There is always a good reason to organize (another) weekend in Florence.
In fact, the “cradle of the renaissance” is anything but a sleepy destination, the same as itself, and with every visit it manages to offer something new.
Even its prestigious – and almost endless – artistic and architectural heritage continues to hold surprises. An example? Between visiting the Uffizi Gallery and walking through the botanical charms of the Boboli Gardens, from November 2023 you will also find time for an unprecedented experience: for the first time in history, Michelangelo’s Secret Room will become available.
Located in the Medici Chapel museum, a stone’s throw from the historic San Lorenzo market, this small room preserves on its walls charcoal drawings attributed to the brilliant artist. But what stages should you expect during a two-day trip to Florence?
Where is it still possible to try local specialties – from ribolite to Florentina – like home? And what to add to the most popular destinations to capture the contemporary spirit that (also) passes through this city? We offer you a choice of addresses.
A tribute to the literary cafes that once hosted intellectuals and artists in the historic center of Florence, the fifth cafe opened in the city by award-winning champion baristas and coffee experts Francesco Sanapo and Patrick Hofer.
Ten years after its successful debut in the city, Ditta Artigianale also landed in Piazza Ferrucci a few months ago.
It is a classic place to sit, relax and enjoy a break at any time of the day: from breakfast to aperitifs, through lunch, with (also) ethnically inspired recipes.
In addition to the inevitable selection of coffees, the restaurant has an in-house bakery, with an international and Florentine range of pastries.
Ribolita La Grotta Parri, a historic and family trattoria, not far from the beautiful horticulture garden, which has been feeding Florentines since 1948, is unforgettable. His name is reminiscent of the statue found in the central Loggia di Lanza (or della Signoria), Persei restaurant, whose traditional Tuscan menu includes Florentine steak.
The two local addresses of All’Antico Vinaio, an iconic street food destination in Florence that offers delicious Schiacciata filled on the spot, satisfy the palate (and are worth the queue). To try a great ice cream, stop in Oltrarno, at the Gelateria della Passera.
Are you sure you have already visited all the exhibition spaces and museums in Florence? In the historical center, not far from the Basilica of San Lorenzo, a former monastery closed for decades is being revived in the name of art.
In fact, until 2025, the Sant’Orsola museum will be open to visitors, which in the meantime – by reservation and according to a certain calendar – opens its doors to the public with free entry initiatives to discover site-specific works of art that will enrich its collection in progress.
WITHOUT YOU, WITHOUT NORTH, WITHOUT TITLE is the name of the personal exhibition of the Florentine artist Giovanni Ocola, which can be visited until January 28, 2024 in the former industrial premises of Manifattura Tabacchi, the cultural, gourmet and commercial center of Florence in constant development.
An abandoned Florentine cigar factory, the subject of a major regeneration project, is being reborn: shops, studios, restaurants, cultural and event spaces are already active; The Hanging Garden, designed by landscape architect Antonio Peraci and renamed Officina Botanica, is also open to all. Definitely a place to get to, near the Cascine Park or the green lungs of Florence, on the banks of the Arno River.
Strategic location and good public transport links to The Social Hub Florence, a 4-star hotel with a wide range of rooms, generous sharing spaces and site-specific artwork.
It includes a 24-hour gym, bookshop, bar, bistro, recreation areas and the now legendary rooftop swimming pool (for real) with breathtaking views.
And if you didn’t have time to try the dim sum and other signature recipes at Xinge Gogo’s temporary window on the terrace, stop by the Florentine restaurant Il Gusto di XINGE, designed by Chinese chef Xin Ge Liu.
Source: www.sitoireseto.com
