The bond that unites Tuscany with the United States is extraordinary in many ways. Tuscany is not only the Italian region most loved by Americans, it is also the one that hosts the most American students. In 2019 the 200th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States, then a young democracy, and the Grand Duchy of Tuscany was celeb...
READ MOREMichelangelo Buonarroti, a Tuscan by birth who grew up in Florence, left in the Cradle of the Renaissance a deep mark witnessed by his works that we still find in museums and squares around the city. Therefore, we will follow an ideal itinerary in Florence among Michelangelo's masterpieces, starting with his most famous work – David – and going on...
READ MOREDecember is the month that opens the door to the Christmas season, one of the most beautiful times of the year to spend in Italy due to its wide variety of offerings from north to south, including Christmas markets and lights, visits to ancient villages and medieval castles, and of course the sunny landscapes and crystal-clear waters of southern It...
READ MOREMore than 400 years ago, Italian Baroque artist Artemisia Gentileschi painted her first commission in Florence, adorning the ceiling of Casa Buonarroti—once home to the Renaissance master Michelangelo—with a female nude titled Allegory of Inclination. Less than half a century later, the figure was prudishly censored by heavy drapes of blue obscurin...
READ MOREFlorence, Italy is over 5,600 miles away from Austin. Yet, the two cities share more in common than one would think. This fall, Austin and Florence entered into a “historic agreement” to facilitate educational, cultural and business collaborations. Cristiano Maggipinto is a diplomatic adviser to the mayor of Florence.“There were so many similaritie...
READ MOREItalian cuisine is a perennial favorite both in the U.S. and abroad. So it's not surprising that three Italian cities—Rome, Florence, and Naples—were ranked among the top 10 best food destinations around the world. These destinations were selected as part of Tripadvisor’s “Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards.” The list highlights hotels, rest...
READ MOREMichelangelo's little-known "Secret Room", a tiny chamber with sketch-filled walls, will open to the public almost 50 years after it was discovered hidden behind a trap door in Florence. The precious venue at the Museum of the Medici Chapels at the Bargello Museum will be accessible to the public on an experimental basis from 15 November, strictly...
READ MOREDear friends, What a month! So many things, so many friends, so many events! It always happens in October, but this year has been extraordinary! It actually started at the end of September, when in Florence I had the honor of representing We the Italians and the Italian American community at the Made in Italy event organized by Maurizio Mancianti,...
READ MOREFlorence, Italy, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and fall is the perfect time to visit. The crowds have thinned out, the weather is cooler, and the city is alive with autumnal colors. We’ve packed together a list of things to see and do to make the most of your trip and guide you to Fall Fun in Florence! Whether you’re a first-tim...
READ MOREThe restoration work on the Vasari Corridor that began in March 2021 is now entering the final phase, with an expected reopening of May 27, 2024. The works are being helped to the finish line by a one million dollar donation from Marisa and Raymond Avansino of the Edwin L. Wiegand Foundation of Reno, Nevada. They have previously shown their support...
READ MORE