Tourism, for many art cities, is a double-edged sword: on one hand, it injects capital into the local economy, creates jobs, and showcases cultural heritage but, in recent years, it has been causing more than one headache. Who isn’t familiar with the problematic pattern known in Italian as turismo mordi e fuggi– or “bite and run tourism”? As many o...

The Guelfi Firenze and Panthers Parma of the Italian Football League (IFL) have secured a berth in the Italian Bowl after convincing semifinal victories from both sides. The Italian Bowl will take place in Toledo, Ohio on Saturday, July 1, 2023.  Despite the Guelfi being back to full strength following a number of injuries late in the season, they...

It started as most Roman weekday mornings do: I was in a rush, and I wasn’t sure if I would make it to my destination on time. My friend and I were headed to Florence for the day, to the city of Brunelleschi’s dome, Michelangelo’s David, of red-tiled roofs flanked by mountains just in the foreground, as if to say, “We’ve always been here. Didn’t yo...

The capital of Tuscany in central Italy is steeped in history, beautiful architecture, amazing museums and art galleries, and great food and wine. Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance, but its history goes back to ancient Rome. It was originally set up as a Roman camp by Julius Caesar and was then called Florentia. However, between the 14t...

In the heart of Tuscany, about 30 kilometers from Florence, there lies a hidden gem that has for centuries served as sanctuary for those who venture through the fir tree forest to find it: Vallombrosa. Vallombrosa was founded with its eponymous Abbey–which encompasses a world unto itself. The Abbey and the tiny borgo around it, is nestled in the Ap...

Florence is worth any trip and being able to admire Palazzo Vecchio is one more reason: the ancient seat of Florentine power, symbol of the city for seven centuries, holds treasures of inestimable value and beauty, such as the Judith of Donatello, Bronzino’s paintings in the Chapel of Eleonora and Michelangelo’s Genius of Victory. In addition to th...

Ask 10 employed people their opinion of the best job in the world, and don’t be surprised if you get 10 different responses ranging from serious to humorous to daydreaming. There’s one responder, however, who is likely to come up with a reply that’s difficult, if not impossible, to dispute. She is Eleonora Pucci, who works for the distinguished Gal...

While there may be plenty of bucket-worthy list things you can do in Florence during the daytime, the city comes alive under the Tuscan moon since Florence's nightlife is simply magical. As the sun sets on the horizon, the twinkling lights fill the skyline, and one can witness the incredible charms of a buzzing nightlife; it's truly an unmissable e...

While the Uffizi Gallery and the Palazzo Vecchio are staying put in Florence, the world-famous Italian sandwich maker a stone's throw away from the home of Michelangelo's "David" is coming to the Upper East Side sometime this summer, according to filings with Community Board 8. All’Antico Vinaio, a famous — and now viral — focaccia (technically,...

Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is a treasure trove of art, architecture, culture and cuisine. The city’s Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and Uffizi Gallery are a few of the attractions drawing visitors from around the world. Beyond its history and art, Florence is a vibrant and lively city. It has a thriving food and wine scene with char...