The Florence Newspaper Issue 32 by Narine Nalbandyan

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JUNE 2012, Suppl. N.32 pages 20, 22

Marilyn Monroe Exhibit at the Ferragamo Museum

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Return of Il Palio and Calcio Storico

Easy Day Trips close to Florence MAP & DE GUI DE I S IN

A Day to Remember

Sleepless Nights

Honoring Florentine Symbol Giovanni Spadolini

The fallout and far-reaching effects of the closings on city’s number one nightlife street

Eugenio Giani President of the Florence City Council

Andrew Shepherd

he Florence Municipal police have been making headlines nationwide in recent days on account of the sudden and unforeseen 10pm curfew imposed upon the city’s bustling epicenter of nightlife, Via de’ Benci.

Although not the historic cultural center of Florence, Via de’ Benci has long been the center of the city’s evening entertainment and has, for many people, become as synonymous with the city as some of the more historical parts. But between the 25th of May and the 11th June, after

10pm the usual hoard of young locals, study abroad students and tourists made way for little more than the odd scooter passing through and local residents peering from above, making absolutely sure there’s nobody down there for them to disapprove of.

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July the 21st is an important day on the Florentine calendar. On that day in 1925, one of the most excellent Florentines of the 20th century was born: Giovanni Spadolini. A former History Professor and Editor-inchief of some of the most important Italian newspapers, Spadolini also served as Italian Prime Minister in 1981-1982 and as President of the Senate from 1987 to 1994. A brilliant historian and talented writer, as a politician he remained a strong defender of liberal ideals and always supported pro-Atlanticism policies for Italy. In the aftermath of WWII, his activity as a writer and as a scholar was already intense, culminating in his appointment as editor of the Il Resto del Carlino in 1955, thirteen years before becoming the editor of Italian leading newspaper Il Corriere della Sera in 1968.

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Florence News The Life of Giovanni Spadolini CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 After leaving the Corriere, he became a member of the Italian Senate in 1972 and minister of a ministry that he created, that of Cultural Assets and Activities, with which he gave an important contribution to the protection and enhancement of the art and culture of Italy. His university career began in 1950 as professor of contemporary history at the University of Florence, and culminated in 1976 when he became chairman of the board at the Bocconi University in Milan, one of the most prestigious athenaeums in Italy. Throughout the years, his literary production has been consistent, and some of his works – such as Gli uomini che fecero l’Italia, Tradizione garibaldina e storia d’Italia, Cattolicesimo e Risorgimento, all written between the 70’s and the 80’s – are landmarks for studies on the Italian Risorgimento. Fundamental is the series of 17 volumes published by the Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze including the book La mia FirenzeFrammenti dell’età favolosa, published after his death in 1995 and edited by the continuer of his work and currently the President of the Fondazione Nuova Antologia – the Foundation dedicated to Spadolini – Cosimo Ceccuti. His numerous essays, books and articles are now collected at his former home, Fondazione Nuova Antologia in Pian De’ Giullariin, a museum that finds his reason of being in Spadolini’s own words: “My desire is to see when I’m dead the rooms of my house at Pian dei Giullari populated by young men studying the papers and books that I collected throughout my life. Aided by a university more open than ours and illuminated by a love for Italy bigger than ours. I want that house

to remain the ‘house of books.’ Everything has to remain as it is, on top of that hill of ancient cypresses: the newspaper, books, collections, to serve new generations of scholars.” Spadolini died in Rome in 1994, but was buried in Florence at San Miniato al Monte. On his tomb is simply written: “An Italian.”

Contents

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Florence News........2-7 Living in The City.....8-9 “A Guide to the City” is the monthly supplement to www.theflorencenewspaper.com. The Florence Newspaper is distributed throughout Florence in all key reference points for the English speaking community including hotels and hostels, universities and language schools, libraries, restaurants and cafes. Editor-in-Chief (Direttore Responsabile) Lorenzo Picchi direttore@theflorencenewspaper.com

Managing Editor Claudia Niemann Layout and Design Narine Nalbandyan

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Art & Culture...........10 City Guide..........11-14 Food & Wine...........16 Travel......................17 Events.....................18 History & Culture......19 Siena & Chianti........20 City Beat.................22 Sport & Fun.............23

Abstract from the book Firenze giorno per giorno. Da Capodanno a San Silvestro, a ogni sfogliar di pagina, un evento, un personaggio, un ricordo. Uno straordinario almanacco, un ritratto inedito della città e dei fiorentini © Sarnus 2011, cm 17x24, pp. 432, ill. b/n, cart., € 20,00

The Florence Newspaper 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. Please submit resume, writing sample, and short bio to info@ florencenewspaper.com. Part-time contributors are also encouraged. If you are interested in submitting stories for publication, email us at info@theflorencenewspaper.com.

Florence News

The Return of The Season

Chelsea Clinton among speakers at NYU in Florence’s event

Erin Wagner

ew York University in Florence will be holding its 8th edition of The Season at Villa La Pietra, a summer celebration of creative collaboration conducted on the grounds of the historic Villa La Pietra from June 15th to 27th. World- renowned actors, writers, musicians and artists will collaborate to present a range of performances from concerts, ballets, films and more. The Season will begin on June 15th at 10:15 a.m. with the Italian premier of the awardwinning documentary Auf Wiederesehen, ‘Till we Meet Again’, followed by a conversation between film producer Linda G. Mills and Chelsea Clinton, daughter of former President of the United States Bill Clinton. Several other events are taking place during the festival, including the performance of a composition written by a group of students from

NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts known as The Continuum Company; a public rehearsal of the capstone performance Flora-Essences of Dance featuring GM Ballet Firenze; a performance by Jonathan Batiste’s ensemble the Stay Human Band; a discussion about the intersection and juxtaposition of art and science; and film screenings of Light is Falling and Spark of Being, both by American filmmaker Bill Morrison. Also taking place is an afternoon event featuring a dialogue between several renowned authors entitled Writers Reading, the premier of the soundtrack for the 1926 German animated fairytale film The Adventures of Prince Achmed and a presentation of Carlo Goldoni’s play Servant of Two Masters by students of the NYU Commedia dell’Arte class. For more information visit www.nyu.edu/global/lapietra.

Diamond of Maria de’ Medici Auctioned for 7.5 million Euro

Claudia Niemann

irst it belonged to Maria Luisa de’ Medici.; then, throughout the centuries, it wandered around the crowns of half of Europe, decorating the monarchs of France, England, Netherlands and Prussia. Now, the 35-carat pear-shaped “Beau Sancy” – one of the world’s rarest and most famous diamonds – has a new owner. The diamond was recently sold at the auction house Sotheby’s in Genova for nearly 7.5 million euro. The buyer was an anonymous telephone bidder who was able to prevail against several competitors. Before him, the last owner of the precious jewel was Prince Georg Friedrich of Prussia. Financial difficulties forced him to sell the piece as part of a magnificent gems collection from the possession of the Prussian royal dynasty. Overall, the auction reached an incredible result of almost 87 million euro. As it is extremely rare for a diamond of this importance to come on the market, the “Beau Sancy” exceeded almost five times all previous estimations. The high revenue and the intense battle fought at the auction reflect the historical prestige of a legendary piece of jewelry. Though only 22.3 x 19.5 mm in size, the diamond’s

sales value may be justified when considering its imposing history. The diamond’s royal connections date back four centuries ago. “Beau Sancy” was named after its first owner, French diplomat and financier Nico-

the “Hope,” the “Koh-i-Noor” and the “Regent.” However, the rare jewel owes its fame above all to Maria de Medici who wore the diamond when she was crowned queen of France in 1610. Bought by King Henri IV in 1604, the

las de Harlay, Lord of Sancy (1546-1629) who bought the stone in the late 16th century in Constantinople. The piece is most likely to have originated from the mines in south central India, the source of history’s best-known diamonds, including

gem was a special wedding gift for his second wife of Florentine descent. Maria de Medici had long desired the stone, particularly after learning that Sancy had sold an even larger diamond, today known as the “Grand Sancy,”

to King James I. of England. Giving testament to its importance, the stone was mounted atop her Majesty’s crown, as shown in a portrait by Frans II Pourbus which is today displayed at the Louvre. In 1641, the diamond was acquired by the Dutch and used to seal the wedding of Willem II of Orange-Nassau to Mary Stuart, daughter of King Charles I. From England, he eventually came to the Brandenburg Elector Friedrich III who was crowned the first Prussian King Frederick I in 1701. He gave him pride of place by ordering the attachment of the “Beau Sancy” to a new royal crown. As the largest gem in the collection of the Prussian heritage, the diamond has been passed on from generation to generation. Being worn by the women of the family, the diamond adorned the dress of every royal bride on her wedding day - most recently in the Imperial period. Whether this stone of unparalleled history, which has never been in non-royal hands, will remain in Europe is a matter of speculation. In any case, the new owner may consider himself fortunate to hold in his hands a sparkling witness of more than 400 years of European history.

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Florence News

Nightlife Controversy on Via de’ Benci

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to purchase alcohol anywhere and drink it on the street, yet the bars are liable if somebody is drinking outside their establishment. The problem here lies that the bars who were meeting their responsibilities by ensuring nobody takes glass outside were penalized because people bought drinks elsewhere and happened to be standing outside of their bar, making noise. “Everybody knows that nobody takes a drink out of our bar in glass after 10pm,” states Trine

Everybody knows that nobody takes a drink out of our bar in glass after 10pm. {...} The majority of people in the streets outside of Lochness are not from, nor have they been in our bar. We can ask them to leave, but we have no power to compel them to do so. Yet we are still held liable when they refuse.

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and illuminating as an elephant with a skipping rope. It’s a complex issue made even more complex by the undeniable reality that there is too much noise on the streets at night, and even more confusing considering the sudden, unexplained reversal of the law on June 11th. The initial feeling was that the local residents had complained to the police about the noise on the street and had insisted that a curfew be enforced. However, a perceived lack of transparency from the police as to why and how the curfew had been imposed, and the fact that apparently an incredibly uncompromising law was used to impose it, has left many people wondering whether the decision was in fact taken by the police as a means of covering up for their lack of community policing and management of the noise themselves. In reality, there was no easy solution and it is the complexity of the issues at hand that mean the situation had no easy resolution. The job of policing the streets and maintaining public order falls under the auspices of the state, meaning that the Caribineri and Polizia have the official responsibility to deal with behavior on the streets. The job of the local Municipal Police is simply to enforce the municipal code, and as such have arguably done their job in imposing the curfew. The Municipal Code has no section which states that it is illegal for the individual

West, owner of family run bar Lochness Lounge. “The majority of people in the streets outside of Lochness are not from, nor have they been in our bar. We can ask them to leave, but we have no power to compel them to do so. Yet we are still held liable when they refuse.” Typically, the issues were aired out through all the usual channels on Facebook. This began with a so-called ‘flash mob’ organized in the days following the curfew, and took the form of a peaceful protest on Via de’ Benci whereby the 600 people in attendance donned their pajamas and sat in the street, waving a banner with the words ‘Florence is a city of old people.’ The Facebook debate raged on, with one user going so far as to say that, “…it’s the police force’s job to control public property. Sometimes when the bar owners and workers call the police for serious problems they don’t even come to help, they only come to give out fines and close their doors.” The other side of the argument seemed to focus largely on the fact that people felt that the curfew sent a message and that the bars would learn to keep the people outside under control. But is it really the responsibility of the bars to control the people on the streets, considering that many of them were never in the bar in the first place? Wouldn’t a more even-handed approach have been to increase the police presence on Via de’ Benci each night? The simple

visual presence of two or three officers would be an effective tool in itself, and wouldn’t have the ugly side effects of job losses, business closures and further economic damage. The Municipal police were the ones getting the blame for the curfew as they supposedly ‘imposed it to cover their backs’, however, the reality seems to be that it was never their responsibility to police the streets in the first place, but the State’s. Elsewhere, Two days after the celebration of their 50th year of existence on Via de’ Benci, and with many local government officials in attendance at the party, one of Red Garter’s managers, Francesco Cappelli, was left with a number of staff members to whom he was unable to offer work. “In a time of economic crisis, to put 100 people’s livelihoods and local businesses at risk seems like a step in the wrong direction,” said Cappelli. “In every argument there are two sides to the coin, in this case the edge of the coin and the ones responsible for dealing with the problem are the police, but we haven’t seen a balance in enforcement.” Another issue which cannot go unmentioned was the method used in enforcing the curfew. As many have pointed out, Article 321 is reminiscent of the old fascist days in its excessively restrictive nature, and is apparently designed to enable the authorities to seize privately owned property for various, vaguely prescribed reasons. In 2012, in a country that is part of the EU

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be used. Did the closure of the bars affect other businesses and workers to the point where it could be considered intrusive? Were less intrusive options available? How would the fact that the law seized legal ownership of the affected bars between 10pm and 7am every day be perceived? Undoubtedly, the European Court of Justice would be satisfied with neither the suitability nor the necessity of the actions taken, and would surely recognize that less extreme and arguably more effective methods were available. No matter which side of the fence you’re on, one thing that everybody agrees upon is that there is a problem with noise on the streets at night. But when it comes to apportioning blame, consider Piazza Santa Croce on a weekend and the huge number of young Italians who sit on the steps of the church drinking and making noise. Do people not live there too? So, if the bar owners are responsible for people being outside their establishments making noise, whether they have been inside or not, who’s responsible for the great number more people on the steps of the Santa Croce Church? The Pope? Instead of assigning blame to the easiest target, let’s consider how to solve the problem. England had a huge problem with drunken street violence for years. In some of the more troubled spots (my home town of Wakefield, for example), this problem has nearly been eradicated completely. Yes, people still get drunk and start

In a time of economic crisis, to put 100 people’s livelihoods and local businesses at risk seems like a step in the wrong direction. {...} In every argument there are two sides to the coin, in this case the edge of the coin and the ones responsible for dealing with the problem are the police, but we haven’t seen a balance in enforcement.

and therefore subject to the supremacy of the European Court of Justice, the use of such a law, and with so little transparency in its execution in no way meets the EU’s basic requirement of proportionality. Under this requirement, no person or institution can have their actions restricted beyond the degree absolutely necessary in the public interest, and where there are several possible courses of action the least intrusive must

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ith little or no warning beforehand and only one street targeted (with the exception of Astor Café, which was suddenly closed at night some weeks before in the same manner), many business owners, their employees and the surrounding businesses that rely heavily on late night revelers were left asking ‘why?’ But they were to find that, like with so many things in Italy, asking that question in a situation like this is about as useful

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fights with each other. The difference now is that within five seconds there will be four police officers breaking it up and within 30 seconds everybody involved will be in the back of a van. If a greater police presence is such an effective tool in tackling violence in a country with a reputation for excessive drinking and bad behavior, surely it would be substantially more effective in tackling noise in a city like Florence.

Infidelity – A Florentine Specialty? Florentines listed number one in cheating

lorence is no longer interesting only in terms of its cultural and culinary versatility. Indeed, there is another specialty that distinguishes Florence or rather Florentines, as they are apparently well-versed in having extramarital affairs. This is the result of a survey that was recently published on Gleeden.com, the first extramarital dating platform in Italy. In comparison to other Tuscan cities, Florence shows the highest rate of infidelity with almost 10,000 active members.

Yet, the city is closely followed by Pisa, Lucca and Livorno, recording more than 7,000 users who seem to be unhappily married. These figures prove that a considerably large number of Italians are trying to give variety to their love lives. Although controversial, the dating platform for married people has celebrated worldwide success since its initiation in 2009. It is no secret that in recent years online dating has become one of the most popular ways for singles to meet

people and find potential mates. However, the great run on Gleeden.com illustrates that this trend proves itself true even among those already in relationships. Interestingly, ladies take front rank on the website which was conceived by and for married women. Convinced that discrete instruction is needed in order for any affair to be successful, the website also provides useful knowledge to potential adulterers. This may include advice on how to sweeten boring business trips abroad, or

Claudia Niemann latest rankings which, for instance, inform about global “flirt-behavior.” Thus, anyone looking for such an adventure should possibly check out the website before starting on a journey. Defending itself against criticism, the company claims to be simply honest and helpful to those seeking some excitement and passion in their lives. In many cases this even results in a newly flourished marriage. It is this specific form of social commitment that at least some Florentines seem to appreciate.

Florence News

“Marilyn” The Salvatore Ferragamo Museum

Ferragamo Museum to Legendary designer’s legacy defined by innovation and creativity host exhibit honoring Angie Santon Marilyn Monroe he Ferragamo museum, located in the The museum also collaborates with contempoBarbara and then transferring himself to HollyErin Wagner

basement of Florence’s very own Salvatore Ferragamo store and upper level offices, was opened to the public in 1995 by the Ferragamo family in an effort to display his truly one-of-a-kind designs and illustrate the important role he played in the history of shoe design and international fashion. The museum is best known for its 10,000 unique

rary artists, collectors and benefactors to promote and host events connected to the culture of art and fashion. Ferragamo was awarded the Primo Premio Guggenheim Impresa & Cultura (The Guggenheim First Prize for Industry and Culture) in 1999 for his investment in culture and his communication strategy for the company.

wood. There, Ferragamo’s career really started to take off. He began by opening a shop for shoe repairs and made-to-measure shoes, which soon became prized items among the celebrities of that time. His talent opened the doors for a long career designing footwear for American cinema. While his reputation grew as the official shoemaker for

shoe models designed by Salvatore Ferragamo from the end of the 1920’s until his death in 1960. In addition to these models, photographs, patents, sketches, books, magazines and wooden lasts of various famous feet are also on display. The museums’ famous display of shoes provides an exquisite interpretation of past fads and fashions, since the shoes are arranged in a biennial rotation and because Ferragamo liked his designs to follow particular themes from the current time in which he was crafting.

Ferragamo was born in Bonito, a city near Naples, in 1898; the eleventh of fourteen children. When he was nine years old, he made his first pair of shoes for his sisters to wear on their confirmation. He went on to study shoemaking in Naples for a year before opening a small store in his parents’ home to support his passion. Years later, in 1914, Salvatore joined his brother and emigrated to Boston and began working in a cowboy boot factory. In the years that followed, he made a move to California, first settling in Santa

celebrities, Salvatore began to continually question why fashionable shoes had to be so uncomfortable, or as he stated, “please the eye, yet hurt the foot.” He began studying anatomy at the University of Southern California in attempts to improve his craft to become beautiful yet supportive and comfortable. After spending 13 years studying and crafting in the United States, Ferragamo returned to Italy in 1927 and settled in Florence. It was here that he began designing shoes for some of the wealthiest and most powerful women of the century.

he Salvatore Ferragamo Museum is dedicating an exhibition to Marilyn Monroe that will be inaugurated on June 19th. The exhibit, which will take place at the Ferragamo Museum in Piazza Santa Trinità, is named “Marilyn,” and will pay homage to both cinema and photography of the American icon. In addition to artwork and outfits depicting Monroe, the exhibition will highlight 14 pairs of Ferragamo heels designed specifically for Monroe, such as a pair of red Swarovski crystal pumps, all of which were bought in 1999 at a Christie’s auction. The “Marilyn” event follows others dedicated to other American actresses dressed by Ferragamo such as Audrey Hepburn and Greta Garbo. Opening hours will coincide with those of the museum, from 10 am to 6 pm.

Estate Fiesolana- June 20th to August 31st

Art Courses 4 Kids

Florence Dance Festival

The Art Academy of Bianca Cappello has a wealth of opportunities for artists of all ages. The instructors are committed to their craft and feel a special connection with the possibilities that children have to create something special, such as the landscape covering the bathroom wall of the building that was painted by children of the school or the chocolate sculptures lining the walls of the studio. In addition to classes in sculpture, mosaic, painting, jewelry and more, the school offers a creative summer camp for children. The academy is open seven days a week, offering 1-½ hour courses for children and 3-hour courses for adults, as well as studio space for artists.

The 23rd Florence Dance Festival (June 25th - July 23rd) honors the 500th anniversary of the death of Amerigo Vespucci. The festival will feature projects and performances that strive to instill a sense of peace and global cooperation. The Teatro del Opera of San Carlo Napoli, the Ballet of Milan, the National Company of Raffaele Paganini, the Florence Dance Company, the San Pietroburgo National Ballet, and various avant-garde dance companies will be offering performances in ballet, contemporary dance, and folklore in the National Bargello Museum. The festival will serve not only to celebrate cultural tourism but cultural ties between Italy and America.

Via Maggio 44/r Tel.: 055 294 971 info@florenceartschool.it www.florenceartschool.it

www.florencedance.org info@florencedance.org Tel.: 055 289276

Local summer festival to celebrate its 64th year Claudia Niemann

ich in atmosphere and surprises, Fiesole annually celebrates the Estate Fiesolana, one of Italy’s oldest summer festivals. Its beginnings date back to 1948 and even today the festival is known all over the world for its quality of dance, music and theater performances. From June 20th to August 31st, the ancient Roman Amphitheater will hold outdoor cinema, theater and music shows as part of a large cultural program. Summer concerts will also take place in the Castel di Poggio, where opera and jazz are traditionally the heart and soul of the event. This year’s 64th edition includes classics

such as “The Rocky Horror Live Concert Show” on July 7th as well as excursions into the world of contemporary Italian cinema. The event will even feature a visit from actor Toni Servillo on June 30th who will be awarded for his work in Paolo Sorrentino’s film “L’uomo in più” (2001). Although always worth a visit, summertime sees Fiesole turn into the perfect destination to catch a cool breeze while indulging in an exceptionally authentic outdoor experience. Tickets are available at the Teatro Romano: Via Portigiani 3, Fiesole, Tel. 055 5961293 (open from 10 a.m. -6 p.m.) or purchase online: www.boxol.it

Florence News

Tony Blair Sighted in Florence International figures dine together

ormer English Prime Minister Tony Blair was recently spotted in Florence having dinner with several important figures, among them being Florence Mayor Matteo Renzi.Italian Minister of Economic Development Corrado Passera and Italian Vice Minister of Economy Vittorio Grilli, as well as several other

important international personalities were also at the gathering.The dinner was organized by JP Morgan and took place on the terrace of Palazzo Corsini. According to local newspaper La Nazione, the new Teatro dell’Opera of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino orchestra was among the topics discussed by the party.

Tuscany Awarded 16 Top Quality Beaches

Region second in Italy in sea ranking

Claudia Niemann

uscany recently reaffirmed itself as one of the Italian regions with the best beaches and blue sea. Due to the high-quality infrastructure, clean sea and sand and an overall natural beauty, 16 Tuscan beaches have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag this year. The results of the 2012 national rankings showed that Liguria came out as leader by the number of quality beaches (18) followed by Tuscany and Marche, each of which boasts an impressive 16 Blue Flag beaches this season. The Blue Flag Award is an “eco-label” granted by the independent non-profit organization Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) to over 3,450 beaches and marinas throughout Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada and the Caribbean. The main objective of the Blue Flag program is to work towards the sustainable development of beaches and marinas through strict criteria ad-

dressing issues of water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, safety and other services. This year, a total of 246 Italian beaches were awarded with the Blue Flag in recognition of their clean waters and safe bathing areas; a number which is 13 more than last year. In fact, the Italian beach resorts represent 10 percent of all the beaches awarded on an international level. Blue Flag beaches in Tuscany include: Forte dei Marmi, Pietrasanta, Camaiore, Viareggio (Lucca), Pisa-marina di Pisa-Tirrenia-Calambrone (Pisa), Livorno-Antignano/Quercianella, Castiglioncello e Vada di Rosignano Marittimo, Cecina-Marina/Le Gorette, marina di Bibbona, Castagneto Carducci, San Vincenzo, Piombinoparco naturale della Sterpaia (Livorno), Follonica, Castiglione della Pescaia, Marina e Principina di Grosseto, Monte Argentario (Grosseto).

American Student Attacked for Defending Harassed Girls

23-year-old American student was severely beaten up by two young Italians while attempting to defend two girls outside of a Florentine bar. The girls had just left a bar on Via de Benci when they were approached by the two Italians. After being declined their invitations to spend the rest of the night with them, the two continued to pursue them. The American student saw the

Council Opens Salone dei 500 to Weddings Marriage in the prestigious room to cost 5000 Euro

ast month, the Florence Council opened the most prestigious rooms of Palazzo Vecchio, including the Salone dei 500 – to weddings. Before June, civil weddings could only occur either in the Red Room, the Sala Rossa, of Palazzo Vecchio, or at Villa Vogel. Now, the Salone dei Cinquecento, the Garden of Roses in Via Poggi and the Bardini Art Museum inside the Palazzo Vecchio have also been opened to marriages.

PRICE: 50 EURO

Main advantages of your Firenze Card Free access to major museums, villas and historical gardens in Florence Admission to museums is granted by showing the card at the entrance, with no reservation requirements Free travel on public transports: ATAF&Linea buses and trams Free access to museums and public transport for EU citizens under the age of 18 who are accompanying you Updated information kit on participating museums For more information write to info@firenzecard.it

Erin Wagner Weddings can take place from Tuesdays to Sundays, and fares vary depending on location and hour. The San Lorenzo Hall, the Villa Vogel, and the Villa Bardini museum cost 1250 Euro (500 Euro for residents). The Garden of the Roses may cost up to 3000 Euro, while the price for the Salone dei Cinquecento is 5000 Euro for everyone, regardless of residency or marriage hours.

Uffizi Expansion Gallery to open new rooms, exhibits

The Firenze Card is valid for 72 hours and provides you the admission only once to all museums of the Circuit, located in Florence. It entitles you to visit permanent collections, exhibitions and other activities held in these museums. You will avoid queues and booking limitations. You are also entitled to use public transports free of charge.

scene and intervened to defend the girls before he was beaten to the ground until he lost consciousness. The police are currently attempting to identify the attackers both using the descriptions provided by the women and from surveillance cameras. The episode is just the most recent of long chain of others of this kind regarding Florentine nightlife in the last few years.

ccording to officials, the Uffizi Gallery will have ten new rooms by June 16th. The expansion is part of the ‘Nuovi Uffizi’ project, which already opened eight new rooms last December to display the works of painters from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. The ten new rooms will exhibit the works of prevalent Tuscan painters from the 1500s, in-

cluding those of Andrea del Sarto, Bronzino, and Raffaello. The new rooms will be preceded by a gallery showing Roman and Hellenistic art, including famous sculptures such as the Apollo Citaredo, Dionisio with the Panther, a Niobide, a head of Arianna, the Spinario, the Afrodite, the “Venere al Bagno”, and the “Torso Gaddi.”

New Bus Connecting to Fiesole

Getting the Bus Ticket with a SMS

Beginning in 2013 the 34 new bus line will connect the suburbs of South Florence – Via Aretina, the Gignoro outlet in Coverciano, Le Falle and Girone – to Fiesole. The new line will provide 60 daily runs, and was established for a cost of 50,000 euro.

Florence is the first Italian city where it is possible to purchase a bus ticket via sms. The number to send the text to is 4880105. The price of the ticket is 1.20 Euro, to which has to be added the cost for the message which varies depending on the service provider.

4880105

Florence News

A Radio Mistery Dinner “Mr Short & Mr Long” Tuesday 10 July - Tuesday 31 July

ver 300 successful performances in the Italian language, now also in English, “La Compagnia delle Seggiole” propose a gastronomic/theatrical event joining the pleasure of a delicious dinner and listening a “Radio Myste- ries”. Hunting down the murderer and unraveling the mystery during various courses until finally, along with fellow diners, uncovering the criminal! At the center of the scene is one of the category’s most known authors, Ellery Queen. The sleuth’s whimsical ingenuity is second only to his brilliant genius, who usually concludes his assessments with the solemn and intri- guing formula: “By exercise of strict logic and irrefutable deductions from given data the listener can find some hidden data, since he is now in possession of all pertinent facts to solve the crime.” The radio plays, will be enriched, as they were originally, by a series of “noises” and particular

“sounds” repro- duced live by a “SOUND EFFECTS MAN”, who at the end of the evening, will reveal the tricks of the trade and recall little known accounts of a fascinating but disappearing profession that has accompanied the life of the radio for almost a hundred years. Returning to detective Ellery Queen’s dining radio play, the listeners, following the clues given, will be asked to attempt resolving the case mystery by writing down who they think is guilty. A winner will be drawn from among those who have guessed the answer and will be given a special gift. Villa Viviani - Via G. D’Annunzio, 218 Info: 335 6079887 or 055 697347 gianni@studiobellandi.com info@radiogialli.it villaviviani@tin.it

Epiphanies of precious fabrics at the Uffizi Gallery Tuesday 10 July - Tuesday 31 July

he tapestry exhibit is currently on display at the Uffizi Gallery. The exhibition is aimed at making better known to the Gallery public one of the most precious sections of its collections, the ancient and noble fame of which is gradually dwindling because, for decades now, the tapestries have been absent from the areas open to visitors. The tapestries are works of art pitilessly consumed by time, since the state of conservation is deteriorated by light, dust and tensile stress. In 1987, for these reasons, superb series of tapestries were removed from the corridors of the Gallery where for decades they had been an element of magnificent elegance. Now, in this exhibition, 17 tapestries originating from notable series of grand ducal provenance illustrate the quality of the manufactories in stories of celebrations at the French court and mythological episodes, the passing of the seasons and the passion of Christ, almost like sacred and profane stations in an alternation of decorative borders and dramatic interiors.

Voce alle Parole

Ensign of Florentine company shining on 42th Street in NY Erin Wagner

Italian Language and Culture Courses Voce alle Parole is a cultural association that organises a range of linguistic and cultural activities for foreigners in Florence. It offers Italian language courses (standard, intensive, week-end or tailored to individual needs) in its various premises (Palazzo Bianca Cappello and Palazzo Bargagli, at the International Studies Institute) as well as in-house courses for institutions, organizations and companies on request.

The foglia d’oro, or gold leaf, symbolizes a changing of society in the economic, political, and social spheres. It beautifies works of art and monuments, such as the Brunelleschi Dome of Florence, the Louvre Museum in Paris, the White House, and Royal Russian residences, the Teatro la Fenice in Venice, the Albert Memorial in London, the Opera Garnier in Paris, and the gates of Buckingham Palace. It is through this universal display and appreciation that the gold leaf serves as a common thread, uniting all people and cultures through a Florentine tradition.

The Tapestry Gallery

The Foglia d’Oro in New York

he ensign of the renowned Florentine goldsmith Manetti Battiloro now shines in New York, too, where it dominates and decorates the 42th street of Manhattan. It is the last important achievement of a tradition that began in Florence in 1820, when Luigi Manetti started a workshop of a goldbeater in Via de’ Pescioni. After his death, the company was passed to his son, who created the brand “Giusto Manetti Battiloro.” Then a rapid growth followed, and the Manetti Battiloro became popular in European markets and gained worldwide renown.

Courses include: - Italian language (levels A1-C1); - sector-specific language (art, finance etc.); - preparation for exams leading to certificates in Italian as second language (CILS, CELI); - one-day events aimed at exploring language and aspects of local social and cultural life. Every Friday, the series of Florence in a Day... language, art and a café appointments combine an introduction to Italian language with a cultural event designed to enhance enjoyment of what Florence has to offer, including art exhibitions and theme cocktails in historic cafés (‘Giubbe Rosse’). Info: vocealleparole@gmail.com; www.vocealleparole.it; tel: +39. 366. 385. 37.50 .

Examples from the celebrated Flemish tradition of the sixteenth century can be compared with the local Florentine tapestries, produced in the independent manufactory set up by Cosimo I in 1545 and closed under the Lorraine dynasty in 1738. The striking features of these creations include the richness of the weaving and the materials, enhanced by the comparison between tapestries that have been restored and those awaiting restoration from the same series. We can also appreciate the dazzling brightness of the colours on the back of one of the tapestries showing the Feasts of the Valois which has been preserved from the attacks suffered by the surfaces exposed to the light. Finally, the illustration in the exhibition of the restoration and the manner of working the tapestry further indicates the complexity of such operations and the expertise of the Florentine restoration school, one of the best in the world. Tickets: 11 Euro, reduced 5.50 Euro

Commedia Dell´Arte Course The Dance and Drama course is geared toward understanding the theatrical experience as an opportunity to develop your own creativity and expressiveness as web as increasing your artistic experience. The actor, director, educator and writer Roberto Andrioli will lead this theatre workshop with Marco Bendoni, a wellknown ancient music dancer. Program:

12 days

•development of the Commedia Dell´Arte in Europe •body expression exercises •instrumental training exercises to develop students´ own expressive body capabilities and voice •The Mask: between Art and Magic •analysis of the scenes of theatrical texts of Moliere, Shakespeare, Goldoni and others • choreographies from the fifteenth century to the nineteenth Language: english / italian

400 EURO

www.internationalifexperience.com info@internationalifexperience.com

Living in the City

Pizza around the Clock Mr. Pizza offers all day and late night dining Erin Wagner

ituated on 82 Via Pietrapiana, just moments away from the beautiful Santa Croce Basilica, is the contemporary Mr. Pizza pizzeria. Open since last October, the restaurant offers a simple and fresh menu available all day and night. The pizzeria

employee himself, Luciano noticed that after leaving the bars and clubs, many people were forced to go home with empty stomachs as all of the restaurants had already closed hours before. Mr. Pizza, which is frequented by visitors and locals alike, serves as the clear choice to anyone

cheese. The funky barrel-shaped tables are full of different types of pizza ingredients. The menu items are equally fresh and contemporary, such as the classic Mr. Pizza recipe featuring tomatoes, mozzarella, parmigiano, and riduja and many other classic Napolitan

Santa Croce district, not far from other points of interest, including Il Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. For the prime location, the food is an unbelievable value. According to Luciano, a diner can experience a satisfying meal for between 8 and 12 euros.The restaurant is open for lunch begin-

is among one of the only restaurants in the entire city that is open all night. Luciano, the owner of the pizzeria, was inspired by the clear lack of late-night dining options available to night owls, hungry after a night of socializing and dancing. A former nightclub

looking for a good meal at any time. The interior features a pizza-themed color palette. The wicker stools have red-tomato frames, the walls nod to the color of fields of well-tended wheat and the fresh white accents along the door and walls suggests fresh mozzarella

favorites. The staff assures that Mr. Pizza has something to offer to everyone. “Mr. Pizza is a wonderful place for a casual date night, a meeting spot for friends, and wonderful for children as well,” stated Luciano. The restaurant is centrally located in the historic

ning at 11:00 a.m., through the dinner hours, and all night, remaining open until 5:00 a.m. in the morning. In addition, the restaurant offers a delivery service from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Isabelle Chez Moi

Osteria Santo Spirito

Exclusive and glamorous, Isabelle is the hangout spot of the Florence-chic. Located in the 16th century Buondelmonti palace on Via Tornabuoni, the restaurant and café can be accessed only through a private lift. The background music, combined with the fire of the candles and fireplace, match a wonderful view of the city and the flavors of the dishes. Sicilian chef Bartolo Favaloro offers a simple and original cuisine characterized by the union of Sicilian and Mediterranean ingredients and flavors with those of Tuscany.

Located in the dignified Santo Spirito Piazza, the Osteria di Santo Spirito is a classic presentation of true Italian fare. Large portions of impeccably cooked food at affordable prices served by an animated and charismatic staff put the Osteria high on the lists of restaurants not to be missed during a trip to Florence. The restaurant is located steps from Santo Spirito Basilica, and serves to complement the passion inspired by the Santo Spirito through its own passion for food and quality, authentic service.

Piazza Santa Trinita 1/r Tel. +39 055 28 96 74 info@isabellefirenze.it

Piazza Santo Spirito Tel. 055 23 82 383 www.osteriasantospirito.it

For more information, call 055 3860311.

Il Gatto e la Volpe

The ClubHouse

Typical Tuscan cuisine

RISTORANTE - PIZZERIA AMERICAN BAR

This restaurant, located near the Bargello Museum in the center of Florence on Via Ghibellina, has been offering typical home cooking cuisine to both locals and tourists for more than 30 years. Il Gatto e la Volpe is run by the Florestani family and offers a menu that includes Tuscan specialties, Florentine steak, pasta, traditional first and second courses, wood oven pizzas and calzones, cakes, and Tuscan wines. The staff speaks English, and opening hours are from 12 pm to 12 am. Credit cards are accepted.

The ClubHouse is a modern Restaurant, Pizzeria, and American bistro located steps away from the Duomo in the heart of Florence. The restaurant offers a menu of simple, expertly prepared dishes highlighted by an array of flavorful Florentine plates, wood fired pizzas, and a full American breakfast. It also features a restaurant bar which creates a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere perfect for hanging out with friends or watching football on their many flat screen TV’s.

Via Ghibellina 151/r Tel. 055 28 92 64

Via de’ Ginori 6/R Tel. 055 21 14 27 www.theclubhouse.it

Living Florence in the News City

The Soccer Museum of Florence A historical collection of memorabilia and pride

Thomas Ricciotti

nbeknownst to the many tourists understandably attracted by art and architecture, Florence also houses a gallery of soccer: the Museo del Calcio, located in the Coverciano area not far from the stadium.

of the Italian national team where they train and prepare for international tournaments, including the upcoming European championship. The Museo del Calcio’s three floors reveal the history of Italian and international soccer from its origins in the 20th century. Over the years,

Italian team. Newspaper articles and black and white photos of Mussolini and the 1934 and 1938 Italian national teams flaunt Italy’s achievements. The Museum boasts a library of more than 1,500 volumes on the history of soccer, as well

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9 am-1 pm, 3-7 pm Sunday open only for groups. Booking necessary.

Prices: 5 Euro, it includes an audioguide Reduced fare: 3 Euro (from 6 to 14) Free for younger than 5-year-old

Booking and Reservations:

Massimo Fini is the founder and director of the Museum, having served as physiotherapist of the Italian national team from 1962 to 1982. Today, Fini is the curator of both the museum and the Coverciano sport center which, due to its reasonable distance for players traveling from teams all around the country, is the house

Fini has collected priceless treasures such as cleats, jerseys, trophies, posters and soccer balls. All jerseys exhibited belonged to former players, and the cleats on display date back since the years of the sport’s pioneers during the second half of the 19th century. The special focus is of course the history of the

as a conference room. Florence is not just art, churches, and architecture. While visiting the city during the month of the European championship, a visit to the Museo del Calcio for its 12th anniversary may complete the itinerary.

Kikuya Pub

One Eyed Jack Pub

Sei Divino

The Kikuya Pub is a wonderful meeting spot for Italians and foreigners looking for a unique pub experience with an international feel. The bar has a classic charm, which causes it to be continually chosen as a special place to celebrate. The pub is ran enthusiastic Brazilians, lending further to the cool ambiance that typifies Kikuya. The bar is a great place for friends to gather and strangers to meet.

A 3-year-old relaxed rock-and-roll bar located on 2/R Piazza Nazario Sauro, the One Eyed Jack Pub is inspired by the American bar atmosphere encountered by Gabrieli Jack, one of the owners, during an extended visit to the U.S. In addition to a well-stocked liquor selection, the pub offers an impressive selection of beer on tap. Every night from 4:00-9:00 is “Kick Ass Hour”, and the bar offers free wi-fi, live music and open mic night.

At Sei Divino, an intimate dining experience awaits. The restaurant is known for its excellent aperitivo, which is both high in quality and sensibly priced. Known for its intimate and familial setting, the restaurant offers quality cocktails accompanied by fresh and well-made aperitivo dishes. In addition, Sei Divino offers an impressively large wine bar. The restaurant offers a small outdoor patio and a larger indoor seating area.

Tel. + 39 055 60 05 26 Email: info@museodelcalcio.it Viale Aldo Palazzeschi 20 50135, Florence

The Diner

First Diner in Florence since 2004 If you’re craving an American food haven in the heart of Florence, look no further than The Diner, located on a small street near the Palazzo Vecchio. The restaurant boasts both an Authentic American atmosphere and a authentic menu including pancakes, hamburgers, fries, and milkshakes. Whether you are looking to try American food for the first time or are looking for a taste of the homeland, The Diner has something to offer.

Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner Via de’ Benci 43/R Tel. 055 23 44 879 www.kikuyapub.it

Piazza Nazario Sauro 2/R Tel. 393 95 70 064 www.thejackpub.com

Borgo Ognissanti 42 Tel. 055 21 77 91

Via della Spada 62/R Tel. 055 21 87 57 www.laspadaitalia.com

Art & Culture

Beyond the Shape

Reflection through the images of painter Giuseppe Linardi

t assert J.W. Goethe “there’s no way surer then art to escape the world” and, parameters, “there’s no surer tie with it that the art”. Through the artist language we offer a contribution to the perception of being, of the form through which the nature clinically manifests itself, of the man not only a san object and from it employee but also in quality of observer and projection of this nature. The artist becomes a witness, sometimes annoying, of an age, its change, of the inflection of tendency that characterize it and, in quality of privileged observer, becomes expression of the process of construction of knowledge, critical judgment, of found again identity. In the contemporary world, the environment and climate change, with all that pertains, represents issue always more pervasive of our living, thematic put into effect them and to alarming in the same time. This problematic one assumes greater consistency to the light of the disarming paradox arising to the fact that is in the “knowledge society,” imprinted in knowledge and knowing to make, that this dangerous process of distortion, superficial exaltation and deep degradation was started. If knowledge is to know nature in a deeper way, this distorted society shows a substantial detachment from the natural world that determines the urgency of taking of consciousness from part of everyone and the awakening of the sense of in-

dividual and collective responsibility. Absorbed from the occupations and wrapped up in the frenzy of theirs fulfillment, we become indifferent to the consequences attributable to

more effective models of action. The principle of the “butterfly effect” metaphorically expresses the relationship which exists between man and nature: the flutter of a butterfly,

our careless act on the surrounding environment, apparently heedless of the fact that if the problem assumes a planetary dimensions, the only possible solution is determinable individually, in the engagement of the individual in order to promote new conceptual schemes and

comparable to the action of the individual, initiates a small change; this last one may set off another and so forth. Our “power” is similar to that of butterflies; however we are able to realize the effects of extraordinary capacity when we abandon dys-

Easy Living

Beach Terrace and Bar on the Arno For the eighth year in a row, Easy Living, one of the most loved outdoor bars among Florentines, has returned for the summer. This cultural project was created by the Piazzart association, and every day from dawn to sunset and throughout the summer nights, it organizes a rich cultural program of art, videos, contemporary dance and music on the Terrace of Piazza Poggi and the beach below. This year

presents a new maxiscreen on the Arno beach where it will be possible to watch European championship soccer games, the upcoming 2012 Olympics, as well as movie screenings. As always, there will be a sand castle building tournament on August 15th and a picnic on the beach waiting for the fireworks to celebrate Florence’s patron saint, San Giovanni, on June 24th.

Lungarno Beach (in front of Piazza Poggi) Tel. 055 62 53 49

Anna Balzani

functional patterns of thought involving inaction and we decide consciously in which area to direct our intervention. If we cannot unilaterally control a dynamic that is so complex system like the Earth’s climate, prey to an inattentive conformism that doesn’t stop, in the same time we can exercise a significant influence on it, if only apparently negligible. In light of these considerations, assume the reflection for images conducted by Giuseppe Linardi and the inherent environmental issues, as well as the connections related, in terms of consumerism. The environmental challenge represents an ethical one; that reasonably should also bring the political class to engage in a common project free from the short sightedness of the legislatures, from the utilitarian conflicts and personal rivalries in order to promote the achievement of concrete solutions, guided by the long term goal. His work represents a complaint because it’s the attempt to see clearly where there are shadows, since the true intuition is looking through a dark mirror and captures the essence of things, the difference and the contradiction that lies around them.

www.acontemporaryart.com info@acontemporaryart.com

Montecarla

The Kitsch Bar of Florence The Montecarla Club is more than an average nightclub. The club, located in an old palazzo between Via de’Bardi and Piazza de’Mossi, can be entered only through a very small door. Beyond the portal, an alternate universe awaits, balancing a 30s sophistication with wild African artwork. Hodgepodge pieces

of furniture, tables, and chairs, some of which are spotted with leopard print are scattered through the clubs five rooms. The boudoir furnishings and smoky ambiance join together to lend an air to early 20th-century decadence. Open late from 10:30-6:00 a.m., the club offers a full bar and indoor smoking. Via de’Bardi.

Via de’ Bardi Tel. 055 23 40 259

STUDENT TRAVEL EUROPE

BEAUTY

EATING OUT B2

GYM

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BAKERY

EATING OUT C3

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VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT IL VEGETARIANO

via palazzuolo 49/r

FORNO SARTONI since 1933 via de’ cerchi, 34/R

special discount for students

open every day from 7.30am-8:00pm

www.il-vegetariano.it

GYMNASIUM FITNESS CENTER

TATTOO

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GUS TATTOO

VIA CITTADELLA 22/R

055 3247286

THE DINER via dell’ acqua 2 055 290748

TUSCAN CREATIVE CUISINE

borgo san frediano 10/r 055 2281840

HERBALIST

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DE HERBORE

VIA DEL PROCONSOLO 43/R open from 9am- 7.30pm (Monday- Friday) HERBORIST, MACROBIOTIC, DIETETIC, PHYTOCOSMETICS, PERFUMERY, ORGANIC FOODS AND COSMETICS

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TRAVEL & TOURS ITALY & EUROPE FUN IN TUSCANY Via Bernardo Cennini 6 - 50123 (near the train station) WHEN IN FLORENCE Via G. Verdi 46/r 055 386 0864 wheninflorence@aol.com BUS 2 ALPS C/O BOSTON TRAVEL VIA GUELFA 1G/R WWW.BUS2ALPS.COM PLUS TOURS Via Santa Caterina D’Alessandria 15

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LA SPADA Via della Spada, 62

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IL BOCCALE

SPECIAL FIRST CHOICE COURSE + DRINK 6 EURO

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Lungarno Corsini 4/R

quality in modern ambient open for lunch and dinner 055 2399224

ISABELLE

Palazzo Buondelmonti Piazza Santa Trinita 1/R (Via Tornabuoni) 055 289674 info@isabellefirenze.it

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SANDWICHES & CHIANTI WINE

LO SDRUCCIOLO

Sdrucciolo de’ Pitti 8r freshly made gourmet sandwiches open every day 11am - 19pm free internet access

055 283546

CHIC RESTAURANT

GUSTA PIZZA via MAGGIO 46r 055285068

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BISTRO` DEL MARE

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special 20% discount for students

via de’bardi 63/R 055 2398831 typical panini and tasty wine

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piazza madonna della neve 055 2479327

IL PANINO DEL CHIANTI

055 218757

SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

margherita and soft drinks 5 euro

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BORGO S. APOSTOLI 33/R

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GUSTAPIZZABROTHERS@LIVE.IT

special 20% discount for students

TYPICAL SICILIAN & TUSCAN

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SPECIAL OFFER LE CARCERI

special 10% discount for students

SHIPPING VIA DELL’AGNOLO 115/R (SANTA CROCE AREA) ANY SOLUTION FOR SHIPPING 055 0118470 www.caratello.net firenze@caratello.net

055 238 23 83

SERVICES SHIPPING SOLUTIONS

via ghibellina 151/R 055 289264 open every day

www.acquaal2.it

OSTERIA SANTO SPIRITO Piazza di Santo Spirito, 16 popular, great food

via l.c. farini 2a 055 2480888 special free hummus, wifi service

IL GATTO E LA VOLPE

TYPICAL TUSCAN RESTAURANTS

ACQUA AL 2 via della vigna vecchia 40/r 055284170

WWW.DEHERBORE.COM

RUTH’S

PIZZERIA & RESTAURANTS

ROMANTIC AND EXCLUSIVE TUSCAN PRODUCTS OPEN 7PM-11PM, CLOSED ON SUNDAY TEL: 055 217919

GUSTA OSTERIA Via de’ michelozzi, 13/r 055 285033

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www.momoyama.it

CLUB CULINARIO TOSCANO DA OSVALDO PIAZZA DEI PERUZZI, 3/R

via della scala 16 055 216276

INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANTS MOMOYAMA SUSHI BAR

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OFFICINA FARMACEUTICA

via Paisiello 58 335 5256011

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www.theflorencediner.com

PHARMACY

SITI WEB GALLERY

BRUNCH

all kinds of american brunch food

MAKING ART HISTORY

WEB DESIGN

via delle ruote, 30R 055 475030

good bread, daily in florence

email: gymnasium.firenze@gmail.com

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SALUMERIA ENOTECA VERDI

Via Verdi 36/R special first course 3.50 € second course with vegetables 5 € and sandwiches open every day

GUSTAPANINO

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Via SANTO SPIRITO 2r 333 9202673

FRATELLI ZANOBINI

VIA SANT’ANTONINO 47/R

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SOFT DRINKS ROCCO

Via de’ Neri 16/R 3890250515 roccosal@hotmail.it

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IL BOCCALE

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BISTRO` DEL MARE

19 20

Parco Cascine ILdelle VEGETARIANO

MOMOYAMA SUSHI BAR

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RUTH’S

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GUS TATTOO

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OFFICINA FARMACEUTICA

DE HERBORE

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TRAVEL & TOURS 5

WHEN IN FLORENCE

BUS 2 ALPS

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3 23

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PISA-LIVORNO

PLUS TOURS

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SERVICES 8

SHIPPING SOLUTIONS

GALLERIA MICHELANGIOLO

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EATING OUT

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ISABELLE

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C1 C4 C3

LE CARCERI

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GUSTA PIZZA

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SALUMERIA ENOTECA VERDI

GUSTAPANINO

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FRATELLI ZANOBINI

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MR. PIZZA

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GELATERIA DELLA PASSERA

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GELATERIA DEI NERI

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CLUB CULINARIO TOSCANO DA OSVALDO

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ACQUA AL 2

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OSTERIA SANTO SPIRITO

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46 16

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GUSTA OSTERIA

ROCCO BAR

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THE DINER

TEATRO COMUNALE

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IL PANINO DEL CHIANTI

4 30

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FORNO SARTONI since 1933

27 LO SDRUCCIOLO

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IL GATTO E LA VOLPE

EXHIBITIONS 9

LA SPADA

LUN

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GYMNASIUM FITNESS CENTER

EATING OUT

BEAUTY

Florenc

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DISTRIBUZIONE GRATUITA / FREE DISTRIBUTIO

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Map layout courtesy MUST-SEE MUSEUMS Uffizi Gallery

Loggiato degli Uffizi, 6 HOURS Open Tuesday to Sunday 8,15 – 18,50 TICKETS Full Price: € 6,50 Reduced: € 3,25

Accademia Gallery Via Ricasoli, 58-60 HOURS Tuesday to Sunday 8,15 – 18,50 TICKETS Full Price: € 6,50 Reduced: € 3,25

Bargello National Museum

Via del Proconsolo, 4 HOURS Daily: 8.15-13.50

TICKETS Full Price: € 4,00 Reduced: € 2,00

MARKETS IN FLORENCE

Market San Lorenzo Informazioni turistiche Piazza S. Lorenzo to Via dell’Ariento Tourist Information

Closed Sundays & Mondays P Articles in leather, souvenirs, clothing

Museum of Medici Chapels Piazza di Madonna degli Aldobrandini, 6 HOURS Daily: 8.15-13.50 TICKETS Full Price: € 6,00 Reduced: € 3,00

The Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens Piazza Pitti 1 HOURS

8.15 a.m. to 6.50 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday TICKETS

Full euro 8,50 Reduced euro 4,25

Central Market

Stalls inside the San Lorenzo central market in Via dell’Ariento Open Monday-Saturday: 7am - 2 pm Best food market in the city

Porcellino Market

Piazza del Mercato Nuovo Open daily (except Sundays & Monday mornings): 8am - 7pm Articles in Florentine straw, hand embroidery, leather goods, objects in wood, flowers

Cascine Market

Cascine Park Open every Tuesday morning: 7am - 2pm Food, clothing, antiquities, houseware, specialties

SIENA-VOLTERRA-S. GIMIGNANO Sant’Ambrogio Santo Spirito Market Piazza Ghiberti/Piazza Sant’Ambrogio (indoor & outdoor) Open every weekday (except Sunday): 7am - 2pm Fresh fruits & vegetables, clothes, flowers, shoes & houseware stands

Piazza Santo Spirito Open every second Sunday Specialist organic foods, antiques and individual items

USEFUL N Public Security

CARABINIERI POLICE 112 STATE POLICE 113 FIRE DEPARTMENT 115 INTERPRETER’S OFFICE 005-20391363

Medical Service

24 MEDICAL SERVICE 005475411 MISERICORDIA FIRENZE 005-212221

Transportation Florence Airport 055-3061700

CFLIGHT INFORMATION 24HRS.

055-3061700 TOURIST INFORMATION 055315874 LOST BAGGAGE 055-3061302

Florence SM

RAILWAY STAT FOUND OFFIC NATIONAL RA (+39)0668475 WWW:FERRO COM

Radio Taxi

0554390 / 05 / 0554499 CITY PUBLIC T ATAF & LI-NEA CALL TALL-FRE (FROM MOBIL

Bus Lines La

05515155 / 0 (SERVES SIENN GIMIGNANO, MUGELLO)

ce Map

WINE SCHOOL 35 54

TUSCAN WINE SCHOOL FLORENCE

9 MUSEO ARCHEOLOGICO

FLORENCE DANCE CULTURAL CENTER

FINNEGAN

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UNCLE JIMMY

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THE FISH PUB

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DUBLIN PUB

THE JOSHUA TREE PUB

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ENOTECA DE’ MACCI

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SEI DIVINO

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FLET AMERICAN BAR

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KITSCH AMERICAN BAR

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KITSCH DEUX

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THE CLUB HOUSE

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EASY LIVING

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ZOE

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MOYO

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COLLE BERETO

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BLOB CLUB

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MONTECARLA CLUB

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SHOPPING 37

TABACCHI CAVINI

apt 32

PAPERBACK EXCHANGE

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DATA RECORDS 93

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23 11

41 60

TEATRO VERDI

LE GIUBBE ROSSE Since 1896

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BAR SAN FIRENZE Since 1920

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NIGHT LIFE 42

5 28 8

12 44 58 34 37 31 39

TARTAN JOCK ONE EYED JACK

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KIKUYA

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PALASPORT

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B2 C4

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HISTORIC CAFES TEATRO LA PERGOLA

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SPORT & LEISURE 36

NIGHT LIFE

C2 C1 C5

A3 B3

D4 D4

C4 C2 C3

AREZZO

D 5

61 57

of Firenzeturismo.it

NUMBERS

TION LOST & CE 055-2352190 AILWAYS 5475 OVIEDELLOSTATO.

554242 / 05547

TRANSPORTATION A ER 800424500 LE: 199104245)

D azzi

055351061 NA, SAN , VOLTERRA &

HISTORIC LIBRARIES

TOURIST INFORMATION POINTS Hospitals and Emergency Services CALL 118 CAREGGI (General and obstetrical Aid) V.le Pieraccini 17 Tel.: 055-4277111 U.R.P.: Tel.: 055-4277790 / 4277791 NEW HOSPITAL S. GIOVANNI DI DIO Via Torregalli 3 Tel.: 055-71921

HOSPITAL S. MARIA NUOVA Piazza S. Maria Nuova 1 Tel.: 055-27581

Tourist Information – Comune di Firenze

Oblate Library

APT Firenze

Piazza Stazione 4 Monday-Saturday: 8.30am7pm, Sundays & public holidays: 8.30am-2pm Tel.: 055-212245 / 0552728208 turismo3@comune.fi.it

New Tourist Point in the Bigallo Museum

Piazza San Giovanni 1 (ground floor) Monday-Saturday: 9am-7pm, Sunday: 9am-2 pm Tel.: 055-215440

Via Cavour 1 r Monday-Saturday: 8.30am6.30pm, Sundays & public holidays: 8.30am-2.30pm Tel.: 055-290832 / 055290833 infoturismo@provincia.fi.it

Via dell’ Oriuolo 26

APT Firenze

Switch-board phone:055-249191 Tel.: 055-249 191 Monday-Friday: 9 am-7pm / Saturday: 9am to 1pm http://www.bncf.firenze.sbn.it

Airport A. Vespucci Daily: 8.30am-8.30pm Tel.: 055-315874 infoaeroporto@aeroporto. firenze.it

APT Firenze

Via Manzoni 16 Monday-Friday: 9am-1pm Tel.: 055-23320 info@firenzeturismo.it

Tel.: 055-2616512 Monday: 2 pm-7 pm / Wednesday-Saturday: 9 am-12 pm http://www.bibliotecadelleoblate.it

National Central Library Piazza Cavalleggeri 1/a

Laurentian Library

Piazza di San Lorenzo 9 Tel.: 055-210760 Monday-Saturday: 9.30 am-1.30 pm, closed on the first Saturday of the month https://www.sbn.it

Riccardiana Library

Palazzo Medici Riccardi - Via Ginori 10 Tel.: 055-212586/ 293385 Monday, Thursday: 8 am-5.30 pm / Tuesday, Friday: 8 am-2 pm http://www.riccardiana.firenze. sbn.it

Marucelliana Library

Via Cavour 43-45 Tel.: 055-2722200 / 21 06 02 / 21 62 43 Monday-Friday: 8.30 am-7 pm / ROMA (A1)-CHIANTI Saturdays: 8.30 am-1.45 pm http://www.maru.firenze.sbn.it

Central City Library

Via S. Egidio 21 - 50122 Firenze Tel. 055 2616512 Monday-Saturday: 8.30am-1.30 pm

EATING OUT TAKE AWAY/DELIVERY PIZZA

SPORT & LEISURE C4

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MR. PIZZA

Via Pietrapiana, 82 055 3860311

FLORENCE DANCE CULTURAL CENTER Borgo Stella 23/r 055.289276 info@florencedance.org

TOBACCO C1

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TREE SLEEPING

http://www.tree-sleeping.it

ICE CREAM GELATERIA DELLA PASSERA

piazza della passera 15 home made high quality ice cream

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GELATERIA DEI NERI

via dei neri 20/22r, high quality since 1989

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WINE SCHOOL TUSCAN WINE SCHOOL FLORENCE

Via de’ Bardi 23/R 055 2344142 tuscanwineschoolflorence@gmail.com

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TABACCHI CAVINI

Via de’ Neri 41/R SELECTED CUBAN AND TOSCANO CIGARS ZIPPO LIGHTERS AND ACCESSORIES FLORENTINE PAPER AND STATIONERY

SHOPPING

AGUARAJA-CANOA,KAYAK AND RAFTING IN TUSCANY Via Lazzeri 47, 56010 loc. Ghezzano (Comune di San Giuliano Terme) 3483301593

BOOKSTORES PAPERBACK EXCHANGE

CIRCOLO MARINA DI CANDELI CANOA, TENNIS

Via delle Oche 4R 055.293460 papex@papex.it

Via della Massa 42 Bagno a Ripoli 055 632708 www.marinadicandeli.it

Via Cavour 21 INTERACTIVE LEONARDO’S MACHINES OPEN FROM 9.30AM- 7.30PM EVERY DAY

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VINYL RECORDS

EXHIBITIONS GALLERIA MICHELANGIOLO

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DATA RECORDS 93

Via dei Neri 15/r 055 287592 www.superecords.com

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NIGHT LIFE HISTORIC CAFES

THE JOSHUA TREE PUB

LE GIUBBE ROSSE Since 1896 Piazza della Repubblica 13/14r BAR SAN FIRENZE Since 1920 Piazza di San Firenze, 1/R

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TARTAN JOCK CORSO TINTORI 41/R OPEN FROM 3PM- 2AM aperitivo and kitchen open until 2am

ONE EYED JACK

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Via de’ Benci, 43/R zona s.croce the oldest english pub open every night from 5pm- 2am

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FINNEGAN

Via San Gallo 123R TYPICAL IRISH PUB www.finneganpub.com

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UNCLE JIMMY

Via De’ Pescioni 5/R Irish american pub Outside tables

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Piazza del mercato centrale 44/R florentine best party pub hip-hop, r&b, reggeton

via dei renai 13 brunch,light lunch, aperitivo,dj set www.zoebar.it

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KITSCH AMERICAN BAR

viale gramsci 1/r modern ambient,open for lunch too cocktail bar, dj set

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MOYO

APERITIVO

piazza de’ nerli dj set, cocktail bar, tables outside, hamburgers

EASY LIVING

ZOE

Openair Grill Festival VIA FABRIZIO DE ANDRE’ LUNGARNO ALDO MORO(NEAR OBIHALL)

FLET AMERICAN BAR

Via de’ Ginori 6/r special buffet + drink 6 € Every night 6pm-10 pm

AMERICAN BARS

OUTDOOR GRILL & LIVE MUSIC

SEI DIVINO borgo ognissanti 42/R open 3pm until late cocktail bar, live music, dj set

THE CLUB HOUSE

Piazza poggi Beach Terrace and Bar on the Arno

ENOTECA DE’ MACCI

FESTA DEL MUGELLO

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KIKUYA

Via Faenza 27/R 055 2741571 info@dublinpub.it

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piazza nazario sauro 2, 055 6288040 live music, dj set, theme parties

DUBLIN PUB

WINE BAR

Via De’ Macci 92/R At the corner of Via Mino 4-6-8/r 3388846455

PUBS

THE FISH PUB

Via della Scala 37/R 0123 456789 www.thejoshuatreepub.com‎

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via dei benci 23 brunch,light lunch, aperitivo,dj set www.moyo.it

COLLE BERETO

piazza strozzi 5/r brunch,light lunch, aperitivo www.colleberetocafe.it

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CLUBS C5

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BLOB CLUB

via vinegia 21/r 055 211209 open every night membership only

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www.blobclub.com

KITSCH DEUX

via san gallo 22/r open 5pm-3am open for lunch too live music, dj set, tables outside

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MONTECARLA CLUB

via de’bardi 2r 055 234 0259 Every night happy night dj set, cocktails

ADVERTISE WITH US ad@theflorencenewspaper.co as low as 20 Euro for at least 6 issues

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The Casale farmholding is situated on a hill to the north of the Elsa valley, close to San Gimignano ,Volterra and the sienese chianti zone. The specific area is actually mentioned in paleontological writings as it is rich in marine fossils from the Pliocene era, some of which are still visible and visitable today in the form of the “calanchi”, huge stalagtite type formations, natural erosions of the clay based soil surface.. The farm dates back to 1770 and the company ledger details the annual harvests from that date to 1915, and still previously to that date there are traces that go back as far as the year 1000, which suggest that the original building was some sort of look-out tower, and even today there are remains of the ancient walls still standing in the deepest part of the cellars. Naturally the building has changed with the passage of the centuries to bring it to its current external appearance. We have been farming organically and biodynamically since 1980 and our produce bears the “Demeter” trademark from 1995. Our product range includes wine. Red, rosé, and white, sparking white ( spumante), vinsanto ( dessert wine), chianti grape flavoured and balsamic vinegars, grappa, oak matured grappa, brandy, extra virgin olive oil and pearl barley.

Food & Wine

Taste Wine like an Expert A beginner’s guide to understanding the process

Pozzo Divino

Wine Tastings There is no place better to sample Tuscan wine than Pozzo Divino Wine Shop. Located on the bustling Via Ghibellina, the cozy shop offers great quality wines hadpicked by Pino, the owner. In addition, the shop offers wine tastings in the shop’s original historic cellar dating back to 1312, featuring a stunning “pozzo” or well. To complement your wine tasting, be sure to visit Salumeria Verdi, located down the street from the shop, a small restaurant that is more than a century old and also owned by Pozzo Divino.

Via Ghibellina 144/ R Tel: 055 24 66 907 www.pozzodivino.eu

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nice glass of wine during an Italian dinner is a must, but it can be a bit confusing to the untrained mouth deciding whether or not the wine is worth indulging in. Learning how to properly taste wine will supply a further appreciation for all that a wine has to offer. For those who are not wine connoisseurs, the four steps of tasting a wine are as follows: 1) See. The color of the wine alone can give you a lot of information. 2) Sniff. The aroma gives you an idea of the wine before you taste it. 3) Sip. Sip to understand. 4) Summarize. There is much more to a wine than basic red or white color when considering its appearance. Before tasting, or even swirling the wine, notice how it looks. Consider the wine’s color throughout the glass, note if it is darker in the center and lighter on the edges, whether the liquid is rather clear or opaque and if there is visible sediment throughout or settled at the bottom of the glass. Once you have a good handle on the appearance of the wine, it is time to get to know the smell. There are two key times to smell wine: when it is first poured and after you have swirled it around in the glass. For the initial smell bring your nose about an inch from the tip of the glass and inhale the aromas. Notice strong smells of fruit, oak, citrus, or flowers. Now swirl the wine around in the glass for 10 to 15 seconds; this will allow more of the aromas to escape up to your nose. For the next smell

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For those who are not wine connoisseurs, the four steps of tasting a wine are as follows: 1) See. The color of the wine alone can give you a lot of information. 2) Sniff. The aroma gives you an idea of the wine before you taste it. 3) Sip. Sip to understand. 4) Summarize.

The Salumeria Verdi

The Salumeria Verdi, located on 36/r Via G. Verdi, is a prime spot for quality food.The gastronomia has been serving the Florentine public since 1900, and offers fresh pastas, breads, meats, cheeses, and more. Because the Salumeria is a sister company of the well-known enoteca Pozzo Divino, it offers a cornucopia of quality selections from the wine shop. It is open from Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and also offers catering services.

Tel. 055 24 45 17 info@pozzodivino.com www.salumeriaverdi.it

Tuscan Wine School

Wine education Take the Wine Express and learn how to taste and how wine is made. If you want to learn more about Tuscany’s wines, join us for the extremely interesting 2 hour long Tuscan Classics tasting any afternoon of the week and taste all the typical wines from the most famous regions around Tuscany. We also offer the WSET courses available from Level 1 to Level 3, after which internationally acknowledged diplomas are awarded. This is not a wine school only for experts, but still here one is served the very best wines.

Via de’ Bardi 23R Tel. 055 2344142 www.tuscanwineschool.com

Kia Wright and Rick J. Widden put your nose into the glass of wine and inhale a deep breath through your nose. Notice any differences that change in the scent of the wine. Smell is one of the best indicators of a wine’s quality, so be sure to enjoy the full aroma of a wine. Now you are ready for the taste portion of the test. On the first sip, be sure to keep it in your mouth, swishing it all over your tongue to allow the taste to reach all of your taste buds. Notice if the wine tastes dry, rich, fruity, or oaky. Take another sip, this time keep the liquid on your tongue and breathe through your mouth, exhaling through your nose. This allows the wine to open up in your mouth, releasing more disguised flavors directly to your tongue. Notice any and all difference between the first sip and the second. Remember that certain looks, smells, and tastes do not outright mean a wine is bad. Whether a wine is flavorful or not is based on personal opinion, and a wine will only truly be poor if there are extremely negative looks, scents, and tastes. In order to perfect what you enjoy, try many different wines, and jot down what you enjoy about each. Take into account the first three steps and ask yourself, would I like to have another glass? Though many objective conclusions may be made about a glass of wine, in the end a wine is good if you want more.

The F.lli Zanobini Enoteca

Since 1944 Specializing in serving and selling wine, the F.lli Zanobini Enoteca was founded by the brothers Gino and Silvano in 1944, two sommeliers with an authentic passion for wine. The enoteca is located in the San Lorenzo area, near the Central Market. The shop is simply furnished with wood shelves that contain a selection of over 2,500 bottles of wine, liquors, spakling wines. They also sell wines produced in the “Le Lame” estate in San Casciano Val Di Pesa, in the Chianti area. A visit to this shop, where everything “speaks” of Bacco, is definitely worth it. F.lli Zanobini specializes in both retail and wholesale supplies, liquors and other distillates, which would satisfy even the most demanding barman.

Via San Antonino 47/R Tel. +39 055 23 96 850

Travel

Don’t Miss your own Backyard Easy day trips close to Florence

F 17

Jordan Davis & Gianna Shepherd

ach year thousands of people flock to Florence, but no trip to the Tuscan capital is complete without a day excursion to one of its surrounding treasures. Rolling Tuscan hills and some of the finest gastronomy in the world lie only a short drive away. If you are willing to travel a bit farther you are soon visiting iconic coastlines, UNESCO world heritage sites and gondola filled canals. What are you waiting for?

it the nickname of the medieval New York City. Try a family-run winery in San Gimingano for a three-course Tuscan meal and a delicious wine tasting including the famous Vernaccia di San Gimignano. As you are savoring the Vernaccia and homemade lasagna, the winery owners will passionately explain that wine is more than something to drink in the Italian culture. It is “love, poetry and imagination.” A trip to Florence is not complete without experi-

Neighboring Montalcino is worth a visit simply for one of the best views in all of Tuscany, luckily it is also home to another exquisite wine. Brunello di Montalcino is one of Italy’s most well known wines and the first to be awarded with the prestigious DOCG status. A local gelateria even offers a Brunello flavor of gelato. Heading north east from Florence quickly brings you to a rugged portion of the coast and the Cinque Terre of the Liguria region. These “five

and it is also possible to make this a day excursion from Florence. Just as you imagined it from the movies, Venice has it all, romantic bridges, singing gondoliers and pigeons flocking in St. Mark’s Square. Wander the maze-like streets and enjoy the calm of a city without cars and scooters. Take the waterbus to the island of Murano for a glass-blowing demonstration. Watch the sun sink into the Adriatic Sea as you enjoy dinner overlooking the water, and end the day

For medieval architecture and stunning buttressed cityscapes, head to Siena and San Gimignano. Visitors to these former Eutruscan hill towns will find themselves surrounded by fascinating culture, buildings and of course great food and wine. Easily navigable, travelers find the heart of Siena’s charm in its architecture. The founding families of San Gimignano required that seventy-two towers be built in order to protect the city. Today fifteen of these towers remain, giving San Gimignano a unique skyline and earning

encing a wine tasting in the rolling hills of Tuscany. “Si mangia bene e si beve bene” translates “to eat well and drink well”, and that is precisely what you will do in the famous vinyard towns of Montepulciano and Montalcino. Sample both the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Brunello di Montalcino, wines made with the world-renowned Sangiovese grape. Partaking in a wine tasting in Montepulciano is particularly memorable as they are held in a former prison.

lands” of the Italian Riviera provide the unique opportunity for hiking and lying on a beach in the same day. Start out with a hike and enjoy the spectacular views along the coastal pathway that joins the five towns. The pot of gold at the end of the rainbow comes in the form of the beautiful beach in the fifth town, Monterosso al Mare. Indulge in the Ligurian specialty of pesto pizza or perhaps some mouthwatering seafood paired with a chilled white wine. No one should visit Italy and not see Venice,

with a Bellini, the famous Venetian cocktail combining white peaches and Prosecco. Florence is incredible, but venturing its city walls will allow you to have a greater appreciation of all things Italian: culture, architecture, food and wine, and truly magnificent scenery. Whether your visit includes the Etruscan hillside towns in Tuscany, the vibrant villages on the coast of Cinque Terre or the legendary canals of Venice, you are sure to broaden your horizons and enjoy even more of la dolce vita, “the sweet life.”

F EXHIBITS

EXHIBITION HOMAGE TO MARILYN MONROE Ferragamo Museum, Via Tornabuoni 2 June 20th 2012– January 28th 2013 Open: Monday-Sunday 10am-6pm Tickets: €5 tel. 0553562417, www.museoferragamo.it

THE GLEAM OF GOLD. International gothic style in Florence 1375-1440

Uffizi Gallery, Piazzale degli Uffizi June 18th – November 4th Open: Tuesday-Sunday 8:15am6:50pm Tickets: € 11 tel. 055294883, www.unannoadarte.it

FABULAE PICTAE. MYTHS AND STORIES IN THE CERAMICS OF THE RENAISSANCE

Museo del Bargello, Via del Proconsolo 4 May 16th – September 16th Open: Monday-Sunday 8:15-1:50pm Tickets: € 7 tel. 055294883, www.unannoadarte.it

PATRICK MIMRAM. SYMBOLS AS SYMPTONS

MNAF- Museo Nazionale Alinari della fotografia, Piazza S. Maria Novella 14r June 1st – July 31st Open: Monday- Saturdays 10am7:30pm Tickets: € 9 tel. 055216310, www.mnaf.it

MARCO LODOLA AT THE COURT OF THE MEDICI FAMILY

Palazzo Medici Riccardi Via Cavour 3 June 15th – July 31st Open: Monday- Sundays 9am-6pm Tickets: € 7 tel. 0552760224, www.palazzo-medici.it

ANDREA COMMODI: from his attraction to Michelangelo to his anxiety about new Casa Buonarroti, Via Ghibellina 70 May 17th – August 31st Open: Monday- Saturdays 10am5:00pm Tickets: € 6,50

tel. 055241752, www.casabuonarroti.it

Events JAPAN LAND OF ENCHANTMENT Palazzo Pitti, Museo degli Argenti, Galleria palatina, Galleria d’arte moderna April 3rd – July 1st Open: Monday- Friday 8:15am1:50pm.tel. 055290832, www. unannoadarte.it

FROM FATTORI TO THE 20th CENTURY.UNPUBLISHED WORKS FROM THE ROSTER, DEL GRECO,OLSCHIKI COLLECTION Villa Bardini, Costa San Giorgio 2 April 1st – November 4th

tel. 0552638599, www.bardinipeyron.it

AMERICANS IN FLORENCE. SARGENT AND THE AMERICAN IMPRESSIONISTS

Palazzo Strozzi, Piazza degli Strozzi March 3rd – July15th Open: Monday-Sunday 9am-8:00pm, Thursdays 9am-11pm Tickets: € 10 tel. 0552645155, www.palazzostrozzi.org

Museo Marino Marini, Piazza San Pancrazio April 20th – June 23rd Open: Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm tel. 055219432, www.museomarinomarini.it

THE TAPESTRY GALLERY, Epiphanies of precious fabrics Uffizi Gallery, Piazzale degli Uffizi March 20th – June 3rd Tickets: € 11 Open: Monday- Friday 9:00am5:00pm. tel. 05523885, www.unannoadarte.it

THE MYTH, THE SACRED, THE PORTRAIT. Painting from the repositories of the Palatine Gallery Galleria Palatina (Palazzo Pitti) April 17th – December 22nd Tickets: € 13 Open: Tuesday-Sunday 8:15am6:50pm

tel. 0552388616, www.polomusealefirenze. it

Villa Bardini, Costa San Giorgio2 June 26th at 6:30pm Tickets: € 6

tel. 0552638599, www.bardinipeyron.it

SUMMER AT BARGELLO, Harmonia Choir Cantata

Music by Schubert, Breahms and Mendelssohn Courtyard of the Bargello Museum, Via del Proconsolo 4 June 27th at 9:15pm tel. 055611299, www.flamensable.com

CONCERT by Orchestra and Chorus of Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Director Z. Mehta

MUSIC, CONCERTS & OPERA BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, Wrecking ball world tour 2012 Stadio Artemio Franchi, Viale Manfredo Fanti 4 June 10th at 8.00 pm

SPORT EVENTS TORNEO SAN GIOVANNI. HISTORICAL FLORENTINE FOOTBALL TOURNEMENT Piazza Santa Croce at 5:00pm June 16th ,17th , 24th

tel. 0552616054, www.calciostoricofiorentino.it

73rd SAINT JOHN EVENING RUN, WALKING RACE 30km Piazza Duomo June 23rd at 9:00 pm (departure)

tel. 0555522957, www.firenzemarathon.it

Piazza della Signoria at 9:30pm Thursday June 30th at 9:30pm

tel. 0552779350, www.maggiofiorentino.it

DANCE & BALLET FLORENCE DANCE FESTIVAL

Museo Nazionale del Bargello, Via del Proconsolo 4 June 26th – July 23rd tel. 055289276, www.florencedance.org

GALA DANCE WITH MAGGIO DANZA Piazza della Signoria June 28th at 9:30 tel. 0552779350, www.maggiofiorentino.it

CINEMA English original sound at Cinema Odeon, Piazza Strozzi tel. 055214068, www.odeon.intoscana.it

SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN (UK/USA 2012) By Lasse Hallström. With Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt, Amr Waked June 11th , 12th Shows: 4:00, 6:15, 8:30, 10.40pm

MARTHA, MARCY, MAY, MARLENE (USA 2011) June 15th and 17th Shows: 3:30pm June 16th Shows: 4:00pm

tel. 055667566, www.bitconcerti.it

MADONNA, World Tour 2012

Stadio Artemio Franchi, Viale Manfredi Fanti 4 June 16th at 8:00pm tel. 055667566, www.bitconcerti.it

CHRIS CORNELL, Songbook tour

Cavea del Nuovo Teatro dell’Opera di Firenze, Viale Fratelli Rosselli 1 June 29th at 9:00pm tel. 0552779350, www.livenation.it

XIII STAGIONE TOSCANA CLASSICA 2012 ORCHESTRA DA CAMERA FIORENTINA June 17th at 9:00pm

LOVETT & CODAGNONEContemporary art exhibition

CONCERTS AT VILLA BARDINI

Auditorium di Santo Stefano al Ponte Vecchio Music by P. J. Tchaykowski, E. Grieg, F.Mendelsshon

June18th at 9:00pm

Orsanmichele Museum, Via dell’arte della lana 1 Music by J. S.Bach, L. van Beethoven, H. Wienaswski

June 21st at 9:00 pm

Auditorium di Santo Stefano al Ponte Vecchio Music by G. Donizetti, G. Puccini, G. Verdi

June 29th at 9:00pm

Orsanmichele Museum, Via dell’arte della lana 1 Music by F. Chopin, C. Debussy tel. 055783374, www.orcafi.it

LA TRAVIATA- opera by Giuseppe Verdi Orchestra and Chorus of Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Director Z. Mehta

Teatro Comunale, Corso Italia 12

June 20th, and 21st at 8:30pm, June 23rd at 3:30pm, June 25th , 26th at 8:30pm tel. 0552779350, www.maggiofiorentino.it

LECTURES & CONFERENCES BONNIE McMULLEN

“To see Italy steadily and see it whole: Edith Wharton Italian backgrounds” June 13th at 6pm

THE PICCADILLY PIANO QUINTET A concert of music by Cyril Scott June 20th at 6pm

CHARLES H. CECIL

“The innovative portraits of John Singer Sargent” June 27th at 6pm

SPECIAL EVENTS TUSCAN SUN FESTIVAL. Festival delle Arti Teatro della Pergola, Cinema Odeon, Palazzo Strozzi June 11th- 18th tel. 0557476610, www.tuscansunfestival. com

GREGOR VON REZZORI LITERARY PRIZE

Palazzo Medici, Cinema teatro Odeon, Palazzo Vecchio June 13th – 15th tel. 0552347273, www.premiovonrezzori.org

SUMMER LITTLE FAIR – organic and hand made local products Piazza Santo Spirito June 17th tel. 055697747

ALL GOOD THINGS (USA 2010) June 20th Shows: 4pm June 21st Shows: 4:00, 6:00, 10:30pm

COSMOPOLIS (Canada/France/Italy 2012)

June 22nd Shows: 4:00, 6:15, 10:40pm June 23rd , 24th , 25th Shows: 4:00, 6:15, 8:30, 10:40pm June 26th Shows: 4:00, 6:15pm

MARLEY (USA/UK 2012) June 26th Shows: 9:00pm June 27th and 29th Shows: 4:00, 6:50, 9:30 June 28th Shows: 5:30pm

TRIBECA FIRENZE

Cinema Odeon, Piazza Strozzi

tel. www.odeon.intoscana.it, www.tuscansunfestival.com

WAGNER’S DREAM (USA 2012)

By Susan Froemke. With Robert Lepage, Deborah Voigt, Jay Hunter Morris and The Metropolitan Opera. June 13th Shows 5:15pm

ANY DAY NOW (USA 2012)

By Travis Fine. With Alan Cumming, Garret Dillahunt, Isaac Leyva. June 13th Shows 8:15pm

WOODY ALLEN: A DOCUMENTARY (USA 2011)

By Robert B. Weide. With Woody Allen, Letty Aronson, Antonio Banderas. June 13th Shows 10:45pm

F 19 Buontalenti: A Genius beyond Gelato History & Culture

The story of a true Renaissance Man and a favorite dessert

Mercedes Matos Carrara

ummertime is a wonderful opportunity for tourists and locals to exchange views on one of the most ancient and delicious sweets: iced fruit desserts, already known by the Greeks and the Romans, and referred to as sherbets by the Arabs. Catherine de’ Medici, the first Florentine queen of France, had introduced these sherbets into the French court when she married Henry of Valois in 1533. Interestingly enough, her Italian cooks also introduced the art of frying to Paris. French fries are actually Florentine fries and spinach in béchamel sauce are still called Spinach (épinard) Florentine in any French cook book! Bernardo Buontalenti, a Mannerist court artist for the Medici Grand Duke, is traditionally credited with the invention of Florentine Gelato. He used an eggnog cream instead of ice for the dessert he created to celebrate the wedding of Marie de’ Medici and King Henry IV of France. One of the most famous ice cream flavors in Florence is still called “Gelato Buontalenti.” Buontalenti’s unique skill as an architect can be seen in the large grotto in the Boboli Gardens, created to incorporate Michelangelo’s Four Prisoners into the four corners of the entrance hall. Michelangelo’s unfinished statues for the Tomb of Julius II had been carved in Florence during the last Florentine Republic (1527-30). The artist was threatened with a lawsuit by the pope’s nephew, Francesco Maria I, Duke of Urbino. The first project for a free standing, three-story tomb in Old St. Peter’s had been done in 1505. However, when the pope died in 1513, only the Moses and the Louvre Dying and Rebellious Slaves had been started. The project became smaller as the years went by. No other della Rovere was elected pope and the two Medici popes Leo X and Clement VII sent Michelangelo to Florence to work in San Lorenzo, the Medici parish church, where he did the New Sacristy and only two of the commissioned tombs, those of the lesser known Gi-

Art History Professor at Gonzaga University in Florence uliano, Duke of Nemours and Lorenzo Duke of Urbino. Clement VII also commissioned Michelangelo to build the Laurentian Library above the cloister of San Lorenzo to house the Medici collection of manuscripts. When the Medici became dictators, Michelangelo left for Rome in 1534, never to return. The Four Prisoners remained in Florence. The Tomb of Julius II, a much smaller version attached to the wall, was finally assembled in San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in Chains) in 1545,

flank the nine central scenes from Genesis in the Sistine Chapel ceiling. If one looks at Moses’ horns at San Pietro in Vincoli, acorns rather than horns of light are the first thing that comes to mind. Certainly they have the sectioned appearance of acorns, the Della Rovere symbol. When Michelangelo died in 1564, his unsold statues, including the Four Prisoners, were inherited by his nephew Leonardo Buonarroti, who gave them to the Medici Grand Duke Cosimo I. Bernardo Buontalenti was asked to build a

exactly 40 years after the first project for Old St. Peter’s. One wonders if the Agony and the Ecstasy, Irving Stone’s biographical novel on Michelangelo, was given that title because of Michelangelo’s torment at the seemingly endless project and his ecstasy at the magnificence of the Moses, dominating the tomb wall with its awesome power. Rovere is oak in Italian. In fact, Michelangelo painted many nude youths holding acorns that

grotto for the four statues in the Boboli Gardens by Francesco I, Cosimo’s oldest son and heir, in 1583. The grotto is a perfect example of his ability to dazzle the spectator, a blend of architecture, painting, and sculpture masterminded by Buontalenti. The entrance walls seem to be dripping with mud. Michelangelo’s Four Prisoners were placed at the corners. The originals have been admired in the Accademia since 1904 and are

substituted by plaster copies. Their stances suggest an enormous effort to emerge from the surrounding mud. The Greek myth of the deluge with the survivors Deucalion and Pyrra, making mud dolls to repopulate the earth, has been masterfully represented by Piero Mati. Shepherds with their sheep have taken shape and found shelter in the grotto. The walls with their luxuriant vegetation were decorated by Bernardo Poccetti. Francesco I also had the architect do the gardens for his villa in Pratolino, with artificial grottoes in the ground story filled with statues, water games and movable scenery. His colossal statue of the Appenine was placed in front of a small lake. There’s a small room inside the head, illuminated by the huge eyes. It can be reached by climbing the giant’s back, where the vertebrae form the narrow, moss-covered stone steps. Buontalenti was in charge of the decorations for the wedding festivities of Grand Duke Ferdinand I and Christine of Lorraine in May, 1589. He devised all sorts of mind blowing stage sets, including a naval battle between Christians and Turks enacted in Ammannati’s Pitti Palace courtyard, filled with five feet of water. The surprised guests could view the small galleons from the balconies on the upper stories surrounding the courtyard. He built the Belvedere Fortress that could be reached directly from the Boboli Gardens and provided shelter during plague epidemics. Ferdinand I ordered a special treasure chamber to keep his immense fortune in gold and silver coins, and only Buontalenti and the Grand Duke knew the combination to the lock. If robbers tried to enter the room, the lock would fire against the robber and the chamber would automatically fill with water to safeguard the millions in gold and silver coins. Buontalenti’s ice cream was just one of the many inventions done by a true jack of all trades but, with an undeniable mastery in all of them.

Pistoia Blues, Starring B.B. King

Vogue Fashion’s Night Out Arriving in September

Blues festival taking place from July 12th to the 15th

Global shopping event set to take place in Florence for the first time

Claudia Niemann

pen-air blues notes will again warm Tuscan nights with the 33rd edition of the Pistoia Blues. First taking place in 1980, some of the greatest blues and rock musicians of all time have performed at the festival, including Muddy Waters, Frank Zappa, The Blues Brothers, Santana, Bob Dylan, Deep Purple and Patti Smith. Featuring almost twenty different live acts, the festival promises four days of jam and memorable performances, all set against stunning scenery. In addition to the nightly concerts, guitar, keyboard, bass and drum lessons will be offered by professional musi-

cians throughout the day. The program will be kicked off with Subsonica, currently one of the most appreciated Italian rock bands. The highlight event of this year’s edition is the return of blues icon B.B. King, who last performed in Pistoia seven years ago. The lineup also includes British singer-songwriter of Tuscan descent Paolo Nutini, and two of the leading bands in the American blues-rock scene, Gov’t Mule and John Hiatt & The Combo. Tickets (20-38 Euro) on sale at: Nuovo Box Office, Via delle Vecchie Carceri 1, Tel. 055-210804; purchase online: www.boxol.it or www.boxofficetoscana.it.

reat fashion for every budget is the slogan of the 2012 Fashion’s Night Out, a globally celebrated shopping festival initiated by Vogue. Set to take place all over Europe, South America, Australia and Asia, shopaholics around the world should already mark the month of September in their calendars. The Italian edition of the Fashion’s Night Out takes place in Milan on September 6th, in Rome on September 13th and, for the first time, in Florence on September 18th. First initiated in 2009, the event aims at celebrating fashion, cultivating consumer confidence and boosting the economy. In

Claudia Niemann recent years, the initiative saw an enthusiastic participation of thousands of shoppers throughout the world. Involving 19 countries - more than ever before – the 4th edition of an exceptional shopping-event promises to be even bigger and better. True to the motto “A Global Celebration of Fashion,” luxury boutiques and department stores will be open until midnight, featuring special limited-edition products, celebrity appearances, and unforgettable performances. Local fashion stores and designers are encouraged to participate by hosting an official Fashion’s Night Out event in their city.

Siena & Chianti F Il Palio: More than just a Horse Race 20

Siena’s historical sporting event is a way of life

Jessica Card

l Palio is a medieval horse race that takes place twice a year, on July 2nd and August 16th, in Siena’s main public square, Il Campo, and dates back to the mid-17th century. August 16, 1656 to be exact. Back then, the city was separated into 59 contrade, distinct sections of the city with their own churches, emblems, colors, governmental institutions, and, above all, strong senses of loyalty and comraderie. Though only 17 contrade remain today, without their own administrative institutions, they still

costumes from the mid-15th century. Flag-bearers, grooms, pages, a drummer, along with the horse and rider make up the retinue; but for this part of the evening the flag-bearers steal the show. With skill and precision, the two medieval entertainers toss their standards high into the air to the awe of the crowd and never fail to catch them before they touch the ground below. As 7:30 approaches and the line-up is called, the entire arena falls silent, save for the occasional groans as the announcer calls “fuori” and

When a crowd of an estimated 33,000 people will silence themselves completely just to hear the line-up, and when you are surrounded by sobbing women as you file out of the campo, you know this is more than just a horse race. So what is all this for? Money? Good luck? Keys to the city? Close. A painted silk banner, or pallium, and bragging rights. After witnessing the fervor of the day, seeing the faces of the defeated, and hearing their cries, Il Palio is not just about the prize - it is about the pride of place as

ing rhythm wave their flags bearing the green, orange and white colors of the neighborhood emblazoned with a rhinoceros carrying a tree. The women follow singing loudly the songs of their contrada. Oh, and do not be surprised if you spot a pacifier or baby bottle around the necks or even in the mouths of the victors. Il Palio symbolizes the evolution of life, from infancy to adulthood, and the winning contrada members become like new-borns, hence the baby imagery.

command this same pride and devotion. Determined by right as well as lot, only ten contrade are represented in the race out of the total 17. Each horse and rider wears the colors and emblems of the section he represents and mascots range from a tortoise, to a porcupine, to a dragon and a wave. For the two or three hours before the race, the comparsa, or representatives of the contrada, parade into the campo to the sound of beating drums and the occassional trumpet, dressed in

the horses fall out of line to reset once again. Finally, with little notice, the rope drops and the atmosphere erupts. Without a saddle and little more than the reigns, a whip, and the strength of their legs, the jockeys battle for position as they round each tight turn. Needless to say, the race is not clean nor danger free. After hours of build-up and a minute and a half of hysteria, Il Palio is over, Selva has won, and the celebrations begin. Unless, of course, you are one of the nine losing contrade.

the top contrada in the city, about the communal sense of accomplishment and the shared feeling of being the best of the city, though this is only my interpretation. If you ask any Sienese, they may have a different and better explanation. The celebrations afterwards are as much a part of the experience as the race itself. The winning contrada, Selva this time around, then marches through the campo and proceeds to the streets of Siena for hours after the race. Men, old and young, carry drums and in a unified and flow-

Sporting events in the United States hardly compare to the atmosphere of Il Palio, but perhaps this is the closest America comes to a similar kind of tradition. The race and rituals transport you back to a different place and time, when neighborhoods celebrated life and death together and when the contrada commanded as much loyalty and pride as the city or state. Still today, Il Palio manifests the comraderie of a previous era. For now, to catch a glimpse of the atmosphere and excitement, YouTube it, and next month, va’ !

The Palio on a Budget Every year on July the 2nd and August the 16th, one of the biggest events of the backpacker calendar is held in Siena. Tuscany on a Budget, a students company based in Florence, organizes a day trip to Siena to make sure that people are experiencing this cultural event and not missing out on the real spirit of the horse race. The groups will be led by local guides who are going to share the secrets of the Senese and their traditions. Besides the Palio, Tuscany on Budget offers a series of activities ranging from € 6 to € 54 in Florence such as city bike tours, gastronomic tours and wine tasting tours to the Chianti region and to the local villages in Tuscany to 18-35’s willing to learn, taste and see a fun environment with a knowledgeable team.

Via S. Caterina d’Alessandria 15 50129 Firenze Tel: 055 62 86 341 – 348 79 134 54 Skype: Tuscany on a Budget facebook.com/TuscanyonaBudget tuscanyonabudget@gmail.com

Querceto di Castellina

Music on a Low Budget

The affordable Arezzo Wave festival returns July 12th to 15th

Claudia Niemann

Querceto di Castellina of Chianti will be holding an aperitivo every Friday this summer. The idea, which comes from wine company owner Jacopo Di Battista, combines a trip to breathtaking Chianti with an outdoor aperitivo. The buffet will feature the meeting of classic Chianti wine and traditional Tuscan dishes, accompanied by live music. Special events include presentation of special cuisine including Japanese dishes, hamburgers and barbecue, Mexican dishes, and fish selections.

Querceto di Castellina di Jacopo Di Battista & C. Sas Soc. Agr. loc. Querceto, 9 - 53011 Castellina in Chianti (SI) - ITALIA Tel. +39 0577 733590 Tel: 0577 733590 www.quercetodicastelinna.com

aving toured Tuscany for five years, the internationally known Arezzo Wave returns to the city where it all started. From July 12th to 15th, Arezzo will again become the stage for a festival offering music, theater, readings, dance, art and workshops. What is different about the 26th edition of Arezzo Wave is the idea of creating an event at low cost. As part of the organizer’s strategy to fight the current crisis, almost all the events will be free except for the main concerts. This year, a 20 euro fee will cover everything that the event has to offer, so long as you arrive before 8 p.m. every night. Restaurants, hotels and shops will offer discounts to those who pay the full 20 euro for the all access pass. The main guests appearing on the stage will

be Yann Tiersen, Caparezza, Ewert and The Two Dragons, Erica Mou, Nina Zilli, Crookers, the Fuel Fandango, Caravan Palace and Bandabardò. Among the special events of this edition is a celebration of 50 years of the Diabolik comic, film screenings as a tribute to John Belushi, performances by the Sosta Palmizi dancers, as well as a surprise concert scheduled at dawn. With more than 100 events on the agenda, Arezzo Wave 2012 is set for a sparkling welcome home party. Tickets (12-30 Euro) on sale at: Nuovo Box Office, via delle Vecchie Carceri 1, Tel. 055-210804; purchase online: www.boxol.it or www.boxofficetoscana.it.

PIERO CISTERNINO UN UOMO, UNA STORIA, UNA PASSIONE

Traditional Tailoring Since 1968

Via del Purgatorio, 22/r 50125 Florence Tel.: 055 280118 Cell. 335 99 25482 sartoriapierocisternino@virgilio.it

City Beat

Calcio Storico Fiorentino is Back

Florence anticipates historic sport and the use of instant replay

Claudia Niemann

very June, Florence celebrates the feast day of its patron saint San Giovanni with a series of events involving the entire city. On the morning of June 24th, an historic parade starts from Piazza Signoria and continues towards the Baptistery of the Cathedral with an offering of candles for the patron. After the parade, a solemn mass follows with the exposure of the Saint’s relics. Festivities will conclude with spectacular fireworks at the Piazzale Michelangelo in honor of San Giovanni. Among the most popular events linked to the festivity is the Calcio Storico Fiorentino, also known as “historic Florentine football,” held in Piazza Santa Croce. This is year the tournament begins on June 24th. This edition’s innovation is the employment of television cameras to record the games, to help the referee catching players breaking the rules. The historic game precedes soccer, which has yet to incorporate the use of instant replay technology. A tradition dating back to the 16th century, Calcio in costume is an ancient sport, a mixture of wrestling, rugby and football. The competition is between the four historic quarters of Florence: San Giovanni (“Greens”), Santa Maria Novella (“Reds”), Santa Croce (“Blues”) and Santo Spirito (“Whites”). Originally, Calcio Storico was reserved for aristocratic noblemen who played every night between Epiphany and Lent in front of the Basilica of Santa Croce and some times in the areas

of Via Il Prato, Piazza della Signoria or Piazza Santa Maria Novella. In fact, even Popes, such as Clement VII, Leo XI and Urban VIII were known to play Calcio in the Vatican. In 1580, Florentine count Giovanni de’ Bardi published the rules. The game lasts 50 minutes with 27 players on each team who may use any body part to transport the ball across the sand playing field. The team with the most “cacce” wins and is awarded a white calf. Yet, the rules of Calcio are quite different from modern football, allowing tactics such as headbutting, punching, elbowing and choking. It is a bloody and violent sport that stunned even the armies of Charles V who had come to reinstall the Medici government with a thunder of cannons in 1529. The Florentines, however, proudly continued their game, leaving the Imperial army in utter shock at the costumed players. The pageant of Calcio was prohibited for a period in 1739 by the Grand Dukes of Lorraine, but was restarted in 1930 by the Fascist Government. Today, spectators are taken back to the ancient origins of football in costume, experiencing a tradition that has been maintained for over 500 years. Though Calcio Storico may not be for the fainthearted, this event delivers excitement with the music, processions and colorful Renaissance costumes. Just in time for the European Championship, one is given the opportunity to experience up close the historical roots of modern football.

Moyo

Buca Poldo

Centro Estetico Oasi

Moyo is the place to go when looking for great cocktails and a knockout aperitivo. The restaurant touts the line “not ordinary living,” and certainly lives up to this claim, featuring a stout menu of cocktails and a rich buffet of dishes during happy hour. Due to the hip and modern atmosphere as well as the choice music selection, Moyo is very popular, especially during the early evening “aperitivo” hours. The restaurant is also well-known for its delicious brunch menu.

When looking for a Tuscan cellar in a convenient location, look no further than Buca Poldo, a restaurant conveniently located near Piazza della Signoria and the Ponte Vecchio. The restaurant offers many different kinds of dishes, including Tuscan favorites and original dishes, all expertly crafted by a knowledgeable chef. After the meal, be sure to enjoy homemade dessert, accompanied by Tuscan wine. Two lovely terraces provide a peaceful solace from the activity of the street from late spring to early autumn.

Oasi has the answer to all of your beauty needs. Since 1994, the company has been a bastion of experience and professionalism, guaranteeing complete satisfaction to all of its customers. Among services offered are massages, body and face treatments, depilations, pedicures, nail reconstruction, and eyelash extensions. In addition, Oasi features a tanning solarium that was a favorite of the Jersey Shore cast during their stay last summer. The center offers student discounts, including a 10% discount on beauty services and a 20% discount on tanning.

Open Every Day 12:00-15:00 & 19:00-23:00

Via de’ Benci 23/R Tel: 055 2479738 www.moyo.it info@moyo.it

Chiasso degli Armagnati 2/R Tel. +39 055 23 96 578 www.bucapoldo.it

Safe Shipping Solutions

Takes the hassle out of shipping your goods and luggage Rates include: Home pick up Secure and protective packaging Delivery to your home or nominated address Best way to ship your wine, olive oil, or any other bottled goods!

Via degli Alfani 53/R Tel: 055 23 46 696 email info@oasifriendsfirenze.it

by CARATELLO Srl Via dell’ Agnolo 115/r 50122 Firenze tel. fax: 055 0118470 cell.:370 1141612 Skype: caratellofirenze email:firenze@caratello.net

F 23

Sport & Fun

Horseback Riding in Tuscany

o leisurely explore the Tuscan countryside and its nature in a delightful way, horseback riding is probably the best solution. The tour offered by Fun in Tuscany, the five-stars-

fering a collection of breathtaking and unforgettable views. No prior experience is needed for this adventure. Before the ride, you will be given a lesson by a trained guide in order to become better

So, while your friends go on the horse ride, you can enjoy snacks, drinks and a nice walk around a traditional Tuscan farm. There are more than 75 horses, all of whom live together in harmony with donkeys and ponies.

Tour Includes: Comfortable air-conditioned 8-seats minivan Licensed guide Approx. 2 hours ride Visit to a 13th century castle Traditional Tuscan meal Chianti wine tasting Insurance and helmet

Other tours available: Vespa/Scooter Quad/ATV Wine Tour Cooking Class reviewed tour operator, is an original and popular adventure tour in Tuscany. You will be taken to the Chianti region, where some of the most famous wines are produced. The ride will take you through lush vineyards, native woods, olive groves and rolling hills, of-

acquainted with your horse. After the ride, you will visit a 13th century castle where you you will enjoy a delicious Tuscan meal washed down with a Chianti wine tasting. If you do not want to ride a horse, you can still come and enjoy the tour with a 20% discount.

Aguaraja Water Rafting

Tree Sleeping

If you are looking for an outdoor excursion complete with beautiful sites and thrills, the Aguaraja canoe, kayak and rafting company has the opportunity for you! The two-hour trip takes place on the Limentra River, downstream of Lake Suviana along the border between the Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany, starting from Bagnana and ending at the Verzuna Bridge. Videos of your expedition are available for purchase.

Tel: 348 33 01 593 info@aguaraja.com www.aguaraja.com

Have you ever considered spending the night in a tree? With Tree Sleeping, it is possible. Adventurous children and adults in good health cam collaborate with trained professionals to find the perfect spot to â&#x20AC;&#x153;set down rootsâ&#x20AC;? for the evening, after which you are left in peace to experience the tranquility of nature. Participants choose from several different areas in Tuscany that have been handpicked by knowledgeable employees. Participants can rest easy as ropes, safe ladders, and a fall arrest system will be in place to eliminate any risk of falling. Reservations are taken from March to September, depending on weather conditions.

www.tree-sleeping.com

If you have never whispered to the horses, then let the horses whisper to you.

Chianti Day Tour Shopping & Spa

www.funintuscany.com

Fun Fishing

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All games shown live on maxiscreen

INFO AND BOOKING

338 9873176 Lungarno Aldo Moro -Via Fabrizio De Andreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ( Next to Obi Hall ) www.facebook.com/FestaDelMugello