August 19th, 2010 by Devan
Fiesole, founded in the 9th century BC is known as the town on the top of the hill that watches over Florence. Due to its geographical location, the Etruscans chose Fiesole as the defence of the Arno valley. The town was built by the Etruscans and there still are remains of the Etruscan wall that evidence her importance in the Etruscan confederacy. Earlier the town was known as Faesulae and was more powerful than Florentia(Florence).
After a long and peaceful reign of the Byzantines in 1025, Fiesole was finally overthrown by Florentia thanks to the Roman settlements that contributed in the flourishing of the town.
Ironically, now Fiesole is visited for the wonderful view it offers of Florence. Anyway apart from that there are several sites to visit. For example the Roman baths, the Roman theatre, The town hall of the 14th century called the Palazzo Comunale , the Cathedral of Fiesole San Romolo, the San Francesco monastery and the Bandini Museum. Other than the given names most of the rich population built villas in Fiesole to get away from the hectic city life. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Etruscan town, Fiesole
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August 19th, 2010 by Devan
As explained in the official website of Nasa, a meteor is a bright streak of light that appears briefly in the sky. A meteor is the visible streak of light that occurs when a meteoroid enters the Earth’s(or another bodies) atmosphere. The meteors are often mistaken as shooting stars. When a series of meteors occur consecutively within a brief span of time, it is known as a meteor shower.
I don’t want to get all Nasa about it so lets cut it short to remain simple. This scientific event in Italy is celebrated as “La Notte di San Lorenzo”.
The peak hours of the a meteor shower is during the month of August after midnight on the 12th and the 13th. Although it should still be a decent show from the 9th to the 15th if it remains a cloudless night
Special memories are treasured during such nights. Whether you may be in your 40’s or 80’s, the incident transforms us to children, looking at the sky as if for the first time. Every year we repeat the same incident over and over again. It is fascinating how we can never remain disappointed by mother nature. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Meteor shower, Perseid, San Lorenzo
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August 15th, 2010 by Devan
Well you might notice that today might be a little different than normal…Well of course, it is Ferragosto! It is a national holiday, a holiday of obligation for all, adopted by the Roman Catholics in the memory of the Assumption of Mother Mary.
In earlier times, before the Roman Catholic Church, the Romans celebrated this day in honor of the Gods, praising the cycle of fertility and ripening. Hence, the name derives from the Latin version “Feriae Augusti“.
Coming back to today the Italians close down their activities and most of them travel to the sea side. The sulfur springs are another option or travelling to Siena for the Palio(look at article Palio for further info). No worries though, in the city center you will find enough bars and restaurants that will be open. Just a few accessory shops will be open. The consolation is that all the museums and churches are open to the public. Only a few might have small variations in the closing hours. Relax and enjoy Florence on its day of hibernation.
Do not forget that the Perseid meteor shower are at the doorstep! More info on the next article 
Tags: Ferragosto, national holidays
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August 1st, 2010 by Devan
The outskirts of Florence are perfect breading grounds for camping. Surrounded by the Tuscan hills and immersed in greenery it is an ideal environment for a relaxing vacation for couples, friends and family. Travelling and staying in camping sites has always brought me a different perspective of the place than travelling staying within the city in hotels.
Firstly, since one is located in the outskirts, you get to come across ancient monuments, towns and panorama that most of the people don’t get to see.
Secondly, having a close contact with nature transmits something into you. Nature in their way gives an explanation of the logistics and characteristics of the area. Every place differs from the other and this make us more aware of what is around us other than the great achievements of mankind.
I’ll pin-point a couple of camping sites for you:
Camping Internazionale Firenze:
Located just 11 kms away from the the city center, a 20 min drive and has possibility to be reached both by train and by bus from the Santa Maria Novella station.
Once of the towns near by is a place most people miss out on. Its where the great polymath Leonardo Da Vinci was born. The town as Leonardo’s surname, is called Vinci. Recently the town has opened an interesting museum of which is also a study center of his work including potraying the public many of his inventions.
Camping village San Giusto:
The campground offers a vast selection of lodging possibilities. House trailers with a capacity of a 6 people accomodation, pretty bungalows, trailers and various size camp sites are the options to choose from. For other camping offers click here. Good Day!
Tags: Camping
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July 30th, 2010 by Devan
Also known as the Saracen Joust of Arezzo, this event was part of the exercise in the daily military training back in the 16th century. Since then the joust became a public event in honour of the arrival of sovereigns, princes etc
The Saracino is organized by the municipality of Arezzo at Piazza Grande twice a year. The first takes place in the last Saturday of the month of June while the second is held in the first Sunday of September. The town like in the earlier times, is divided into 4 quarters :
- Porta Crucifera know as Culcitrone(green and red colours),
- Porta del Foro know as Porta S.Lorentino(yellow and crimson colours),
- Porta Sant’Andrea (white and green colours) and
- Porta del Borgo, today called Porta Santo Spirito (yellow and blue colours). Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Joust, Saracen Joust, Saraceno
Posted in Around Florence, Art & Culture | 1 Comment »
July 25th, 2010 by Devan
Howdy travellers! Time to drag your attention to the most popular hostels of Florence. You might already be experts in booking hostels after all this experience on your shoulders, but nevertheless I would like to remind you to book your rooms in advance because the hostels go house full pretty fast.
Okay! So lets start with the king of the forest. Ranked 3rd in Europe’s top 10 Hostels on Hostelworld.com, the most frequented website, goes to the Academy Hostel . Located right beside the Cathedral, 5 minutes from the SMN station and 2 minutes from where lies the statue of David, Michelangeloe’s masterpiece. With all the services that hostels normaly offer, Academy hostel offers free apperitives (bruschetta, pansanella and many more) and drinks from 6:00 pm onwards to keep everyone in top form before heading out for the nightlife Florence offers. Just as you book in the staff offer you a list of things to do in Florence where they have pinpointed the important monuments, top restaurants, bars, discs and shoping areas to visit. The cherry in the cake is the abundant breakfast offered free of cost!
The next in the list is Hostel PLUS. A huge hostel situated 2 minutes from the SMN Station. Unlike other hostels that lack space, this one even has a swimming pool and many other games to keep you busy within the hostel!
Little below the level of the Academy hostel and Plus are Florence Youth Hostel, Archi Rossi, Ciao Hostel, Hostel Gallo d’oro and many more. For all the offers check out the Hostel World website.
In Florence, to have a blast, its important where you start Cheers!
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