Florence has long been heralded as the city so astronomically rich in cultural value that it can be likened to a living, breathing museum. It’s newest project affirms this assertion — the city’s historical defense system, consisting of towers, gates, and fortresses, is now open for tours and visits. The network of structures was born a very long time ago, around 1284, under the instruction of the Signoria di Firenze, the council that [...]
A place for people to take a break from the cobbled streets and the busy crowds, Giardino dell’Orticoltura (via Vittorio Emmanuele II 4) offers Florentines and travelers an escape. Giardino dell’Orticoltura (Horticultural Garden) is open year-round, but from May through September, it becomes Giardino Artecultura (Articultural Garden) to provide the perfect summer relaxation spot. A key part of the annual Giardino Artecultura calendar is Tuttapposto a Ferragosto, a series of musical performances dedicated [...]
Until Sept. 30: Flower. Piazzale Michelangelo. Flower, a cute cafe-style space overlooking Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo, is the venue for three simultaneous series running from now through September: Radio-style talk shows; book presentations; and live jazz concerts. All events will be run in a sustainable fashion, attempting to leave absolutely no negative environmental impact. Flower’s 100% Tuscan menu, enjoyed under a view of Michelangelo’s David, complements the experience. Controradio, a Florentine radio station [...]
It’s summer, maybe your first in Florence, and the heat is a little too real — in fact, this year has been one of the hottest on record all across Europe. You want to cool off and relax, maybe make the sun work for you and get a nice tan. Where do you go? Don’t worry, dear reader: Magenta has you covered. This series reviewing four of Florence’s public pools — Costoli, Panoviere, [...]
Now that residents are returning to Florence after their summer vacation, you might be looking for a nice place to relax with a cold drink. Here are two summer spots we’ve scouted, Villa Vittoria and OFF Bar, and our thoughts about what they have to offer. VILLA VITTORIA — Multifaceted Nightlife Spot. Viale Filippo Strozzi, 2. Open from 7 pm to 3 am every day except for Tuesdays and Wednesdays, when it is [...]
Though it has no festival dedicated to 50th anniversary of the moon landing, Florence is hosting multiple events in commemoration this week, and all of them are connected to the arts. Neil Armstrong’s self-described “one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind” took place on July 20, 1969. Individual music performances, both new and old, have been worked into festivals to pay tribute to Apollo 11. On Wednesday is the [...]
Thursdays from now to August 1: FIRENZE DALL’ALTO, ALTRI PUNTI DI VISTA (Florence from above, other points of view). Venues vary. All events are free, but spots are limited and must be reserved in advance by contacting firenzedallalto1@gmail.com. The simple and uncomplicated desire for a relaxing seat with a view after a scorching hot Florentine day has been taken to new heights with this summer series. Sponsored by the Florence Summer Festival (Estate [...]
A sensory journey weaving in music, dance, theatre and art, the Florence Dance Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary this summer. To mark this milestone beginning July 1, the five-week festival will welcome world-class dance companies from far and wide. The program, which will follow will follow the theme ‘30 Years Florentine,’ will unfold in the Great Cloister of Santa Maria Novella, and will end August 3 with the Russian State Ballet. What makes [...]
Within Vintage Selection’s hall at the Fortezza da Basso, all sorts of vintage clothes and accessories can be found, from dapper to military to bo-ho, making a visit a treasure hunt for that special find. June 26 – 28, 2019: VINTAGE SELECTION No. 34; BACK TO THE ROOTS, Fortezza da Basso, Viale Filippo Strozzi, 1. Open Wednesday – Thursday: 9 am – 7 pm. Hours Friday: 9 am – 4 pm. Full admission: €5 [...]
This year’s summer edition of Pitti Bimbo welcomes the return of hundreds of well-loved brands in the sphere of designer childrenswear June 20 – 22 for buyers and the press in Florence’s Fortezza da Basso. In its 89th instalment, the trade fair returns as a gathering place for the biggest names in fashion, showcasing 603 collections, 399 of which are by international brands. An interesting new chapter of Pitti Immagine Bimbo is the [...]