Frequently asked questions Florence, Italy
Buses in Florence, cost of tickets, where they go, restaurants, shopping, tours in Florence, gluten free restaurants, books on Florence, winter, spring and summer what to do in Florence, weather, honeymoon in Florence, with children, concerts etc
Buses in Florence
Buy several tickets beforehand and use them as you need them. Tickets are valid for 90 minutes and cost €1,20 each. A 4-ride ticket costs € 4,70. Additional information on the ATAF Website
If you don't have a ticket and no means to get one beforehand, you can sometimes buy one directly from the driver for € 2,00 (no change is given so make sure to hand the exact amount). It's more expensive but worth buying rather than risk riding without a ticket. Even if he has run out tickets, if you don't get off at the next stop, it is as if you were riding without a ticket and can be subject to fines. So if the driver says he has no tickets, get off the bus and go get one elsewhere!
As a last resort, if you have a cellphone number, you can get a ticket by SMS by sending a text message with the message "ATAF" to: 4880105. The cost is € 1,50 for the ticket and you're supposed to send the message before getting on the bus, as you need to wait for the replying text message that confirms purchase and validity of the virtual ticket before getting onboard. But if you are onboard, there are tickets from the driver, and you do have a phone, just send it and wait for the ticket to arrive. Otherwise, get off the bus at the next stop, try to get a ticket again or you'll be risking a fine if you're caught.
Firenze Card for museums and travel
If you buy the Firenze Card to get into museums, it includes unlimited bus travel on ATAF buses for the 72 hours the Firenze Card is active. You need to get the special bus ticket when you buy the Firenze Card, since it will have the card number on it, and stamp this bus ticket the FIRST time you get on a bus. If you're asked for a ticket, you need to show this ticket along with your Firenze Card to the controller.
The CITY LINE map (preview above) shows the ones that cross the historical center, the coloured routes of the C1, C2, C3 and D lines. Since the Duomo area, Via Tornabuoni and Piazza Pitti is now pedestrian-only area, most of the buses going outside of the centre either can be picked up outside the SMN train station or in Piazza San Marco.
For more information: You can call the "ProntoAtaf" hotline toll-free within Italy (800 424500) or obtain more information online at www.ataf.net. The ATAF booth, located in the ticket area within the SMN train station, sells tickets, gives out information and provides maps of the bus routes. The small bus office in Piazza San Marco on the side opposite the church also gives out information. Try to know exactly which bus to get on before getting on, just ask the driver to let you know of a specific stop if you don't know where to get off. Normally drivers are not the ideal source for general information on routes - they are trying to concentrate on driving and respecting the route schedule. If you're not sure you're on the right bus, do punch your ticket in the meantime.
City buses (they are orange buses, but the newer models are a deep purple and white color and the most recent are blue) are run by ATAF and LI-NEA. Ordinary (a single use 90 minute ticket) and multiple-ride tickets (four 90 minute rides on one single ticket) can be purchased from authorized sales points (bars which are coffee shops here, tobacconists, newsagents: anyone with "ATAF" stickers on their shop windows) and from the ATAF booth within the SMN train station.
It is essential that you buy your tickets before you board the bus, as the bus driver does NOT check tickets and let's everyone on without asking for a ticket. You can buy tickets from the driver but they cost more - and since they often run out of tickets, there is no guarantee you can get tickets from him/her!
There are three doors on the ATAF buses, the front and back ones are for getting on and the middle one is for getting off. After you get on, make your way to the nearby "ticket validating" machine and put your bus ticket in. The date and time is then printed on the ticket, starting the time validity of your ticket. You basically have 90 minutes on your ticket, so you could get on and off onto different buses and you use the same ticket.
Sightseeing Tours within Florence, Italy
They've only been in Florence for a few years, but the open top, two story sightseeing buses seen in other cities of the world offer an interesting way to view the city. The buses follow a route to take you by all of the main sights as well as passing by the more panoramic points that you might otherwise not visit if you're going through Florence quickly.
Visiting nearby areas outside Florence, Italy
Tourists interested in seeing areas outside of Florence by bus will find all of the bus companies in the area around the Santa Maria Novella train station. The main lines offering services are: CAP, FlorentiaBus, Lazzi and Sita (now called BusItalia). Some lines service particular areas around Florence, so depending on where you want to go, you might have to go with a particular company. Check the schedules on their sites to see which one is the one you'll need to take - in general, CAP takes you toward Prato, Lazzi to Pistoia, Valdarno and Lucca, Florentia is for longer distance trips but also runs the bus to the McArthur Glen Shopping Outlets in Barberino and SITA runs most buses to Chianti, Mugello, Casentino and Siena in cooperation with other companies.
Fiume arno view of the ponte vecchio in the distance
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USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS
AMBULANCE 113 ask for ambulanza
RADIO TAXI 0554242
0554798
0554390
0554499
ENGLISH SPEAKING OPERATOR 170
INTERNATIONAL DIRECTORY ENQUIRIES 176
TOURIST OFFICE 055290832/3
RESERVATIONS FOR UFFIZI Etc. 055294883
(avoids lengthy queues)
PRIVATE DOCTOR Dr Stephen Kerr office 055288055
www.dr-kerr.com piazza mercato Nuova 1cell phone 3358361682
The main Florence tourist information office is on via Cavour, opposite the train station (near bus bays), and is open Mon- Sat 8.30am-6.30pm, Sun 8.30am-1.30pm. Useful for maps and bus and train times. infoturismo@provincia.fi.it
Florence’s excellent what’s on guide is the Firenze Spettacolo.
Restaurants in Florence, Italy
Below are some restaurants we have enjoyed. There is a wealth of places that I’m sure you will find by stumbling across them or recommendations from friends/locals. The problem that I encountered with guide books on restaurants is that you meet everyone else reading the guide book sometimes turning up by the coach load.
IL PROFETA, Borgo Ognissanti. In the Good Food Guide. Excellent food, quiet, old fashioned atmosphere. http://www.ristoranteilprofeta.com/
Ristorante Alfredo
RISTORANTE ALFREDO, Viale Don Minzoni 3r
tel +39 055 578291 Chiuso il Lunedì. A great restaurant close to Piazza della Liberta. Off the tourist trail so a nice discovery. http://www.ristorantealfredo.eu/
RISTORANTE PERSEUS, Viale Don Minzoni 10r tel +39 055 588 226 opposite Ristorante Alfredo (above). Known for its steak. http://www.casatrattoria.com/en/ristorante-perseus-florence/
DA IL LATINI, via dei Palchetti, off via del Moro. Very traditional, busy trattoria with excellent Florentine food and huge portions. Long queues in the summer. www.illatini.com
ZA ZA, Piazza Mercato Centrale. Very busy fun restaurant, often long queues. www.trattoriazaza.it/English
OSTERIA SANTO SPIRITO, Piazza Santo Spirito. Lovely quiet square with seating outside. Good Tuscan food. www.osteriasantospirito.it
TRATTORIA 4 LEONI Very close to the Pitti Palace. Sit inside or outside and of course fantastic food. www.4leoni.it/4Leoni
All' Antico Ristoro Di Cambi, via S. Onofrio 1r, Firenze www.anticoristorodicambi.it It is just over the bridge from the Borgo Ognissanti apartment. Great steaks and frequented mainly by local Italians http://www.anticoristorodicambi.it/en/map/
Trattoria da Ruggero, Via Senese, 89r - Firenze
A favourite with locals that like their food served the traditional way and off the beaten path so keep it quiet. Closed Monday and Wednesday Tel: 055 220542
Lunch in town when on the go
La Prosciutteria, Borgo San Frediano 15, Firenze
https://laprosciutteria.com/firenze-crudi-e-bollicine
There is another one more central and the original. Drop in for a Panini or a platter of meats and cheeses.
https://laprosciutteria.com/firenze
It is a simple concept but goes back to the quality of the food and wine. No frills and no table service but order at the bar a plate of meats and cheeses, a selection comes for you and enjoy on your own or with friends.
Alimentari Mariano, Via del Parione, 19R, 50123 Firenze
A wonderful spot to eat a Panini have a glass of wine coffee or water
Alimentari Mariano, via del parione, 19r
In an article in the Weekend FT 14/15 July 2018 Cecilie Hollberg the Director of the Galleria dell'Accademia in Florence gave her inside knowledge on restaurants to go to in Florence. Her inside knowledge recommendations are
La casalinga, http://www.trattorialacasalinga.it/#!/about.html
a restaurant serving local Tuscan food describing the restaurant because " I like simple places where you find Florentines go"
Mercato Centrale, http://www.mercatocentrale.it/en/mercato-centrale-florence/
a food court in the old San Lorenzo market where you eat market produce at communal tables.
Del Fagioli, corso Tintori 47 r, 50122 FIRENZE https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ristorante-del-Fagioli/128531613884673
a no-frills, inexpensive trattoria serving hearty Tuscan dishes.
Gluten free in Florence Italy
Italy as we all know is famous for fashion, food and family. So to leave someone out of mealtimes together is not an option, so they accommodate them. Hence there are a good number of gluten free restaurants in Florence. Making all the favourite pasta and pizza dishes without gluten solves the problem and keeps everyone at the same table, so everyone is happy. So when going out for a meal in a restaurant it is best to make a reservation and ask if it is possible to have gluten free or more importantly senza glutine pronounced (sensa glute-in-ay – in) and if they say no then these are a few but highly recommended places that do.
Ristorante Ciro & Sons, Via del Giglio, 28/r, Firenze is close to Santa Maria Novella and Chiesa San Lorenzo. It is an award winning restaurant by winning the World Championship for Gluten-Free Pizza and the World Championship for Organic Pizza. Make a reservation and specify that you require gluten free.
Da Garibardi, Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 38/r, Firenze is located close to the Mercato Centrale and San Lorenzo market.
La Luna,Via Gioberti Vincenzo, 93, Firenze is in a local neighbourhood more to the east of the City.
Starbene Gold, Via dei Neri, 13/r, Firenze this gluten free shop and bakery close to Piazza della signoria and Basilica Santa Croce has mouth watering delicacies to try.
SHOPPING
The opening times for most shops in Italy is 9am- 1pm and again from 3pm-7pm. This obviously varies from place to place.
MARKETS – MERCATO CENTRALE- Food also the outdoor market cheap bags, leather goods, ties, etc. etc.
Shoes- San Lorenzo
Old eclectic items – Mercato delle Pulci, Piazza dei Ciompi (10 minutes' walk north of Piazza Santa Croce); Mon-Sat 9am-7pm.
There are some antique shops on and around Via Santo Spirito in the Oltrarno area, but the above flea market has old posters, gilt frames and vintage linen. On the last Sunday of every month, there is a bigger market.
LEATHER – Santa Croce area
TOURS IN FLORENCE, Tuscany, Italy
One of the more popular tours in Italy is a wine tour of the vineyards of Tuscany. It offers the opportunity to escape Florence City and explore the Tuscany countryside and be educated and taste the wines with the local Tuscan food. https://www.tuscan-wine-tours.com/
Borgo Ognissanti local area, Florence City Centre, Tuscany
In Borgo Ognissanti you will find some lovely local shops including bakeries, a delicatessen, cheese shop, café’s, ironmonger, fishmonger and fruit and veg shop. There is a butcher on via palazzuolo, around the corner.
There is a small supermarket on Bogo Ognissanti also Via D’Albero, on the road up to the train station, and there is another slightly better stocked supermarket, Conad, just under the steps and in the train station.
There are several car hire places on Borgo Ognissanti including Avis, Thrifty, Maxi rent etc.
INFORMATION
We have left various maps, books and information leaflets in the drawers of the bookshelf, including information about other towns in the Chianti region.
BOOKS TO READ ON FLORENCE, ITALY
Winter in Florence, Italy
Florence’s wealth of cultural attractions, stunning architecture and superb shopping makes it a top year-round destination. Whilst it can get cold in winter, the queues to the city’s leading museums and galleries die down, making it the perfect time to explore the city. Wrap up warm and enjoy the city’s treasure trove of cafés, galleries and shops.
We have made a few suggestions on how to pass the time in this beautiful City of Florence during the winter.
Wine tasting
Florence is famous for its wine shops, many of which sell impressive selections of Tuscan vintages. We recommend heading over to Uva Nera Enoteca or La Divina Enoteca to sample some of the best wines in the City. Learn about the history of local wine or taste a glass or two alongside some irresistible Tuscan food, including platters of cheese and cold meats. It’s the perfect place for warming up after a day exploring the city or seeking some inspiration for Christmas gifts.
Uva Nera Enoteca Borgo Ognissanti, 25r Firenze +39 055 0121189 http://www.uvaneraenoteca.it/
La Divina Enoteca, Via Panicale 19R, 50123 Florence, +39 055 292723 http://www.ladivinaenoteca.it/
Wine tours
Winter in Tuscany luckily is not very cold and the Tuscan sun still shines. The vines are beginning to lose their leaves in November and December and you see beautiful Autumnal colours in the fields. November is harvesting time for the olives and the new olive oil will be ready for tasting by mid-November and all through winter.
Half an hour drive out of Florence is the first vineyard to learn about the process and sample wine with bread and cheese in addition to olive oil. Then on to the next vineyard 25 minutes’ drive away, for a tour of the cellars and a lunch from local produce with more wine tasting. Leaving at 10am and returning at 5pm From November through to February it offers an educational day out providing a deeper appreciation of taste and wine production. https://www.tuscan-wine-tours.com/winter-wine-tour
November Florence 2017 uffizi gallery without the crowds
White Truffle Fair in San Miniato, 2019 edition
The most famous truffle fair in Tuscany. The last three weekend in November. From November 9th to 10th and 16th to 17th and 23rd 24th November 2019 San Miniato hosts the White Truffle Exhibition, the most famous truffle festival in Tuscany. The best opportunity to taste traditional recipes made with the precious white truffle, buy traditional Tuscan products and take part in a truffle hunt.Location: San Miniato, Pisa area whilst not in Florence the area is worth a visit especially if you love truffles. Truffle hunters have come together for the past 45 years to sell the famous white truffles found in the surrounding hills. It is of interest to chefs, experts, journalists but also open to whoever wants to buy, taste or simply smell the strong perfume of these underground diamonds. For additional information click here White truffle fair in san Miniato.This fair takes place in San Miniato
during the last three weekends of November.
Other truffle fairs in the area:
Balconevisi
Third weekend of October
Corazzano
First weekend of October
Festa del Tartufo Marzuolo
Cigoli
Third weekend of March
Sagra del Tartufo Bianco di La Serra
La Serra
Last weekend of September
There is also a Truffle fair in San Giovanni d'Asso, SE of Sienna, on the second and third weekends of November.
ponte vecchio march 2019
November 2020 BIENNALE ENOGASTRONOMICA
Fortezza da Basso (FI)
Infoline +390555274578
biennaleenogastronomica@florenceplanet.com
dedicated to the world of food situated in Florence famous for food and wine.
Florence Marathon 24th November 2019
Sunday, 24th November 2019, is the date of the 35th Florence Marathon. This 42km competition crosses the entire city centre, passing by some of the most beautiful places in Florence. With views over the enchanting hills and countryside, and passing right by the Cathedral Square, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Veccho before entering the majestic Piazza Duomo.
It has become the second national race (after the Roma Marathon) in terms of popularity and number of participants (and the 20th on an international ranking).
Pietro Aretino and the Art of the Renaissance
Exhibitions | From 27/11/2019 to 01/03/2020
Roughly a hundred paintings, sculptures, examples of the applied arts, tapestries, miniatures and printed books reconstruct the world of Pietro Aretino (1492–1556), a great thinker of the 16th century.
His portrait in the Galleria Palatina is one of the masterpieces of Titian, known for his depictions of popes and emperors, no less. Pietro Aretino lived and produced his writings at a pivotal moment for Italian history and art: the age that witnessed the triumph of Michelangelo and Raphael in Rome and the dissemination throughout Europe of the culture that developed amid the pomp and splendour of the court of Popes Julius II, Leo X and Clement VII in the first three decades of the 16th century.
https://www.uffizi.it/en/events/pietro-aretino-and-the-art-of-the-renaissance
What to do if you visit Florence, Italy in January 2020
The sales have arrived. Come to Florence during the winter sales? Starting on the 5th of January prices will be slashed not only at the outlets but even the great fashion designer stores and small boutiques. Give your partner a Christmas present of flights to Pisa or flights direct to Florence then hit the restaurants after all of your shopping adventures. Why else would the fashion world hold a series of events in January in Florence? Hang out with the hip fashionistas in the evening and bag a bargain during the day.
This month of fashion in Florence is based in Fortezza da Basso the main international exhibition centre in Florence and close to our apartment with two bedroom, two bathroom apartment with private off street garage.
Pitti Immagine Uomo 7th - 10th January 2020
This is the world’s most important platform for men’s clothing and accessory collections and for launching new projects in men’s fashion. Created in 1972 Pitti Uomo is held in Florence. The one bedroom apartment in Borgo Ognissanti makes a central base for anyone visiting the event and being in the centre of the evening dining.
Pitti Immagine Bimbo 16th - 18th January 2020
This is the only international fair in the world that offers a complete picture of every possible aspect of children’s fashions. Created in 1975, Pitti Bimbo launched the first runway shows and events dedicated to this market.
Pitti Immagine Filati 22nd - 24th January 2020
This is the leading trade fair showcasing yarns for the knitting industry, with a careful eye on technological innovations and services for the textile industry. The Spazio Ricerca is the “laboratory” where future trends are tested and previewed.
For some truly inspired ideas for additional events in January 2019 that include Italian Brewer of the year in Florence www.birraiodellanno.it. Vintage clothes shopping, restaurant with jazz music, whats on in the museums and theatres look in http://www.theflorentine.net
What to do in visit Florence, Italy in February 2020
START DATE: 01 February 2020 END DATE: 03 February 2020
LOCATIONS: Fortezza da Basso
Immagine Italia & Co is a 3 day event showcases products from the apparel & clothing industry. Products like advanced spa linens, home textiles, home wear and lingerie. These items and products attract a large number of visitors from all over the world in the industry.
The Terrace
Arrives again in May 2019 http://www.easylivingfirenze.it/terrazza
The Cocktail Bar
Arrives again in May 2019 http://www.easylivingfirenze.it/chiosco
What to do if you visit Florence, Italy in June 2020
Pitti Immagine Uomo 2020 16th -19th June, Firenze
This is the world’s most important platform for men’s clothing and accessory collections and for launching new projects in men’s fashion. Created in 1972 Pitti Uomo is held in Florence twice a year January and June.
Firenze rocks 13, 14, 15, 16 June 2019
the initial line up
Thursday 13th June 2019 Tool and Smashing Pumpkins
Friday 14th June 2019 Ed Sheeran and Snow Patrol
Sunday 16th June The Cure and Sum 41
For more information on the bands click on the links below
https://www.facebook.com/firenzerocks
Pitti Immagine Bimbo 25th -27th June 2020
LOCATIONS: Fortezza da Basso, Palazzo dei Congressi, Palazzo Affari
Calcio Storico Final 24th June 2020
In 1930, the sport was revived and an annual tournament established, with the final match scheduled for June 24 each year to coincide with the city's celebration of its patron saint, St. John the Baptist; The semifinals take place prior with the sale of tickets starting only once the semi-final dates have been decided, it varies from year to year. It is best to start looking for tickets from mid-May, as they often aren't available earlier. They can also start much later as well! Cost of tickets goes from 29 to 80 euros with the best central seats in tribune A.
Before the games, long parades of 500 gloriously-costumed drummers, trumpeters, flag throwers, and players in their Renaissance clothes, slowly make their way along narrow cobblestone streets from Piazza Santa Maria Novella to Piazza Santa Croce.
Four districts of Florence—San Giovanni (green), Santa Maria Novella (red), Santa Croce (blue), Santa Spirito (white), organize competing teams of 27 men each and they march in their own district colours. Priority position is given to the winning district of the previous game. Players strut onto the field with trumpets blaring, the pageantry accompanied by foot soldiers with swords and iron helmets, pantaloons, and striped stockings. A cannon blast signals the start of the match.
Although the pre-game festivities are elaborate, the game itself is rather simple: players use hands, heads, and feet to get the ball over four-foot high wooden fences at either end of the field. They hurl themselves and block their opponents by punching, kicking, and wrestling them to the ground, sometimes so violently that it leads to bloodshed. There's sand-throwing, elbowing, and choking in the 50 minutes of combat, with no substitutions and no stoppages.
At the final cannon shot, players are caked in blood, sweat, and sand, their shirts ripped to shreds. The triumphant winning team takes home the prize: a much-coveted Chianina breed cow from which the famous local steak specialty, bistecca alla fiorentina, is derived. That night, a spectacular fireworks show over the Arno River is launched from Piazzale Michelangelo.
http://www.calciostoricofiorentino.it/
What to do if you visit Florence, Italy in July 2020
Pitti Immagine Filati 87: 01-03 July 2020, Firenze
This is the leading trade fair showcasing yarns for the knitting industry, with a careful eye on technological innovations and services for the textile industry. The Spazio Ricerca is the “laboratory” where future trends are tested and previewed. Pitti Filati is held in Florence twice a year.
ANDREA BOCELLI LIVE IN TUSCANY
Food & Music Escape to Florence & Lajatico
FLORENCE AND TUSCANY
Andrea Bocelli, see him perform in his hometown of Lajatico, in the heart of Tuscany. The Teatro del Silenzio, an open-air amphitheatre, it is silent throughout the year and is brought to life by this special annual concert, also featuring the Italian Philharmonic Orchestra and internationally-acclaimed artists. If you are in Florence April -June, visit the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, which has been dubbed the Florentine ‘temple of music’, where you can enjoy opera and ballet shows.
On 27 August 1569 Pope Pius V appointed Cosimo I de' Medici as Grand Duke of Tuscany. It was Cosimo who commissioned the construction of the building destined to house the Magistrates, later known as the Uffizi (literally the "Offices"). It was him who, together with his wife Eleonora di Toledo, moved their abode to Pitti Palace, adapting the imposing building to the needs of his court and his family, and at the same time creating the marvellous Italian-style park of the Boboli Gardens, model for many royal gardens in Europe.
Special Events | From 27/08/2019 to 28/08/2019
On Tuesday 27th August free admission to Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens
What to do if you visit Florence in August 2019
The new generation festival, Palazzo Corsini, home of Prince Filippo Corsini and Principessa Giorgiana
newgenerationfestival.org
This four day event of opera, dance music champions young performers and is set in the beautiful Florentine gardens of the palazzo. 28th - 31st August 2019.
What to do if you visit Florence in September 2019
National Museum of Bargello – Florence
Estate al Bargello
August and September
This regular summer festival brings music, theatre and dance offerings to the delightful setting of the Bargello Museum, whose Medieval courtyard is turned into an open-air auditorium for the occasion. At the time of writing the 2020 programme had not been announced, but with the remit covering jazz, classical, dance and other genres there’s usually something here for most musical tastes.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Via del Proconsolo, 4 - 50122 Firenze
Phone: +39 (0)55 2388606
Fax: +39 055 2388756
Email: mn-bar@beniculturali.it
Website: http://www.bargellomusei.beniculturali.it/
closed on: Mondays, second and fourth Sundays of the month
Fragranze 2019 is between 13 Sep and 15 Sep 2019.
The Fair site is Stazione Leopolda in Florence, Italy.
Fragranze 2019 is an international fair event, featuring the best in artistic perfumery.
An observatory with its sights pointed on olfactory culture. It is the 16th International Fair on perfumery and is organized annually.
The Fair is expected to be attended by 3800 attendees this year.
http://www.pittimmagine.com/en/corporate/fairs/fragranze.html
13 - 15 September 2019
every day 10.00 am – 6.00 pm
What to do if you visit Florence, Italy in October 2019
Fortezza da Basso is the Florence Biennale from 18th October to 27th October 2019
Contemporary Art in Florence works for the promotion of the artists offering the opportunity to engage with art and culture at an international level. http://www.florencebiennale.org/en/
In the Palazzo Pitti there are planned Mozart concerts in October, November and December being performed additional infromation can be seen athttp://www.operadifirenze.it/categoria/ciclo-mozart/
The 3rd weekend of October in Fortezza da Basso there is an antiques fair if you are looking for a bargain with a bit of character.
TUTTO SPOSI 2019
Location: Fortezza da Basso Date: from 31 October 2019 to 03 November 2019
XXVII edition of Tutto Sposi, the most important fair in central-northern Italy. With more than 100 exhibitors in the wedding sector it will be held at the XXVII edition at the Fortezza da Basso in Florence.
START DATE: 01 February 2020 END DATE: 03 February 2020
LOCATIONS: Fortezza da Basso
Free entrance to City Museums in Florence to celebrate the life and remember the anniversary of the death of Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici who died 18th February in 1743
On the death of the last heir to the State of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, the whole complex of assets which made up the Medici collection accumulated over the centuries was donated to the City of Florence. The government now commemorates the anniversary with free admission to local CITY museums for the whole day as well as guided tours and free entrance to the Medici Chapel. There is a historical parade through the streets, which brings flowers to the grave of Anna Maria Luisa de' Medici, located in the Medici Chapel.
DANZA IN FIERA 2020
Location: Fortezza da Basso
Date: from 23 February 2020 to 26 February 2020
For over ten years Danza in fiera is the largest and original international trade fair dedicated to the world of dance. The expo is acknowledged as the key event in terms of number of exhibitors, visitors and surface. This unmissable event dedicated to professionals, dancers, school, dance companies and companies is renewed every year in Florence. http://www.danzainfiera.it/en/
Carnevale, also known as carnival or mardi gras, is celebrated in Italy and many places around the world 40 days before Easter, a final party before Ash Wednesday and Lent. Many Italian towns People celebrate Carnevale the weekend before the actual carnival date, which is on Shrove Tuesday. Because the date of Easter changes yearly, so does the date for carnival festivals. Carnevale is not as big in Florence as it is in Venice or nearby Viareggio. Florence puts on a fun parade for the occasion. The colourful procession starts at Piazza Ognissanti and ends in Piazza della Signoria, where there is a costume contest and a concert of madrigals.
Carnevale, or Carnival, Dates:
2020 - Carnevale date - February 25
What to do if you visit Florence, Italy in March 2020
THE 19TH GYNECOLOGICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY WORLD CONGRESS 2020
Location: Fortezza da Basso
Partecipants: 1000
Date: from 04 March 2020 to 07 March 2020
Taste - Saturday 7th – Monday 9th March 2020
Florentine foodies flock to this huge gastronomic extravaganza, part trade fair and part gastronomic free-for-all, housed in the converted Stazione Leopolda train station. Centred on long rows of food and drink stalls inside the Leopolda, the three day event also offers tastings, exhibitions, talks, pop-up food stalls and off-site events in Florence restaurants, hotels and landmarks.
Location: Stazione Leopolda, Viale Fratelli Rosselli 5
Admission: €15
Official opening hours: Saturday and Sunday: from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm
Monday: from 09.30 am to 4.30 pm.
Please note: THE ENTRANCE TIMING RESERVED FOR PROFESSIONALS ONLY
Saturday: from 9.30 am to 2.30 pm. From 2.30 pm the fair will be opened to the general public
Sunday: from 9.30 am to 2.30 pm. From 2.30 pm the fair will be opened to the general public
Monday: from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm also open to the general public.
http://www.pittimmagine.com/en/corporate/fairs/taste.html
Maggio Musicale
April -June 2019
Founded in 1933, the Maggio has become Italy’s leading opera and classical music festival, with a strong remit for new work and revivals of little-known curios amidst the more mainstream fare. A roster of visiting performers bolster the sterling work of the city’s resident Maggio Musicale orchestra and choir. Main venue is the dramatic Teatro dell’Opera di Firenze opera house and concert hall.
Location: Teatro dell’Opera, Viale Fratelli Rosselli 7
Admission: varies according to concert or event
Contact: 00 39 055 2779 350;
What to do if you visit Florence, Italy in May 2019
In Piazza Signoria IL TROFEO MARZOCCO May 1 2020
Colourful Flag Throwing Exhibition
Magnificent colours flying through the air, the beating of the drums echoing in the square and the gasps of surprise as each of the four competing groups pull off new tricks whilst wearing period customs. Bandierai degli Uffizi, Sbandieratori e Musici Città di Lucca (LU), Sbandieratori e Musici Città di Giove (TR), Sbandieratori e Musici del palio dei Terzieri di Montecassiano (MC) will delight and amaze this year - be there to lend your support.
https://www.facebook.com/trofeomarzocco/
What to do if you visit Florence, Italy in May 2020
The urban beach in Florence
Arrives again in May 2019 http://www.easylivingfirenze.it/spiaggia-sull-arno
How to get from Florence to Forte Dei Marmi?
Florence to Forte dei Marmi-Seravezza-Querceta route details
Route overview
Avg. journey time - 1h 46m
Trains per day - 10
Fare range - €11-€21
Distance - 88km
Train operators - Trenitalia
First & last trains
First train departs at 04:36
Last train departs at 19:59
Fastest journey
Fastest route - 1h 34m
Changes - Direct
Stations Origin Station - Florence
Destination Station - Forte dei Marmi-Seravezza-Querceta
https://www.trainline.eu/train-times/florence-to-forte-dei-marmi-seravezza-querceta
What is the minimum price of a ticket from Florence to Forte dei Marmi-Seravezza-Querceta?
The minimum price of a train ticket from Florence to Forte dei Marmi-Seravezza-Querceta is €11.4. To buy train tickets from Florence to Forte dei Marmi-Seravezza-Querceta for the lowest price possible, we recommend that you book your tickets as early as possible. Tickets go on sale usually 3 months in advance, yet in some rare cases this can be up to 6 months.
How long does it take to travel from Florence to Forte dei Marmi-Seravezza-Querceta by train?
The average journey time between Florence and Forte dei Marmi-Seravezza-Querceta is 1 hour and 46 minutes and the fastest journey time is 1 hour and 34 minutes. On an average weekday, there are 26 trains per day travelling from Florence to Forte dei Marmi-Seravezza-Querceta. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays;
What time is the first and last train of the day from Florence to Forte dei Marmi-Seravezza-Querceta?
The first train from Florence to Forte dei Marmi-Seravezza-Querceta departs at 04:36. The last train from Florence to Forte dei Marmi-Seravezza-Querceta departs at 19:59. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services. Alternatively, some popular routes may run throughout the night at a reduced frequency. There may also be less services on weekends and holidays;
Are there direct train services between Florence and Forte dei Marmi-Seravezza-Querceta?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Florence to Forte dei Marmi-Seravezza-Querceta without having to change trains. There are 10 direct trains from Florence to Forte dei Marmi-Seravezza-Querceta. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
How do I get back to Florence?
By train, of course. See trains from Forte dei Marmi-Seravezza-Querceta to Florence
https://www.trainline.eu/train-times/forte-dei-marmi-seravezza-querceta-to-florence
A guide for your honeymoon in Florence, Italy.
A trip to Italy provides everything most people are looking for in their European getaway. It has the history, the art and of course the food and wine. One of the best cities in Italy is definitely Florence. Smaller and more intimate than Rome and less polluted. You can walk everywhere or bicycle using the mobike app on the bicycles left for everyone to use around Florence City centre. Florence does attract visitors from around the world, but its charm and beauty more than make up for it. By going earlier in the year or later, when all the children have gone back to school means less visitors and less queues. A visit to this Renaissance capital offers you the chance to walk the same streets as Michelangelo, to examine the drawings of Da Vinci and to be seduced by fresh handmade pasta, delicious sauces, Bistecca Florentina and complemented with Tuscan wine, gelato and the art of living la dolce vita. Our apartment in Borgo Ognissanti provides a centrally located haven from which to explore the City or rest and relax. If you are bringing the children along then the two bedroom apartment has bedrooms at opposite ends of the apartment.
I think that the best advice to anyone going to Florence for the first time is try not to do too much and just relax and stop, drink coffee and wine and watch everyone else. Book tickets in advance to avoid queues, is also a great tip.
The Uffizi is rightly famous for its works of art. Even if you are not much of a museum person, you can appreciate that in the Uffizi, you are truly standing in the presence of genius. This is the oldest museum in the Western World and is the home of all the great paintings everyone grew up learning about in school. Venus is a must see!
Galleria dell’ Accademia. Home to what many consider to be one of the finest pieces of art in the world, Michelangelo’s David. David is sculpted out of marble from Carrara, close to Forte Dei Marmi. It is interesting to see the original and also learn of the process undertaken to create such a beautiful work of art. The apartment in Viale Milton is a ten minute walk to the Galleria.
The Duomo. The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore dominates and provides one of the most beautiful buildings that make up the visually stimulating Florence skyline. Almost anywhere you go in Florence, this massive Cathedral is visible. The dome on the Cathedral has remained one of the tallest in the world since 1436, when it was built. It’s easy to see how the fathers of the Renaissance might have been inspired by this incredible building. The Cathedral is open to visitors and the energetic can even climb to the top for that beautiful view. However for a less energetic climb to see a perfect view with a cocktail at the top, I would suggest going Sesto on Arno. This rooftop bar of the Westin Excelsior Hotel in Piazza Ognissanti is near our apartment in Borgo Ognissanti.
The Piazza della Signoria. One of the best ways to experience Florence is simply to wander around the narrow alleys and enjoy the many piazzas, the most famous one being, The Piazza della Signoria. This square is decorated with statues by some of the most famous artists in Florentine history, and is the heart of the city.
Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s only surviving medieval bridge. In the days before the Vasari corridor was created above the Ponte Vecchio there were butcher shops, since it made it easy for the waste to be thrown into the river. Not a pleasant view or smell! Since the Corridor was planned over these all the butchers were ordered off the Ponte Vecchio and were replaced by jewellers, which still characterise the most famous bridge in Florence.
The Corridor is called Vasari after its architect, whom was commissioned in 1565 by Cosimo de' Medici to celebrate the wedding of his son Francesco I with Joanna of Austria. The construction, started in March 1565, was finished in just 5 months on time for the wedding celebration on December 16th. Thanks to this elevated passageway the Medici made sure they could move freely and safely between their residence in the Palazzo Pitti to the Palazzo Vecchio, the government's headquarters.
Fun things for the family in Florence, Italy.
Before you dismiss Florence as a difficult place to take children please remember that Italy and Italians love children and they are very welcome. Add to that, the majority of children love pizza, pasta and ice cream and suddenly it seems that the whole family can have a fun time with something for everyone. Mum and Dad can have a glass of wine with their meal after trying to decide to have the steak again or fresh homemade pasta that melts in the mouth. The children get to stay up later and everyone can walk off dinner with a passeggiata di sera, taking advantage of the mainly car free City centre. So with the meal times the focus of the family coming together and discussing what they have seen and done during the day we have made some suggestions below on fun things for a family in Florence.
Breathtaking views of Florence from the Piazzale Michelangelo
Seeing a city from afar and trying to work out how it connects is always an interesting experience. There are many opportunities to do this in Florence and one of the joys of exploring a new City is walking around and seeing the sites: one of the best locations is walking up to (or take the bus) Piazzale Michelangelo, where you’ll enjoy one of the most stunning views of Florence; another option is climbing the 463 stairs of Florence’s Duomo and taking in a superb view from the top. Also a great view can be seen from the top floor café of the Rinascente department store in Piazza Republica whilst stopping off for a cold drink. For parents that wish to have a cocktail before dinner and watch the sun go down over this elegant, beautiful and old City go to the Sesto on Arno bar on the top floor of the Westin Excelsior Hotel in Piazza Ognissanti.
Visit the Boboli Gardens
The Boboli Gardens are a great spot for the children to run around and let go of some of that energy after gelato. The Boboli Gardens are right behind the Pitti Palace, in the Oltrarno area of Florence (on the other side of the Arno River). It's one of the largest parks in Florence and is home to a fine art collection including paintings by Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio,and Giorgione . https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palazzo_Pitti The building was commissioned in 1458 by the Florentine banker Luca Pitti (1398-1472), a principal supporter and friend of Cosimo de' Medici.
It was sold in 1549 by Buonaccorso Pitti, a descendant of Luca Pitti, to Eleonora di Toledo. Raised at the luxurious court of Naples, Eleonora was the wife of Cosimo I de' Medici of Tuscany, later the Grand Duke. Cosimo had Vasari enlarge the structure to fit his tastes; the palace was more than doubled by the addition of a new block along the rear. Vasari also built the Vasari Corridor, an above-ground walkway from Cosimo's old palace and the seat of government, the Palazzo Vecchio, through the Uffizi, above the Ponte Vecchio to the Palazzo Pitti. This enabled the Grand Duke and his family to move easily and safely from their official residence to the Palazzo Pitti. Land on the Boboli hill at the rear of the palazzo was acquired in order to create a large formal park and gardens, today known as the Boboli Gardens.
Stop for Gelato
Having Gelato is always popular with the children and step back and watch the sugar rush kick in afterwards. Italian ice cream, Gelato is made with a base of milk, cream, and sugar, and flavoured with fruit and nut purees and other flavourings. It is generally lower in fat, than other styles of ice cream. Gelato typically contains less air and more flavouring than other kinds of frozen desserts, giving it a density and richness that distinguishes it from other ice creams.
Take a cooking lesson
If you have enough time and like Tuscan cuisine, take a cooking class with your children too. You will all learn something and when the winter months return the happy memories of Florence will return as you create the dish that you and the Children have learnt together. Many children love to get their hands dirty, follow instructions and create. Afterwards, you have the pleasure of tasting what you have created. There is a cooking school that has opened on the first floor of the Mercato Centrale that offers the experience of going downstairs to the ground floor to select the ingredients, learning what to look for when choosing produce and then taking the produce upstairs to cook in the school kitchens. Additional information for CUCINA LORENZO DE’ MEDICI can be seen on the website
mercato nuovo rub the snout to return to florence
Find the “Porcellino”
The “Porcellino” is a bronze sculpture and fountain that has become the mascot of the Mercato Nuovo near the Ponte Vecchio. At some stage you will pass this statue whilst staying in the city centre. People stop and touch its face. Legend has it that if you rub its snout it ensures your return to Florence! Another common thing to do is to put a coin into the boar's gaping jaws, hoping it will fall through the underlying grating for good luck. As you can see it is popular with children and the snout has become very worn. The fountain figure was sculpted and cast by Baroque master Pietro Tacca (1577–1640) shortly before 1634,[1] following a marble Italian copy of a Hellenistic marble original, at the time in the Grand Ducal collections and today in display in the classical section of the Uffizi Museum. The present statue is a modern copy, cast in 1998 by Ferdinando Marinelli Artistic Foundry and replaced in 2008, while Tacca's bronze is sheltered in the new Museo Stefano Bardini in Palazzo Mozzi.
Enjoy the San Lorenzo and Mercato Centrale
Dedicate a morning to the local San Lorenzo Market and Mercato Centrale, where your eyes will feast a wonderful selection of fresh products from the Tuscan countryside. Here you’ll find cheese, meat, fish, vegetables and fruit, and kids can taste, smell and experience a traditional Florentine market. Upstairs at the Mercato Centrale is a wide selection of restaurants and bars that makes a great lunch spot.
Swimming pools in Florence
Le Pavoniere swimming pool is in the Cascine Park, which runs along the Arno river to the west of the city centre. It is a swimming pool with a hotel, villa, poolside bar, restaurant and pizzeria. There is also a smaller pool perfect for children. In the evening Le Pavoniere is a nice place to have aperitivo and dinner. http://www.lepavoniere.it/
An entire day costs 8 euro during the weekdays and 10 euros on the weekends (€6/8 for kids 4-12 and the over 65). The pool is open Monday through Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm, and from 8 pm di midnight every day except of Thursday and Sunday. From Santa Maria Novella Station, take the tram in the direction to "Villa Costanza" and get off at stop "Cascine", or take the bus n°17 in direction "Verga 02" and get off at stop "Kennedy".
Via della Catena 2, Cascine Park, Florence, 334 5210999 – Website http://www.magnificenza.it/attivita-all-aperto/
Costoli
Located near the Campo di Marte stadium, this is the largest and one of the most popular public swimming venues in town, with three pools, including an Olympic-sized pool, a medium-sized pool with a diving board, water slides and a paddling pool for kids.
Viale Paoli, Florence, 055/6236027; 055/6241274 - Open Tue-Sun 10am-6pm; Mon 2pm-6pm. 7 euro; reduced 5 euro
http://servizi.comune.fi.it/servizi/scheda-servizio/piscina-costoli-estiva?
Nannini Bellariva
Located along the Arno, Nannini Bellariva has grass lawns for sun bathing and an abundance of lounge chairs by the pool and a rooftop terrace restaurant. It has an Olympic-sized pool and children's pool area.
From Santa Maria Novella Station, take the bus n°14 in the direction "Ripa" and get off at stop "Aretina 02".
Lungarno Aldo Moro 6, Florence, 055/677521 - Open daily 8am-10pm
7 euro Monday to Friday; 8 euro on weekends
Where to play tennis in Florence
Le Cascine park: Circolo Tennis Firenze
There is an excellent article that covers this subject that can be seen by clicking on the link http://www.arttrav.com/florence/tennis-in-florence-italy/
The cascine park above for example allows non members to pay 30 euros a day to use its facilities which include tennis courts, swimming pool and restaurant. www.ctfirenze.it
Studying in Florence
Florence Cultural Centre For Foreigners
Email
Centro di Cultura per Stranieri, Università di Firenze
Via Francesco Valori, 9 – 50132 Firenze, Italia
Phone: +39 055 2756938/936
Fax: +39 055 2756940
The center offers very interesting Italian language courses and Italian culture courses. Their website has information in 5 languages. The best way to obtain information is to call them or go directly to their office.
New York University – Florence Program
Villa La Pietra
Via Bolognese, 106 -120
Phone: 011-39-055-5007-1
Fax: 055 472 725
Email: Student Life: florence.studentlife@nyu.edu – Academics: florence.florence.academicsupport@nyu.edu
American Contact: Phone: 212 998 4433
NYU in Florence is located at Villa La Pietra, a magnificent estate covering 37 acres of open fields, formal gardens, olive groves, and includes five villas. The faculty and administrative staff will ensure that your experience in Florence is intellectually and culturally rewarding. Here you will find the academic program mainly focusing on humanities and social sciences, including, but not limited to, courses such as global liberal studies, art history, Italian studies, sociology and law & society.
At NYU in Florence, you will join a true university community to share the experience of living in a new culture. The many activities of campus life – academic courses, poetry readings, concerts, debates, field trips and site visits, guest lectures, academic conferences, study groups, Italian language immersion projects, the Villa and the grounds of La Pietra — are all waiting for you. You’ll also immerse yourself in Italy, sample the Italian life-style, and understand the history and the daily life of this city — one of the principal cultural centers of Europe.
Syracuse University – Florence Program
Villa Rossa
Piazza Savonarola, 15 – Florence
Phone: +39 055 50 31 31
Fax: +39 055 500 0531
E-mail: mchonour@syr.edu
Syracuse University Official Website
Syracuse University in Florence Website
Syracuse University in Florence (SUF) brings study abroad to the highest levels of academic achievement and cultural engagement through a mixture of tradition and innovation.
SUF was founded in 1959 and is one of the oldest study abroad programs in Italy. Their many years of experience and long-standing relationship within the Florentine communityallow them to offer students a program that excels in academics and cultural immersion. At the same time, SUF is in a continuous process of self-renewal, and is a pioneer in community engagement initiatives.
SUF has been consistently ranked as one of the best American study abroad programs, providing distinguished academic curricula, combined with an outstanding support for cultural immersion. The SUF faculty are internationally renowned scholars, and the staff is truly dedicated to meeting the needs of today’s students and helping them immerse themselves in the Italian culture…[read more]
Stanford University – Florence Program
Stanford University in Florence
The Breyer Center for Overseas Studies in Florence
Palazzo Capponi alle Rovinate
Via de’ Bardi, 36 – Firenze 50125
Phone: +39 055 248 0951
Stanford Official Website
Stanford in Florence Official Website
Stanford in Florence affords undergraduates with at least three quarters of Italian the opportunity to take advantage of the unique intellectual and visual resources of the cityand to focus on two areas: Renaissance History and Art, and Contemporary Italian and European Studies.
The program is structured to help integrate students as fully as possible into Italian culture through homestays, Florence University courses, the Language Partners Program, research, internship and public service opportunities, and by conducting some of the program’s classes completely in Italian.
California State University – Florence Program
CSU in Florence
Via Giacomo Leopardi, 12 – 50121 Florence
Phone Number (USA only): 011-39-0552345700 or 011-39-0552466512
Phone number: 055.234.5700
Fax: 055.247.7982
E-Mail: direttorecsu@csufirenze.it and c.perkins@csufirenze.it
CSU official website
CSU in Florence Official Website
The California State University International Program in Florence, founded in 1966, celebrated its fortieth anniversary in 2006. In its early years it was housed in Fiesole, above Florence, in the Badia Fiesolana. Later, the program moved to Piazza Independenza, first in a building on one side of the piazza and later on the other. In 1996, the Program moved again, this time to its present location on Via. G. Leopardi. The CSU Program currently occupies two floors of a nineteenth century palazzo situated near Piazza Beccaria, on the edge of the historical center, about a 15 minute walk from the Duomo…[read more]
CAPA – Global Education Network
Via dei Pandolfini 20, 50122 Florence, Italy
Through CAPA, you can experience many different study abroad options, as they work hand in hand with important universities throughout the states to create the perfect program. CAPA offers a program in Florence, Italy in which you can experience the true Tuscan lifestyle. Explore other Tuscan cities through their included excursions, learn from your classes, live like Italians and experience working abroad through internships that they offer. Check out their website to discover more about what CAPA can offer you.
Florida State University – Florence Program
Borgo degli Albizi, 15 – FlorenceItaly 50122
Telephone: (+39) 055 234 0604
E-mail: ip-florence-info@fsu.edu
Florida State University Official Website
Florida State University in Florence
The city is the students’ classroom and its rich history and culture are brought to life as students study first hand the works of masters who shaped Western culture, such as Dante, Leonardo da Vinci, Lorenzo de Medici, Galileo and Michelangelo.
The Study Center, located in the 15th-century Alessandri Palace, is just a short stroll from the marbled Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio, and the world renowned Uffizi gallery. In the midst of all this history, the Center’s impressive facilities are equipped with modern comforts and technology. Students and faculty also use the Center as a gathering place for study groups and social activities.
The Institute at Palazzo Rucellai: Arizona State University, Penn State, University of Virginia, Connecticut College, Roger Williams University & UCONN Florence Programs
Via Della Vigna Nuova, 18 – Florence 50123
Phone: +39 055 264 5910
Fax: +39 055 264 6721
The International Studies Institute at Palazzo Rucellai
Palazzo Rucellai Official Website
Affiliated Universities and Colleges
The Institute at Palazzo Rucellai is committed to providing quality international educational opportunities for students of American colleges and universities. In support of this mission, the Institute offers a study abroad program firmly rooted in the American liberal arts tradition taught by a distinguished faculty and supported by an experienced and dedicated administration and staff.
Participants take courses in a variety of disciplines (language, art history, architecture, history, political science, literature, psychology, business administration, studio art) while immersed in the artistic and architectural riches of a unique urban complex and experiencing the city-as-campus. The Institute is comprised of three facilities… [read more]
Arizona State University International Studies Institute
Via della Vigna Nuova, 18, Florence Italy
Tel: +39 055-2645910
Email: maggie.flynn@asu.edu
Arizona State University Official Website
Arizona State University in Florence
James Madison University – Florence Program
Piazza degli Strozzi, 2 – Florence
Phone: 540/568-5209
Fax: 540/568-3310
Email: studyabroad@jmu.edu
James Madison Official Website
James Madison in Florence
The academic program is housed within the 16th century Palazzo Capponi, a 14,000-square-foot palace owned by Pio Istituto de’ Bardi (The Bardi Institute), an 18th century philanthropic organization that provides educational opportunities in the Florence community. James Madison University recently renovated space in the palazzo to provide offices, classrooms and computer labs. Students attend language classes at the British Institute, and all students have reading privileges at the British Institute library.
The curriculum highlights the Renaissance tradition of Florence through art, literature and culture related courses, as well as focusing on 20th and 21st century Italy and Europe through politics and history related to European Integration courses…
Pepperdine University – Florence Program
Viale Milton 41
50129 Florence
Italy
Office Phone: 011-39-055-474120
Fax: 011-39-055-472446
Email: alessio.Basta@pepperdine.edu
Pepperdine University Official Website
Pepperdine University in Florence
Academics
This facility contains fully-equipped classrooms. The language of instruction is English, but all students must register for a course in Italian, which must be taken for credit. The Fall semester runs from September to December.
Michigan State University – Florence Program
MSU at Centro Linguistico Dante Alighieri
Via dei Bardi, 12, Florence
Michigan State university Official Website
Michigan State University in Florence
The Italian studies program in Florence brings together the study of language, and the culture and civilization of late Medieval and Renaissance Italy.
The program takes full advantage of the unique resources of this beautiful city’s rich heritage. Tours of Florence’s renowned galleries, museums and churches form an integral part of the students’ experience. Sites include the Academy of Fine Arts, home of Michelangelo’s David; the magnificent cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with its celebrated cupola; the Bargello Museum, home of numerous works by Donatello; and the Uffizi Gallery, the most important collection of paintings in Italy and one of the great art collections of the world.
Harding University – Florence Program
Villa Il Pallazzaccio, Via Triozzi, 57
Scandicci (Florence)
Email:international@harding.edu
phone:501-279-4529
Fax: 501-279-4184
Harding University
International Programs Box 10838
Searcy AR 72149-5615
Harding University Official Website
Harding University in Florence
HUF students live in an authentic 16th century villa and eat Tuscan meals prepared by our own Italian cooks. They bargain in outdoor markets, learn to speak Italian, and visit Cinque Terre, Rome and Southern Italy on program field trips. A Eurail pass provides students extensive travel opportunities throughout Europe.
Rutgers University – Florence Program
Via del Parione, 16
– 50123 Firenze
Phone: +39 055 213 744
Fax: +39 055 213 744
*Program through the University of Florence
Italian Department
5th Floor, 15 Seminary Place
Main Number: 848-932-7031
Program Coordinator email: slama@rutgers.edu
Rutgers University Official Website
Rutgers University in Florence
At the University of Florence, one of the oldest universities in Europe, you’ll find friends and faculty who can help deepen your understanding of this city of treasures.
Live in a flat or stay with a host family—it’s up to you. The renowned art and architecture will keep you exploring the city, but the famous Florentine nightlife and frequent weekend trips to nearby sites give you a clue that you’ll never see all of Italy—but what a way to start!
Bowling Green State University – Florence Program
Via San Gallo, 30 – Florence
Bowling Green State Official Website
Bowling Green State in FlorenceWhere better to study Communication and Culture in Italy than in the heart of Florence? The campus palazzo is located in the heart of this beautiful city, steps away from Michelangelo’s Medici Chapel, Fra Angelico’s masterpieces in San Marco, the colorful central market and Florence’s Duomo.
Education Abroad, International Programs and Partnerships
Bowling Green State University
301 University Hall
Bowling Green, OH 43403
edabroad@bgsu.edu 419-372-0479
University of Connecticut – Florence Program
The Institute at Palazzo Rucellai
Via della Vigna Nuova, 18 – 50123 Firenze
Phone: +39 055 264 5910
Fax: +39 055 264 6721
University of Connecticut Official Website
University of Connecticut in Florence
Palazzo Rucellai Website
This extraordinary semester-long program will bring you into in the heart of Florence, a city which is a monument to the Renaissance, and which contains more art per square mile than any other place on earth.
The program is located at the Palazzo Rucellai, one of three buildings in Florence designed by the famed fifteenth-century architect and humanist Leon Battista Alberti. You will find the Institute at Palazzo Rucellai a warm and welcoming place, with an expert and accessible staff that always has time to answer a question or to help with a problem. TheInstitute has a small computer center, lap top hubs, a library, and a student lounge. Phone: (860) 486-5022
E-mail:abroad@uconn.edu
Address:368 Fairfield Way U-4207, Storrs, CT 06269
Gonzaga University – Florence Program
Via Silvio Pellico, 1 – 50121 Firenze, (Toscana), Italy
Phone: +39 055 2344496
Gonzaga University Official Website
Gonzaga University in Florence
To the Gonzaga-in-Florence student, Italy is much more than a boot-shaped peninsula in the Mediterranean; it is an opportunity of a lifetime.
In 1963, Gonzaga University, a Jesuit institution located in Spokane, Washington, developed a program in Florence, Italy, which was designed to immerse students in both Italian and European life and culture.
Gonzaga chose Florence because the city is central to the past of Italy and to European civilization itself.
Here in Italy’s center, Gonzaga maintains a campus offering a core of historical, business, cultural, and sociological studies, rich and varied in content, but unified by the experience of Italy, past and present…[read more]
502 E. BOONE AVENUE
SPOKANE, WA 99258
(509) 313-3549
Kent State University – Florence Program
Vicolo de’ Cerchi, 1-red, >50122 – Firenze, (Toscana), Italy
Phone: +39 055 2658365
Kent State University Official Website
Kent State University in Florence
Kent State University offers Kent State students and those from other universities the opportunity to study in historic Florence at its newly-renovated Palazzo dei Cerchi in sunny Italy’s center of cuisine, culture, art, fashion and civilization.
Programs are designed for students in many majors. You will learn about a foreign country through field trips, special activities, and individual travel.
Semester program students live in apartments and those in the Intensive Italian-Language Program live with a family.
Washington University – Florence Program
International and Area Studies, Campus Box 1088, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis MO 63130
Phone: (314) 935-5958
Fax: (314) 935-7642
Washington University Official Website
Washington University in Florence
A unique opportunity for students to take Italian language courses and Applied Music or Voice Lessons at the Accademia Europea di Firenze in Florence, Italy.
Students will be enrolled in WU Prof. William Lenihan’s Special Topics in Music course. The program will include master classes and activities in and around Florence.
Richmond University – Florence Program
Via Maggio, 11 – Florence 50125 Italy
Phone: +39 055 213 851
Fax:+39 055 215 956
Richmond university Official Website
Richmond University in Florence
The Florence Study Center specializes in the study of studio and fine arts. Social science and business majors would also benefit from this outstanding educational opportunity. Situated in a major Renaissance city with a wealth of cultural resources, it is an ideal location for the intensive study of painting, drawing, sculpture, photography and art history.
Each participant’s first semester begins with an intensive three-week Italian language course at the Scuola di Lingua e Cultura Italiana per Stranieri in the historic town of Siena. This is followed by eleven weeks of study in Florence. With the exception of Italian language, most courses are taught in English.
Tulane University – Florence Program
Borgo S. Croce, 10 – Firenze, FI 50122 Italy
Phone: +39 055 240904
Tulane University Official Website
Tulane University in Florence
The Tulane-Newcomb JYA program in Florence, Italy, is open to superior students in the undergraduate divisions of Tulane, Newcomb, and the School of architecture.
Our JYA students take courses alongside their Italian counterparts in the Universita di Firenze. All academic work is conducted in the Italian language. The program is recognized as an honors program of the University, and Tulane credits and grades are awarded.
Tulane in Florence is based at the Università degli Studi di Firenze, which consists of 12 faculties and has nearly 60,000 matriculated students.
European School of Economics
Email
Borgo SS. Apostoli 19 – 50123 Florence
Phone: +39.055.217.050
The European School of Economics (ESE) is an international private College of Higher Education in international business – a multicultural and pragmatic Business School without borders. ESE has centres in London, New York, Madrid, Rome, Milan and Florence.
ESE is not just another Business School. In today’s competitive job market young professionals require, more than ever, assistance in the identification of their life goals and their unique personal and professional dreams. At ESE, students have the opportunity to shape their own destinies through unique undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses with specializations in 21st century cutting-edge business sectors, and a competitive internship programme to increase employability and self-development.
The ESE formula furthermore consists of obligatory attendance, intensive study of foreign languages, study and intern abroad options, specialisations in cutting-edge 21st century business sectors, additional guest lectures, workshops and company visits and international internships in some of the largest companies worldwide.
ESE offers a unique 3-year European undergraduate degree programme, the Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Business Administration including min. 2 internships worldwide, foreign language study, integrative workshops and guest lectures and a choice of specialisation modules.
The available postgraduate programmes consist of the Master of Science (MSc) degree programme in Management, Marketing or Finance, and the Master of Business Administration (MBA).
In addition, ESE offers short Executive Courses in Management, Marketing and Finance and Specialised Professional Courses such as in Entrepreneurship, Arts & Cultural Management, Fashion & Luxury Goods Management, Hospitality Management, Event Management, Sports Management, Real Estate… These courses are well suited for study abroad or exchange semester programmes. They have a duration of 3 months and can all be followed up by an optional but highly recommended 3-6 months internship (individual assistance from ESE’s Internship Department).
The educational philosophy of ESE is rooted in academic excellence, pragmatism, internationality and work experience. The mission is to prepare a new generation of ambitious business leaders ready to take on important roles in the 21st century business world.
ESE Florence is located right within the beautiful city centre and capital of Tuscany, a stone’s throw away from the famous Ponte Vecchio and Duomo (Cathedral). ESE Florence is a relatively small campus with compact class sizes (20-25 students) and international students that represent more than 40 different nationalities, which maximizes both academic and personal development.
CEA Cultural Experience Abroad – Florence Program
Cea Global Education Official Website
Take courses taught in English at our Global Campus in Florence, which offers small, interactive classes designed to help you fully engage with your host culture.