Archive for 'Florence'

  

Friday, December 11, 2015
Koons' work outside the Palazzo Vecchio
In our last post, we discussed a very special exhibition of Italian Renaissance tapestries which is currently taking place at the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence.

However, there is actually a second unique exhibition that is being housed in that great Florentine institution at the moment which is really rather different. In fact, one could say that it is the opposite.

While the tapestries represent the pinnacle of craft and design of the past and the work of European Old Masters, this new exhibit is characterised by an example of fine art by a great American master of the present.

Placed next to the copy of David outside the entrance to the building, is Jeff Koons' Pluto and Proserpina. Be quick to find a villa with internet in Florence so you can see this contemporary masterpiece in the unexpected surroundings of the epitome of the Italian Renaissance!     Read More
Posted in: December, Events, Florence, Localities, Museums & Galleries, Tourist Attractions

  

Friday, November 27, 2015
Duomo, Florence
Maybe you have visited Florence a few times before and are looking to see it from a different perspective. Maybe you have no taste for the conventional tourist trails but have never visited Florence before now. Perhaps you simply have a fondness for Sherlock, mysteries and history. If any of the above apply to you, then you might be interested in a very special tour of Florence run by Accord. A really fun and unique way to see and get around the city, their Historical Whodunit Tour of Florence involves being given a series of clues by the organisers and being left to your own devices and wits to solve the mystery and guide yourself around Florence.     Read More
Posted in: Activities, Curiosities, Day Trips, Florence, Localities

  

Thursday, November 19, 2015
Hannibal Lecter
Florence has been home or setting to many novels, films and television shows in the past and continues to inspire the world's writers and creators today. One such writer is Thomas Harris who made Florence one of the locations in his famous tales of Hannibal Lecter which then went on to be adapted into an immensely popular series of movies. In the movie, “The Silence of The Lambs,” Florence is first visible through a sketch done by Lecter which is on display in the prison cell in which he is being held in Memphis. It depicts the skyline over the city as seen from Forte Belvedere.     Read More
Posted in: Books and Movies, Florence, Localities

  

Friday, October 30, 2015
Sign with Pac-man by CLET
Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance, one of the greatest centres of art in the whole world, home to Michelangelo's “David” and countless other masterpieces by some of the most famous artists in history. It is also a city with history written into its very streets. One can barely turn around without seeing a landmark or a remnant of times gone by. In such cities, graffiti is rarely welcome. People see it and are horrified at the vandalising of history. However, even Michelangelo left a tiny piece of street art in the city and, today, another artist is doing the same but in a very respectful, tongue-in-cheek manner.     Read More
Posted in: Curiosities, Florence, Localities

  

Thursday, October 29, 2015
Food stalls at a Florentine Market
One of the best things about Florence is how every corner, piazza and street seems beautiful and steeped in history. Without even going inside any of the buildings, there is a wealth of culture and history and art all around you. Once you've found a luxury villa in Florence and have arrived for a holiday, it's key to find time to wander her streets and take in the atmosphere of the city. Traipsing all over a city is bound to make your energy dwindle and finding a market to grab some food and sit for a moment, maybe find some unique souvenirs, is key. It's also another part of the city's charms. We've already outlined a couple markets that you should swing by in a previous article but here are a few more.     Read More
Posted in: Activities, Florence, Localities, Shopping