The Medici Chapels are one of the most beautiful museums in Florence, although not one of the most visited. In the past years, scaffoldings necessary for the work of restoration made impossible for the visitors to fully appreciate the spectacular Chapel of the Princes. With the Medici Chapels restoration in its final stage, we can finally announce that soon it will be possible to appreciate the amazing monument again. … [Read more...] about Medici Chapels restoration about to end
News and Events
San Giovanni celebration – June 24th events
In few days, on June 24th, Florence will honor his patron saint with the San Giovanni celebration. Palazzo Vecchio and Ponte Vecchio are already decorated with historical flags of the medieval districts, but the celebration will also involve the Basilica di Santa Croce, Piazzale Michelangelo and, of course, the monument dedicated to the Saint, the Baptistery of San Giovanni. … [Read more...] about San Giovanni celebration – June 24th events
Florence Duomo rose window visible in the Baptistery
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, better known as Florence Duomo, contains the largest collection of original stain glass windows in Italy (exactly 44). The beautiful works were made by glassmakers based on drawings by some of the greatest artists of the Renaissance in the 14th and 15th century. After months, the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore announced that the restoration of the rose window is finished and that the huge window will be visible inside the Baptistery for some months, giving … [Read more...] about Florence Duomo rose window visible in the Baptistery
Historical football in Florence – 2015 tournament
Travelers in Florence walking around Piazza Santa Croce are wondering what's happening. Well, if you are in a guided tour, your guide will tell you that it's that time of the year. A hot city is ready to host the June 2015 tournament of historical football, culminating with the final game on John the Baptist day (June 24th). English travelers will counterattack saying that they invented football, and that's certainly the case for the modern game we play today, but this doesn't mean we didn't … [Read more...] about Historical football in Florence – 2015 tournament
Rape of Polyxena damaged by a vandal
Two days ago, on May 31st, 2015, around 5:30 pm, someone torn off the little finger of the Rape of Polyxena, a statue by Pio Fedi on display in the Loggia dei Lanzi, few steps away from Palazzo Vecchio. This happened already two years ago and adds to the discussion on the way the Municipality of Florence preserves the heritage of the city. Recently, a US Tour Operator presented a formal legal complaint to the Tuscan court of justice as buildings and monuments deteriorate, pointing, among other … [Read more...] about Rape of Polyxena damaged by a vandal
Santa Maria Nuova: new frescoes discovered
The Hospital of Santa Maria Nuova is the most ancient active hospital in Florence Italy and the only one in the city center. It was founded in 1288 by Folco Portinari, rich banker and father of Beatrice, the woman loved by Dante Alighieri. During the Renaissance, the hospital was flourishing and receiving many donations, which were used in part to decorate the structure, with frescoes and sculptures which are still there in part (some more have been moved into museums). Among the artists that … [Read more...] about Santa Maria Nuova: new frescoes discovered