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...

New Year's Eve Costume Party on the Tuscan Coast

If you would like to spend a great New Year's Eve in Tuscany, enjoy the Costume Party at Forte dei Marmi in Versilia. For those of you seeking adventure and the exciting nightlife Tuscany has to offer, Bottaccio has announced limited availability for their new year's eve Gran Galà Party. Bottaccio is a Boutique 5 star hotel near Forte dei Marmi offering unparalleled accommodation. The Hospitality provided by the Bottaccio to its gourmand travelers matches the quality of its cuisine. The new year will be welcomed with Fireworks on the hotel property and the menu foresees the following dishes:

• Bottaccio’s Amuse Bouche
• Crispy red Mullet with Wild Rice in Basil and Pine nut Sauce
• Fresh Pasta stuffed with Lobster in Crabmeat Soup
• Gilthead with violet Potatoes and Foie Gras
• Venison with Rasberries and Balsamic Vinegar
• Pumpkin puree with red lentils
• Green Tea and Date Sorbet
• Chocolate Mille-feuille with passion fruit and fresh Custard cream

Cost per participant: € 150 per person - wines and spirits a la carte.
Further information and Bookings: www.bottaccio.it 

Pizza cheap dinner for the New Year's Eve in Florence

For New Year's this restaurant in Florence will be offering to different shifts. 

The first from 7.30pm to 10pm (for those who want to welcome in the new year outside with the masses!). The second from 10pm til midnight (for those who want to party but stay warm) A la carte menu (with a surcharge of 20%) .So that you can order just want Pizza menu at €28 (1st shift only): Tuscan antipasto toscano with crostini and cold cuts ,Your choice of pizza, Tiramisù, Espresso Medium beer o Coke o 1/2 liter of water and one glass of Chianti.

Tasting menu for New Year's Eve at €55 (both shifts)_ Tuscan antipasto with crostini and cold cuts - 1 glass of Vivia Le Mortelle bianco Antinori Double pasta course: risotti with black cabbage and truffled pecorinotto and wild boar pappardelle - 1 glass of Chianti Classico S.Felice Steak slices with porcini mushrooms and parmesan on a rocket salad beda -1 glass ofAchelo Sirah Antinori Tuscan roasted potatoes with garlic and rosemary. Choice of dessert 1 glass of spumante Espresso. 

I Ghibellini is in the center of Florence. You can easily walk to the main venues of the New Year's Eve.

I Ghibellini

Piazza di San Pier Maggiore, 8  50122 Firenze

055 214424

Moving nativity scene in Tuscany "Presepe di Lecore"

An extraordinary Italian moving nativity scene at Lecore in the Signa area, close to Florence. A massive depiction of 15x10x7 meters and more than 100 moving figurines. Every Christmas for the past 7 years a different theme has been chosen to reflect and pray in the little Saint Peter’s Parish in Lecore. This year the title is: “The Moon Lights the Way of God’s Seekers”. 

Sauro Mari is the man behind this magnificent work. Every year he conceives the idea during a visit in Lourdes - France in front of the Grotto of our Lady. He needs three months for planning and building the area using several mechanical gears, special lighting and about 200 ice cream cardboard boxes to build Baby Jesus’ native Bethlehem. The event will start on 24th December at midnight and from 25th December onwards it will be open free to the public every day from 3.30 pm to 7.30 pm till 27th January. Follow them on Facebook (Presepe di Lecore) or on www.presepedilecore.it.

Pontevecchio Golf Challenge

This weekend in Florence there's an amazing golf challenge: the best golf players will dispute a performance on a unique stage: Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy. 

The tees are on the Arno River! The first green, at 75m/80yds, corresponds to 4 points. The second one, at 110m/120yds, corresponds to 7 points. The third and last one, which is the farthest and the most difficult to reach, at 140m/150yds, is worth 10 points for each hole.

Bazart in Florence

Last 7th December, the temporary shop by the Cultural Association ARTEDOVE in Florence (S.Ambrogio area) has opened and it will remain open until 23 December. 

BazART is a melting pot of art, design, handmade products and fashion, where you can find accessories for the home, for the person, jewelry, baby products, clothes, pottery, in limited edition. 

All products are created by young designers and artists who have their own self-creation. BazART is also a cozy place with great music, to drink a cup of tea together around a samovar, share experiences and spend time with your friends.

International Cultural Association ARTEDOVE in Via de 'Macci 81 red (not far from Santa Croce) Florence until December 23

Timing of upcoming events:
- Saturday 15: from 10 am to 8 pm
- Sunday 16: from 11 am to 8 pm
- Saturday 22: from 10 am to 8 pm
- Sunday 23: Closing Party from 11 am to 10 pm with tea and music.

Where to celebrate Thanksgiving in Florence, Italy

Since few years even in Florence it's possibile to celebrate Thanksgiving. many clubs, restaurants and bar offer the possibility to have a Thanksgiving lunch with a huge turkey.  Apart for the food there is a special event you can attend. On Saturday, the 24th, you can enjoy orchestral and operatic conductor Zubin Mehta direct the Maggio Musicale Orchestra, while a theatre company will perform Puccini's masterpiece "Turandot". This event is supported by Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights di Washington

Inauguration of jewellery with chocolate tasting

The goldsmith artist NegarAzari-Azhar invites everybody to the inauguration of her Contemporary Jewellery shop Naa-Studio, on Friday 16 November from 19h00, in via dei Serragli 59a/r 

For the occasion, the renowned chocolatier Andrea Bianchini will prepare delicious creations inspired of the fusion of two arts, jewelry and chocolate. Naa-Studio, Contemporary Jewelry Shop, is an experimental laboratory for "contemporary and design jewelry", a new concept in Florence, for those who love to wear a unique jewel at an affordable price. A, 60 mq laboratory shop of unique treasures such as: rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, usb port, frames and so much more carved and sculpted by hand using the Florentine traditional techniques. The perfect union of design and tradition. NegarAzhar-Azari, a young Florentine woman with Persian origins, had always thought to bring contemporary jewelry that can mainly be found in art galleries, to a new environment where people can have an easier access to it, something like the "democratization of art", using materials not necessarily precious (bronze, iron, wood, ebony, leather, textiles and various semi-precious stones or synthetic), but of great artistic value and design at an affordable price.

Florens 2012: culture and economics in Florence

From the 3rd to the 11th of November, here in Florence, there's a special event called Florens2012: cultural aperitifs, conferences, exhibition, meeting and much more with a focus on the relationship between economy and culture. 

Don't miss to admire: 

• the installation of the olive trees at the Duomo and the huge marble cross by Mimmo Paladino in Santa Croce square (everyday) 
• the premiere of the National Geographic movie 'Wings of Seduction' (Friday NOV 9 at 9pm at Cinema Odeon )
• reflections on the culture of conservation in the era of global civilization
•  Alberto Asor Rosa – The defense of territory and landscape, the unrenouncible condition of a new phase of human civilization

 Free entrance to the events. Booking required. Here is the website: http://www.fondazioneflorens.it/

Canadian musician Allison Crowe live in Florence, Italy

Canadian musician Allison Crowe is delighted to return to Firenze to perform at Teatro del Sale. The concert will be in the venue of famed Chef Fabio Picchi and Artist Maria Cassi Teatro del Sale, the cultural home of the Cibreo – Teatro del Sale family. 

17.10.2012 Teatro del Sale Via dei Macci 111r, 50122 - Firenze, Italia 

Once famously described as possessing a style akin to 'Elton John meets Edith Piaf', the Canadian singer-songwriter Allison Crowe is renowned for her ability to blend control and melodrama." (MOJO magazine, UK) 

"Ever wonder what it would have been like to listen to a gifted singer/songwriter from Saskatchewan in a small, intimate hall before she became Joni Mitchell? Don't fret the missed opportunity. There's no need to turn back the clock. Check out Allison Crowe." Robert Reid, The Record (Canada) 

"Allison Crowe has a voice to fall in love with. She is from Vancouver Island in Canada, descended from Scottish, Irish and Manx stock. She's exactly the sort of artist who can make serious headway on her own label and that's just what she's doing." ~ Record of the Day (UK) 

"Treat yourself to one of the mightiest talents on the singer-songwriter scene today." ~ Bob Muller, JoniMitchell.com (USA) "Her version of 'I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)' would give Aretha Franklin goose-bumps." ~ Robert Moyes, Boulevard (Canada)

Florence and Wine Town 2012

Here we are! Tomorrow the great wine event "Wine Town" will start: several historical buildings will open their courts for 2 days. People can enter to taste some of the best wines in Tuscany and Italy.

Besides the tasting there will be live music, events for Kids, art and many interesting events (Theather, Dance, Chocolate Awards). 

How does it works? you can buy a winecard for 15 euros: you will receive a glass and 5 points that give you the possibility to try 5 different wines. When you finish the "points" you can charge again your card.

For more info: http://www.winetown.it

When?

Friday: September, the 21st from 3.00 pm to 11 pm

Saturday: September, the 22nd from 3.00 pm to 11 pm

This is the map with the 3 areas and places where to go:

 

Vogue Fashion Night in Florence!

Yesterday I have been to VFNO: Vogue Fashion Night Out. After Milan and Rome, even Florence had its opportunity to celebrate the fashion world for a night: stores open until 11 pm, events, dj sets and exhibitions in the center of Florence.

 

I saw many girls with their high heels wandering from a place to another. For once it seemed to me like it was New Year's Eve. Streets were crowdy and you could hear music everywhere. 

Here are some Patrizia Pepe fans in queue in front of the store.

Even if I didn't buy anything it was fun to be there dressed up with my Scervino bag and Ferragamo shoes, and enjoy the atmosphere. And to watch the looks of other girls walking in via Tornabuoni.

 

Autumn in Florence - food festival in 4 star hotel in Florence

From Thursday 20 September to Saturday 13 October at Grand Hotel Minerva, Florence there will be this special food event.  Fried, grilled or sautéed porcini mushrooms; Caesar’s mushroom salad; verdino and dottato figs; Italia, strawberry and globe grapes. These are just some of the products accompanying the classic Florentine steak, duck, wild boar or pappardelle. A festival for rediscovering traditional flavours and recipes, and experimenting with the sometimes bold combinations of chef Sandro Pedica. Traditional dishes: salame (sausage) and figs, pappardelle with porcini mushrooms, Mugellan potato ravioli with wild boar ragout, charcoal-grilled Florentine T-bone steak with grilled porcini mushrooms. Creative interpretations: porcini mushroom cheese cake, verdino fig muffins with Tuscan ham, porcini mushroom cappuccino with poppy seed puff pastry for dipping. All of this "seasoned" with a view of Alberti’s facade for the Church of Santa Maria Novella and the whole square. 

In addition to a generous menu of 27 dishes to choose from, Autumn on the Table offers: 

Promo-Dinner: 2 courses to choose from for € 29.50, including mineral water and coffee, excluding wine. 

Promo-Dinner: 3 courses to choose from for € 39.50, including mineral water and coffee, excluding wine.

Have a look to the menu>>

All hotel customers who book a table with their receptionist are granted a 10% discount. Please note that those who book their stay at the hotel through its official website (www.grandhotelminerva.com) are entitled to a bonus equivalent to 10% of the value of the reserved room, which can be used for dining facilities, including a dinner at our Food Festival. 

For example, if your room costs 100.00 Euro per night, 10 Euro per day can be used at the hotel bar and restaurant. 

How to survive to the hot Summer in Italy! A day in the local swimming pool in the Chianti

Today I decided to escape from the hot temperature of Florence, and spend one day of relax in a local swimming pool in the Chianti area, in the town called Greve in Chianti (famous for the wine!). You can reach easily Greve in Chianti by car or by bus: it takes 20 minutes more or less. 

The swimming pool is immersed in the country, with some umbrellas close to the pool and some umbrellas and chairs on the green. Outside there are 2 pools: one with deeper water and one for kids. Inside there's a big swimming pool for the ones who want to swim. 

The place is clean, not so crowdy and with a big free parking.

Entrance fee is only 6.50 euros in the week days, and 7.50 euros for the weekend. Plus 3 euros for every sunbed you take.

There is a small bar, but except for the ice-creams, I suggest you to buy your lunch outside and bring it inside with you. 

Free entrance to see Michelangelo's David on thursday evenings

On the official site you cannot find anything... but for all the summer, on thursday evening, you can enter  for free to the Accademia Gallery, where the original Michelangelo's David lies! The opening hours are extended from 7.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m.

After the museum you can have a tasty ice-cream or a great "granita" (a sort of ice cream made only with ice and fruits) at Carabè: on thursday evening they have a special menu. It's close to the gallery, on the same street: Via Ricasoli.

Happy "Ferragosto"

In Italy "Ferragosto" (=mid of August) is a traditional feast: stores and factories are closed. People like to gather together with parents and relatives and to have a big lunch. And at the end of the huge lunch, everybody is wishing for a big water melon.

Enjoy your Ferragosto in Italy!

Free entrance for Michelangelo's David

Do you know that all Summer's thursday from 7.30 pm to 10 pm you can have free entrance to Accademia Gallery, where Michelangelo's David lies? Admire this huge sculpture made by reknown italian artist Michelangelo Buonarroti.