We’re not there yet.
Yes, we’ve been released from our habitats, comfortable or compact as they might be. We’ve stretched our legs and inwardly thanked Giuseppe Poggi for architecting the viali, those long, leafy roads that encircle the city with such grace. We’ve dusted down our bikes, pedalled through the pietra serena piazzas and renewed our vows of devotion to Florence’s steadfast beauty. Tears of joy (and relief) have been shed by parents as children delight in the outdoors again.
Cover illustration by Claudia Bessi of bessicla illustration
Everything is far from normal. The health emergency in Italy might have abated for now, if we all keep our distance, wear face protection, wash our hands preternaturally and are resolute in our personal responsibility, but for many the financial plight is just commencing. Gone is the spring of tourism and the summer seems like a mirage.
“When will I be able to come back to Florence?” is the question I’ve been asked time and time again. Not knowing how to reply sums up the uncertainty with which we are all faced. There’s a silver lining, however. Those of us who are still in Tuscany, despite our concerns for the future, can seize a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: we have Florence all to ourselves. The museums, exhibitions, libraries and shops are due to reopen on May 18 and, in the meantime, we can gaze at the wonder that is still, silent, “virtually” Florence.
Know your rights: click here for the updated “Phase Two” legislation in Tuscany.
Where to get a free copy of The Florentine May 2020 issue
While we hope that you subscribe to our magazine to support our independent journalism at this time—we have stepped up round-the-clock coverage to keep our readers safe and informed during the Covid-19 pandemic—as from Thursday, May 7, the May issue of The Florentine will be available, for free, in limited edition from the following pick-up points and home delivery services* in Florence:
Duomo / Repubblica Area:
Paperback Exchange via delle Oche, 4R: FB, IG.
Pick-up point and home delivery. Open Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm, closed at weekends. Email: customerservice@papex.it.
Bottega Strozzi Bookshop piazza Strozzi, 1: FB, IG.
Pick-up point and home delivery. Open Mon-Fri, 9am-12.30pm, closed at weekends. Email: bottegastrozzi@marsilioeditori.it.
Rosalia Salad Gourmet via de’ Servi, 37: FB, IG.
Pick-up point and home delivery (Rosalia Salad Gourmet APP coupon 10% OFF “ROSALIA10”).
SMN / S. Lorenzo Area:
Mercato Centrale S. Lorenzo, Official shop: FB, IG.
Pick-up point. Open from Mon to Sat, 7am-3pm.
Münstermann piazza Goldoni 2R.
Pick-up point. Open from Tue to Sat, 10am-1pm / 1pm-6pm.
Vino al Vino Wineshop borgo Ognissanti, 70R: FB, IG.
Pick-up point and home delivery. Open from Mon to Sat, 11am-1pm / 3pm-6pm. Tel. 055 267 0495
Librairie Française de Florence piazza Ognissanti 1R
Pick-up point. Open from Mon to Sat, 10am-1pm / 2pm-7pm, closed on Mon morning and Sundays.
S. Croce / S. Ambrogio Area:
Mercato S. Ambrogio, piazza Ghiberti: FB.
Pick-up point. Open from Mon to Sat, 7am-3pm.
Acqua al 2 Restaurant: FB, IG
Home delivery only, tel. 055 284 170.
Red Garter Restaurant: FB, IG
Home delivery only, tel. 055 248 0909.
S. Spirito Area:
Carduccio, sdrucciolo de’ Pitti 10r: FB, IG
Pick-up point and home delivery. Email: info@carduccio.com or WhatsApp 320 700 9330
S.forno Bakery, via Santa Monaca 3R: FB, IG
Pick-up point and home delivery. Open from Mon to Sat, 11am-1pm / 3pm-6pm. Tel. 055 230 2820.
Santo Bevitore Restaurant / Santino: FB, IG
Home delivery only, Email: info@ilsantobevitore.com
* You’ll only receive a copy of The Florentine from these home delivery services if you place an order directly with the business.
