Photos and information about Florence and the province

City of the Medici and art metropolis on the Arno.

According to UNESCO estimates, almost one in ten! Art treasures in the world that are particularly worth preserving! to see in Florence! The landmark, Brunelleschi's cathedral dome, the wonderful “Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore” towers far above the city, leaving you speechless for a brief moment due to its architectural beauty and size. The associated “Battisterio San Giovanni” provides a good insight into the countless art treasures this city has to offer. Whether the “Museo dell Opera dell Duomo” or the great “Galeria degli Uffizi” etc. everything is in the center and can be easily reached on foot!

Just a walk from the main train station to the “Ponte Vecchio” (pure goldsmith's shopping arcade) conveys the special magic of this city and is rewarded with a unique view over the Arno. This is precisely why artists such as Michelangelo, Tiziano and Botticelli drew their inspiration here and their masterpieces can be admired in great variety in the large museums and churches.

But connoisseurs also get their money's worth here and will find happiness in the many countless traditional cafés, trattorias, pasticceries, etc.! When it comes to shopping, Florence is a paradise for leather goods and much more.

And if you're still not convinced about the city in which Pinocchio was "born", you should just take a look at Michelangelo's "David" (Galleria dell' Accademia delle Belle Arti) - to be sure Beauty has always been at home in Florence!

Fixed dates and celebrations in Florence:

“Calcio in Costume”
Mix of rugby and football - takes place annually in June in the “Piazza Santa Croce” in honor of the patron saint “San Giovanni”. In medieval costumes, 20 players from the historic city districts play a sometimes turbulent, sometimes seemingly brutal form of these two sports, which forms an extremely worth seeing, eventful spectacle over several days. Extremely worth seeing!

“Scoppio del Carro”
so-called “cart explosion”, ritual from the 12th century. Every year on Easter Sunday, a white ox decorated with colorful garlands pulls a gigantic wooden cart from the Via del Prato to the Cathedral Square. He is accompanied by actors in traditional historical costumes. After mass at 11 a.m., a rocket in the shape of a dove flies out from the altar and sets off spectacular fireworks on the cart. According to legend, if the ceremony goes well there will be a good harvest.

“Rificolona”
Every year the large autumn market takes place in the “Piazza Santissima Annunziata”, which can also be described as the first organic market in Italy. Don't miss out - Buon Appetito! On the evening of September 7th, the parade of Florentine children with their self-made lanterns (Italian Rificolona) through the streets of Florence is particularly lovable to watch. This enchanting atmosphere will delight you and if you have the opportunity, have a “Florentine” translate the lyrics of the song for you!

“Festa of San Giovanni”
Every year on June 24th the “Fiesta di San Giovanni” takes place, the festival of the patron saint of Florence. It is a local holiday and therefore one of the highlights of the city of Florence. The final of the “Calcio Costume” (medieval soccer rugby) comes to a fitting conclusion there, but the absolute “highlight” is the fireworks display in “Piazza Michelangelo”, which is a unique experience and immerses the city in an unforgettable picture! You will be enchanted!

Gift market Florence
The unique so-called “gift market” takes place twice a year on the so-called “Basso” (“Fortezza di San Giovanni”). The organization is particularly proud that the most sophisticated designers and experts in these areas participate.

Florence Biennale
Every two years in December, Florence offers mainly young artists (of all styles and types) a large venue to present their art. You shouldn't miss this special feature to discover and get to know refreshingly new art. A special experience inspired by a “unique” ambience!

Our holiday homes near Florence:

• Villa Sesto Fiorentino  
• Holiday home Fucecchio