Based on ideas drawn from the Halles Centrales market in Paris and the Covent Garden and Hungerford markets in London, Poggi proposed a system of covered marketplaces with a huge central market bordered by several smaller local markets. The new central market will be located in San Lorenzo’s Camaldoli neighborhood, with additional sites in Sant’Ambrogio and San Frediano (now defunct). The construction of the San Lorenzo market was unpopular since many densely populated, decrepit buildings had to be expropriated and demolished, but this was not the case for the other two markets, where the chosen locations were primarily covered in vineyards or vegetable and flower ga
Historic Tour
Queen Elizabeth’s Salty Secret
The history of commerce is often hidden in plain sight, tucked away within the salt shakers on our dining tables. A fascinating English parchment dated November 16, 1564, reveals a unique privilege granted to a Florentine gentleman named Tommaso Baroncelli.
Ex St. Paul Hospital in Florence
On the other side of the Basilica of S.M.Novella, we may view the vast edifice with the loggia of the former S. Paolo hospital, which is now a twentieth-century museum. The name of this huge edifice, built in the early twelfth century, comes from the settlement that sprang up around the Porta S.Paolo and the …
Palio of Cocchi in Florence
Since the Middle Ages, the square has been the site of festivals, rides, and other races. In 1563, Grand Duke Cosimo I de’Medici designated it as the headquarters of the Palio dei Cocchi, which took place on June 23, the eve of the feast of San Giovanni Battista, Florence’s patron. This wagon race, which continued …
Florence’s Hogwarts Express
We are not at the 9 ¾ track and this is not the Hogwarts Express. We are in Florence in the Santa Maria Novella station and this is the Befana train. A real steam train like the one on which Harry Potter on to reach the most famous magic school in the world. It is a tradition that has lasted for 31 years! The historical convoy with steam traction is directed to San Piero a Sieve in Mugello.
Berta’s Santa Maria Maggiore Church
The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Florence, Italy, is a historically important religious site. It is one of the city’s oldest churches, with a long history extending back to the eighth century. The church is a combination of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles that has been renovated multiple times throughout the years. Here its the place of Berta. The Florentines refer to her as ‘La Berta’, and it is a woman’s visage around which legends have grown over the centuries.
Alchermes Medici’s Liqueur
The Alchermes came to Italy thanks to the Spaniards, who had inherited the recipe from the Arabs. Many derive, erroneously, that its origins are Italian, more precisely that it had been born in Florence; It was here instead that Alchermes began to spread, during the regency of the doctors, who were great admirers. At the time, he was defined as “elixir of the long life” and was produced by the Florentine nuns of the Order of Santa Maria dei Servi, founded in 1233.
Free entrance at the Museum
Florence’s state museums will be open to the public on January 7, 2024, as they are every first Sunday of the month. Access to the key state art sites is free, from the Uffizi Gallery to the Palazzo Pitti and the Medici chapels, with no need to book. In short, situate oneself in a decent …
5 Best panoramic points to see Florence from Fiesole
Is Fiesole only a lookout point for Florence? -Certainly not. In fact, in addition to having a spectacular view of Florence, Faesulae is rich in history, art, nature, and cuisine and wine. However, the term “Belvedere of Florence” is suitable in the end… read on to find out why. In this little guide, we selected …
London Best City in Europe for 2023
The Big City London, Smoke beat Paris, Barcelona and Berlin, and many other beautiful city in all Europe. We may not have the nicest weather or the most affordable rent, but it turns out that none of it matters! London has been named Europe’s best city for 2023.










