of the Middles Ages, in which towns of central Italy celebrated the harvest season with music, dances and jousters, every year on the third weekend of June the festival recreates the magic atmosphere of the happiest moment of the year. Organized by the Cavalieri di Santa Fina – an association that gets its name name from Fina dei Ciardi, patron of the city, and that has the goal of celebrating the past of San Gimignano – the event begins on Friday, June 17 at 9:30 p.m. in Piazza Duomo and goes until 11 p.m. with dances, drums and knights exhibits. On Saturday festivities start at 4 p.m. with a reproduction of a mil-

itary camp in the Rocca di Montestaffoli. A colorful costume parade that will arrive in Piazza Duomo at 4:30 p.m., marking the start of other attractions and events that wil end at night with music and dancing in the piazza. On Sunday, the festival begins at 11 a.m. with a medieval market in the Piazza delle Erbe. In the afternoon are scheduled a parade with more than 500 men dressed in handmade costumes, a joust and a flag-thrower show. At 7 p.m. the Joust of Bastioni will reward with a gold blaze the knights of the best of the four borough’s contrade. The festival will end on Sunday at around 7:30 p.m. with a circle dance involving all participants and visitors.

SIENA & SAN GIMIGNANO

TOUR

Private chauffeur & guide

Intimate experience

Tailor made

Forget the big caotic buses PHONE: +39 055 045 3121 WHATS APP: +39 324 075 6714 INFO@KEYSOFFLORENCE.COM WWW.KEYSOFFLORENCE.COM

Premium Tourist Services

30 Florence News

MAY www.florencenews.it

Robert Capa in Italy. 1943–1944 Exhibit depicts war waged by ordinary people

8 photographies to tell WWII in Italy. The Modern and Contemporary Art Gallery Raffaele De Garda in San Gimignano is presenting the exhibition Robert Capa in Ita-

ly. 1943–1944 until July 10, showcasing pictures from the Robert Capa Master Selection III series of the National Hungarian Museum in Budapest. The event was orga-

nized by the City of San Gimignano, the Alinari National Museum of Photography and the National Hungarian Museum. The exhibit depicts war waged by both soldiers and civilians, from the Allied landing in Sicily through to such historic events as the Allied soldiers welcomed by the people of Monreale just outside of Palermo and the surrender of Palermo; the famous Four Days of Naples, when the city’s residents pulled together to form a united front against the German troops; and the battle of Monteccassino, with shots of civilians escaping from the battlefield taking place in the surrounding mountains. Capa’s images, with their immediacy and humanity, immortalize all their subjects with the same solidarity, giving us back the fear, the wait, the very moment before the shooting, the rest and, finally, the hope. “Capa knew what to look for and what to do after finding it. He knew, for example, that one cannot portray the war, because it is above all an emotion. But he was able to photograph the emotion knowing it closely,” said American writer John Steinbeck. Known as the ‘father of photojournalism’, Capa spent 20 years on the battlefield capturing scenes from five major world wars before his death at the age of 41 in a Vietnam-

ese landmine. He also reported about the Spanish Civil War, the Sino-Japanese War, the Arab-Israeli war of 1948 and the First Indochina War. Hernest Hemingway, who was a friend of Capa, recalled him as “a good friend and a great and extremely brave photographer, live to such an extent that one must go all out to think him dead.” Capa was born in Budapest in 1913. Exiled from Hungary in 1931, he began working as a photographer in Berlin and became famous for his photos taken during the Spanish Civil War between 1936 and 1939. Sent to Italy as a war correspondent after the outbreak of World War II, between July 1943 and Febraury 1944 he portrayed the lives of soldiers and civilians alike in the period.

Robert Capa in Italy. 1943–1944 Until July 10 Modern and Contemporary Art Gallery Raffaele De Garda San Gimignano, Via Folgore da San Gimignano 11

A Journey Through Human Cruelty The Torture and Death Penalty Museum displays more than 100 tools designed to torture and kill. Some of these tools are extremely rare, dating to the sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. They include the notorious ‘iron maiden,’ the guillotine, rack, torture chair and the chastity belt. Also on display are lesser-known sophisticated devices, such as the ‘heretic’s fork,’ the ‘noisemaker’s fife,’ the ‘Spanish spider’, and flaying instruments.

Open daily from 9.30 a.m. – 7 p.m. Cost: €7.50 full price; €6.50 reduced (over 65, kids from 7 to 17, groups of at least 20 people) www.sangimignanomusei.it

Via San Giovanni, 82 & 125 San Gimignano Open daily: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. 0577-940526, 055-940151 Tickets: Full €10 Concessions: €7; Groups: €5 www.museodellatortura.it

Explore the Gagliardi Contemporary Art Gallery

he Galleria Gagliardi was established in 1991, in a 400-square-meter space once used as a garage and farm machinery store. Today the gallery bears absolutely no resemblance to the original building apart from a section of the floor made up of oak boards, covering a hole which once enabled repairs to the underside of cars and machinery in the absence of a ramp. This work of art was created by the previous owner, Dino Conforti, and has been left in his memory. Since 1991, the exhibition area of the gallery has been extended and the gallery has now become a cultural reference for the promotion and sale of contemporary art. Every work is chosen directly from the studios of artists who constantly experiment new solutions through their research, renewing their approach and skills. The gallery exhibits ceramic, bronze and marble sculptures; conceptual, abstract and figurative paintings as well as works in steel, iron and wood by Italian and international artists. Via San Giovanni, 57 San Gimignano galleria@galleriagagliaradi.com www.galleriagagliardi.com

32 Florence News

FOOD & WINE

Taste Wine with Pino In a 700-year-old well

‘P

ozzo Divino’ is a witty play on words: literally meaning ‘divine well’, it also translates as ‘wine well’ when read as ‘Pozzo di Vino’. The ancient well is now the cellar that hosts Pozzo Divino’s wine tours. Dating back to 1312, the well was built to supply water through a vast system of underground tunnels and pipes to the prisoners of a local prison known as ‘The Stinche’ (now Teatro Verdi) that stretched as far as the Bargello. Pino bought the location in 2006 and restored it himself with the help of some friends. Despite its

restoration, Pino reveals that it was always his principal intention to maintain a tangible sense of history when stepping into the cellar. This is something he has undoubtedly achieved; the place is almost like a time-machine propelling you back a few centuries into a part of authentic medieval Florence – albeit in excellent condition. Pino imparts his knowledge while taking guests around the cellar, offering a range of Italian wines to sample with an appetizer of complementary regional cheeses, cuts of meats, bread, olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

MAY www.florencenews.it

Guests are offered a spectrum of Tuscan flavors to try, from a variety of the region’s renowned Chianti Classico to white wines that include Chardonnay, Sauvignon and Pinot Grigio. The wine-tasting ends with the most exclusive reds of the cellar: Bolgheri, Super Tuscan, Morellino and Montepulciano. Upon request, guests also enjoy a buffet lunch comprising fresh pasta, specialty Italian second courses, and “the best panini in the world” made by Pino himself. Pino boasts that 90 percent of the wines he holds are of Tuscan origin, and that his tours prove so popular that he often ships back boxes of the wine sampled to America in order to appease impressed customers. Those looking to take a taste of Tuscany back home can find comprehensive information on shipping zones and freight costs on the company’s website. Pozzo Divino’s wine tours can be organized for tourist groups, families and universities, and cost only €15 a head – which not only makes it an experience to enjoy over the festive season but also an ideal Christmas gift for lovers of Tuscany’s finest vintages.

Pozzo Divino Only 15 Euro! Via Ghibellina, 144/r 055 24 66 907 Open from Monday to Saturday Wine-tasting on Sundays by appointment (minimum 10 people) www.pozzodivino.it

Dine with Dante

amed after Dante Alighieri’s The Divine Comedy, a homely, rustic taverna fittingly lies on Via dei Cimatori, only a few meters away from Dante’s house. The restaurant offers traditional dishes based on medieval recipes. Some are adapted and revisited for the modern age in a way that one maintains the omnipresent feeling of Florentine history and tradition – so much so that Dante himself could walk in and dine next to you. Others are as they were centuries ago. Traditional medieval-style dishes include homemade ribbon pasta with wild boar and mushroom sauce, roast shin of pork with new potatoes and seasonal vegetables, risotto inspired by medieval Tus-

can flavors, and tasting plates of assorted cheeses accompanied with fresh fruit and jams, including the taverna’s specialty hot red pepper jam. Also serving as a wine bar and pizzeria, the restaurant offers an eclectic selection of wines from its cellar, an outdoor summer terrace, and is fittingly decorated in a medieval style with armour and banners.

Taverna Divina Commedia Via dei Cimatori, 7r 055 21 53 69

THE RESTAURANT OF THE FLORENTINES

Wide selection of vegeterian dishes

Located in Via Ghibellina near Santa Croce, Da Que’ Ganzi offers a fresh seafood and meat menu for both lunch and dinner. Tuscan specialties include ribollita and authentic Florentine steak, and all of the cakes and sweets are homemade. A special weekday lunch menu for less than €10 makes the restaurant affordable for anyone. Special dishes: BAKED SEA BASS & TUSCAN STEAK Mon. to Sun.: 12–2:30 p.m. & 7–11:30 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays. Via Ghibellina, 70/r •055 22 60 010 www.daqueiganzi.it • info@daqueiganzi.it

SUMMER TRIPS WITH BUS2ALPS Check out some of our upcoming trips below, and make sure to check out more online at www.bus2alps.com

Amalfi Coast Budapest

Every weekend 6/16, 7/21

Taste of Tuscany

Every Weekend

Cinque Terre Day Trip

Every Weekend

Croatia

Every weekend

Interlaken & Lake Como

bus2alps.com

6/2, 6/16, 7/14, 7/21 bus2alps

@bus2alps_travel

FIRENZE ASIAN FUSION RESTAURANT

ALL YOU CAN EAT

GRILLING AND CHURRASCO

serving by the table ...also for lunch

LUNCH:

Buffet all you can eat 10,90 €- Saturday/Sunday and holidays 12,90 € (Drinks Excluded)

DINNER:

Buffet all you can eat 21,00 € (Drinks Excluded) Children shorten than 120cm pay 6,00 € for lunch and 12,00 € for dinner

PINGUSTO FLORENCE

Largo Annigoni, 11 - Tel. 055 23 44 397 - www.pingusto.it Open every day 12.10-15.00 and 19.10-23.30

MAY www.florencenews.it

Visit the Amalfi Coast with Bus2Alps K

nown for its picturesque sights and a laid-back beach vibe that has attracted celebrities, weekend jetsetters and college students from all around the world, the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s true paradises. It is also the site of a variety of unmissable destinations, including Naples, Pompeii and the Isle of Capri. Spring is the best time to visit this region because the crowds and heat have not yet swarmed the beaches, making the trip with Bus2alps to the Isle

of Capri and the seaside towns of Positano and Sorrento ideal. When first visiting this region, visitors are greeted with the sight of Mount Vesuvius looming over the countryside and dramatic views of traditional cities built into sloping cliffs.As the tour journeys to the Isle of Capri, visitors experience a mystical place that is home to many ancient myths, including the sirens from Homer’s Odyssey. On the private boat tour around the island provided by Bus2alps,

you too will be captivated, not by mythical creatures, but by the natural beauty of the area. Visitors also journey to the world-famous Blue Grotto and the peak of Mount Solaro. The grotto is not only exceptional because it is an accessible sea cave, but the sunlight that travels through the entrance illuminates the clear water and creates brilliant blue and green hues. Mount Solaro is the tallest point on Capri, reaching 589 meters and providing unparalleled views of the landscape. After sunbathing and exploring the island, visit the seaside town of Positano, a short ride from Sant’Agnello and Sorrento. Positano is made up of multicolored buildings that cling to the cliff above the hot black sand and pebble beaches. Visitors can enjoy people-watching in the glorious surrounds and a variety of water sports. Only the Bus2alps tour includes a ferry to Capri with a private boat tour of the island, as well as transportation to Positano and Pompeii. The last day of the trip includes a tour of the ruins of Pompeii accompanied by an optional private guide, who recounts fascinating tales of the ancient city’s history. The trip was awarded Second-Best Tour Worldwide and is the twotime winner of Best Tour in Europe by TourRadar in 2012 and 2013.

bus2alps AMALFI

Florence News 35

TRAVEL Included: • Round-trip luxury coach transport (with A/C, DVD & bathroom) • Accommodation with your friends at top-rated hostels • Breakfast • Private ferry to the Isle of Capri with a private guided boat tour of the island (with a stop at the Blue Grotto) • Private transfer to Positano • Private transport to Pompeii • Exclusive Bus2alps discounts everywhere • A Bus2alps trip leader • The Amalfi Coast Bus2alps destination guide

COAST €265

Next Trip Dates: Every Weekend starting 3/24

36 Florence News

CITY BEAT

ICAN

Furò e Punteruolo Via del Giglio, 29/r.

*NE

M ER A *

for six years, he’s already made a name for himself both in Florence and as far afield as Japan. However, manual dexterity runs in Paolo’s veins; his father and grandfather worked in wood and iron, and he credits them with his ability. “In Tuscany, manual skill is widespread and forms part of the genetic heritage of the region,” he says. Indeed, Paolo’s workshop is named after the two principal instruments of the trade: the Furò and Punteruolo. The shop is very close to the train station.

E FF

ight and airy with clean lines and a minimalist feel: Paolo Fattori’s leather workshop is where the modern world meets ancient Florentine tradition. Only the lingering scent of leather and the sight of Paolo busily working at an island bench indicates that this is a workshop producing finely crafted leather bags, backpacks, belts and articles from the hands of the man himself. Rolls of jewel-colored leather line the walls, numbered and certified by Tuscan company Consorzio Vera Pelle Italiana Conciata al Vegetale, which practises an artisan method of vegetable-dyed leather that has its origins in the Renaissance. Although Paolo has only been working in leather full-time

www.florencenews.it

Gazzarrini Celebrates 200th Anniversary

The Art of Producing Bags and Leather Goods

MAY

A historical landmark of quality and craftsmanship

roducing saddles and suitcases for over 200 years. It all began shortly after Napoleon was exiled to the island of Elba after his military campaigns in Europe. Indeed it was in 1815 when the Gazzarrini store first opened in Florence. The location was the same as today, Via Porta Rossa. At that time the store’s address was number 13, which corresponds to today’s 71–73/r. The shop initially produced saddles and suitcases. The first landmark change came in 1911 when Giuseppe Gazzarrini, an employee of the shop, bought the firm and decided to specialize in suitcases. In the 1920s the firm began to exhibit at national and international trade fairs, where it was lauded for the

quality of its products. One of the Gazzarrini family’s most difficult moments came in 1966, when Florence’s famous flood thoroughly damaged the shop. After the flood, the Gazzarrini came up with their most innovative idea. They were the first to introduce “rigid suitcases” to Florence, which at the time just was an American novelty. Today you can find countless leather goods at the shop in Via Porta Rossa, as well as travel accessories and quality brands, including Samsonite, Tumi, and Longchamp, of which Via Porta Rossa, 71/r valigeriagazzarrini.com

Learn How to Sew

olorful, creative and social. It is this shop, named Merenda in Sartoria and tucked away in the heart of San Frediano, that a local young woman with a passion for sewing teaches an art that was a joy and a way of life for our grandmothers. The workshop’s title derives from the idea of enjoying afternoon tea at the tailor’s. What the shop offers is not simply limited to sewing. Classes are available in knitting, crocheting, and other workshops are run throughout the year, further fusing creativity with a friendly atmosphere. Merenda in Sartoria is a place to delve into the world of design more seriously for aspiring seamstresses, or to pursue a budding hobby amidst an environment of good conversation and innovation. Events are announced on the facebook page of the shop.

Merenda in Sartoria Via del Drago d’Oro, 11/r 338 958 9205 info@merendainsartoria.com

bus2alps

CROATIA

€265

Next Trip Dates:

Every Weekend

38 Florence News

MUSIC

MAY www.florencenews.it

The Port of Florentine Musicians

Jazz, Blues and Rock & Roll

Jazz and traditional Italian music at the Porto di Mare club

s with any port, Porto di Mare-Eskimo is synonymous with exchange, correspondence, and coming and going. This year the club has an important novelty: courses of typical Italian dance Tarantella, which will be taking place on Friday night. Porto di Mare's focus on live music and cultural exchange is one that the man who started the club, Francesco Cofone, holds close to his heart.

“We never play anything recorded here” he says with a smile. The method of bridging cultures at Porto di Mare is just getting out an instrument and beginning to play. “I’d be keen to talk to anyone who is interested in playing and sharing their music with us,” Francesco says. The club has also created its own big band, the Eskimo Jazz Orchestra. An all-star Tuscan jazz

PAINTING Short and & Longterm DRAWING Workshops on Painting and INTENSIVE Drawing 10 DAYS WORKSHOP DAY CLASSES STUDIO RENTAL AVAILABLE www.facebook.com/studiotoscanella/ Via Toscanella 33R , 50123 Firenze 3407371239 340 737 1239 www.studiotoscanella.com www.studiotoscanella.com

band born under the initiative of Francesco, it includes some of the biggest and respected names on the jazz scene amongst its members. Among these are trumpeter and band conductor Fabio Morgera, who played under legendary American jazz cornetist; composer and conductor Butch Morris for 30 years in New York; Dario Cecchini, sax and leader of Italian marching band Funk Off; trumpeter Luca Marianini; trombone player Stefano Scalzi and guitarist Riccardo Onori, who both played alongside renowned Italian singer-songwriter and rapper Jovanotti; percussionists Walter Paoli, ex-member of 1970s Italian jazz, progressive rock and electronic group Area, and Piero Borri; clarinet player Nico Gori; and guitarists Paolo Conte, Ivano Fossati and Riccardo Galardini – to name just (a little more than) a few. The band’s genre has evolved from classical music to a looser, improvised style. “Morris’s idea was to dissolve any sort of ‘formation’ in the orchestra, and for this reason, conducting isn’t undertaken in one style but acts more like a tool for endless different styles,” Fabio Morgera explains. “I conduct a group of musicians but they have complete freedom of the choice of notes; it’s an exchange between us. There’s no rigid music score to follow …

In this way, it’s possible to create music together that has an organic quality,” Francesco says. The band performs live at the venue every month, and has already had many requests from specialised magazines to festival directors. Porto di Mare therefore not only offers locals and outsiders the opportunity to immerse themselves in and contribute to the local music scene, but also to witness the emergence of Florence as host to a new style of jazz.

Playing live at Nof

he NOF club will be the home of live music in Florence with special weekly events like Monday jazz nights. Tuesday nights will be dedicated to improvisational theater and cabaret, whilst one Wednesday a month the club will host international guests. Thanks to owner Filippo Zanasi and barmaid Camilla who have renovated the NOF club for the 2015-2016 season, the bar will be hosting bigger and better artists almost every night of the week. Diverse bands of upmost quality will be playing at the club, covering an array of musical genres from jazz

to indie, blues to rock and roll. Admission is free and the club is located on the southern side of the Arno, reachable by crossing the Ponte alla Carraia.

NOF Club Borgo San Frediano, 17r Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 8pm - 3am Free admission For more info: www.facebook.com/NofGallery

CHECK THE PROGRAM ON FACEBOOK CONTACT FRANCESCO COFONE Via Pisana, 128 055 71 20 34 portodimareeskimo@gmail.com Porto di Mare – Eskimo

NEW GYM NEAR SANTA MARIA NOVELLA

SNACK BAR ANNA THE BAGEL POINT

Brand new gym in the heart of Florence is now open. • Fully outfitted with the latest cardio & strength equipment from Technogym • Offering a wide array of classes ranging from Zumba to Pilates, every week • All-inclusive memberships with no sign-up fees • Special pricing for students • Friendly English-speaking staff • Free wi-fi

Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and the jumbo cappuccinos while having a chat with Anna and Stefano, who will welcome you in a warm and friendly way. Grab one of the many homemade bagels, the bar’s perfected specialty since 1990. These bagels and sandwiches have made this snack spot one of the most popular among local Americans. While taking a break in the back seating area you will be pleased to experience the no-charge table service, which places Snack Bar Anna far from the ‘tourist traps’ in the city.

Mon. to Fri.: 8 a.m.-10 p.m, Saturday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m, Sunday: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Via dei Fossi, 56/r 055 23 96 497

Opening hours: Mon. to Sat.: 8:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m. Via de’ Ginori, 26/r 055 23 81 143 miranna.lomartire@gmail.com

Cooking Classes In Tavola aims to spread the rich food and wine culinary traditions of Italy and the Tuscany region through an incredible variety of dishes and recipes to all interested in learning the secrets behind the traditional Italian kitchen. With this intent to promote their knowledge, In Tavola organizes several opportunities for professionals and beginners to participate in cooking and baking lessons with the guidance of professional Chefs in an individual or group setting.

Via dei Velluti, 18/20r 055 217672 www.intavola.org

Il Supermercato... da Gustare e deGustare

Sapori & Dintorni is the new way to do the shopping: in the heart of Florence there is a place where Food, Culture and Territory meet. Get in and discover the Big Supermarket to test and taste! Inside you will find many typical products of the Italian food tradition. Buy your favorite product and taste it within the tasting area.

FIND YOUR LOCAL BIG SUPERMARKET IN THE CITY CENTER

Be nso C

.Go

elli

Ric a

i Mart

Via

Via dei Lamberti

Piazza De’ Donati

Chiesa di Santa Trinità

ccia

posto

li Piazza di Santo Stefano

rdin

i Fiu

Piazza Santa Felicita

Ve cch

llo

de ron

agg

Costa S.Gio rgio

lli me

Via d e

Costa S.Gio rgio

e’ B

ardi

agno

dei M

Via M

Via d

Costa

Piazza Santa Felicita

Fiu

’ Bar

Po nte

Via Piazza degli Angiolieri

Sapori & Dintorni Borgo San Lorenzo Po nte Ve cc hio

nti A

gar

iffi

Piazza della Signoria

Piazza di Santa Cicilia

o Sa

ei B

Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore

Battistero di San Giovanni

Via Porta Rossa

Borg

Via d

o Borg o Sa n Lo

renz

Piazza della Repubblica

Via dei Calzaiuoli

Vi ad

uova

N Vigna

Sapori V&ia Dintorni LG ori Largo Fratelli .Alinari, 6/7

Basilica di San Lorenzo

Via delle Oche

Via dei Sassetti

Fo s

Via de’ Tornabuoni

Donne

lla

Via dei Vecchietti

Via dei Pescioni

o or lM Vi a

Belle

lle Via de

arion

Lun

Piazza del Duomo

Via dei Pecori

Via degli Agli

Largo Fratelli Alinari

ucc

Via dei Cerretani

lla Via de

Via d iP

el P

Via d e

Borg Piazza degli Ottaviani

Via

Via d

o n Lo

o Sa

renz

a Vi

lio

Piazza dell’Unità italiana

sol i

Via L

Via

Basilica di Santa Maria Novella

Marte

elli

Via Ric a

ori ’ Gin

ei N

lin

A lli

Via de i

am illo

ant

Basilica di San Lorenzo

g ar

Via C

Piazza dell’Unità italiana

Via d e

el C

Largo Fratelli Alinari

avo ur

lla S tufa Via de

Via d

aen

Stazione Ferroviaria Firenze Santa Maria Novella

F Via

Piazza della Stazione Centrale

ium

lin

A F.

F Via

a Vi

Ta d

to ien

ium

z Na

Vi a

r ll’A de Via

F Via

Stazione Ferroviaria Firenze Santa Maria Novella

a on

Vi a

Lun

’B

gar

Tor r

igia

Sapori & Dintorni Via de’ Bardi, 45/47

THE BIG SUPERMARKETS ARE OPEN: • Monday - Saturday: from 08.30 am to 9.00 pm • Sunday: from 09.30 am to 9.00 pm

FOR THE

L ABEL LOVERS INDULGE IN DESIGNER BRANDS FOR UP TO 70% LESS, JUST 30 MINUTES FROM THE CITY CENTRE. Love fashion? Head to Barberino Designer Outlet. You’ll find sought-after brands for up to 70% less, all year round. With over 130 stores to choose from, plus tempting cafés and restaurants, we’re the perfect place to indulge in summer fashion.

GETTING HERE We run a convenient daily shuttle bus service from Florence train station – visit our website to find out more.

LUXURY BRANDS

SAVE AN EXTRA

10%

Take this page to our information desk to enjoy an extra 10% off outlet prices.

Take your pick from Italian and international brands including Dolce & Gabbana, Blumarine, Hugo Boss and many more.

TAX F REE S HOPPING Non-EU citizens can enjoy a tax refund on products purchased in our centre.

MCARTHURGLEN.IT/BARBERINO

GL1078_17_SS16_Barberino_Press_Advertorial_Florence Newspaper_270x354mm_AW.indd 1

06/05/2016 18:06