What's new in Florence:

Santo Spirito Organic Market

In Markets:
There is a fantastic organic food (and more - like wine, textiles, and hand made arts and crafts) market on the third Sunday of every month in Piazza Santo Spirito. Market Tips The market takes place on the third Sunday of each month The market is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Arrive early if you want to avoid crowds Bring euros, as many vendors may not accept credit cardsOfficially this market is... read more.

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October in Florence : Ottobre a Firenze

In This Month:
Some wonderful events (and usually impeccable weather) await the visitors to and residents of Florence in October, including one of our favorite annual events, the Fiera della Ceramica (ceramics festival) in Piazza Santissima Annunziata Piazza Santa Croce (for the first time in 2023). Major October events in Florence: The major religious event of the month is the Feast of St. Reparata, annually o... read more.

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Feast of St. Reparata

In Events:
St. Reparata has her own niche to the left of the main center door of the Duomo, just one indicator to her importance to Florentine religious history Santa Reparata is celebrated as a saint of the Catholic Church and the co-patron saint of Florence annually on October 8th. The ancient Cathedral of Florence is dedicated to her worship due to the legend that she miraculously interceded on behalf of... read more.

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Medici Villa at Poggio a Caiano

In Day Trips:
Poggio a Caiano is a former Medici villa at the foot of the Albano hills. It is on record as being the only surviving architectural structure commissioned by Lorenzo the Magnificent, and became a favorite of his that was used by the family dynasty for centuries. It was also one of the favored summer residences of the grand duchess of Tuscany Elisa Baciocchi Buonaparte, Napoleon's sister, and the p... read more.

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Piazza del Duomo

In Piazzas:
The Florence Marathon runs through the Piazza del Duomo every November For the past 1600 years, the area known today as Piazza del Duomo has been one of the main points of Florence's religious life (in fact the medieval church of Santa Reparata lies buried beneath the pavement of the existing church). It is made up of the area in front of and around both sides and the rear of the Duomo, though ma... read more.

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Cucina Torcicoda

In Food & Drink, In Santa Croce:
A newer restaurant, very near where Trattoria Leo used to be on via Torta. We don't know this place personally but it looks like a large, full service, commercial/tourist type of enterprise featuring Tuscan food and pizza (which makes sense being so close to Piazza Santa Croce). From their Facebook page: Ristorante, osteria e pizzeria a Santa Croce, nel cuore di Firenze 1000mq di ristorazione. ... read more.

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The Vasari Corridor

In Museums:
The Vasari Corridor: A Unique Aerial Corridor in Florence Currently Closed! The Vasari Corridor is still closed to the public as of September 2023. It was scheduled to be open this year but no official date has been released. One source of the delay was new a new archeological discovery.The Vasari Corridor is the enclosed elevated passageway that connects the Uffizi Gallery and the Pitti Palace.... read more.

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Changing Money In Florence

In Travel Tips:
The best place to exchange - change money (cash) in Florence is with Carlo (or his son Marco) in their tiny shop (actually just a window you walk up to) the size of a closet that is tucked into the side of the Uffizi. They have been changing money in this spot for over 50 years, and have the best rates (really!) in town. Carlo is a real Florentine and a great guy - he speaks Italian, English and... read more.

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Ponte Vecchio

In Bridges:
The Ponte Vecchio, literally "the old bridge," is just that - an ancient bridge (an also one of the most beautiful and romanticized bridges in the world). History of The Ponte Vecchio In fact, it is the oldest bridge in Florence: a bridge on this site was first mentioned in 996 although there was probably one here since Roman times, and there are records of bridges in this location collapsing in ... read more.

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Carro Matto

In Events:
"Carro Matto", which roughly translates to "Crazy Cart" in English, is the traditional Florentine festival held annually to celebrate the new wine harvest. The event is celebrated on September 29th, the feast day of Saint Michael, who is the patron saint of grocers and merchants. It has historical roots going back to the Middle Ages, and it's one of the many traditions that contribute to the rich ... read more.

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