Helen Farrell

    Helen Farrell is editor-in-chief of The Florentine, a role she has held since 2013. She is also a freelance contributor to Decanter and runs the magazine's translation and copywriting department.

    Articles by the author

    COMMUNITY

    Dreams are the answer: Editor’s letter

    This month’s cover is by Inna Morozova, whose oneiric illustration comes ahead of World Dream Day on September 25 and her exhibition at Hotel Savoy.

    ART + CULTURE

    The “buchette” backstory

    Florence's "wine windows" are enjoying a second renaissance and brisk business.

    NEWS

    Top Italian tennis and padel stars play in Pontassieve

    Don't miss this high-level tennis and padel tournament from September 7 to 17.

    ART + CULTURE

    Beauty, differences + origins: Wallis Wilde-Menozzi

    The author of Florence-based "Toscanelli's Ray" discusses the importance of writerly freedom.

    ART + CULTURE

    On dark academia: Joanna Margaret

    The first-time novelist talks about the differences between academia and fiction.

    ART + CULTURE

    A chat with Lisa Marie Conte Browne

    Executive director and board member of Friends of the Uffizi

    NEWS

    Work begins on Florence’s ground-breaking future high-speed station

    Slated for completion by 2028, Firenze Belfiore station will change the face of Florence’s public transport system.

    THINGS TO DO

    Exploring the Etruscan past of Casole d’Elsa

    Dive into the Etruscan past and present-day cultural life of this village between Siena and Volterra.

    FOOD + WINE

    Hard Rock Cafe Florence: American classics with a side of rock ‘n’ roll

    Tasting the New Messi Chicken Sandwich in the cavernous beauty of a former cinema.

    FOOD + WINE

    The new Giacosa: the birthplace of the Negroni reopens

    Impeccable service, understated elegance and dangerously drinkable aperitifs

    THINGS TO DO

    Nail salons in Florence

    Here's where to get your manicures and pedicures.

    COMMUNITY

    Talking crime fiction with Tom Benjamin

    The British crime writer shows a different side of Bologna in his Daniel Leicester novels.

    FOOD + WINE

    Salad bar Insalateria Original opens in borgo la Croce

    This eatery is the brainchild of Jacopo Vettori, a young Florentine sports science graduate.

    COMMUNITY

    Float through the summer: Editor’s letter

    This month’s cover comes from Prato-based illustrator Lorenzo D’Alessandro, whose whimsical doodles have been featured in the New Yorker.

    THINGS TO DO

    Gucci Visions: celebrating 102 years of the Florentine fashion house

    A review of the new immersive exhibition at Gucci Garden.

    FOOD + WINE

    Starbucks to open in via dei Cerretani

    Work is underway on the city centre Starbucks coffee shop, less than a minute from piazza del Duomo in Florence.

    COMMUNITY

    Striving for tomorrow: Sabina Corsini

    The descendant of the Florentine aristocratic family talks about the responsibilities that come with her position.

    COMMUNITY

    Built to last: Editor’s letter

    Developments at Sant'Orsola, Pride Month and summer events are front and centre of the June issue of The Florentine.

    THINGS TO DO

    SALE: Sant’Ambrogio in Festival celebrates local identity

    Interfaith and community dinners will place the emphasis on giving back.

    ART + CULTURE

    The future Sant’Orsola museum: a preview

    From June 1 to July 2, a section will open for free guided tours of the inaugural exhibition Beyond the Walls of Sant’Orsola.

    ART + CULTURE

    Roberto Patella at Gallery Hotel Art

    The Volatility of Being photography exhibition is being hosted at the Lungarno Collection hotel near the Ponte Vecchio.

    THINGS TO DO

    Golf Ugolino: history in a swing

    There's nowhere more beautiful to while away the spring, learning a new sport in the great Tuscan outdoors.

    COMMUNITY

    300 issues young: editor’s letter

    This May edition is the 300th issue of The Florentine as we embrace the spring with all its events.

    COMMUNITY

    Meet the new French Consul, Guillaume Rousson

    Language learning and promoting French culture are the mission at the French Institute in Florence

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