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
Posted in Around Florence, Art & Culture | 1 Comment »
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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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 20th, 2010 by Devan
Florence has become commonly known as the city of art. Evidence of its beauty lies all around the city, as sculptures, monuments and paintings created by the greatest artists of the Renaissance enlighten people until this day. Botticcelli, Michelangelo, Galileo, Giotto and Brunelleschi are but a few of the endless artists who are the architects of the art works in this city. According to the UNESCO, Italy possesses 60 % of the famous art works in the world and 30% of it, is found in Florence.
This is the main reason why a number of students are attracted to study art in Florence. Yes! The academies here devote themselves in teaching the skills passed from generation to generation, transmitting the art of our great ancestors.
I personally am not a genius of the subject, but I can share with all of you the best Academies available in Florence.
Angel Academy of Art(Old Master tradition), Lorenzo de’Medici and The Florence Academy of Art (Classical-Realist tradition), are the definitely the top on the list. The secret lies in the teachings of the maestro. Apart from their increadible talent and dedication, they know how to reach to their students and bring best out of them. The courses have a duration of 3 years with a possibility of 4th year extension for specialization. but there are even summer workshops available that have a brief duration. Regular lectures are conducted in Anatomy, Art History, Humanities and Figurative Composition, while special lectures include Historic Methods and Materials, and technical demonstrations on paint grinding, the properties of individual pigments, oils and varnishes and canvas preparation.
Florence is the portal for any art student. So do not miss out in an opportunity of learning the fundamentals of art, be it realistic or traditional.
Special Thanks to Florence Academy
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July 18th, 2010 by Devan
This intriguing Marathon zigzaging around the streets of Florence, made its first experience back in 1984. The run takes you across the magnificent wonders of La bella Firenze . In November(date to be decided), the 27th Marathon begins like always, from Michelangelo square passing through the historical city center and ending at the feet of Santa Croce where great philosophers, artists and sculptors of the world rest in peace.
This event has brought great admirers from all over the world. There has been a constant rise in the number of athletes participating in the Marathon. The Italians have always been the majority of the contenders, though French, Germans and the English are not far behind. While the first Marathon had a capacity of 462 athletes, last year the number of participants came to a consistent 8207, men and women included. The winners of the men’s Marathon has been dominated by the Kenyan runners since 2004 while the Italians have an upper edge on the women’s run.
It is the 6th year now that the Marathon has been broadcasted live for 3 hours in Raitre channel. The marathon is not just any normal sport event. It is considered as a National Championship Marathon. 2 :08:41 is the Men’s record defended by Kenyan James Kutto in 2006 while the Slovenian runner Helena Javornik holds the 2:28:15 Women’s record since 2002.
Tags: Marathon
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July 12th, 2010 by Devan
500 tour(see the video) is a great option for those willing to see Florence in style! The 500 commonly known as Cinquecento, is one of the icons that represent the Italian style back to the 1960′s. These little cute wagons fit perfectly with the roads to be taken into the countryside.
There are several options how one can plan a 500 trip:
- Wine-Olive oil tasting: A 3 to 4 hour trip to visit the vineyards in the outskirts of Florence. A well organized tour by the 500 tour crew takes you up to the Old Renaissance Villas where one can get to witness how the Tuscan wines are produced.
- Tour of Florence: A 2 hour visit along with a guide that will lead you from the city sites up to the closer towns above Florence to see the scenic view of the typical Tuscan countryside and not forgetting the Michelangelo Square where one can get to see the sun setting behind Ponte Vecchio!
- Weddings and other celebrations: Completely arranged by the staff that can take you to a venue of your choice along with a special gastronomic experience or completely ready to hear personal proposals.
There is a collection of Cinquecento to choose from. Each of them has a name, an identity and their special characteristics. For all the prices and other offers please visit the 500 touring club website. The staff awaits you at Via Vinegia 23r
Special thanks to happyrent
Tags: 500, cinquecento tour
Posted in Around Florence, Art & Culture, Eating & Drinking & Nightlife in Florence | No Comments »
