F CALL 055 4390 OR
MAY 2012, Suppl. N.31
www.theflorencenewspaper.com
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Firenze Gelato Festival May 23-27
Morissette and Springsteen Live
Via de Benci 33/35r Santa Croce Area Map code: C3 For reservations call +39 0552430909
page 12
Tuscan Sun Festival coming to Florence MAP
& DE GUI DE INSI
A Day to Remember The inauguration of the Santa Croce Façade Eugenio Giani, President of the Florence City Council
City in Fashion Waiting for Pitti Immagine International Fashion Show PAGE 12
Americans “Worst Tourists in the World”
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Elizabeth Murray and Carly Cummins
hey do not move much, they spend most of their time online, and they are those who steal the most from hotels and resorts when visiting new places. They are the stereotypical American tourists; at least according to a study recently published by Living Social, one of the most
important agencies of social buying in the US, commissioned by the Mandala Research Institute. The survey involved 5,600 volunteers, 4,000 of whom were Americans. The other 1600 people involved were from all over the world, including Australia, Canada, Ireland and Great Britain. Survey participants
were asked to answer a series of questions about the conduct of tourists from 16 different countries in order to give a realistic picture of what travelers think of other travelers. James Durston, a CNN International reporter, criticized the Living Social survey say-
May 3rd has a particular significance to the Santa Croce church. May 3rd, 1294 was supposedly when the first stone in the construction of the Church projected by Arnolfo di Cambio was posed. In more recent times, on May 3rd, 1863, the new marmoreal facade of the Church – projected by architect Nicola Matas and built between 1857 and 1863 – was inaugurated. May 3rd on the religious calendar represents the “Santa Croce del Cristo,” the Saint Crux of Christ, to which the Basel was dedicated. The inauguration of the facade in 1863 is described by the chronicles as a solemn ceremony attended by important personalities of the time, such as Prince Eugenio from the Savoy dynasty that ruled over Italy from 1861 to 1946 and Ubaldino Peruzzi, former mayor of Florence and Minister of the Interior of the Italian Reign. The climate of the ceremony was that of great enthusiasm generated by the recent unification of Italy in 1861. Even the previous ceremony for the posing of the first stone of the facade that had taken place six years before, in August 1857, was an important moment for the city, and was attended even by Pope Pius IX, who on that occasion celebrated Mass in the Basel. Finally, the strong insistence of Nicola Matas for a marmoreal facade that the Church had been missing for almost six centuries was rewarded.
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PALAZZO BUONDELMONTI Palazzo Buondelmonti Piazza Santa Trinita 1/r (Via Tornabouni) Firenze info@isabellefirenze.ot www.isabellefirenze.it
ph. +39 55 28 96 74
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Florence News
Florence 1st in Italy for Quality of Services Yet third most expensive city for renting apartments
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n average, it costs 704 euro to rent an apartment in Florence, says a recent survey conducted by a leading real estate agency in Italy. Only in Milan (974 euro) and Rome (963 euro) apartments are more expensive. The survey also revealed that the average price for a studio flat in Florence is 554 euro per month, while a two room apartment is on average 650 euro per month and a three room apartment 753. Prices go up to 860 euro on average for four rooms. Also interesting are the figures relative to the tenants. 23.3% of them are couples with children, while 37.7% are couples without children and 19.2% are single. The choice to share an apartment (20%) is widely seen, due to the large number of non-resident
students, most of whom are Italian coming from other cities, or even foreigners. In another survey conducted by the Polytechnic of Milan about the quality of services in major Italian cities with more than 250,000 inhabitants, Florence was named the best city in Italy for liveability. The survey questioned participants regarding four criteria: housing, environment, public transportation and leisure. The interesting aspect about the overall result of the survey was the strong disagreement among Italians about all of the aspects of the research; the quality of the housing-related public services (60%), that of public transportation (56%), that of the quality of the green areas of the cities (51%) and that of the facilities for leisure activities (44%).
City Order Prohibits Alcohol for Take-Away after 10 p.m. Claudia Niemann
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lcoholic beverages for take-away, including all drinks with alcohol content in any form of container, are no longer permitted in the historical city center and in Cascine park from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. The order has recently been signed by the prefect of Florence, Luigi Varratta and will go into effect until September 2012. The decision was made in a meeting between the prefect and Deputy Mayor Dario Nardella who agreed on the need to intervene again with an ad hoc measure to prevent and combat vandalism and the dis-
Council Forbids Sitting on the Stairs of the Dome Measure introduced along with others to combat degradation
Tuscany Approves Law for Medicinal Use of Cannabis T T
he Tuscan regional Council has recently approved a law – the first one of this kind in Italy – to facilitate the use of medicines containing cannabinoid. The new measures introduced in Tuscany intend to speed up, through regional health departments, the administration of cannabinoid medicines – that can currently require up to four months – to patients affected by certain pathologies. In Italy there are currently about one hundred patients who are treated with cannabis, whose medical use was legalized in
1997. This figure considers only those who follow the regular bureaucratic procedures, and is therefore much higher in reality if considering the number of patients who use it illegally, albeit only for medical purposes. Cannabis is particularly prescribed to treat diseases such as multiple sclerosis, glaucoma and depression, as well as muscle diseases such as dystrophy. Thanks to medicines containing cannabinoid, it is indeed possible to reduce up to 50% of the use of morphine to relieve pain.
Exotic Monkey Found in Chianti
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primate that is not indigenous to the area was recaptured in the Greve in Chianti on April 6. According to local media, the animal could have been illegally imported into Italy. The Forest Service found the presence of food remains where the macaque was found, possibly showing that it could have been accompanied by a human at one
point, who then abandoned the primate. According to the Provincial Command of Florence of the State Forestry Corps, the primate was accustomed to human presence. Completely unusual for Chianti, the macaque was immediately transported to Sasso Marconi, near Bologna, to the Protection and Research Center of Exotic and Wild Fauna where it will be held in custody.
“A Guide to the City” is the monthly supplement to www.theflorencenewspaper.com.
o improve the decorum of the city, the Florence Council has recently introduced new regulations, the most important of which are those that forbid sitting on the stairs of the Dome. Starting July 1st, in order to prevent tourists from sitting on the stairs of the Cathedral, a special surveillance will be taking place every day from 7 am to 6 pm. The service will be performed by personnel of the Opera del Duomo, the organization in charge of protecting, promoting and enhancing the Dome.
Executive Manager Anna Balzani anna@theflorencenewspaper.com
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ast year the Mafia produced nearly 15 billion euro in revenue in Tuscany, says a recent report issued by the anti-mafia organization Fondazione Caponnetto. And among all the mafias operating in the region, next to the calabrian N’drangheta and the neapolitan Camorra, the strongest presence is that of the Russian mafia, which has been present in Tuscany for several years now, particularly in Versilia, the Isola d’Elba and in the cities of Montecatini and Florence. According to the report, the Russian mafia
Taxing Tourists Revision to issue N, 30, p. 4
Editor Erich Schrader Managing Editor Claudia Niemann
Layout and Design Narine Nalbandyan Printed at Nuova Cesat SRL Via B. Buozzi 21| 50145 Firenze Registered at the Tribunale di Firenze No. 5512, 08/08/2006 Contact us at: info@theflorencenewspaper.com Tel: 0559061542
Other measures include the cleaning of the walls around the Museo Dell’Accademia in Via Ricasoli, defaced by the graffiti made by the visitors lining to admire the sculpture of David. The painting of the walls will be carried out by the Polo Museale Fiorentino, the association of the Florentine museums. To demonstrate the commitment of authorities to improve the decorum of Florence, the decision was recently made to erase love message from Ponte Santa Trinità; a task that will cost 1,000 euro.
Mafia to Increase its Presence in Tuscany
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
turbance of peace caused by the excessive use of alcohol which has come to characterize the Florentine nightlife. The order also aims at curbing the employment of glass bottles which, besides being a potential risk to the public’s safety and a damage to the city’s artistic heritage, are often abandoned in the streets and squares, affecting the decorum of the citizens. Alcoholic beverages will as well be prohibited in Cascine park, excluding only authorized sellers who offer products that are not exclusively destined for personal use.
Since July 1st of last year, visitors to the city of Florence are subject to pay a “tassa di soggiorno,” or tourist tax. This tax applies to those staying in any commercial accommodation within the city. The tax amount depends on the rating of the hotel and can be a maximum of five euro per person per night for up to ten nights.
is predominantly involved in the resort business, and recently a racket of stolen cars exported from Tuscany to Russia was discovered by the police. “Tuscany is a rich land that the Mafia uses for its investments; still extortion is not present in this territory, while loan sharking is already particularly spread,” says President of the Fondazione Caponnetto Salvatore Calleri. A favorite destination for tourists is apparently now becoming more a favorite destination for organized crime.
Getting the Bus Ticket with a SMS 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 F F 3 Medicinal Artigianato e Celebrations Palazzo Florence’s oldest pharmacy turns 400
Anna Balzani
18th Year for one-of-a-kind Craftsmen Festival in Florence
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he Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica, the oldest pharmacy in Florence, is celebrating its 400th birthday this month; a perfect moment for this recurrence, in the month of irises, peonies and roses. Located in Santa Maria Novella, the pharmacy is part of the history of the city and has asserted its international prestige by becoming a must-see site for anyone visiting Florence and interested to know the most precious essences of the city. Founded in 1221 by a group of Dominican friars who cultivated herbs to produce medicine, the pharmacy was open to the public only in 1612. Since then, it has maintained its activity of combining traditional craft methods with modern and innovative technologies. Celebrations for the 400th anniversary include the inauguration of a new section of the museum, and the participation in the Ar-
tigianato and Palazzo exhibit taking place from May 11th to 13th in the garden of the 17th century Palazzo Corsini. The garden itself, enriched by the wonderful plants of peonies, roses and lemon trees, is a rare combination of beauty, quality and poetry. The history of the pharmacy is linked to that of those who appreciate its products, tradition, and quality. As Florentine journalist and internationally renowned film critic Giovanni Bogani recalls, the Officina was one of prominent Italian actor Marcello Mastroianni’s favorite spots in the city. He spent plenty of time there in 1988 when he was in Florence for the filming of ‘Stanno tutti bene,’ directed by Giuseppe Tornatore. But this is just one of the many stories and anecdotes about the city’s historic pharmacy; the others can be discovered by visiting this spot which constitutes another important page in the history book of Florence.
Remembering the inauguration of the Santa Croce Façade CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
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atas had presented the first drafts for the new facade in 1837 together with sculptor Lorenzo Bartolini, but the projects were not approved by the Commission that was nominated to evaluate them. It was only the later finding in the Santa Croce archives of other previous projects for a marmoreal facade drafted by Simone del Pollaiolo – the Florentine architect known as “Il Cronaca” (the Chronicle) who was responsible for the completion of the Strozzi Palace in 1504 – that gave Matas the opportunity to propose again a marmoreal facade for the Church, this time with a Neogotic and particularly sober style. Later suggestions and improvements brought to the creation of spaces for statues, the most significant of which were those realized by Giovanni Duprè, the most famous sculptor in Florence of that time. It was Duprè indeed who realized the Madonna Addolorata.
Eugenio Giani A long and controversial discussion about the facade has been whether or not the star is a symbolic allusion to that of David, due to Matas’ Jewish beliefs. The works for the new facade were financed with a generous contribution by a rich English protestant named Sloane, as a tombstone in Santa Croce recalls. Contemporary to the facade was the tower, and realized by Florentine architect Gaetano Baccani and concluded in 1847.
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
mong the most important traditions that Florence is willing to maintain is that of its artisans. This is the reason why the Aritianato e Palazzo exhibit was started 18 years ago, and its repeated success has lead the organizers to once again open the doors of the garden of the prestigious Florentine residence Palazzo Corsini, on Via della Scala, 115 from May 11th to 13th. Florence has resisted the global trend towards mass production, and events like Artigianato e Palazzo are essential for keeping handmade traditions alive, honoring and promoting the meticulous craftsmanship of Italy’s artisans and offering distinguished patrons of the arts and the made-in-Italy brand a venue to observe and participate alongside the artisans themselves. The event will feature the works of 80 of Italy’s finest artisan masters from different sectors including fashion, home décor, leather, jewelry, upholstery, embroidery, iron and steel, food and more. The purpose is to showcase the quality of work of the well-known Italian craftsmen. Along with this, the artisans will share trade secrets with visitors as if they were special guests with a personal invitation into the artists’ own studios. Visitors will also assist
Anna Balzani these masters on-site during the production process, while tasting typical Tuscan delicacies and wine of the region among the garden’s relaxing lemon trees. Notable guests will include those of the historic Florentine pharmacy Officina ProfumoFarmaceutica, located in Santa Maria Novella, that is celebrating its 400th year of activity; the “Cappello di Firenze” consortium, founded in May 1986 by the Association of Florentine industrials to valorize the production of handmade hats in Italy and abroad; finally, the OMA (Osservatorio dei mestieri di Arte) association will be exposing the works of its artisans in the Orto delle Monache section of the Giardino Corsini. Students from the Smith College in Florence will guide visitors through the stands of the artisans as part of the Let’s Work Artisans! Learning through Experience project.
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Florence News
Two Masterpieces on Michelangelo Display Once Again Finds Home The Baptistery’s silver altar and its cross shine after restoration
Claudia Niemann
Artist’s alleged crucifx now on display at the Bargello museum
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fter wandering for four years around Italian museums, the crucifix attributed to Michelangelo has finally reached its final destination at the Bargello museum. Here, visitors have now the possibility to admire it in the Cappella del Podestà of the museum. The crucifix has long been an object of controversy still far from being resolved. It was indeed bought four years ago by the Italian state for more than 3 million euro; a price that was estimated too high by the Corte dei Conti, the Italian state body that supervises the expenses carried out by the state. For this reason, the Corte decided to open a case in court to verify if money was
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t took nearly one hundred years to build both the silver altar and the cross of the Baptistery of San Giovanni, and almost six years to restore them. Thanks to elaborate reworking, they are finally displayed to the public again. The monumental altar, made out of two hundred pounds of silver and 1050 enameled platelets, was commissioned in 1366 by the “L’arte di Calimala,” a guild of cloth finishers and merchants. Intended for the Baptistery, the altar took almost a century of painstaking work. According to legend, the precious metallic cross contains a fragment of the cross of Christ, given to the Baptistery by Charles the Great in the late 8th century. Particularly because of its presence, the Baptistery has become a substantial place of worship for pilgrims throughout history.
Oxidized and dirty after decades of exposure, the works were dismantled piece by piece, and carefully cleaned by restorers from the “Opificio delle Pietre Dure,” a Florentine public Institute of the Italian Ministry for Cultural Heritage. Headed by Clarice Innocenti, the team has made great efforts in the halls of the museum to restore the works’ to their former glory. Further restoration is planned in the next months, including the reworking of Lorenzo Ghiberti’s famous “Gates of Paradise” from the 15th century, whose completion took 26 years. As part of a restoration program lasting until 2015, the “Museo dell’ Opera del Duomo” aims at creating a new exhibition space to harbor significant works of art which will enhance the overall picture of the Piazza del Duomo.
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wasted in the purchase, with a consequent damage for the already bumpy finances of the Italian state. The Corte dei Conti took the decision after commissioning Christie’s – an English international company that offers art auctions and private sales to clients around the globe – to estimate the value of the Crucifix. According to Christie’s, the price should have been much less, closer to 850,000 euro. The controversial piece of art is now on display in its rightful location in Florence, waiting for visitors and for a trial to establish whether the cost paid was too high or not.
The Firenze Card grants admission to the major museums, villas and historical gardens in Florence. It is promoted by the Municipality of Florence, the Ministry for the Arts and Cultural Activities, the Regional Direction of Cultural Heritage, the Special Superintendence for Historical, Artistic and Ethnicanthropological Heritage and for the Museum Circuit of the city of Florence, the Province of Florence and the Chamber of Commerce of Florence, in collaboration with ATAF. 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.
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
F F A Theatrical Journey through the Corridoio Vasariano City Beat
Gallery recalls its history on stage
Anna Balzani Claudia Niemann
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n celebration of the 500th anniversary of the birth of Giorgio Vasari in 2011, the Vasari Corridor became both backdrop and leitmotiv for a theatrical production reenacting events which had taken place within the walls of this astounding passageway. Due to sold out success, the curtain rises again this spring. Constructed by Giorgio Vasari, the one kilometer walkway was realized in order to facilitate the passage between the Medici’s offices inside the Uffizi Gallery and their residence in Palazzo Pitti. Allowing the powerful to avoid contact with the commoners of Florence, the Corridor has been the sight of dramatic encounters and secret agreements. Led by actor Garth Laughton as Giorgio Vasari, spectators are now given the rare opportunity to trace the eventful history of a Florentine example of architecture. In addition to the theatrical performance, visitors may admire the largest display of self-portraits in the world which is normally closed to the public. The initiative is organized by Pirene, in cooperation with the Soprintendenza of Historical Heritage, the Compagnia delle Seggiole, and the Museums of the City of Florence. Miranda Moore, joint organizer of the event, provides further insides into the upcoming presentations. Compared to other theatrical performances, what especially accounts for this scenery as a stage? This stage is different than any other be-
Imagine watching a Shakespeare play while standing on the balcony with Juliet; this is the kind of firsthand experience you will get in the Corridor.
cause you are standing on the stage with the actors, literally in the middle of the action. It’s like you are a part of the scene. This interactive capability in addition with the remarkable scenery of the Arno seen from outside the windows and walls lined with numerous self-portraits allow for this to be one of the most remarkable stages.
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Simply being in the exact spot where the scenes would have occurred hundreds of years ago make this the most spectacular setting. Rather than having painted backgrounds and props, you are experiencing everything in its exact setting just as it would have been in the late 1500s, pure authenticity. Imagine watching a Shake-
speare play while standing on the balcony with Juliet, this is the kind of firsthand experience you will get in the Corridor. Do visitors need prior knowledge of the Corridor’s history? No, not at all. The audience can easily appreciate the importance of this passageway through the tour and performance. Since the performances can be viewed in both English and Italian, it is easy to understand exactly what is going on and what is being represented. The scenery, costumes and setting allow the audience to be taken back in time, understanding and appreciating some of the major events in this time period. Last year’s presentation was a great success. Do you think there will be a similarly high demand this spring? Are there any changes in the program? I think the reason we have experienced such demand is because it is so unique and truly fascinating. How many tours can you go on before you’re sick of being herded like cattle in and out of museums? This event allows you to be part of the action and provides information in an entertaining and exciting way. Rather than having a guide stand in front of you and spit out facts for 90 minutes, you enjoy a wonderful theatrical performance while touring the corridor and admiring its beauty. Since the winter performances were so well-liked, we have not added any significant changes to the program. If something works, don’t change it. Enthusiasts of culture and history will definitely appreciate this exclusive opportunity.
Three Questions for actor Garth Laughton Claudia Niemann Safe Shipping Solutions Takes the hassle out of shipping your goods and luggage
Do you enjoy your role as Florence’s “alternative tour guide” for only an elite group of people? I enjoy it very much. I’d even go as far to say that I feel it is an honor, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. What fascinates you about playing the part of Giorgio Vasari? The chance to give life, through acting, to a real historical character is fascinating. Research for the role becomes very specific and the resulting involvement with the character becomes intimate. The fact
that we know relatively little about Vasari makes the task more challenging and, at the same time, more free, open to personal interpretation and intuition.
Does the exceptional setting of the Vasari Corridor somehow influence your acting? Oh yes. We did a show in November, and the evening temperature there above the Arno was freezing. After a long wait for the audience to arrive, with only a 15th century shirt and pants to keep the cold at bay made my physicality very… stiff!
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Living In The City
Firenze Gelato Festival Americans “Worst Tourists” Study rates global travelers based on the May 23rd to 27th opinions of other travelers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Claudia Niemann
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rom May 23th to May 27th, Florence again hosts an event that celebrates Italy’s favorite “dolce.” Just in time to welcome the summer season, the Firenze Gelato Festival presents the world’s best gelato makers who will transform the city into an oasis of taste and a paradise for ice-cream lovers. The festival presents events which focus on the culture of the Italian specialty, from its origins to its more recent significance. The program includes book presentations, exhibitions, workshops and open laboratories which provide the opportunity to discover the history, curiosities and know-how on the world of gelato. Beside encouraging visitors to learn more about the world-famous dessert, it is all about the tasting. There will be a wide choice of handmade, best quality gelato, ranging from traditional flavors to fancy and exotic creations, such as “Sushi Ice.” The event will be staged in central places
throughout the city, including Piazza della Repubblica, which plays host to the Sammontana Village, Piazza Santa Maria Novella with the Village of the Master Gelato Makers and in Piazza Strozzi, the Village of the Emerging Gelato Makers. Visitors may attend to the live preparation of the flavors that are proposed in the stands, and discover the latest trends of ice cream making, as the talents of Italian gelato art present their tastiest flavors created to win the contest for best recipe. At later hours, the frozen dessert changes into cocktail to refresh those who love gelato in all its shapes and forms. The Villages will be open from noon to midnight which offers the perfect opportunity to spend a full day indulging in this delicious part of Italian culture.
ing, “I’m a Brit and I’m pretty sure, judging from my latest holiday pictures anyway, that my countrymen and I can give you Yanks a run for your shiny new ATM cards.” Though the results of the poll had not yet been formally released, Durston was left
wondering what reasons “self-loathing Americans” had for dissing each other. Each type of tourist has its own quirks, Durston said. He cited other surveys, discussing cultural stereotypes in an editorial published in March. British tourists are
known for their drunkenness and are the “world’s top travel hooligans;” Russians are loud and greedy and the French are the worst-behaved travelers, being bad tippers, cheap, rude and adverse to foreign languages. The Living Social survey showed that four out of ten Americans have stolen something from a hotel. In travel mishaps, the most common travel disaster reported by Americans was lost luggage on an airline, followed by bad weather and getting very lost. The survey also showed that even though Americans have the least time off from work (about 16 vacation days), 78 percent said
they had visited at least one foreign country. However, only about 37 percent of Americans said they have a passport. This contradiction in figures can be reconciled by the fact that up until recently, Americans have been able to cross the borders of Canada and Mexico without passports. But in the end, are Americans really the worst tourists? “Clearly there’s a wider message to acknowledge - no matter where you’re from and where you’ve gone, you’re probably annoying somebody, somewhere, and they’re just waiting for the right poll to come along to out you,” Durston said.
For more information: http://firenzegelatofestival.it/
Alanis and Bruce live Morissette and Springsteen to perform in Florence this summer
Claudia Niemann
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fter a long wait from their fans, two of the most popular stars on the international music scene will be back in Florence this
summer. Touring several of the major European cities this summer, Alanis Morissette will perform in Rome, Milan, Piazzola sul Brenta (a small town in the North of Italy), and Florence, where she will meet her fans at the auditorium of the New Opera House on July 20th. Only recently inaugurated, the impressive
futuristic building offers the perfect stage for her comeback. Bruce Springsteen will give an open air concert at the Artemio Franchi stadium on June 10th. Even after an over 40-year-long career, with a record of 120 million albums sold worldwide and numerous awards earned, Springsteen has not at all grown tired of the music business. With his 17th studio album “Wrecking Ball” recently released, Springsteen now sets for another world tour.
Markets in Florence Market San Lorenzo Piazza S. Lorenzo on Via dell’Ariento Closed Sundays & Mondays Leather goods, souvenirs, clothing Central Market Inside San Lorenzo central market on Via dell’Ariento Open Monday- Saturday: 7am - 2pm Best food market in the city Sant’ambrogio Piazza Ghiberti/Piazza Sant’Ambrogio Monday- Saturday: 7am - 2pm Fresh fruits & vegetables, clothing, shoes, flowers, houseware Porcellino Market Piazza del Mercato Nuovo Tuesday- Saturday: 8am - 7pm Florentine straw, hand embroidery, leather goods, wood objects, flowers Cascine Market Cascine Park Every Tuesday: 7am - 2pm Food, clothing, antiques, houseware, specialties
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margherita and soft drinks 5 euro
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since 1939 Via dei Tavolini, 19/R high quality
C4
C4
map code
D3
map code
C3
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SPORT & LEISURE D3
YOGA
map code
IT’S YOGA FIRENZE
Via dei Bardi, 21 +39 328 6641652 info@itsyogafirenze.it
C4
map code
SERVICES
PIZZERIA & RESTAURANTS IL GATTO E LA VOLPE
D2
map code
PERCHE NO?
map code
www.redgarterflorence.com
RUTH’S
THE DINER via dell’ acqua 2 055 290748
GELATERIA DELLA PASSERA
via dei neri 20/22r, high quality since 1989
www.momoyama.it map code
ICE CREAM
GELATERIA DEI NERI
INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANTS MOMOYAMA SUSHI BAR
B4
map code
LO SFIZIO
piazza della passera 15 home made high quality ice cream
IL VEGETARIANO
EUROADVENTURES europe’s student travel experts tel: 335 7189876 info@euroadventures.com
TAKE AWAY/DELIVERY PIZZA via degli alfani 32/r tel: 055 2260185 open from 11-3 pm and 5-10pm
quality in modern ambience open for lunch and dinner 055 2399224
ITALY & EUROPE
BAR SAN FIRENZE /SINCE 1920 Piazza S. Firenze 1/r old bakery, restaurant, cocktail bar outside tables in the heart of florence in palazzo gondi
D2
map code
Lungarno Corsini 4/R
TRAVEL & TOURS
LIGHT LUNCH
map code
BISTRO` DEL MARE
via della scala 16 055 216276
BRUNCH
D2
map code
SPECIAL FIRST CHOICE COURSE + DRINK 6 EURO
OFFICINA FARMACEUTICA
BAKERY
C3
VIA BORGO S. APOSTOLI 33/R
MAKING ART HISTORY
PHARMACY
D2
map code
055 218757
email: gymnasium.firenze@gmail.com
map code
GUSTAPIZZABROTHERS@LIVE.IT
special 10% discount for students
LA SPADA Via della Spada, 62
C5
piazza della madonna della neve 055 2479327
GUSTA PIZZA via MAGGIO 46r 055285068
055 238 23 83
via palazzuolo 49/r
GYMNASIUM FITNESS CENTER
LE CARCERI
special 20% dicount for students
TYPICAL TUSCAN RESTAURANTS
BEAUTY
TATTOO
C3
map code
map code
BARBERINO DESIGNER OUTLET Via Meucci 50031 Barberino di Mugello Shuttle service everyday from Piazza Stazione Santa Maria Novella Infoline: +39 055 842161 for more info and timetable visit www.mcarthurglen.it/barberino/
GYM
EATING OUT
CLUB CULINARIO TOSCANO DA OSVALDO PIAZZA DEI PERUZZI, 3/R
MARIA MARUSCHKA
DESIGNER OUTLET/ MALL
TUSCAN CREATIVE CUISINE
7
SHIPPING C3
map code
SHIPPING SOLUTIONS
VIA DELL’AGNOLO 115/R (SANTA CROCE AREA) ANY SOLUTION FOR SHIPPING 055 0118470 www.caratello.net firenze@caratello.net
C4
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8
Map of
CHECK FOR LOCATION DES
SHOPPING 1 MARIA MARUSCHKA D1
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2 BARBERINO DESIGNER OUTLET B2
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3
BEAUTY A1
3 GUS TATTOO
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4 GYMNASIUM FITNESS CENTER B2
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B2
56 OFFICINA FARMACEUTICA
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TRAVEL & TOURS 5 EUROAVENTURES
46 6
SERVICES
53
C4
63 SHIPPING SOLUTIONS
52
map code
2
EATING OUT 7 THE DINER C3
6
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32
C2
8 ISABELLE
map code
33
9 AQUA AL 2 C3
56 4
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11 LO SDRUCCIOLO D2
22
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12 BISTRO` DEL MARE C2
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C2 13 IL BOCCALE
51
14
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C2 14 LA SPADA
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15 LO SFIZIO B4
30
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48
54
C1
16 MOMOYAMA SUSHI BAR
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44
17 HOUSE OF SIZZLE C4
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25
18 RUTH’S C4
12
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19 GELATERIA DELLA PASSERA D2
16
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20 GELATERIA DEI NERI D3
8
23
13
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37 OSTERIA SANTO SPIRITO D2
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38 IL GATTO E LA VOLPE C3
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1
39 PIZZERIA LE CARCERI C5
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19
41 IL VEGETARIANO A3
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map code
37
61 59
11
i itt ’P de
44 PERCHE’ NO? C3
60
lo io cc ru Sd
42 IL PANINO DEL CHIANTI D2 map code
48 FORNO SARTONI C3
42
31
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49 ENOTECA VERDI DA PINO C4
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54 LE GIUBBE ROSSE C3
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55 KOME
C4
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57 CLUB CULINARIO TOSCANO DA OSVALDO C3
map code
58 BAR SAN FIRENZE C3
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59 GUSTA OSTERIA 60 GUSTA PANINO 61 GUSTA PIZZERIA
D2
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D2
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D2
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MAX 15 MINUTES WALKING TO
F
F
Florence
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SCRIPTIONS IN THE GUIDE
NIGHT LIFE 22 THE FIDDLER’S ELBOW/IRISH PUB B2
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C2 23 ONE EYED JACK
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C2 24 RED GARTER
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C1 25 FLET AMERICAN BAR
41
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C5 26 KITSCH AMERICAN BAR
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27 KITSCH DEUX A3
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28 ZOE D4
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C4 29 MOYO
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27
30 COLLE BERETO C2
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31 IT’S YOGA FIRENZE D3
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32 SEI DIVINO C2
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34 BLOB CLUB C3
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35 MONTECARLA CLUB D3
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45 KIKUYA ENGLISH PUB C4
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46 MOSTO DOLCE B2
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47 SHOT CAFE B2
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50 ANTICO BECCARIA PUB C5
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51 UNCLE JIMMY PUB C2
15
47
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52 THE FISH PUB B3
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53 THE CLUB HOUSE B3
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62 ENOTECA DE’ MACCI
18
C4
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26
38 31
7
50
63 49
9
58 45 55
62
39
17 24 57 29
34 20
35
28
THE DESTINATIONS FROM DUOMO Map layout courtesy of Firenzeturismo.it
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City Guide NIGHT LIFE
HISTORIC CAFES LE GIUBBE ROSSE Since 1896 Piazza della Repubblica 13/14r BAR SAN FIRENZE Since 1920 Piazza di San Firenze, 1/R
C3
map code
C3
map code
PUBS THE FIDDLER’S ELBOW \IRISH PUB\ piazza santa maria novella 7r open 12pm until 1 am
AMERICAN BARS
WINE BAR ENOTECA DE’ MACCI
C4
Via Macci 92R 3388846455
map code
NFL SPORTS & LIVE MUSIC
C3
map code
B2
via dei benci 33/r, 055 2344904 sports, dj set, live music,
www.redgarterflorence.com
piazza nazario sauro 2, 055 6288040 live music, dj set, theme parties
KYKUYA
Via de’ Benci, 43/R zona s.croce the oldest english pub open every night from 5pm- 2am
ANTICO BECCARIA
piazza beccaria 24r try one of the best beers in the city/ tables outside open every day
UNCLE JIMMY
Via De’ Pescioni 5/R Irish american pub Outside tables
THE FISH PUB
Piazza del mercato centrale 44/R florentine best party pub hip-hop, r&b, reggeton
ISABELLE
Palazzo Buondelmonti Piazza Santa Trinita 1/R (Via Tornabuoni) 055 289674 info@isabellefirenze.it
CLASSIFIEDS
To advertise with us for free: ad@theflorencenewspaper.com
Jobs Wanted Experienced nanny-babysitter available every day from 8 am - 2 pm and all-day on the weekend. Working with a family at the moment, fluent in English and good in Italian. Call Maja: 3337989058. majab1913@gmail.com Enthusiastic university graduate, certified mother tongue English speaker seeks employment in TEFL/Au Pair/Retail sales. Available immediately. Call: 3270931582. clare.ryan2@mail.dcu.ie
Housing for rent Easy and comfortable apartments to rent in central Florence for long and short periods. Call Andrea: 388 1114590. aquenti@alice.it
C2
map code
C4
map code
C5
map code
SEI DIVINO borgo ognissanti 42/R open 3pm until late cocktail bar, live music, dj set FLET AMERICAN BAR
map code
C4
map code
C2
map code
CLUBS BLOB CLUB
via vinegia 21/r 055 211209 open every night membership only
KITSCH AMERICAN BAR
viale gramsci 1/r modern ambient,open for lunch too cocktail bar, dj set via san gallo 22/r open 5pm-3am open for lunch too live music, dj set, tables outside
B2
THE CLUB HOUSE
C5
map code
A3
MONTECARLA CLUB
via de’bardi 2r 055 234 0259 Every night happy night dj set, cocktails
map code
B3
Via de’ Ginori 6/r special buffet + drink 6 € Every night 6pm-10 pm
map code
ADVERTISE WITH US
WEB DESIGN
ad@theflorencenewspaper.com
SITI WEB GALLERY via Paisiello 58 335 5256011
Very central, small one-room apartment with kitchenette and bathroom, internet, washing machine, fully furnished. 600 euro per month. Call: 339 2240365. cklieman@syr.edu Agency rent apartment in Florence (Navoli) for short periods: kitchen, double bedroom, living room, terrace, aircon, third floor with lift, furnished. 770 euro per month. Tania.cambi@tin.it
Help Wanted Artist/ Book illustrator required for children’s’ books and novel covers. E-mail your website or sample portfolio. creativespiritenterprise@gmail.com Marketing Assistant, arts sector, for customer service, recruitment & social media. Experience and digital design required. Resident in Florence. Pay on commission. Please send CV. creativespiritenterprises@gmail.com
C3
map code
www.blobclub.com
KITSCH DEUX
C2
C2
map code
C1
piazza de’nerli dj set, cocktail bar, tables outside, hamburgers
C2
map code
MOYO
piazza strozzi 5/r brunch,light lunch, aperitivo www.colleberetocafe.it
APERITIVO
map code
map code
map code
COLLE BERETO
the first irish pub in florence
ONE EYED JACK
D4
via dei renai 13 brunch,light lunch, aperitivo,dj set www.zoebar.it via dei benci 23 brunch,light lunch, aperitivo,dj set, www.moyo.it
RED GARTER map code
ZOE
Classes/ Leisure activities Earn a TEFL certificate. Train to teach English as a foreign language. New courses monthly- 4 weeks. 120h. 10h teaching practice. Graduate credits offered towards a master in TESOL. Via Lingua Florence. Call: 055 283161or visit: www.cteflflorence.com. florence@ vialingua.org
Services Laundry services. Dry and wet cleaning, ironing, hotel services, delivery. Special treatment with guarantee for leather and carpets. Wash, dry, and fold: small load?, large load? Lavandria Manfredi, Piazza del Mercato Centrale 36r. www.lavandriamanfred.it
Health, sport & wellness
LEARN ITALIAN AT NIGHT! Europass in the center of Florence offers Italian night classes, twice a week, every level from beginner to advanced, in small groups. Call: 0552345802 or visit: www.europass.it. formazione@europass.it
19r Yoga Pilates. Teacher Training Studio. Daily Ashtanga, Pilates, Warm Yoga. Call: Melissa 339 1970902. Via dei Bardi 19r (steps from Ponte Vecchio) Ground Floor. www.19ryogapilates. com
Hands-on Art Restoration and Culinary workshops in Puglia, the sun drenched heel of Italy. A cultural immersion off the beaten paths. Art, History, Food, Leisure. Summer 2012: www.messors. com. messors.tonio@gmail.com
Radici Yoga New Studio. Hatha, Vinyasa, Kundalini, Iyengar, Prenatal, Postnatal Yoga, Kids &Teens Yoga. 10% discount for students. We sell yoga matts! Call: 331 4212528. Via Guelfa 116. www.radiciyoga.com
D3
map code
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Food & Wine
Isabelle
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11
Chez Moi
The Glamourous cafe-restaurant in Palazzo Buondelmondi Anna Balzani
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xclusive, sophisticated, luxurious and glamorous, Isabelle is the hangout spot of the Florence-chic. Located in the Via Tornabuoni, the street that made Florence the capital of Italian fashion back in the 60’s, Isabelle restaurant and cafè was recently opened in the 16th century Buondelmonti palace. The café is on the ground floor, where the Cartier and Rosato jewelries once were. Opening at 8 am, it has a rich menu for a refined breakfast and light lunch meals of carpaccios and salads. From 7 pm onwards, it becomes the lounge for a trendy aperitivo with rich champagne selections. Off the street, it’s possible to taste hot baguettes with Iberian hams (such as the prestigious patanegra and serrano), fois gras and Magret de Canard, as well as British lobsters and the best of Italian and French refined cheeses. The restaurant is on the first floor, and can
be accessed only through a private lift and has about thirty place settings. 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.
journalist Leonardo Romanelli has described Isabelle as a place reminiscent of the fantastic times of Doney, a restaurant that used to be located in Via Tornabuoni and that in Florence marked an era.
The restaurant is on the first floor, and can be accessed only through a private lift and has about thirty place settings. 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. Italian leading food and wine expert and
In Palazzo Buondelmonti, in the square in front of the Santa Trinità church, it takes shape on two levels: on the ground floor, a lounge American bar; on the first floor, an exclusive restaurant with a view of the
façade of the church. “A good start could be baccalà with chickpeas and fried sage, to be followed by a gracious duck liver accompanied by Certaldo onions. As a recommendation for first course, the pici with Sienese ragù and mashrooms; as second course Tuscan specialties such as tagliata and peposo. Wine selection composed of prestigious griffes, warm and not formal the serve,” says Romanelli. The chic atmosphere of Florence is the ideal frame for Isabelle.
For info & reservations: ph. +39 055 28 96 74 info@isabellefirenze.it
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Style & Entertainment
Waiting for Pitti Tuscan Sun Festival International fashion event at the Fortezza da Basso from June 19 to 22 Lorenzo Picchi
Coming to Florence
New location and special guests for 10th anniversary Claudia Niemann
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T
he 82nd edition of Pitti Immagine Uomo – one of the most important international events for menswear and lifestyle trends – is taking place from June 19th to the 22nd at the Fortezza da Basso. At the same time, the Pitti Woman Pre-collection, the project dedicated to women’s fashion collections now in its 10th edition, will also be displayed. This edition of Pitti will be based on an exclusive preview selection of international brands and capsule collections for the 2013 Spring/Summer. Pitti Uomo has established itself as one of the most important platforms on the global fashion scene, from the excellence of Made
in Italy to experimental research, through capsule collection and special projects, up to the space dedicated to new talents. At the last summer edition, the number of consumers reached nearly 20,000, of which included 12,500 Italians and more than 7,000 people from foreign countries such as Germany, Japan, Great Britain, Holland, Turkey, South Korea, United States, Taiwan, Brazil, Singapore and United Arab Emirates. This year’s organizers share the same atmosphere of optimism for Pitti W, which closed its June edition with a total of 4,400 visitors.
The Stylist and the Genius Ferragamo to sponsor exhibition for Leonardo’s masterpiece at the Louvre
Carly Cummins
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erragamo is sponsoring the “Saint Anne, Leonardo da Vinci’s Ultimate Masterpiece” exhibition currently on display until June 25th at the Louvre in Paris. The exhibition features Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne” in its restored form. The painting shows the Virgin Mary, her mother St. Anne and the infant Jesus intertwined and set within an elaborate mountainous landscape. Among those who attended the previewing was American actress Hilary Swank,
RISTORANTE PIZZERIA AMERICAN BAR
Every night 6 PM- 10 PM
BUFFET + DRINK
6€
Via de’ Ginori 6/R map code B3
055 211 427 www.theclubhouse.it
who revealed the New York Times what she believes to be the connection between Ferragamo and Leonardo: “What I find really interesting is how Salvatore Ferragamo studied the anatomy of feet so that he could make more comfortable shoes, and that somehow correlates with how da Vinci spent 20 years studying the human form and working on this painting,” she said. The Ferragamo fashion house will return to the Louvre on June 12th, where a show for the resort collection will be held.
fter nine years of success in its original location in Cortona, the prestigious Tuscan Sun Festival now arrives in Florence, bringing along an elite group of internationally renowned artists. Taking place from June 11th to the 18th, the event offers an exciting program that includes not only world class concerts, but also daily events and workshops that explore fine arts, culinary and wine, wellness, and local culture and history. The festival was conceived by an American entrepreneur of IMG Artists Barrett Wissmann, cellist Nina Kotova and writer
edition, the Tuscan Sun Festival welcomes artists such as flautist Sir James Galway, mezzo-soprano Susan Graham, violinists Nigel Kennedy and Maxim Vengerov, cellist Nina Kotova, pianists Valentina Lisitsa and Ivo Pogorelich, as well as directors Gabriele Lavia and Maurizio Scaparro. Another highlight on the guest list is actor John Malkovich who is to stage three performances of spoken voices as part of a fascinating mix of theater and music. But Malkovich is not the only Hollywood star to be expected. According to rumors, Sharon Stone and Jeremy Irons are likely to attend as well.
JUNE
11-18 Frances Mayes, author of the famous novel “Under the Tuscan Sun.” During the 1990s they expressed the common desire of bringing together musicians, singers and artists from several disciplines in one single event. Due to its historical and artistic charm, the beautiful hillside town of Cortona had been chosen as the ideal location. However, for the 10th anniversary of an event celebrating the pleasures of life at its best, the organizers aimed at launching a new challenge. Thanks to the contribution of the Cassa di Risparmio, the collaboration of the Fondazione Teatro della Pergola and the patronage of the Municipality of Florence, the event promises high-class performances in articulated sections in the city. Every year, the festival boasts the patronage of international guest stars, leading figures in cinema and music who contribute to the celebrations by means of their yearlong artistic experience. In this anniversary
Running in Florence, the festival interacts with prominent local institutions, including the “Teatro Nuovo” which will host one of the most anticipated performances by soprano Angela Gheorghiu on June 12th. Accompanied by the “Orchestra del Maggio Fiorentino,” the great Romanian star will receive the designation as an UNESCO “Artist for Peace” in token of recognition for promoting respect for diversity and understanding through music. The musical performances will be enhanced by a literary collaboration with the innovative Palazzo Strozzi, a cinematic partnership with the stunning Odeon Cinehall and a series of gastronomic adventures under the heading of “Nuove Tradizioni.” As homage to Tuscany’s beauty and artistic relevance, the festival initiated by “artists living with artists” may have found its perfect setting, as Florence is unparalleled as the cradle of arts and culture.
Sport & Leisure
13
Tourism Pioneer Fiorentina Avoids A few words with Issam Jerfel, the first to offer horseback riding tours in Tuscany
I
ssam Jerfel is the owner of the company that first offered horseback riding and Vespa/Scooter tours in Tuscany. Issam was born in Tunisia and moved to Italy when he was 20 years old. He spent some years in the south where he worked for a few high quality resorts and tour operators before moving to Florence to start his own. Pride laces his words for having created a pattern destined later on to be followed by others.
What made you want to own your own tour company? I’ve worked in the tourism and hospitality industry since I was young, from tourist entertainment to hotel reception and management, and I worked as a taxi driver in Rome as well. I combined one of my hobbies, which is horseback riding, with my background of working in the tourism and hospitality industry to create my own company. Fun in Tuscany presents a way for people to experience the beautiful countryside of Tuscany from a different point of view: on horseback or on scooter ride.
When and how did you start Fun in Tuscany? In 2005, I started horsebackridinginTusca-
Dan Anderson
ny.com, which was the first of its kind. After taking a horseback ride with my friends to a castle in the Chianti area of Tuscany, I thought it would be a wonderful experience to share with tourists and students. This is where the idea for Fun in Tuscany came about. I then added other fun activities, such as Vespa and quad tours that include wine tasting. This is the first company to offer these types of tours in the Tuscan area.
What do you think makes Fun in Tuscany different from other companies operating in the tourism market? My company is completely different from “supermarket tourism;” our tours are hasslefree and allow guests to truly experience the authentic “behind the curtains” side of Italy.
What can guests expect from this company in the future? My plan is to continue to offer tours for small groups, up to 8 people, and offer customized tours and experiences. This will ensure that the guests have as much fun as possible in a personalized experience. I love to meet new people from all over the world and share my hobbies with them. And there is no better place to do so than in one of the most beautiful areas of Italy.
Relegation after Sacking Coach
Delio Rossi aggression towards his player allegedly due to offense to his handicapped son
I
t was definitely not the best season for Fiorentina, but at least there was the happy ending. Happy, but also controversial and with some dramatic moments. The most important of these was the aggression of coach Delio Rossi towards his player Adem Ljajic. In the recent decisive home game against Novara – a team already aware of its relegation – Fiorentina was losing two zero during the first half. Rossi decided to substitute Ljajic, who rebelled against his coach while getting off the pitch. As he was sitting on the bench along with the other substitutes, he said something to Rossi; something that the cameras did not get. Yet, the cameras did not miss Rossi’s violent reaction, or his attacking the player as a boxer who reacts against a punch to his face. Fights have always been pretty common in soccer, but a coach punching one of his players – and with such an anger – is something with no precedents. At least, in the history of televised soccer. Allegedly – but there is not a definitive version of the story –
Ljajic told his boss that he was “more handicapped than his son,” referring to Rossi’s 28-year-old son. Horrible words – if they were ever pronounced – that even though do not justify such a violent reaction, yet they make it more comprehensible, or at least give it an explanation. Fiorentina was then able to tie the game in the second half, but Rossi was fired immediately after. The next Sunday was the away victory against Lecce, a direct competitor in the fight to avoid relegation, and tension dissolved into joy. Fiorentina’s season was disappointing under many points of view. Results were not those expected, the team changed three coaches, supporters got disaffection and left the stadium half-empty for most of the games; and finally, even the image got deteriorated. Yet, the drama of relegation was avoided, and works to prepare a new season have already begun in the hope of avoiding the mistakes of the one that just ended.
SUDOKU Instructions: Every row and every column of 9 boxes must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order; Every 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9.
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Travel
Pietrasanta
A paradise for international artists with a touch of Anglo-American spirit Monica Giovannini
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he word Pietrasanta literally means “Holy Stone,” but the first impression you have getting there is everything else but holiness; you find yourself in a small medieval town with a bohemian atmosphere and a radical chic touch where sophisticated, trendy visitors mix with creative looking artists. After spending a day enjoying the white sand shores at Marina di Pietrasanta, a typical Mediterranean beach resort, you may decide to change scenario and get a taste of the very close hills of olive trees framing the beach by venturing for a ten minute ride and ending up in Pietrasanta, a charming small town of 25,000. You will probably spend the first couple of hours wandering about in the intriguing atmosphere that makes you feel like you are under a spell and that certainly is not elicited just by the many statues of famous contemporary artists that are spread all over the town. Francoise Yohalem in her “Sculpting in Tuscany: A Guide” talks about finding yourself immersed in “practical and spiritual marble
culture” and points out the magical balance of past and present. No wonder that this area has attracted hundreds of artists starting with Michelangelo up until our days. The famous Renaissance artist had his special white marble caved in the nearby quarries set among the ragged peaks of the impressive Apuane Mountains, the same
a cup of coffee sitting outside the café Michelangelo, still one of the favorite meeting places for young and old artists. Here a plaque can be found on the wall to remind you that the great artist sat there and signed the contract to purchase local marble. Whether this is a legend or true history does not make much difference because we are
You find yourself in a small medieval town with a bohemian atmosphere and a radical chic touch where sophisticated, trendy visitors mix with creative looking artists. white marble that in the summer if you look up from the beach in the background gives you the optical illusion of white snow shining in the sun and never melting away. In its beautiful rectangular piazza, where the 14th century Church of Sant’Agostino stands with its impressive marble façade and red-brick campanile, you can enjoy
talking about a place where, quoting Yohalem, “there are more sculptors per square meter than in any other place on earth” and where internationally known artists like Mitoraj, Botero, Blumfeld, Messina, Pomodoro, Yasuda have worked or supervised work being done for them. In this small town and all its surrounding areas, there are more
than 100 carving studios, about 20 foundries and a few mosaic studios. Up until about 20 years ago, the mastery of carving marble was a traditional craft passed from father to son for several generations. In the numerous local studios and laboratories, many of which nowadays have left the space to fancy boutiques and crowded restaurants, skilled artisans created perfect reproductions of famous statues and marble altars to be shipped all over the world. American artists discovered this place in the 60’s and the 70’s and were followed by an elite group of sophisticated intellectuals and travelers that fell in love with the town and its surrounding area. In more recent years, Americans got to know this area mostly by word of mouth and became part of the international body of German, Belgian and Japanese that join Italian vacationers spending part of the summer or year in this magic place that with its 20 art galleries and numerous trendy restaurants, is a melting pot of leisure and art.
TOURISM IN A NON-TOURISTY WAY FuninTuscany is a fully lisenced tour company with young, energetic and knowledgeable team of professional guides offering great various ways to experience Tuscany. Originator of Horseback riding and Vespa/Scooter tours in Tuscany since 2005. It has always been at the cutting edge of new alternative tourism and continues to offer original choices to make your vacation stand out and remain in your memory as a bright highlight. FunInTuscany create memorable vacation holidays that allow our guests to truly experience the atmosphere of our country through custom-tailored activities and personal cultural experiences, from Horseback and Vespa/Scooter rides to Cooking Classes and Chianti wine tours. Our tours are non-touristy, hassle-free and allow guests to truly experience Italy not only on the surface, but also ‘behind the curtains’. Via Cennini 650123 - Firenze Tel: 055 293127 www.FunInTuscany.com
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Events EXIBITS FABULAE PICTAE . MYTHS AND STORIES IN THE CERAMICS OF THE RENAISSANCE Museo del Bargello
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CLASSICAL MUSIC, OPERA AND BALLET
DER ROSENKAVALIER – Music by R. Strauss
Orchestra and Chorus of Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Director Z. Mehta Teatro Comunale, Corso Italia 12 Sunday May 6th at 3:30 pm, Tuesday 8th and Friday 11th May at 7:00pm Informations: 0552779350, www.maggiofiorentino.it
May 16th – September 16th Open: Monday-Sunday 8:15-1:50pm Tickets: € 4 Informations: tel. 055294883, www.unannoadarte.it
LOVETT & CODAGNONE- Contemporary art exhibition Museo Marino Marini, Piazza San Pancrazio April 20th – June 23rd Open: Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm (closed on Tuesday and Sunday) Informations: tel. 055219432, www.museomarinomarini.it
JAPAN LAND OF ENCHANTMENT Palazzo Pitti, Museo degli Argenti, Galleria palatina, Galleria d’arte moderna April 3rd – July 1st Open: Monday- Friday 8:15am- 1:50pm.(Closed on Saturdays and Sundays) Informations: tel. 055290832, www.unannoadarte.it
SWAN LAKE performed by Kiev Ballet, music by P. Tchaikovsky Teatro Verdi, Via Ghibellina 101 May 7th at 9:00pm Informations: 055212320, www.teatroverdionline.it
ORT- Olli Mustonen conductor and piano, music by Beethoven, Mustonen and Sibelius Teatro Verdi, Via Ghibellina 101 May 9th at 9:00pm Informations: 0552340710, www.orchestradellatoscana.it
CONCERT ZUBIN MEHTA Orchestra and Chorus of Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Director Z. Mehta Nuovo Teatro dell’opera di Firenze, Viale Fratelli Rosselli, 1 Thursday May 10th at 8:30pm Informations: 0552779350, www.maggiofiorentino.it
LECTURES & CONFERENCES JANIE COLE “Musical spectacle and cultural brokerage in Medici Florence” May 9th at 6pm
CINEMA English original sound at Cinema Odeon, Piazza Strozzi Informations: www.odeon.intoscana.it
HUNGER (UK 2008) May 6th
RICHARD DAVIES
Shows:4:00, 6:00, 8:30, 10:30pm
“Daniel Varè, the laughing diplomat”
DARK SHADOWS (USA 2012)
May 16th at 6pm
ANDREW FISARDI “Beatrice” May 23rd at 6pm
RASAMUND BARTLETT “Chekhov and Tolstoy: writing about their lives, translating their prose” May 30th at 6pm
May 11th, 12th, 13th Shows: 4:00, 6:15, 8:30,10:40pm May 16th Shows: 3:45, 8:30, 10:40pm May 17th Shows: 4:00, 6:00pm May 18th, 19th, 20th Shows: 4:00, 6:15, 8:30,10:30pm May 23rd, 24th Shows: 3:45, 6:00pm
BEL AMI (UK, ITALY 2012) May 14th Shows: 4:00, 6:20, 8:30, 10:30pm May 15th Shows: 4:00, 6:20, 10:40pm
THE RUM DIARY (USA 2011) May 21st Shows: 4:00, 6:15, 8:30, 10:45pm May 22nd Shows: 4:00, 6:15pm
EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE (USA 2011) May 25th Shows: 3:30, 6:00pm May 26th , 27th Shows: 4:00, 6:40, 9:30pm May 30th Shows: 3:30, 9:30pm
MIRROR MIRROR (USA 2012) May 28th, 29th, 31st
SPORTS EVENTS FIORENTINA VS. CAGLIARI May 13th at 8:45 pm Stadio Comunale Artemio Franchi Viale Manfredo Fanti, 4a
WORDL LEAGUE VOLLEY 2012 with Italy, USA, Korea and France Mandela Forum, Viale Pasquale Paoli 3 May 18th -20th Informations: 055678841, www.mandelaforum.it
Shows: 4:00, 6:00pm
SPECIAL EVENTS
ALLA SCOPERTA DI NUOVI MONDI, 3rd Edition of Tuesdays at cinema
SCENTS OF BOBOLI. EXHIBITION-COMMERCIAL TRADE OF FRAGRANCIES AND ACCESSORIES
Cinema Odeon, Piazza Strozzi Free admission
PORTRAIT OF A LADY (USA 1996) by Jane Campion
Boboli Garden, Orto della Botanica Inferiore May 17th -20th Informations: 0552260738, www.profumidiboboli.org
Tuesday May 8th at 8:30pm
ART EXHIBITS IN ITALY MILAN
Palazzo Reale: Mimmo Paladino, 50 works including 30 large canvases, sculptures and installations Until June 26
Palazzo Reale: bizarre 16thcentury painter Giuseppe Arcimboldo; works on loan from Louvre, Munich, Madrid, New York, Stockholm and Kunshistorisches Museum in Vienna Until May 22
Palazzo Reale: Impressionist Masterpieces From the Clark Collection until June 19
ROME
Palazzo delle Esposizioni: 100 works from Stadel Museum in Frankfurt including Tischbein, Corot, Monet, Degas, Renoir, Van Gogh, Cezanne, Redon,
ROME
Palazzo delle Esposizioni: 100 works from Stadel Museum in Frankfurt including Tischbein, Corot, Monet, Degas, Renoir, Van Gogh, Cezanne, Redon,
Munch, Ernst, Klee, Picasso
Munch, Ernst, Klee, Picasso
Until July 17
Until July 17
Musei Capitolini
Musei Capitolini
‘Portraits, The Many Faces Of Power’, 150 Roman heads, busts, statues ranging from early terracotta works to deified images of imperial rulers Until September 25
‘Portraits, The Many Faces Of Power’, 150 Roman heads, busts, statues ranging from early terracotta works to deified images of imperial rulers Until September 25
VATICAN CITY
Braccio di Carlo Magno: The Marvels of Marche; Raphael, Lotto, Titian, Guercino, Guido Reni and many more Until June 9
Vatican Museums, Salone di Raffaele: Faberge’, The Sacred Images; 140 works for the czars including nine Easter eggs Until June 11
Palazzo Reale: Impressionist Masterpieces From the Clark Collection Until June 19
THE ARTS OF PANINO AND PIADINE GUSTAPANINO Piazza Santo Spirito 2R, Firenze 333 9202673
TYPICAL TUSCAN TAVERN
GUSTAPIZZA OVEN BRICK PIZZERIA Open for lunch and dinner, closed on Mondays VIA MAGGIO 46R FIRENZE TEL. 055285068
gustapizzabrothers@live.it