What's new on Florence-On-Line:

Piazza San Marco

In Piazzas of Florence:
Historical Development and Cultural Significance in Florence Piazza San Marco occupies a significant position in Florence's northern quarter, representing a notable example of Renaissance urban planning integrated with religious and educational institutions. The square's development reflects broader patterns of Medici patronage and Dominican influence in 15th-century Florence. Historical Origins... read more.

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Piazza Santa Trìnita

In Piazzas of Florence:
Piazza Santa Trìnita is named after the Church of Santa Trìnita on the northwest side of the somewhat triangular square. Once an isolated area outside the original Roman city walls, the piazza became integrated into Florence's urban fabric in 1175 following the founding of the Vallombrosian church and convent of Santa Trìnita. The Vallombrosian order, a reformed Benedictine congregation founded in... read more.

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Ceramics Fair (Fiera della Ceramica)

In Events in Florence:
One of our favorite annual events in Florence is the Fiera della Ceramica (ceramics fair). Historically this event was held in Piazza Santissima Annunziata, but in 2023 the event was moved to Piazza Santa Croce. This year's event will take place on the first weekend of October, the 4th and 5th. The event is organized by the Arte della Ceramica, and you can find additional information on their web... read more.

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Fra Angelico at Palazzo Strozzi

In Allora (our blog):
The Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi and Museo di San Marco will host Fra Angelico from September 26, 2025, through January 25, 2026 - an extraordinary and unprecedented exhibition celebrating an artist who embodies fifteenth-century Florentine art and ranks among the greatest masters in Italian art history. This exhibition represents a collaborative effort between the Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi, the M... read more.

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Tower of Palazzo Vecchio Temporarily Closed Due to Weather

In Allora (our blog):
The comune (city) of Florence is reporting that Arnolfo's Tower of the Palazzo Vecchio will be closed from August 10th to the 13th due to excessive heat: To reduce inconvenience and effects of heat stroke, it is provided that the visit route to the Arnolfo Tower - in the Palazzo Vecchio museum complex - is limited to only the patrol walk until August 13 inclusive. The weather situation will be mo... read more.

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Cucina Tradizionale Boccadama

In Food & Drink, In Santa Croce:
One of our all time favorite places to eat in Florence (our first apartment was above the restaurant) is the Ristorante Cucina Tradizionale Boccadama (they recently relaunched their website and refined their name). Located directly on Piazza Santa Croce, this is real Tuscan and other regional Italian food in a great setting, with prompt, efficient, and friendly service. In season you can dine al ... read more.

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Florence-on-line.com is leaving X, You Should Too

In Allora (our blog):
After more than 15 years on X (formerly Twitter) and with more than 5,000 followers, florence-on-line.com has stopped posting and will soon be completely deleting our account. This was not a difficult decision, and it was long overdue. Let's be honest about what X is: a cesspool of right-wing conspiracy theories, misinformation, and hate speech. Under Elon Musk's ownership, the platform has ampli... read more.

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La Specola Museum

In Museums of Florence:
Tucked away in the heart of Florence's Oltrarno district, La Specola stands as one of the city's most fascinating yet underrated museums. While crowds flock to the Uffizi and Accademia, this remarkable institution offers visitors a unique journey through centuries of scientific discovery and artistic craftsmanship that will leave you both amazed, amused, and perhaps slightly unsettled. The museum ... read more.

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Donatello's Bronze David

In Florentine Art:
Donatello's bronze David, created around 1440-1460, stands as a revolutionary masterpiece that marked the revival of free-standing nude sculpture since antiquity, while simultaneously challenging conventional notions of heroic masculinity through its provocative embrace of feminine beauty. The work depicts the biblical hero as a contemplative young man standing over Goliath's severed head, but ra... read more.

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Calcio Storico 2025

In Events in Florence:
Calcio Fiorentino or Calcio in Costume - better known in Florence as Calcio Storico - is a traditional "football" game dating back to the 15th century. A violent mix of football, soccer, wrestling, rugby, with a little boxing for good measure, the tournament is played in medieval costume every year from mid to late June. Calendar of Matches2025 Semifinal 1: Saturday, June 14th (Rossi vs Azzurr... read more.

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Giardino delle Rose (Rose Garden)

In Parks & Gardens:
The Giardino delle Rose (Rose Garden) is a charming public garden in Florence, nestled in San Niccolò neighborhood, just below Piazzale Michelangelo. Originally opened in 1895, the garden features: Over 350 varieties of roses, blooming beautifully from May through June Panoramic views of Florence, including the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and Santa Croce A collection of bronze sculptures by Belgian a... read more.

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La Fiorita, the Commemoration of Savonarola's Death

In Events in Florence:
If you're planning a trip to Florence in May, you might come across La Fiorita, a little-known but meaningful local tradition that takes place every year on the morning of May 23rd. This quiet ceremony marks the anniversary of the execution of Girolamo Savonarola, the infamous 15th-century friar and reformer. It's a unique cultural experience that offers a different kind of insight into Florence's... read more.

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Piazza Demidoff

In Piazzas of Florence:
Piazza Demidoff: A Russian Noble in Florence Piazza Demidoff (more like a small park) is dedicated to the family of the Russian ambassador Nicholas Demidoff, who lived in the nearby Palazzo Serristori, overlooking the square. Demidoff was a beloved figure in Florence for his generous philanthropy, and during his time in the city he funded numerous schools and assistance institutes, earning him a r... read more.

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