Easter: Religious and Culinary Traditions in Florence, Italy
The Christmas holidays 2015 are approaching fast, and many people are busy discussing how and where to spend them. Some people would like to travel just to get away from household chores. Below we have provided a short list of things to see and do if you are in Florence, Italy during the Christmas season; there is something for all tastes!
Christmas might just be one of the best times to visit Florence: the whole city is decorated with lights of all shapes and colors. You can enjoy the smell of chestnuts roasting and the sight of people walking hurriedly throughout the downtown streets with many packages.
Art
Museo Dell’Opera del Duomo
The new Museum of Opera del Duomo has reopened and is one of those museums that deserves all the credit it gets. It is a single great museum comprising the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry of San Giovanni, the Crypt of Santa Reparata, and the Opera Museum. The baptistery, which has been under scaffolding for what seems like forever, has recently been unveiled and is looking mighty fine these days.Some of the most important works include Michelangelo’s Pietà and Ghiberti’s bronze north door. New additions include a reconstruction of Piazza Duomo during the era of Dante.
Info: http://www.ilgrandemuseodelduomo.it/museo
Movies
50 Days of International Cinema
‘50 Days of International Film’ features nightly showings of entries from 10 international film festivals in downtown Florence. Founded in 2007, this festival provides a place for films to be screened that are not normally accessible to the general public. Throughout the festival, various producers, actors, and directors will speak and give awards to further enrich the cinematic experience. Movies will be in the original language with English & Italian subtitles. Until December 13th at Odeon cinehall.
Info: http://www.50giornidicinema.it/
Exhibitions
Jeff Koons In Florence
The exhibition Jeff Koons In Florence runs until the 28th of December and explores the relationship between the provoking beauty of the works by the brilliant American artist, and the timeless masterpieces by Donatello (1386-1466) and Michelangelo (1475-1564). The locations chosen for such a juxtaposition are the Room of the Lilies in Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria.
Palazzo Vecchio will host Gazing Ball (Barberini Faun), a work created in 2013 belonging to Koons’s series called Gazing Ball, which features plaster casts of famous sculptures of the Greco-Roman period, as well as everyday objects encountered in the suburban landscape, each affixed with a bright blue reflective glass sphere.
In Piazza della Signoria will be exposed one of the most famous sculptures by Jeff Koons, Pluto and Proserpina, a monumental work of stainless steel more than three meters high and polished with a chrome-colored gold. The two images, entwined in a dramatic and sensual embrace, will sparkle in the daylight, and lit at night, gnash with the sculptures in marble and bronze in the square.
Info: www.musefirenze.it/jeff-koons-in-florence
Divine Bauty from Van Gogh to Chagall and Fontana
Palazzo Strozzi will hold an exhibition entitled Divine Beauty until 24 January 2016. This outstanding show, with one hundred works by well known Italian and international artists, sets out to explore the relationship between art and religion from the mid-19th to the mid-20th century. From Morelli’s Realist painting to Vedova’s Informal Art, and from Previati Divisionism to Redon’s Symbolism and Munch’s Expressionism, the exhibition will provide visitors with a unique opportunity to compare famous works of art observed in a new light alongside pieces by artists whose works are perhaps less well-known today, but who, in their own way, have helped to forge the rich and complex panorama of modern art; and this, not only in a religious environment.
Info: http://www.palazzostrozzi.org/mostre/divinebeauty/?lang=en
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
The Nutcracker at Opera di Firenze
This childhood fable that celebrates Christmas at the Opera of Florence was inspired by the story of Ernest Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann and transformed by the music of Petr Il’ic Cajkovski into one of the world’s most famous and beloved balets. It tells the tender story of Clara and her adored Nutcracker, a precious toy that during Christmas Eve leads the girl into the magical kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy. December 23 at 8 p.m.
Info: http://www.operadifirenze.it/events/concerto-di-natale-2/
CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Starting from the beginning of December, the traditional markets of Piazza Santa Croce will warm this cold season with beautiful and tasty things to buy, give to friends and family, and treat yourself with. These are known as the famous Weihnachtsmarkt at Piazza Santa Croce.
In this square located right in front of the basilica you will find characteristic little wood cabins scattered all over containing decorations coming from 16 European countries for Christmas trees. These decors are beautiful, at low cost, and are great for adults and children alike. homes. These cabins also sell Christmas cakes such as Stollen, lühwein (mulled wine), wurst, and sauerkraut.
NataleperFile Market
For its 13th edition, the market Nataleperfile will be held in the picturesque frescoed rooms of Palazzo Corsini. Nataleperfile is a fundraiser that combines the value of solidarity with the chance to make a special gift to loved ones. It’s an event sponsored by the City of Florence, which every year sees a large turnout of people. There will be many exhibitors, including big brands, shops, and artisans of the area, who will donate part of their proceeds to FILE through the sale of their products. There will be a raffle at the event combined with prestigious prizes donated by major international companies.
Info: http://www.leniterapia.it/eventi/nataleperfile-a-palazzo-corsini/#more-65338
FLORENCE WINTER PARK
Snow lovers need not reach the highest peaks for winter enjoyment as they can go skiing, ice skating, and snowtubing directly in the city, specifically, in the Ex Area Kontiki next to Obihall on the Lungarno Aldo Moro, which contains a built-in Winter Park. In addition to the sporting activities, one can attend events and collateral public performances, taste food and drinks, and go shopping. Until 6 March 2016.
Info: http://www.firenzewinterpark.it/
FLORENCE INFERNO TOURS
One of the most special things to do during the holidays is to embark on one of our Florence Inferno Tours!
The Florence Inferno Tour organized by Florence Inferno and ADAGIO con BRIO. A full-day Florence walking tour inspired by Dan Brown’s latest novel Inferno. Enter some of the most amazing, mysterious, and famous places in Florence. The tour runs every day – also in December 2015 and January 2016 – starting at 9.15 a.m. Tour price: € 75 per person.
Info and booking: https://www.florenceinferno.com/guided-tour/
Uffizi & Accademia Tour in One Day organized by Florence Inferno and ADAGIO con BRIO. A fascinating walking tour in the afternoon to avoid the crowds of the two most famous museums in Florence: the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery. An experienced guide fluent in the English language will ensure that you experience the best that each gallery has to offer by providing an historical and artistic path among each of its astonishing masterpieces. The tour runs on December 24, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31 2015 and in January 2016 (except for Mondays and January 1, 2016). Starting at 2 p.m. Tour price: € 75 per person.
Info and booking: https://www.florenceinferno.com/uffizi-and-accademia-tour/
Sunset Trip from Florence to Fiesole in the Tuscan Hills organised by Florence Inferno and ADAGIO con BRIO. A sunset trip from Florence to Fiesole, a small village situated in the hills of Tuscany. It is from this settlement that the City of Florence seems to have originated. Enjoy scenic routes, see breathtaking panoramas, visit Fiesole’s Abbey and Roman Amphitheatre, and taste delicious local wine and food. The tour runs every day – from December 24 until December 31, 2015 and in January 2016. Starting at 4:30 p.m. Tour price: € 45 per person.
Info and booking: https://www.florenceinferno.com/day-trip-to-fiesole/
The Florence Photography Adventure Tour organized by Florence Inferno and ADAGIO con BRIO. Discover Florence with your camera and with a professional photography teacher and a great Florentine guide at your side. Photography workshop & tour: 1-hour class + lunch break + 4-hour photography tour. The tour runs every day, except on December 9, 11 and 25, 2015, starting at 12 p.m. Tour price: € 139 per person.
Info and booking: https://www.florenceinferno.com/photography-workshop/
We hope you have fun!
Picture: Piazza Repubblica Carousel at Christmastime, Florence, Italy by Kari CC BY-NC 2.0
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