Where is Florence?

Florence is one of the most visited tourist destinations of the world. At least once in a life time, you’d like to take a close look at the David of Michelangelo, or the Venere of Botticelli, or visit the Uffizi Gallery, the Pitti Palace, the Boboli Gardens, the Brunelleschi’s Dome, etc. etc. As a matter of fact, there are few places in the world that have such a huge concentration of monuments and masterpieces in such a small space. But even if Florence is a small town, you still may need some “instructions for use” specially if it’s your first time…

Some of you asked me how close is Florence from Tuscany... or is Florence on the tuscan coast?

Traveling to Florence
Florence is the main town of Tuscany, and it is just at the center of Italy: 300 km south from Milan and 280 north from Rome. That’s way Florence offers easy access: a couple of hours are enough to reach Florence international Airport from all major European hubs, which may also provide comfortable connections from all over the world as well. Florence, owing to its position, has also fast and efficient rail and motorway connections with the rest of the country.

Florence Airport
Florence Airport (Amerigo Vespucci) is served by many domestic and international flights with daily flights. The airport is just 4km north-west of Florence. Public Bus companies SITA ("aerobus") and ATAF run a bus service between the airport and Santa Maria Novella Station.

Traveling by plane to Florence from some of the main European towns:
Amsterdam: 1.50 h.
Barcelona: 1.35 h.
Bruxelles: 1.55 h.
Budapest: 1.30 h.
Frankfurt: 1.30 h.
Geneve: 1.30 h.
Goteborg: 2.25 h.
London: 2.00 h.
Madrid: 2.10 h.
Munich: 1.20 h.
Oslo: 2.50 h.
Paris: 1.55 h.
Praga: 1.30 h.
Stoccarda: 1.20 h.
Tirana: 1.30 h.
Vienna: 2.35 h.

And Italian towns:
Cagliari: 1.05 h.
Catania: 1.35 h.
Milan: 1.00 h.
Palermo: 1.15 h.
Rome: 1.00 h.

Distances by car:
Bologna: km.105
Genova: km.225
Milan: km.300
Naples: km.490
Pisa: km.95
Rome: km.280
Siena: km.70
Torino: km.395
Venice: km. 255

Pisa Airport
Pisa Airport (named Galileo Galilei), has more connections to long distance destinations and it’s not very far from Florence. Pisa Airport (on average) is at a 1.00 hour –1.30 hours by train and even less by car (on the “Strada a Grande Comunicazione Firenze-Pisa-Livorno” toll free) from Florence. There are also shuttle coach services run by private companies (you can buy tickets directly in the Pisa airport). Pisa may be interesting for budget travelers because is served by a great number of budget airlines (such as Ryanair, Easyjet and Thomsonfly).

Railways
Thanks to its central position Florence is connected to the main north-south Italian railway. Frequent services run from Florence's principal station, Stazione Santa Maria Novella, to the other major Italian cities (Rome is less than two hours away and Milan less than three). Next to the Church of Santa Maria Novella, the station puts you directly in the centre of Florence and within walking distance of many hotels. A few services (mostly night-time ones) stop at Campo di Marte, a secondary station to the east of Florence city centre (close to it anyway).
Traveling times by train from main Italian towns:
Bologna: 0.55 h.
Genova: 3.00 h.
Milan: 2.46 h.
Naples: 3.36 h.
Pisa: 0.50 h.
Rome: 1.30 h.
Torino: 4.00 h.
Venice: 3.00 h.

Bus and Coach
Bus and coach services connect Florence to the rest of Tuscany and Italy. Buses stop in various locations close to Stazione Santa Maria Novella. SITA, who run many regional services, have their own bus station (the Autostazione Sita) on Via Santa Caterina da Siena, a few yards from the railway station. Another good company, LAZZI, is just on the other side of the station square and offers several connections to rest of Tuscany (specially western part) and also main Italian and European towns.

Moving in Florence
The city centre is relatively small, and great part of the attractions are in the very center or in nearby areas, thus you can visit great part of the town by foot. But be careful! Don’t forget to watch out for speeding cars and moped traffic, and cross all streets with extreme caution.
Pubblic transportation system is based on ATAF orange buses, they are not very expensive and almost reliable if not comfortable (in rush hours they may be overcrowded). You can buy bus tickets in many shops along the streets (news papers stands, tabaconists, etc.), but after 7.30 pm it may be difficult to find them, while getting the ticket on the bus is more expensive and drivers usually don’t have change!
Taxis (white cabs) are quite expensive but offer a good service and late at night are the only transport service easily available: there is a radio-taxi service that permits you to get a cab whereever you are.

Moving safely
Florence isn’t a dangerous town. Generally speaking the town center is safe also late at night. A couple of suggestions may prove useful: late at night (after midnight) the Santa Maria Novella Station area may be a little dangerous specially for women walking alone. Best suggestions for women alone late at night is not to answer to anybody bothering and keep on moving. If you’ve been drinking to much be sure to have a taxi bringing you home. It’s easy – bar tenders are used to help tourist in difficulty - and less expensive than a lost (or picked) wallet! Be careful on busses specially when they are crowded: there are lots of pickpockets and they are really clever in identifying tourists. Keep purses and wallets under strict surveillance! Don’t be ashamed to ask for help (aiuto in Italian and you pronounce it something like: i-you-to!) if you feel in any danger or difficulty. Italians usually love to be helpful!

Shopping Antiquities and Modern Malls in Florence

From antique markets to the Italian version of the American mall, there is a variety of shopping available throughout the city of Florence.

The antique market at Piazza Ciompi is a great place to spend the morning exploring and browsing through the history of Florence. Although small in size, it is filled with beautiful jewelry, luggage, clothing, silver products, and much more. Prices in the market range depending on the type of item being purchased, as well as its age and condition. The market is made up of small booths run by vendors each is completely filled with hundreds of things to sort through and discover. The density of the market and the amount that is in such a small place can be slightly overwhelming so be sure to allow yourself a few hours if you want to really explore and take the time to look through everything. If you feel like only spending a short time here, it is still definitely a place to visit since it is filled with unique people and objects and will definitely make you feel connected with Florence, its history, and the Florentine people. If you are looking for anything trendy, clothing, or anything specific, stick to the center of Florence. However, if you would like to find a selection of unique, beautiful, and historic artifacts of Florence, Piazza Ciompi is the perfect place.

The Gigli mall is located about 30 minutes outside Florence and is an American style mall filled with a variety of Italian stores. The mall includes a food court, indoor market, furniture stores with bathroom vanity, and a large selection of stores perfect for clothing shopping. Most of the stores are moderately priced and salespeople were friendly and helpful—which is a nice change from the clothing stores in the center of Florence. The Gigli mall is a great way to spend the afternoon. For students studying in Florence, or visitors on an extended stay, the mall is a great place to do some real shopping. However, for tourists spending a short time in Florence, it can easily be skipped since it is not really a tourist attraction, but simply a place for italians to do their every day shopping.

Piazza Ciompi can be reached by on foot 10 minutes from the Duomo. By taking Via dell’Oriuolo from the Piazza del Duomo which leads into Via Pietrapiana at Piazza Salvemini.

The Gigli mall can be reached by C.A.P. bus from the Stazione Centrale di Santa Maria Novella. The cost of a bus ticket is 1.40 euro and they leave the station every half hour.

See also the post about outlet shopping near Florence, the Barberino Outlet, the Vintage store in Florence.

More ideas to spend a marvellous New Years Eve in Florence

If you are a COSPLAY fan you cannot miss this extravaganza night at the room club in via della Fornace 9, in Florence with the special participation of Cosplayer coming from Tokyo. You can disguise yourself with your favorite super hero or heroine costume to greet the 2009 in this new and untypical way. The special night starts at 10,30pm until the dawn. Info line: www.kokedo.com - cosplayevent@gmail.com

Then for the lovers of dancing you have two choices: one at Saschall Theater the other at THE disco in Florence, YAB, than stands for “you are beautiful”.
Saschall. The party starts at 8, 30pm with the dinner with more than 8 different dishes (11 to be precise), with live music and live show and then from 11,30pm until 6am the real party starts directly from Pacha in Ibiza. This the official Pacha tour from Ibiza. Happy music - Commerciale - House con i dj's Kiko Navarro (Pacha recording e Pacha Ibiza), Paola Poletto (Korova Lab), e Marco Bertani.
Prices are from € 100 (dinner and dancing) to € 135 (dinner, dancing and reserved table including a bottle of champagne). After dinner with dancing is € 55, 00 including a drink. Free shuttle bus from the train station square in Santa Maria Novella for all night long.
YAB. The historical disco in Florence opens its door with a party called “ROUGE” and the atmosphere will be like the old Paris with warm red color ambience. The special dinner starts 9,30pm with a rich menu and then live music. The menu is a mix of Tuscan tradition. Dinner with dancing € 110,00. The entrance to the disco € 50 including a drink. For both parties please call Matteo Cel: 339.6914933 or email him at matteo@capodannofirenze.it
MSN: matteo.ulivi@hotmail.com

For those of you just wish to dance there the Twenty-one, another historical disco in the centre of Florence completely renovated. It is composed by three rooms: one for chatting and listening to some music; a second one more cozy, with tables where you can toast to the New Year with a glass of Champagne and the third, the dance floor! Entrance and drink is € 35, 00.
For info and purchase the tickets: Matteo Cel: 339.6914933
matteo@capodannofirenze.it
Twenty-One Via dei Cimatori 13

see also New Year's Eve dinners, more dinners for New Years Eve

Florence New Year Eve 2009

Here are some researches people have done on my blog. I will try to help them to find what they are looking for. If you need other info about events in Florence during Christmastime, just ask.

Christmas dinner florence restaurant music: few restaurants in Florence are open for Xmas. I Know that Rifrullo restaurant has a special Xmas lunch>>

Florence Italy Christmas market: the most famous Xmas Market in Florence is the one of Heidelberg: wood stands with products from Germany plus typical food. From December 3rd to December 21st as every year in the square of Santa Croce.

New years eve 2008 Florence: there are big parties around the city such as the Fortezza Florence new year's eve: music and dancing till late. At Saschall there will be the official Pacha Ibiza Party: dinner and dancing till 6 in the morning.

Where to spend new years 2008 in Florence Italy: here are some suggestions.
Osteria del caffè Italiano: tuscan menu in a gorgeous location (see some pictures here).
Ristorante Sud: spicy food from the South of Italy, such as Puglia and Sicily, very cheap.
Alle murate: elegant and luxury restaurant with Dante Alighieri's original frescoes.

Ice skating Florence Italy: open from late November until the 6th of January. On Xmas day a big Santa Claus will be there for kids.

New Year eve in Tuscany: in Siena there will be the annual free concert in Piazza del Campo. The singer performing this year is very famous here in Italy: Antonello Venditti (I am sorry he sings in italian!).

The Best Aperitivo in Florence

Aperitivo is one of Italy’s most charming traditions and one of Florence’s best kept secrets. The term is just a rough translation of the English “cocktail.” In terms of history and etymology, that is what it is. Somewhere in Turin some years ago, some gentleman invented something called vermouth, paired it with light snacks and proposed it as an “opening” to the evening meal.

Over 2 centuries aperitivo has evolved to become the evening meal. Nowadays in Italy, it is customary for the locals en route from work to stop by a favourite bar or club, partake in a cocktail with friends and enjoy a veritable buffet of pastas, vegetables, finger sandwiches, salads and, yes, even light snacks. A leisurely aperitivo eliminates the hassle of preparing a proper meal after a long day at the office, and it comes at a much smaller cost than dinner at a restaurant. On average, the price for one drink and access to the spread is between 7 and 10 euro.
The second course (the one involving meat) is not a typical component of aperitivo. A choice of first courses (pasta or rice), a number of side dishes and a selection of breads and sauces usually make up the evening’s menu. In bars, you are likely to find the day’s left over sandwiches on offer as well, and, in some venues, you may even find ethnic dishes.
Hours for aperitivo are usually between 7 and 9 p.m. The locals tend to arrive a little later, so follow suit if you’re looking to fit in, but be sure not to wait too long. The kitchen only prepares as much food as it expects to serve. If you really want to get a seat, avoid the locali near movie theatres and avoid them especially on Wednesdays (when the new releases are featured). If, on the other hand, you opt for aperitivo on a night of Fiorentino soccer, you are sure to have your choice of tables at any venue.
Trendy Aperitivi
Be sure to dress your best if you don’t want to stand out as un-Florentine.
Oibo (Greci 1, near Santa Croce) open at 7:30p.m., cost €8 www.oibo.net 055-2638611 (here in the picture)
Rifrullo (Via San Niccolo 55/r) open until 10:30p.m., cost €10 www.ilrifrullo.com 055-2342621 On Sundays great buffet.
Negroni (Via dei Renai 17) open at 7 p.m., cost: €8, adult clientele www.negronibar.com 055243647
Zoe (Via dei Renai 13/r) open at 6p.m., cost: €8, student clientele 055-243111
Dolcevita (Piazza del Carmine) open 7:30p.m, cost: €10 www.dolcevitaflorence.com 055-284595
Boston T (Viale Europa 160) open at 6p.m.. cost: unknown www.boston-t.it 055-6533307
Rosso Rubino (Viale Europa 96/98) cost: unknown www.rossorubino.eu 055-6584924
Touristic Aperitivi
You can get away with a T-shirt and jeans, but you’ll miss out on authenticity
Noir/Ex Capocaccia (Lungarno Corsini 12/14r) cost: €9-10 www.noirfirenze.com 055-210751
Slowly (Via Porta Rossa 63) open at 7p.m., cost: unknown www.slowlycafe.com 055-2645354
Colle Bereto (Piazza degli Strozzi 5) open until 10p.m., best Thursday, cost: unknown 055 283156
Alternative Aperitivi
Here you’ll find good food, many students and a dose of counterculture
Kitch (Viale Gramzci 1/3/5) open 7:30p.m., cost €7, student clientele, 055-2343890
Tangram (Via dei Serragli 3/r) light aperitivo, cost: €3.50 www.tan-gram.it 055-2382431
Strizzi Bar (Via G. Mariti and Viale Redi) open at 6p.m., cost: €3, student clientele
Serafini (Via Gioberti) open until 8p.m., cost €6
Cafè Deluxeè (Piazza Indipendenza) open at 8p.m. live music, www.cafedeluxee.com 055-485749
Seasonal Aperitivi
Great outdoor venues serving exceptional food, but only during weather permitting months
Moba Villa Bardini (Costa San Georgio 4) open at 7:30p.m., cost: €10, beautiful views (here in the picture)
Hotel Minerva (Piazza SMN 16) Thursdays, cost: €15 www.grandhotelminerva.com 055-27230
Traditional Aperitivi
The locals’ choice for food and ambience... and a scarcity of tourists
Pigmento Cafè (Via Erbosa 12/r) cost: unknown, live music, www.pigmentocafe.it 055-6584766
Boston T (Viale Europa 160) open 6p.m., cost: unknown www.boston-t.it 055-6533307
Rosso Rubino (Viale Europa 96/98) cost: unknown www.rossorubino.eu 055-6584924
Cafè de Paris (Piazza Dalmazia 7/r) cost: €7 www.cafedeparis.it 055-4220505

Chrismas Time in Florence: events, markets, concerts

FREE 27 XMAS CONCERTS in CHURCHES, BOOKSHOPS AND THEATRES

From November 30th until January 6th everyone can assist to 27 free concerts spread all over Florence in churches, bookshops and theaters. Various concerts with Ensable vocale on December 12th at 9pm in the SS Apostoli church then the Gospel choir at Auditorium Clinica Medica of Careggi on December 14th at 10,30am. The in all the major bookshops of Florence such as Seeber, Edison, Feltrinelli and Martelli a lot of other churches such as Santa Maria Maggiore in vi de’ Cerretani, the SS Apostoli church, San Lorenzo, san Frediano in Cestello, San Firenze will host concerts throughout the month of December. The concerts will have as protagonists not only big Italian names but also some guests from the European music scene.
On December 20th there will be 3 concerts all at 9pm in the convent of San Salvatore al Monte where the music school of Fiesole will play music from Mozart instead in the church of San Firenze there will be the recital of the organist Olimpio Medori. For info: Tel 055 783374

December 4th at 5pm in Libreria Martelli, Via Martelli “FILM…only music” Violin, piano, dancer, music by Webern, Gershwin, Rota and Morricone.

Saturday December 6th at 9pm church of Santa Maria Maggiore, via de’ Cerretani organ player Sergio Militello, music by bach, Dubois ad Guilmante

Sunday, December 7th Rock in classic music by Queen, Wham, Beatles, E.John and Sting performed at Theatre Cantiere Florida in Via Pisana 111/r at 9pm

Sunday, December 7th at 9pm in the church of SS Michele and Gaetano in piazza degli Antinori concert of the Florence Academy. Music by Mozart, Schurbert and fauré

Tuesday, December 9th at 6pm in the Edison bookshop: path between books and thoughts. Ensemble choir. Xmas music and spirituals.

Wednesday, December 10th at 9pm in the San Lorenzo Basilica music for violins. Veracini, Vivaldi, tartini music.

Friday, December 12th at 9pm in the SS Apostoli church. Polyphonic ensemble with music by Stabile, Palestrina and Byrd

Saturday December 13th at 9pm in the Sala della Compagnia, Via di Soffiano 2, Quartet with flute, music by Mozart

Sunday, December 14th “FOR JOY GOSPEL CHOIR ORCHESTRA AGIMUSARTE” at 10,30pm at the auditorium of the Clinica Medica of Careggi, music by Vivaldi and Corelli

Ensemble of Polyphonic music of Florence in the church of San Leonardo in Arcetri at 4,30pm.

Monday, December 15th Concert for violin and violoncello and piano at the Kunstitestorische Institut of Florence, Via Giusti 44. Concert starts at 6,30pm.

In the church of Orsanmichele at 9pm concert for violin and piano, music by Debussy

Tuesday, December 16th Chiesa di san Firenze concerts start at 9pm Recital for piano, music by Haden and Pieranunzi

Church of San Frediano in Cestello concerts starts at 9pm. Duo, opera singer and harp. Music by Gounod, Mozart and Frank

Wednesday, December 17th Libreria Feltrinelli at 6pm concert for guitar, music by Villalobos, Piazzolla

Saturday, December 20th Cenacolo of the church of Santa Croce Young orchestra of Florence, traditional music and spirituals. Concert starts at 9pm

Convento san Salvatore al Monte, Via di san Salvatore al monte 9. Concert of the school of muisc of Fiesole. Concert is at 9pm

Wednesday, December 24th Basilica of SSAnnunziata at 9,30pm Organ. Recital of the organ player Pier Paolo Donati, music by Cavazzoni, Guami, Frescobaldi

Santa Croce XMAS MARKET and ice skating in Florence

From December 3rd to December 21st as every year in the square of Santa Croce you can stroll around the little market houses. You can buy all the traditional and typical products of 15 different countries.
The Xmas market is organized by the association of shops, the Region of Tuscany and Confesercenti. This is a truly occasion to start to think about gifts and ideas for Xmas decoration.
And this year too you can go ice skating at the Parterre, in Piazza della Libertà. The cost for hiring the skates are of 6 euro (same price since 2000) . the scheduling time are from 9/10am 10,30/11am 12am/1PM; in the aftrenoon from 2,30/3,30pm 4/5pm 5.3/6.30pm 7/7,30pm; evening from 9/10pm 10,30/11,30pm ; (Friday, saturday and sunday from midnight to 1am). On Xmas day the littles ones will be host by father Xmas in person, instead on January 6th there will be the turn of the "Befana". On San Silvestro night (31th of December, New Year's Eve) the parterre will open to welcome the new year!!!
For info tel. 055/0517447

Museo Annigoni in Florence

Museo Annigoni at Villa Bardini has just opened its doors to the public (from November, the 15th). More than 6000 masterpieces have been gathered to be shown altered annually in order to allow visitors the chance to view the entire collection over time. Pietro Annigoni was born in 1910 and he died in 1988. This is the first official museum that Florence dedicates to this important artist.
More than 120 paintings will be displayed for 1 year, than they will start rotating the entire collection.

5 times during his lifetime, the artist's portraits were featured on the cover of Time magazine in the US, but perhaps his most famous portrait is one of Queen Elizabeth II. Other famous portraits: Margaret, Margot Fonteyn, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the Pope Giovanni XXIII. Examples of his brilliance can be found on display in the Vatican Museum, Windsor Castle, The National Portrait Gallery in London, The Galleria degli Uffizi in Florence, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Where: Villa Bardini is located at Costa San Giorgio 2 in Florence with an alternate entrance at Via dei Bardi 1r.

Opening hours: From October 1st through March 31st the museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. From April 1st through September 30th hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Closed on Monday and Tuesday. For more information, call 055-2638599 or 055-2346988.