Free guided tour to Palazzo Portinari Salviati, the birthplace of Beatrice, Dante Alighieri's muse

There's a hidden corner in Florence, Palazzo Portinari Salviati, which was the birthplace of Beatrice Portinari, Dante Alighieri's muse. This amazing Palazzo will open its doors to the public on March 9th during a free guided tour. Palazzo Portinari Salviati has an invaluable historical importance, closely related to the most significant cultural events of the city of Florence. The Palace, which dates back to the 13th century, was inhabited by european rulers, diplomats and politicians and was the birthplace of Cosimo I de' Medici Grand Duke of Tuscany. Throughout centuries of history, the Palazzo has hosted prominent figures of the Renaissance, sculptors and artists and now it features important frescoes and invaluable works of art by famous artists like Giambologna. Invitation: A unique occasion to visit one of the most representative historic buildings in the city of Florence: Palazzo Portinari Salviati via del Corso 6, Florence 

The Palace will be open to the public during several guided tours thanks to the Associazione Culturale Città Nascosta on: Saturday March 9th every hour from 11am to 3 pm Booking requested ph. 055 6802590 or email: info@cittanascosta.it 

 N.B. Please be advised that there are only 25 places available. Being the Palazzo under restoration, we recommend comfortable clothes and suitable shoes.

San Valentine Flash Mob in Florence

On February 14th at 3:00 p.m. women throughout Florence will be engaged in a flash mob in Piazza Repubblica. This event will be part of a global movement on that day to bring attention to the growing issue of violence against women and girls. Over 190 countries and 13,000 organizations will participate. ONE BILLION RISING is the global campaign launched by Eve Ensler (activist and playwright from the USA) in this 15th anniversary of V-Day (a day to bring attention to violence against women created by Eve). Today, the statistics demonstrate that one in 3 women will be raped or beaten in their lifetime. When we look at the world population this means more than one billion women and girls. The title of this initiative of the 14th of February is ONE BILLION RISING.  Information on the event and the video can be found at: www.theglobaltheatreproject.org 

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/events/105254802978476/ 

 The event will begin exactly at 15.00 and last no more than 20 minutes. Donations of any size will be collected by Associazione Artemisia for their work helping victims of violence. Everyone wear black and red and/or pink. Rain or shine. If the weather is not good... bring an umbrella, a hat and a scarf.

Home made Chocolate Fair in Florence: 8-17 February, 2013

“FI.nally Chocolate!” is a don't miss event for gourmet: 10 days of refined tastings, delicacies prepared by renowned international maitres chocolatiers, cultural events and a lot of fun. 

This chocolate fair will take place in Florence from the 8th to the 17th of February, in the enchanting Piazza Santa Maria Novella, close to the main railway Station. 

The 9th edition of the Home made Chocolate Fair will be hosting 40 exhibitors that will show the amazing variety of chocolate making. Maitres chocolatiers coming from all over Europe will show their best products, the result of tradition and experience. Beyond the refined tastings this fair will also have some important cultural events:

• “Chocolate Classes”, where the Maitres chocolatiers will tell good stories about this product, 
• lessons “Cooking with chocolate”, where the guests will learn how to cook using this precious spice. 
• program for kids: a “Chocolate Hunting” full of riddles with an itinerary through the streets and shops of Florence, between Piazza della Republica and Piazza Santa Maria Novella. 

Free entrance to the fair. 

Pitti Uomo 83: the major trends in man fashion industry

This morning in Florence has started Pitti Immagine Fashion Far: the world’s most important platform for men’s clothing and accessory collections. What’s going on at Pitti Uomo 83? What are the major trends of the coming Pitti Uomo fair? According to Antonio Cristaudo, Pitti Immagine’s marketing and development manager, there are 3 major trends. 

1. The first one is associated with contemporary craft. If, until now, craft production was associated with quality but not with style, from now on, the focus is going to be on top-quality craft products with high design and style content. The power of this trend will we be evident throughout Pitti Uomo.
2. The second major trend, probably the newest and most important one of Pitti Uomo 83, is the revival of heavy-weight fabrics, even felt, and, consequently, the iconic pieces of British-style men’s wardrobe, from the duffel coat to the loden coat, in a contemporary version, of course. 
3. The third trend consists of very technical, ultra-light and high-performance garments. There is also a comeback of sweatshirts. Relegated to sportswear and homewear in the past few years, sweatshirts will be replacing sweaters in the next winter season. 

Don't miss:

Henry Cotton's Rugged Capsule Collection, from the brand that was worn by action movie actors such as Sylvester Stallone (Cliffhanger) and Mel Gibson (Letal Wheapon). To underline the spirit of the outdoors they posted a video with 2 guys playing Parkour: http://www.henrycottons.it/rugged/.

Always inspired by the sea the Marina Yachting A/I 2013 man collection: from the choice of materials to the colours all the details can be referred to a modern high tech and still elegant sailorman who has to browse the city and the web...