Outlet Shopping

GUCCI, PRADA, PINKO or CK? So you hear that the outlets are a must see place upon arrival in Italy, right? Well, let me give you the dirty downlow- but keep it quite guys!

Barberino Designer Outlet, half an hour away from Florence and less than an hour from Bologna. More than 90 shops featuring the best brands with fashion products from previous seasons at prices cut by 30 to 70% all year round. In the heart of Tuscany, Barberino Outlet is located less than a mile from the main italian highway 'Autostrada del Sole', crossed by 90000 vehicles. Shopping is a completely different story at Barberino. A pair of fashion shoes? Breathtaking lingerie? An item for home? Here you will be able to find something truly exclusive, choosing among the best brands. The prices? Discounted all year long 30% to 70%! Don't miss it!
The area, covered by Bologna and Florence airports, enjoys excellent links with Florence, Pistoia and Prato through ordinary motorways. There's also a daily shuttle bus from Santa Maria Novella, Florence main railway station, to get there (just exit on the right of the station and you'll see the bus stop near the green area).
Address Barberino Designer Outlet: Via Meucci - 50031 Barberino di Mugello (FI)
INFOLINE: 055 842161

The Prada outlet, as it is frequently called is actually called SPACE and it is home to not only Prada. Other names such as Helmut Lang, Miu Miu and Jill Sander. The prices are spectacular- it is really flooring. A few years ago, the prices were even better when the Lira was in action, however, prices for PRADA have remained the same, unlike other Italian fashion houses. Make sure you take at least half of a day for your journey. Trains leave to Montevarchi, where the outlet is located, throughout the day. Once you get there, you hop in a cab and you are zipped right to the all white intimidating building. After you press the button for your personal number- get ready. Among the many aisles of ornate bags, intricate ties, and gleaming shoes, you can find some great deals.
SPACE (Prada) - Località Levanella, 52025 Montevarchi (AR) - Tel : +39 055 91 901
Opening hours : Normally seven days a week. Please call ahead to check opening hours as they are subject to sudden changes. Saturday is the busiest day. Admission is possible until 1/2 an hour before closing time.
How to get there:
By train, take the train to Montevarchi station and then get a cab (about 15 minutes).
By car: take the A1 autostrada - Exit 'Valdarno', Out of the toll turn right and follow signs for Montevarchi or Centro. At the big round about that has an IPER - COOP supermarket exit left. Then continue towards Arezzo. Pass through Montevarchi and 'Località levanella' after the village pass a gas station and then follow signs for I PELLETTIERI D'ITALIA in the 'Zona Industriale' on the left. The sign for the outlet is at a traffic light. On your left is a huge grey factory that is all Prada and the out let is in the back of the main factory complex. Prada is the hardest to find but the most worth the effort. Do not hesitate to show local people the address to get a direction, they are quite accustomed to lost fashionistas. During the off seasons, you can basically go to the outlets at anytime. However, during summer hours, all of Japan and California flock to that stainless steele ticket dispenser to get their ticket and wait...and wait...and have a cappuccio at teh chic bar next door....and guess what...wait some more until their number is called. Don't lose your ticket. If you liek an itme, a sales associate will stow it away under your personal number. After your 10 or 15 sweeps around the store, it time to check out. You tell them your number and they ring you up. Hurry before the exit lines get big. Some people buy large and keep going. There is always something here worthwhile to buy!

The Gucci Outlet, is also located outside of Florence at THE MALL. It is actually pretty expensive to get there and the prices are not anything to drop your cheeseburger for.
The other stores at THE MALL are Agnona, Bottega Veneta, Emanuel Ungaro, Ermenegildo Zegna, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Loro Piana, Hogan, La Perla, Salvatore Ferragamo, Tod's, Sergio Rossi, Valentino and Yves Saint Laurent. All have older styles with high prices, however, you can always snag a good deal here and there.

THE MALL information desk opening hours are: from 9 to 18 non-stop Monday to Saturday
Tel +39 055 8657 775 Fax +39 055 8657 801

THE MALL address: Via Europa 8, 50060 Leccio, Reggello Firenze
Opening hours : from 10 to 19 non-stop Monday to Saturday and 15-19 on Sunday.
Please call ahead to check opening hours as they are subject to sudden changes.
How to get there: The mall provides a shuttle bus to collect clients from their hotels and take them to the out let. Seats may be reserved by calling THE MALL information desk.

New Year's Eve in Florence: dinners in florentine restaurants

Looking for a special way to ring in 2009? Look no further than the city of Florence.

From street festivals to restaurant specials to free concerts of every kind, the events that mark “Capodanno” in Florence are as various as they are astounding! Theaters in and around the city provide entertainment. Dining establishments dress up their menus, and, should you prefer to spend the evening under the stars, step out into the nearest piazza. You are bound to find a spectacle fit for the occasion. Pass San Silvestro’s feast day (and night) in cheerful company in Piazza Santa Croce with a free concert. This year, Maestro Giuseppe Lanzetta will direct the Philharmonic Orchestra of the European Lyric Theatre (Teatro lirio Europeo), showcasing Strauss and Verdi. Piazza Pitti is also a fine venue for a free classical concert. Following its success of last year, Capodanno al Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio will feature live music and excellent “Fish and Chips” for all. Wander over to Piazza Santo Spirito, where an association of local merchants will put on a grand evening. For the third year, the Uffizi Center organization will bring back its Capodanno Banquet and Ball, to be held near the Duomo of Florence in the center of the city, at palazzo Gaddi. And when it’s all over, New Year’s Day young musicians from the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole will perform a free concert in the Teatro del Maggio Musicale at 11:30 a.m.
Of course there will also be many festivals, parties and special dinners in other local venues and even theatres where the celebration will be interrupted only at midnight and only momentarily for a traditional toast.
Found what you were looking for yet? Read on.
The Finest Capodanno Dinners in Florence

Alle Murate Dining with Dante frescoes.. The fine restoration of the Guild has recreated an emblamatic location from 14th century Florence. These frescoes were intended to highlight the autonomy and greatness of Florence by portraying the genius of its humanists and poets, Dante, Boccaccio, Petrarch. And the first of these is Dante. In the centre of the valuted ceiling is a magnificent circular representation of medieval Florence surrounded by its walls, the Arno river and the crests of the town of Florence, the fleurs-de-lis, the Guelph eagle and the cross. The recently restored 14th century premises of the Guild of Judges and Notaries in the heart of Florence, offer a unique experience in Florentine art and archeology, dating from the Roman epoca until early Renaissance. A life time experience: eating there for the New Year's Eve!
New Year's Eve December 31, 2008
Capon stock with hand made ravioli and Valdarnese hen’s special egg
Red prawns from Sicily, turnip tops sauce and bresaola from Chianina beef
Tortelli stuffed with burrata and ricotta cheese, sea bass ragout
Pumpkin soufflé, foie gras, black cabbage sauce
Free range lamb from Casentino country: leg stuffed with artichokes, stewed shoulder and fried chop
Variation on chocolate and citrus fruit: dark chocolate cake with tangerine sauce, orange jelly and white chocolate mousse
150 euro per person Wines are not included (Spumante included)
for info and reservation please send an email to: silvia@allemurate.it
Ristorante Alle Murate Via del Proconsolo 16/r Tel. 055240618
http://www.allemurate.it See some pictures of the restaurant here
While you are waiting to dine you can visit the frescoes with a free audio guide available in 7 languages.

Osteria del Caffe Italiano, Dine on fine Tuscan cuisine in the center of Florence (close to piazza Signoria and Santa Croce square). The restaurant is in a historical palace belonged to an aristocratic florentine family.
Taste the real Bistecca alla Fiorentina (T-bone steak), cooked on a real grill, and obviously italian pasta, pizza and tuscan specialties. You can order from the menu (a la carte) or choose the 5 dishes selection for a special dinner.
Here are some tuscan dishes you can find on the menu:
Tuscan croutons with: soprassata, Colonnata lard, sage-flavoured chicken livers, white cannellini beans, cherry tomatoes with basil. Platter of tuscan cheeses with sweet chutneys. Mixed mushroom and potatoes soup, Borrage purèe with radish, ribollita “The traditional Florentine vegetables soup”, Beans soup and crunchy pork rind, Scamorza cheeses, Mafaldine pasta with wild pork ragout, Ravioli stuffed with pumpkin and black cabbage sauce, Tortelli stuffed with potatoes and pecorino cheese from Pienza, Cinta Senese pork sauce, Oven-cooked lasagne.
Large mixed platter of freshly coked vegetables, Mixed platter of vegetable flan with stewed chickory, Lamb leg stuffed with artichokes and fried chop, thyme aroma, grilled chicken’s breast marinated in rosmary, garlic and lemon with vegetables, Stewed and crunchy polenta, Joint of beef braised in Chianti Classico with creamed potatoes, Veal lever with onion sauce and broccoli purèe, Choice of mixed boild meats with green sauce, preserves in vinegar,and hot Cremona mustard.
Wood fire grilled specialities
Fiorentine steak served with beans, coke green and roast potatoes
Brick roasted Valdarno cockerel with roast potatoes
Pork chop from Casentino country
Grilled or balsamic vinegar flavoured filet of beef
Osteria style sliced beef
Skewered meat with grilled vegetables
Remember to make a reservation: this tuscan restaurant is very popular in Florence and you can find it full! info@caffeitaliano.it

Capodanno 2008 2009 at Al Maracana, Via Faenza, 4 (Florence) Maracana hosts the one and only Brazilian New Year’s celebration in Florence, and boasts a spectacle of Brazilian dance.

Capodanno 2009 at Fortezza da Basso. Participate in this festival of dedication to Florence. Banquet by reservation.

Capodanno 2009 at Yab, Banquet by reservation with a special guest of Channel 5 and music and dancing to follow.

Auditorium Flog, Via Mercati 24-B, (Firenze) will feature live music and dance from 10:30 p.m.

Christmas Markets in Florence

Christmas Markets in Florence - Christmastime in Florence

In a country without Thanksgiving, the Christmas season is not so clearly defined, but for a city steeped in tradition, those surrounding the holiday are among its best. From the lighting of the tree in the Piazza della Repubblica to the annual opening of the ice skating rink at Paterre to choral concerts in the countless churches to visits from Befana and Babbo Natale, Florence knows how to celebrate. Still, perhaps the most notable of Christmas staples in a place where shopping is a way of life, are the many markets that fill the piazzas at this time of year. To name a few:

Mercato di Natale della Croce Rossa Italiana
The Mercato di Natale della Croce Rossa Italiana, organized by the Volontarie del Comitato Femminile, will be held from the 21st through the 23rd of November at Saschall, Lungarno Aldo Moro 3. The market will give shoppers the opportunity to browse a vast array of Christmas gift items. Proceeds too benefit those less fortunate in and around Florence.

Weihnachtsmarkt
Those interested in gift items from Germany and other parts of Europe will find what they are looking for at Weihnachtsmarkt, to be held in Piazza Santa Croce where crafts, foods and other typical products will be featured by merchants from the country that gave the world the Christmas tree. The market will be open from late November through December 16th. After December 17th, The Mercatino will replace the Weihnachtsmarkt at its venue. The Mercatino in Santa Croce will specialize in traditional Italian gifts and foods. Also featured will be a number of activities for children.

Florence Noel
The Stazione Leopolda will house the annual Florence Noel market, open from November 29th through December 8th from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday and on Monday, December 8th. Food, crafts and gifts of predominantly Tuscan origins will fill the merchants’ displays, but the main attraction is sure to be a visit to the house of Father Christmas. Tickets cost 7 euro.

Mercatini
Other small markets will be held in and around Florence. At Bagno a Ripoli, for example, will host “A tutto Natale” on December 9th and a special market, “A Natale con i Tuoi” (Christmas with your parents), on December 22nd. Proceeds from markets in Grassina and Antella will benefit Calcit (a cancer research organization). Greve and Strada, both in Chianti, will collaboratively present “Aspettando Natale: Mercanti Artigianali” in Piazza Matteotti and Piazza Landi, respectively. The exact dates and times of the Chianti markets are not yet available.

Florence marathon

Next Sunday in Florence there will be the 25th edition of Florence Marathon: more than 9000 participants from all the countries. Starting from Piazzale Michelangelo at 9.30 am, the marathon will be held through the streets of Florence. Arrival is at Santa Croce square.
Participants are coming from all parts of the world: from France (658 runners), from Germany (382), from Austria (248), from Spain (241), from Great Britain (230), Switzerland (117), USA (85), Denmark (73), Belgiium (71), Hungary (54), Slovenia (47), Netherlands (33) e Poland (31).
Car traffic will be stopped for the event.

Xmas fairs, Art exibitions and Japanese restaurants....

While we wait for the Xmas market from Heidelberg in December in Santa Croce square we can already taste the Xmas atmosphere at the Florence Noel from November 29th until December 2nd. The event will be, as usual, at the Leopolda station: Xmas expositions and gifts ideas. The main attraction will be the House of Father Xmas (Santa Claus). The entrance fee is € 7, 00.

If you have to organize an art event there is a new space in Florence called Artsenal63 in Via Santa Reparata 19r. On Saturday November 22nd opened an art exhibition called “GOLD” by Gabriele Mori a musician, painter, performer from Florence. This space with a surface of 400 square meters is excellent for big and small art event. Open to everybody. You can visit also their blog, http://artsenal63.wordpress.com

Then, for ethnic food lovers I finally tasted the famous Japanese/Thai restaurant two people (readers of the blog) tried before me and thanks to the presence of a very nice and funny Japanese boy who was having dinner with me and other friends, I was able to try also other specialties rather than only sushi and sashimi. We tried a very similar pork chop served in a bowl full of rice, very popular in Japan. We had of course a “boat” of sushi and sashimi and I was very surprised of the excellent quality of the fish, both salmon and tuna were very fresh and delicate.
A mention also to dessert both the sushi fantasy and the chocolate one. I had an ice cream to the taste of green tea. For the full meal you would be spend about 30 euro.
NIWA Japanese and Thai restaurant
Via Ponte alle Mosse, 16/r
tel. 055 355736

Aperitif....to the hairdresser!!!!

After having spent the entire day at the BTO, the fair of tourism on line, I ended up with a terrible headache.

I had an appointment with my favourite hairdresser and I was happily surprised that on Monday, as they close late in the evening, they asked Salamanca, the Spanish restaurant beside them to bring some tapas, the Spanish aperitif and between a shiatsu massage and a coffee; it is nice to grab some tacos and sauces with sangria. Jo explained me that if they have to stay open late in the evening it is nice to offer something to customers and I have to admit that this is “taking care of customers”…

Hairforce
Via Ghibellina 74r
Open from Monday to Saturday (Monday opens in the evening as well).

What's on this weekend in Tuscany

A rich week end of events....

This week end at Villa Strozzi, in via Pisana, Florence, the Lailac Japanese centre organizes again the Japanese festival.
It will be not a fashion event to underline all the news coming from that country but a truly jump in the Japanese culture where LAILAC tries to promote the language, the writings, the arts, food and so on. Trough ancient dances, ancient tradition and martial art the event will be at the LIMONAIA of Villa Strozzi, in via Pisana 77 from November 14th to November 16th from 11an to 8pm.

-Then on Saturday November 15th from 5pm to 9pm the guys from Officina Vintage opens their second shop few steps from the Medici Chapels, in via del Giglio 41/r. Clothing and accessories from the 70ties and the 80ties. Buffet for free.
-Tuscan buffet at Serafini Bar in Via Gioberti. This bar will stay open until 9pm to offer their customers a rich aperitif where the quality is essential. Tuscan appetizers, ribollita, ham, salami and cheese all from Tuscany.
-If you are still looking for Tuscan food don’t miss in largo Annigoni very close to the St.Ambrogio market the second wine and food biennale where you can taste different kind of food from Tuscany but also from other regions of Italy: lampredotto, arancini (from Sicily), focacce form Genoa, northern Italy pork and other things such as cakes, and a taste of different beers.

And if you fancy going outside Florence…

- Arezzo: Agritur, a fair dedicated to agriturismi
- San Miniato, between Florence and Pisa, there is the famous fair of the white truffle, another place where you can taste and buy this precious stone is also close to Siena, in San Giovanni d’Asso.
- In Certaldo there is the sweet fair of chocolate

- In Montespertoli at Castello of Sonnino the fair of bread and extra virgin olive oil and also the exhibition of white truffle again.

- And finally in Rufina on Sunday November 16th from 9am in the historical centre, the fair of the saint patron, S Martino. Concerts, wine tasting and chestnuts, games. Information: 055 8396529

Vintage store in Florence

OFFICINA VINTAGE - TWICE!!!

A young, talented, creative group of friends opened Officina Vintage last year in a hidden corner outside the historical centre of Florence and it was immediate success. Now, after one year, they are ready to open another shop this time in the historical centre of Florence just few steps from the Duomo, in via Del Giglio 41/red. At Officina Vintage you can find vintage clothing of the 70ties and 80ties : a more complete selection of clothing and accessories dedicated to all Vintage lovers and those who want to dress with a very personal taste but especially to own a unique and
inimitable item.
The grand opening of this second shop will be on Saturday, November 15th from 5pm until 9pm in Via Del Giglio 41/red, near the Medici chapels. Come to visit this colorful shop full of creative ideas: the verve of these four guys will conquer you!!!
Time openings:
Monday from 3pm to 8pm
Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to
2pm – 3pm to 8pm
Sundays (until Dec. 31st) 10am to 2pm – 3pm to 8pm

New year's eve 2008 , Florence, Italy

Here are some events for new years eve celebration in Florence Italy 2008.

At florentine Restaurant Le Murate in the center of the city, close to Piazza Signoria and Piazza Santa Croce, there will be a special menu for the dinner of the 31st of December.
In a charming location, with the original and unique frescoes of Dante, you have the opportunity to taste some italian specialties. As an appetizers Capon stock with hand made ravioli and Valdarnese hen’s special egg. Then Red prawns from Sicily, turnip tops sauce and bresaola from Chianina beef. As first dish tortelli stuffed with burrata and ricotta cheese, sea bass ragout. After this a Pumpkin soufflé, foie gras, black cabbage sauce.
The main course is Free range lamb from Casentino country: leg stuffed with artichokes, stewed shoulder and fried chop.
For dessert a variation on chocolate and citrus fruit: dark chocolate cake with tangerine sauce, orange jelly and white chocolate mousse.
Price for the dinner 150 euros.
For info and reservation: silvia@allemurate.it
see some pictures of the restaurant here

Other dinners and events? soon on this blog! I will tell you all the party and celebration of 2009 in Florence!

See also christmas markets in Florence with the Florence Noel market 2008 at stazione leopolda.
See also the post about my dinner at this elegant restaurant in Florence.

Wine and olive oil tasting in Chianti

Last Sunday, I went with some friends to visit a farm in the surrounding areas of Siena, in Badesse, for a wine and extra virgin olive oil tasting.

The farmhouse, Il ciliegio, has been organizing for the past 3 years a full day dedicated to the tasting of some typical Tuscan products such as ham and salami, bruschetta, fettunta, polenta, ribollita, chestnuts with also the opening of the wine cellars. It is such a beautiful idea to spend some time in the country side especially with the November sun.
We liked also the exterior part of the farm where we saw animals, new born rabbits, vineyards and olive trees in a magical atmosphere.
It is praiseworthy to see Luca, the young owner of the farm to dedicate his life to work in the fields or with animals.
Luca also explained us how they keep the wine in French barrique and how the grape raisins need to stay and rest in a dry place before they become the famous Vinsanto, for six months. I also tried the buristo (the interior of pork), nothing exceptional, but it was good to try.

Wine and food biennale in Florence

From November 10th until 24th Florence will host the first Wine and food biennale: a rich festival where you will have the chance to taste our best products.

We start with the opening day, the 10th with homage to a symbol of Florentine gastronomy, the Florentine T-bone steak. (here in the picture) On Tuesday, the 11th there will be a charity event with the partnership of Caritas Firenze together with the producers of Chianti IGT.
From November 13th until 16th in largo Annigoni (sant’Ambrogio area) stands will propose a mix of traditional Tuscan food together with other Italian products or even ethnic food, such as kebab.
On Saturday November 15th from 3pm to 7pm it will be the occasion to taste the Wine of 2007 and the Riserva of 2006 at Villa Poggio Reale
Instead the following Saturday, November 22nd at Villa Malenchini (Antella), a Medici villa, there is the annual extra virgin olive oil with cooking lessons taught by excellent chefs.
On Sunday November 23rd only 80 lucky people will have the opportunity to taste a fine selection of the best Riserva Chianti Rufina, introduced by the famous gastronomic journalist Leonardo Romanelli.
Then, grand final on November 24th with a lecture on how the food in Florence has changed between today and its glorious past.
Lastly in these two weeks 80 restaurants in Florence will propose in their menus, different kind of old recipes.

OIBO' a nice place for a drink

Few steps from the beautiful Piazza Santa Croce, at the corner with via de’ Benci, stands a modern, essential bar where you can taste delicious food and drinks, aperitifs, but also lunches. Even if it is located in one of the most touristic areas of Florence, the bar is full of young florentine too.

The aperitif buffet is open every day from 6,30pm until 9,30pm: perfect before going to Theatre Verdi few meters from OIBO’. You can find, finger food, cous cous, pasta, meat, focacce, salad and other delicatessen. While I was taking some pictures, I was blindingly obvious by a bottle called FI.GA, an allusive play on words of an Italian bad word, that it is only a beverage with a guaranà base.
I tasted and it was good. They explained me they use to do cocktails.
As I said before you can taste also something for a cheap lunch and if you are in the area I highly recommend it. The interior design is nice and well cared.

OIBO’, via de’ Benci 53/red Tel 055 2638611

Original sound movies in Florence at Cinema Odeon

There are some big changes for the Odeon this Autumn.

The historic cinema is proud to host 50 Giorni di Cinema Internazionale (50 days of International movies) which gets under way on 31 October with the 20th France Cinema festival. The various programmes of the Festival will offer the opportunity to sample hundreds of excellent films in original language versions, to meet directors, actors and writers of quality cinema from all over the world. It will be an opportunity for full immersion in the Seventh Art!
The Odeon Original Sound Programme will however continue to offer cinema-goers the chance to see the best current productions. So, after an array of movies in the second half of October and two days in November, the programme will transfer to the Astra 2 Cinehall (a 20 minute walk from the Odeon) to offer the most eagerly awaited movies of the season: from the latest acclaimed offerings from Clint Eastwood and Ridley Scott to the hits of the Venice Festival such as The Burning Plain and Rachel Getting Married. After the customary Christmas Break, the Odeon Original Sound programme will return to its traditional home in Piazza Strozzi.

November - Cinema Odeon CineHall – via Sassetti

Wednesday 5 Entre les murs (France - 128’) by Laurent Cantet with François Bégaudeau, Nassim Amrabt, Laura Baquela, Cherif Bounaïdja Rachedi, Juliette Demaille, Dalla Doucouré

Shows: 3.00 - 5.30 – 8.00 – 10.30 pm - Golden Palm Cannes Film Festival -

Wednesday 12 The Hurt Locker (USA - 131’) by Kathryn Bigelow with Ralph Fiennes, Guy Pearce, David Morse, Christian Camargo, Anthony Mackie, Jeremy Renner, Brian Geraghty Shows: 3.00 - 5.30 – 8.00 – 10.30 pm - Venice Film Festival -

November - Cinema Astra2 CineHall – piazza C. Beccaria

Monday 3 Pride and Glory (USA - 125’) by Gavin O’Connor with Edward Norton, Colin Farrell, Jon Voight, Noah Emmerich, Jennifer Ehle, John Ortiz, Shea Whigham, Frank Grillo

Shows: 3.00 - 5.30 – 8.00 – 10.30 pm

Monday 10 The Burning Plain (USA - 110’) by Guillermo Arriaga with Charlize Theron, Kim Basinger, Joaquim de Almeida, José María Yazpik, Danny Pino, Jennifer Lawrence
Shows: 3.30 - 5.50 – 8.10 – 10.30 pm - Venice Film Festival -

Monday 17 Changeling (USA - 140’) by Clint Eastwood with Angelina Jolie, Riki Lindhome, Amy Ryan, Devon Gearhart, Kelly Lynn Warren, John Malkovich, Jeffrey Donovan
Shows: 4.00 - 7.00 – 10.00 pm

Monday 24 Quantum of Solace (USA/UK) by Marc Forster with Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Giancarlo Giannini, Jesper Christensen, Mathieu Amalric, Olga Kurylenko, Gemma Arterton, Jeffrey Wright, Neil Jackson, Joaquín Cosio, Anatole Taubman, Al Pacino, Fernando Guillen-Cuervo

Shows: 3.00 - 5.30 - 8.00 – 10.30 pm

December - Cinema Astra2 CineHall – piazza C. Beccaria

Monday 1 Body of Lies (USA) by Ridley Scott with Leonardo Di Caprio, Russell Crowe

Shows: 3.00 - 5.30 – 8.00 – 10.30 pm

Tuesday 9 Rachel Getting Married (USA - 119’) by Jonathan Demme with Anne Hathaway, Rosemarie DeWitt, Mather Zickel, Bill Irwin, Anna Deavere Smith, Anisa George
Shows: 3.30 - 5.50 – 8.10 – 10.30 pm - Venice Film Festival - - with Italian subtitles -

Monday 15 The Women (USA - 114’) by Diane English with Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, Eva Mendes, Debra Messing, Jada Pinkett Smith, Carrie Fisher, Cloris Leachman, Debi Mazar, Bette Midler, Candice Bergen
Shows: 3.30 - 5.50 – 8.10 – 10.30 pm - whit Italian subtitles -

Giovanni Fattori exhibition in Florence

The Other Face of the Soul: The Works of Giovanni Fattori.

After the exhibition of the two queens today I would like to talk about this new event in Florence. Giovanni Fattori, born in Livorno in 1825, was one of the leaders of a group of Tuscan artists called the Macchiaioli, forerunners of the French Impressionists. Fattori’s early works typically depict scenes of a historical and/or military nature. In later paintings, those associated with the Macchiaioli, his subjects were often landscapes, rural scenes and military life. Mary Stuart at the Camp of Crookstone, Pause in the Maremma with Farmers and Ox-cart, After the Battle of Magenta and Storming of the Madonna della Scoperta are among his most famous works.

"The Other Face of the Soul" will showcase some of the greatest paintings of all times, including La cugina Argia, I fidanzati, Ritratto della prima moglie, Testa di buttero, Il bersagliere, Signore in giardino and the famous Autoritratto del 1894 (above). Traversing a gallery of over 60 beautifully restored paintings, one will be fascinated and intrigued to recognize, to understand and interpret th society of Tuscany in the artist’s age.

The Other Face of the Soul
October 28, 2008 through January 25, 2009
Gallery of Modern Art, Pallazzo Pitti, Piazza Pitti 1, Florence

Open Tuesday through Sunday 8:15 a.m. to 6:50 p.m. Closed Christmas and new Year's Day

Entrance 12 euro, 6 reduced, free for EU citizens under the age of 18 and over the age of 65

Additional cost for advanced purchase, 3 euro
For reservations, contact 055-294883 or visit www.firenze2008.it