Category: History

Feb 15, 2024

Calcio Storico in Florence

From manifestation of republican power first and then Medici, reserved for the scampols of the noblest and most popular families, to popular tradition par excellence of Florence. From ball game that took place in many other cities in the Middle Ages, to the element of the Florentine DNA. With a cancellation of over two centuries that changed its soul but paradoxically made it more real precisely because it was reinvented. In short, a true invention, a "legend" that like all legends has profound elements of the territory it expresses.

Feb 14, 2024

Vienna the great battle 1683

September 1683, many meaning nothing .... but in that month or between 11 and 12 September a battle took place to say the least epic between the Polish-Austro-German army commanded by the Polish King Giovanni III Sobieski against the 'Army of the Ottoman Empire commanded by the Grand Visir Merzifonlu Kara Mustafa Pasha. It may seem what nothing of nothing, but in reality thanks to this battle the inexorable push of the Ottoman expansion in Europe stops. But what does all this have to do with the city of Florence?

Feb 13, 2024

San Valentine on the top of Florence

One of the most requested appointments from Florentine lovers also returns this year: the toast on the Torre di Palazzo Vecchio. On February 14, on the occasion of the Valentine's Day, the party of lovers, the Municipality of Florence and Mus.e propose a special afternoon dedicated to those who love each other. To all couples, from 19 to 20:30 (reservations required, limited places) will be given the unmissable opportunity to visit the walkway of Ronda and the Torre di Palazzo Vecchio, until it reaches its top along the stone staircase consisting of 223 steps that allows you to reach the last level of sighting, from which you can enjoy a wonderful 360 ° view of the city.

Feb 12, 2024

Best Schiacciata alla Firentina 2024 is…

In Florence, the best Fiorentina crushed is eaten at the Gilli Caffè in Piazza della Repubblica, a historic place that won the 2024 edition of the competition dedicated to the traditional city recipe. But in this sweet top 3 there are also other "sacred monsters" of taste. The contest, which has been taking place for 17 years now and is organized by the House of the In the and Festival of the pastry shops, has seen the participation of over 50 realities between pastry shops and ovens of Florence and its province. Among all the requests 30 finalists were selected.

Feb 11, 2024

History of a fake painting and is author

What we see in the photo is not the famous Raffaello masterpiece that many of you will certainly have already admired to the Uffizi. It is a copy and is located in the National Gallery of Capodimonte in Naples. It is said that one day Federico Gonzaga visiting Florence had been amazed by the beauty of this picture performed by Raffaello on behalf of Pope Leo X who had made himself portrayed together with the cousin Cardinal Giulio dei Medici (that is, the one destined to become Pope Clement VII) And to the other cardinal/cousin, Luigi de 'Rossi. Federico Gonzaga asked that picture as a gift and Clement VII told him yes. When Ottaviano dei Medici he knew him a blow: no, he could not let herself leave lightly the masterpiece. So it was that Ottaviano decided to deceive the Pope, asking him for permission to be able to take the picture to equip him with a more beautiful frame. In reality Ottaviano called in secret Andrea del Sarto to make a copy, a copy that had to be perfect. Andrea del Sarto performed it. The result is what we see in the photo: I challenge anyone to recognize it from the original of Raffaello. The "crust", if you can speak of crust, was sent to Mantua. Among other things, Giulio Romano, ex-Collaborator, indeed, worked in Mantua, indeed, Raffaello's right arm, who had also taken part in the drafting of the original picture. It seems that not even he realized that it was a copy, so much had been well performed by Andrea Del Sarto who was not for nothing, the "painter without errors" was nicknamed.

Feb 10, 2024

Morgante dwarf at the Uffizi Gallery

Reunited at Palazzo Pitti, the mythical figure who was Bartolo's arm for much of his life, is the picture of the dwarf Morgante, the most well-known of the five buffoons who resided at the court of Cosimo I de 'Medici. "Thereupon, he depicted Bronzino to the Duke Cosimo, Morgante Nano, Ignudo, and the entire scene in two different ways, i.e., the front and the back of the painting, with that extravagant display of hideous appendages that has that dwarf: what painting in that genre is lovely and amazing" (Vasari, Bronzino's life). Given that he was not permitted to hunt for larger game, the painting, which is painted on both sides, shows the dwarf as a "bird," or bird hunter. In the two moments of action that follow, the character is seen from the front and the rear, respectively. Before going hunting, the character is shown holding an owl that is being used as bait to draw an acorn that is flying through the air. The genitalia are coated in two podaliric butterflies that were just found during the repair. proudly reveals the prey while turning to face the observer from behind. Painting a piece from several views on Bronzino, at the time of the litigation about the "comparison" (i.e., the argument over which art form is superior, painting vs. sculpture), provided the facts in response to those who argued that statuary was superior since it provided a greater variety of viewpoints. The picture is now on display at the Palatina Gallery's Apollo room.

Feb 9, 2024

Chains of San Giovanni

In 1944, Florence is gearing up to protect its many monuments after a series of sad events. When the doors of the […]

Feb 8, 2024

Sweets and cocktails in Florence

Once at the Agolo di via delle Oche and via dei Calzaiuoli, there was a loggia, still visible from the arches of the shops. The loggia belonged to the family of the hatyaries of the Guelph part, and like so many wealthy of the time having such a building was a sort of presentation ticket to the population, parties, weddings and receptions of various kinds were made inside it. But this was called or rather nicknamed "La Neghittosa" (from the Latin neglectus -Svogliato -Pigro), then a meeting place for time and listless, later transformed into the tavern was in the centuries absorbed by the houses. In the first half of the 1700s and more precisely in 1733 the Swiss family Gilli opens in via Calzaiuoli "La Bottega dei Pani sweets", a real world of various sweets, jams, pastry.

Feb 7, 2024

Schiacciata Fiorentina, traditional Carneval’s Cake

At Carnival in February Florence is transformed with many innumevoli weekly activities. But one of the most famous and unique things in Florence is the typical dessert the legendary crushed to Fiorentina. Or how the citizens of Florence love to call Sperizoly Stiacciata of Florence. Let's see the origins of this ancient traditional dessert of Florence. Scock because it seems to have origin from the red of the eggs that were crushed inside the bowls where the copost Diesso were mixed. But the original name in the one thousand eight hundred was crushed greased. Thus called her pilgrim arusor father of Italian and Tuscan cuisine of origin. He lived in Florence for a few years where he wrote his book on Italian cuisine.

Feb 6, 2024

Santo Spirito area a pearl inside of Florence

A vibrant districts with distinct locations are: strolling aimlessly and allowing yourself to be taken aback by the numerous artisan stores in our tours we are suggesting some; one of our favorites is situated on the ground floor in front of the Chesa di Sant Spirito Number 12 following turning right through the atrium gate, Giuliano Ricci' artisan laboratory awaits you. Stefano is one of the remaining masters of copper decorating. This is an activity that we may recommend if you wish to have a special experience while in Florence. One of Florence's newest traditional butchers may be found on the same street as Santo Spirito.