IN FLORENCE
APERITIVOS
Aperitivo Ad Arte
Every Wednesday at the Accademia Gallery and every Thursday at the Uffizi. From August 6, every Tuesday at the Bargello
Until Sept 26, 7-10pm, reservations recommended by calling T 055 294883, www.polomuseale.firenze.it
Terrazza con Vista
Rooftops of Florence open to the public, for aperitivo, a drink or just to soak up the view
Until Sept 30, various rooftops in Florence, http://tinyurl.com/cm6pyq5
EXHIBITS
Can you see what I see?
Exhibit by Australian artist Lee Porter
Until Aug 8, Galleria360, via il Prato 11r, www.galleria360.it
Percorsi di meraviglia
Restored works of art at the Bargello museum
Until Aug 18, Bargello Museum, via del Proconsolo 4, T 055 294883, www.polomuseale.firenze.it
Springtime of the Renaissance
Sculpture and the Arts in Florence, 1400-1460
Until Aug 18, Palazzo Strozzi, T 055 2645155, www.palazzostrozzi.org
The Whispered
Photography exhibit by Canadian Jakob de Boer
Until Aug 19, Skin Aesthetic Medical Clinic, Borgo San Jacopo 64r, b.db@me.com
Araba Fenice
Site-specific exhibit by Marco Bagnoli
Until Aug 24, Boboli gardens, Limonaia Grande, T 055 217704
Lo sguardo di un americano
Tuscany, landscape of the soul’ – exhibition by David Wurtzel
Aug 8-30, Fiesole Town Hall, www.comune.fiesole.fi.it
Paddy Campbell
Sculptor presents his exhibition ‘Di Cuore’
Until Aug 28, Palazzo Medici Riccardi, via Cavour 5, www.PaddyCampbell.ie
Archaeology in the East
The Eastern collections of the National Archaeological Museum of Florence
Until Sept 1, National Archaeology Museum, T 055 2357717, www.archeotoscana.beniculturali.it
Mediterranean Dreams
Sculpture exhibition by Franco Mauro Franchi
Until Sept 1, Archaeology Museum, Fiesole, T 055 5961323, www.comune.fiesole.fi.it
Patrik Lundell
Exhibit by Swedish expat
Until Sept 4, free, Plaz, via Pietrapiana 36, T 3348452430, patriklundell.com
Pietro Testa
Exhibit of works by the 17th century artist/philosopher
Until Sept 8, Gabinetto Disegni e Stampe degli Uffizi, www.uffizi.firenze.it
Interno
Contemporary jewellery exhibition
Until Sept 14, Palazzo Ricasoli, piazza Goldoni 2
The Renaissance Dream
The theme of ‘dreaming’ in Renaissance art
Until Sept 15, Palatine Gallery, Pitti Palace, www.unannoadarte.it
Ricordando Parronchi
20th century Tuscan artists
Until Sept 15, Ente Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze, via Bufalini 6, www.entecarifirenze.it
Ospiti a Casa Siviero
Photo exhibit of important Florentines
Until Sept 16, Museo Casa Rodolfo Siviero, www.museocasasiviero.it
Soul and Matter
Exhibit by Chinese artist Zhang Huan
Until Sept 24, Forte di Belvedere, www.comune.fi.it
The Duomo and the Baptistery at night
On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays the Duomo and Baptistery will remain open to visitors until 11pm
Until Sept 28, http://ilgrandemuseodelduomo.it
Francesco Messina
Exhibit of works by the 20th century sculptor
Until Sept 29, Villa Bardini, T 055 2388616, www.bardini-peyron.it
Il Giardino dei Semplici
An exhibit by Danna Donna Shamir
Until Sept 29, Botanic Garden, Museum of Natural History, via Micheli 3, www.msn.unifi.it
Le Istruzioni Mediche
Drawings and other artworks inspired by medical and botanical imagery
Sept 29, La Specola Museum, via Romana 17, www.msn.unifi.it
Roman Medallions
Exhibit from the coins collection of the National Archaeological Museum of Florence
Until Sept 30, Museo Archeologico Nazionale, T 055 2357720, www.archeotoscana.beniculturali.it
Porcelain and Florentine Hats
The art nouveau of Richard Ginori in private Florentine collections. For free guided visits call 338 5901744 or email mromagnolo@hotmail.it
Until Sept 30, free, Ente Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze, via Bufalini 6, www.entecarifirenze.it
Passaggio in India
Closed for the last 20 years, the Indian collections of the Museum of Natural History have been re-opened for the summer. There will be a dance evening by the Danza Kathakali on September 7
Until Sept 30, Museo di Storia Naturale, via del Proconsolo 12, www.msn.unifi.it
Medici Splendor
Pope Leo X and Florence
Until Oct 6, Museum of the Medici Chapels, T 055 294883, www.unannoadarte.it
Antonio Canova
Beauty and memory – neoclassical art
Until Oct 21, Casa Buonarroti, via Ghibellina 70, www.casabuonarroti.it
Samurai!
Japanese weapons from the Stibbert collection
Until Nov 3, Museo Stibbert, via F. Stibbert, www.museostibbert.it
Valtiberina masterpieces
From Piero della Francesca to the Battle of the Anghiari
Until Nov 3, Ente Cassa di Risparmio, via Bufalini 6, www.entecarifirenze.it
Il Gran Principe: Ferdinando de’ Medici
A celebratory exhibit to this key figure, one of the most important collectors and patrons of the arts in the history of the Medici
Until Nov 3, Uffizi Gallery, www.unannoadarte.it
Diaphanous passions
Baroque Ivories from the European courts
Until Nov 3, Museo degli Argenti, Palazzo Pitti, T 055 294883, www.unannoadarte.it
Exhibition of old bicycles
Until Nov 17, Galileo Museum, T 055 265311, www.museogalileo.it
Florence is a dream to save
An exhibit outlining the life of Herbert Percy Horne
Until Dec 7, Horne Museum, via dei Benci 6, www.museohorne.it
From the Fleur de Lis to the David
Civic Art in Florence from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance
Until Dec 8, Accademia Gallery, www.unannoadarte.it
Joana Vasconcelos
Art which deconstructs everyday objects
Until Dec 15, Gucci Museo, piazza della Signoria, www.gucci.com
From the hands of Roberto Capucci
27 creations from the master of cloth-shaping
Until the end of the year, Villa Bardini, Costa San Giorgio 2, www.bardinipeyron.it
The Amazing shoemaker
Take a journey back to your childhood through fairy tales about shoes and shoemakers
Until March 31, 2014, Ferragamo Museum, pizza Santa Trinita, www.museoferragamo.it
The Carnival of the Animals
Bronze sculptures of animals in the garden
Until May 23, 2014, Giardino della Gherardesca, T 055 26261, claudia.porrello@fourseasons.com
GUIDED TOURS
Frescos up close
A guided tour up the scaffolding to see the fresco cycle by Agnolo Gaddi
Until Oct 31, church of Santa Croce, T 055 2466105, www.santacroceopera.it
Planetarium: this month’s sky
On Sundays at 3pm and 4.30pm: viewing of the sky of the current month, with explanation (in Italian). Age 6-100!
Via Giusti 29, reservation required T 0552343723, www.fstfirenze.it
Tours of the Misericordia Museum in English
Visit the Misericordia museum to learn about the fascinating history of one of Florence’s oldest institutions.
Every Monday 9am-noon, free, Misericordia Museum, Piazza Duomo, 20
Tours of Santa Croce
See Santa Croce through the eyes of illustrious Americans of the past, or take the Money and Devotion tour and discover the famous banking families of Florence
Church of Santa Croce, T 055 2466105, www.santacroceopera.it
MARKETS & FESTIVALS
Festa del Mugello
BBQ open air restaurant, concerts, dance, children’s games and more
Until Sept 15, every evening from 7pm, Obihall, Lungarno Aldo Moro, www.festadelmugello.com
Estate Fiorentina
Concerts, dance, exhibits, activities and more in Florence this summer
All summer throughout Florence, www.firenzestate.it
Ciompi Antique Fair
Every weekday, but on the last Sunday of every month it’s in a large version that expands to nearby streets.
Piazza de’ Ciompi, T 0553283551
Farmers market in the city
Fridays at the Parterre (near piazza della Liberta)
Fridays, 8am-2pm, Parterre, piazza della Liberta
Fierucola in piazza Santo Spirito
Every third Sunday of the month, organic products market, every second Sunday regular market.
Piazza Santo Spirito
Porcellino Market
Florentine arts and crafts with straw, handmade embroidery, leather, woodwork and flowers
Every day, all day, Logge del Porcellino
San Lorenzo Market
Florentine arts and crafts, handmade embroidery, paper, leather and much more
Every day, all day, streets around Basilica San Lorenzo
Sant’Ambrogio Market
Open Monday through Saturday, 7am to 2pm; Wednesday and Friday, 7am to 7pm; Become a fan on Facebook: Mercato S.Ambrogio Firenze
Piazza Ghiberti
Fortezza da Basso Antique Market
Every third Saturday and Sunday of the month, viale Filippo Strozzi, Firenze, T 0553283550
Santo Spirito Fair
Every second Sunday of the month, piazza Santo Spirito, Firenze, T 0552705272, www.comune.fi.it
Small Antique Fair in Fiesole
100 exhibitors sell their handicrafts and other collectibles.
First Saturday and Sunday of the month, piazza Mino da Fiesole, T 0555961263, www.comune.fiesole.fi.it
MUSIC & CONCERTS
Franco Battiato
The great Italian singer together with the group Antony and The Johnsons
Aug 31, 9pm, Mandela Forum, www.mandelaforum.it
Rigoletto
Operas in the historic church, with an English introduction before each act.
Sept 1 and 6, The English Church of St. Mark, via Maggio 18, www.concertoclassico.info
Nextech Festival
Festival of international electronic music and digital arts
Sept 5-7, Fortezza da Basso and other places in Florence, www.nextechfestival.com
La Traviata
Operas in the historic church, with an English introduction before each act.
Aug 30 and Sept 20, The English Church of St. Mark, via Maggio 18, www.concertoclassico.info
Summer at the Bargello
Musical, dance and theatre performances all summer long
Until Sept 22, Bargello Museum, via del Proconsolo 4, http://tinyurl.com/bm4yfqg
Opera at St Marks
Operas in the historic church, with an English introduction before each act. Madame Butterfly, La Bohème, Carmen, La Traviata, The Marriage of Figaro and more
All year, usually 8.30pm (check website), The English Church of St. Mark, via Maggio 18, www.concertoclassico.info
PARKS
Boboli Gardens
Nov to Feb, from 8:15am to 4:30pm (5:30pm during March), from April to Oct, from 8.15am to 6:30pm, piazza Pitti, ticket: €8, T 0552651838
Giardino dell’Orticultura
Pleasant family park & lawn.
Year-round during daylight hours, via Bolognese 17 (Ponte Rosso area).
Stibbert Park
Pretty, shady park with pond and 19th century flights of fancy, good for picnics.
Year-round during daylight hours, closed Thursday, via F. Stibbert 26.
Villa il Ventaglio Garden
Wide open lawn and a duck pond, plus shaded path up hill to a (closed) villa.
Year-round during daylight hours, closed Monday, Via Aldini 10 (Le Cure area).
Villa Peyron
Year-round, via Vincigliata 2, Fiesole, T 055454791
THEATRE
Tutto Dante
Readings of Dante’s Divine Comedy by Roberto Benigni
Until Aug 6, piazza Santa Croce, T 055 415390, www.tuttodante.it
PROVINCE OF FLORENCE
ACTIVITY
Knit Café
Join BettaKnit for social knitting. Last Wednesday of every month. Bring your own knitting supplies or buy a discounted kit from BettaKnit (reserve by email betta@bettaknit.com). Beginners may request 15€ knitting lesson.
Until Nov 27, Miraglia Bar, via Lambruschini, Prato http://tinyurl.com/bdyallu
EXHIBITS
Count Silvio
The last of the Piccolomini
Until Nov 3, Palazzo Piccolomini, Pienza, www.palazzopiccolominipienza.com
Concreta ‘Proemium’
Ceramic installation dedicated to Boccaccio by Enrico Stropparo
Until Sept 1, 2014, Boccaccio’s House, Certaldo, www.boccaccio2013.it
MARKETS & FESTIVALS
Sagra della pappardella
Noodle food festival
Until Aug 6, Montespertoli, www.comune.montespertoli.fi.it
Notte delle Streghe in Marradi
Performances by street artists, food and historical parades
Until Aug 10, historic centre of Marradi, www.pro-marradi.it
Chitarrae
International guitar festival – concerts, workshops and lessons
Until Aug 10, Pratolino, Fiesole and Cercina, www.chitarrae.com
Sagra del cinghiale
Wild boar food festival
Aug 14-18, Casa del Villeggiante, Palazzuolo sul Senio, www.palazzuoloturismo.it
Apriti Chiostro
Cinema, music, food, drink and more
Until Aug 11, Convento degli Agostiniani, Empoli, T 0571 757729, www.comune.empoli.fi.it/apriticento
Chianti Star Festival
A festival of art, cinema and local products
Until Aug 11, Palazzo Malaspina, San Donato in Poggio, Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, www.chiantistarfestival.com
Sagra della Bistecca
Steak food festival
Aug 2-18, Galleno, Fucecchio, www.prolocogalleno.it
Historical re-enactment
Re-enactment of the battle of the Vicchio army against the Spanish invasion in 1529
Aug 24-25, historic centre of Vicchio, www.prolocovicchio.it
Prato Estate
150 events including music, exhibits, food festivals, cinema and more.
Until Aug 30, various locations in Prato, www.pratoestate.it
O flos colende
Free organ concert at the Duomo
9.15pm, free, the Duomo, www.operaduomo.firenze.it
Sagra della pizza
Pizza food festival
Aug 20-Sept 8, Lazzeretto, Cerreto Guidi, www.sagradellapizza.com
MUSIC & CONCERTS
Chianti in Musica 2013
Concerts, lectures, wine and oil tastings
Until Aug 3, San Donato in Poggio, T 055 8072338, www.chiantinmusica.it
Summer Music Festival in San Godenzo
A series of summer concerts
Until Aug 24, San Godenzo, T 3334071968, www.estatemusicalecastagno.it
Slow Folk
Folk music in Scandicci
Aug 24 and 25, Acciaiolo Castle, Scandicci, www.scandiccicultura.it
SPORTS
Graticola d’oro
Games in Marradi
Until Aug 10, historic centre of Marradi, T 055 8045170, www.pro-marradi.it
2013 Italian Motorbike Cup
Aug 25, Mugello motor racing circuit, Scarperia, www.mugellocircuit.it
IN TUSCANY
ACTIVITY
Visit the farms!
Meet new people, eat, drink, paint and chat in the farms of Montespertoli which open their doors to the public
Until Sept 10, farms in Montespertoli, www.vegliedimontespertoli.com
Treno Natura
Take a vintage steam train through the beautiful Tuscan countryside. See www.trenonatura.terresiena.it for the schedule of journeys
All year, various places in Tuscany, www.trenonatura.terresiena.it
EXHIBITS
Yoko Ono in Arezzo
An exhibit of art by 40 women around the world, including Yoko Ono
Until Sept 1, piazzas and streets of Arezzo, www.visitarezzo.com
Artists for Autistic children
Raising money for The Dalia Centre (a school for autistic children ), this is an art exhibition and sale
Until Aug 10, La Polveriera, via Sant’Agostino 53, Pietrasanta, T 339 644.2587, vdalia@daliacenter.org, info@lapolveriera.org
From the Passion to the Resurrection
Masterpieces from Siena’s Duomo
Until Aug 31, Museo dell’Opera, Siena, www.operaduomo.siena.it
Il gusto dell’arte
Museums meet food throughout Tuscany
Until Aug 31, various museums in Tuscany, http://www.regione.toscana.it/-/il-gusto-dell-arte
Un Luogo Aperto
Open air contemporary art in the piazza
Until Oct 1, San Gimignano, T 0577 940348, associazione@cultureattive.org
Siena Cathedral at night
The cathedral and the Porta del cielo tour will be open till midnight on Saturdays. The magnificent marble floors are also uncovered during this limited time
Aug 18-Oct 27, Siena cathedral, www.operaduomo.siena.it
Viaggio intorno all’Uomo
An exhibit on an American photojournalist Steve McCurry
Until Nov 3, Santa Maria delle Scala, Siena, www.santamaria.comune.siena.it
Henri Cartier-Bresson
Exhibit of photos by French photographer considered to be the father of modern photojournalism
Until Nov 3, Lu.C.C.A. (Lucca Center of Contemporary Art), www.luccamuseum.com
La Peste a Lucca
Exhibit of work by Lorenzo Viani
Until Nov 30, Galleria d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea Lorenzo Viani, Viareggio, www.gamc.it
FOOD & WINE
Calici di Stelle
Wine tastings, music and other entertainment in piazzas and wineries across Italy, celebrating San Lorenzo, the night of shooting stars
Aug 10, various places in Tuscany, www.movimentoturismovino.it
GUIDED TOURS
Siena’s Duomo as never before
After a long restoration, visitors are able to climb Siena’s Duomo and explore areas not usually open to the public
Until Oct 27, Siena’s Duomo, www.operaduomo.siena.it
MARKETS & FESTIVALS
The Venice Effect
An extravaganza of dance, theatre, literature and music
Until Aug 4, ‘Little Venice’ area of Livorno, www.effettovenezia.com
Ferragosto
National holiday in Italy – head to the seaside!
Aug 15
La Versiliana
A festival of concerts and theatre
Aug 24, Marina di Pietrasanta, Pietrasanta, www.laversilianafestival.it
Summer carnival in Viareggio
A parade of floats to celebrate summer
Aug 24, centre of Viareggio, www.arcobalenodestate.it
MUSIC & CONCERTS
Vox Mundi Festival
A series of concerts with a range of genres and international artists
Until Aug 2, Magliano, www.voxmundifestival.org
Estate Musicale Chigiana
Classical concerts featuring some international stars
Until Aug 11, various places in the Siena area, www.chigiana.it
Bolgheri Melody
A celebration of the arts and local wines along the Etruscan coast
Until Aug 13, various places on the Etruscan coast, www.bolgherimelodyfestival.it
Musicastrada
A free festival with sounds ranging from jazz and blues to tango, folk and pop
Aug 21, Pisa, Livorno, Grosseto and Florence www.musicastrada.it
SPORTS
The Palio
World famous historic horse race in Siena
Aug 16, Piazza del Campo, Siena, www.ilpalio.org
CHILDREN
ACTIVITIES
Musei da favola
Tours and activities for children in Florentine museums; in English and Italian
Until March, 2014, various museums in Florence, http://tinyurl.com/pyykars
Children’s library at the British Institute
A treasure trove of books in English for children housed in a room full of toys, cushions and a great view over the Arno. All books can be borrowed for a month with a library membership card
Open Mon – Fri, 10am – 6.30pm, The British Institute of Florence, Lungarno Guicciardini 9, Florence, library@britishinstitute.it, T 055 26778270, www.britishinstitute.it
Firenze Moms 4 Moms Network
For English-speaking mothers in Florence and surrounding areas. Various activities including playgroups, mom’s night out, couples’ night out and more.
T 3335728946, www.firenzemoms4moms.net, infotiscali@firenzemoms4moms.net
The Children’s Lending Library of Florence
An English-language volunteer run, non-profit lending library open to everyone. Childrens’ books, DVDs & activities. See website for opening hours.
St. James church building, via Rucellai 9, T 3283282757, www.childrenslibrary.altervista.org
Reading Italian for foreigners
Primary school children whose first language is not Italian are invited to participate in weekly group reading classes. The group is called ‘Italiano 10+’.
Every Monday at 5pm, BiblioteCaNova (Isolotto), via Chiusi, 4/3A, T 055 710834
THEATRE
Teatrino del Gallo
Puppet theatre, Pupi Di Stac, cinema workshop, concerts, exhibition, conferences, meetings and talk shows
All year with monthly planning, Limonaia del giardino della Libreria Libri Liberi, Via San Gallo 25r, Florence, tel. 3386024335, www.teatrinodelgallo.it
RELIGIOUS SERVICES
Beato Angelico: Holy Masses of the Artists
Basilica di San Marco, T 0552679079, www.beatoangelicomedaglia.com
Florence Gospel Fellowship International
Sunday Service at 6:30pm (Evangelical)
Via de’ Benci 9, T 3351505784, www.fgfint.blogspot.com
International Christian Fellowship of Florence
Wednesday night Bible study and worship, 7pm + Sunday service 10am
Via dei Biffi 1, T 055 285148, www.icfflorence.com
Jewish Synagogue
Shabos: 8:45am
Via Farini 4, T 055245252
Methodist Church Christian Worship
Tues, 7-9pm (ENG), Sun 10:30am (ITA w/ translation)
Methodist Church, via de’ Benci 9, Pastor Alison Walker T 055288143, www.firenzechurch.com, awalker@chiesavaldese.org
San Miniato al Monte
Mass at 12pm (with Italian Gregorian chants)
Via delle Porte Sante, T 0552342731
Santa Maria del Fiore
Mass in English on Saturdays at 5.00pm
Piazza del Duomo, T 055294514
Santissima Annunziata
Mass in English on Sundays at 11am
Via Cesare Battisti 6, T 055266181
Shir Hadash
Jewish reform/progressive congregation
T 3486913059 – 3489362564
St. James American Church (Episcopalian)
Services: Sunday: smaller service at 9am – Eucharistic service with sermon and music at 11am.
Via B. Rucellai 9, T 055294417; please check http://stjames.it for any alterations to times and dates.
St. Mark’s Church of England
Spoken mass: Sun 9am, Wed 10am, Fri 12:30pm, Sunday 10:30am sung high mass.
Via Maggio 16, T 055294764; please check www.stmarksitaly.com or www.facebook.com/stmarksitaly for any alterations to times and dates.
Chiesa del Santi Michele e Gaetano
Mass in German, Sundays at 10am
Piazza Antinori, www.sangaetano.de
Santa Maria Maddalena dei Pazzi
Catholic Mass in French every second Sunday at 11am
Borgo Pinti 58, T 0552478420
Jehovah’s Witnesses
Sunday 13:30, Wednesday 19:30
Via Vivaldi 1, Scandicci (tram stop Aldo Moro)
