About 6 months ago I wrote a post which lists many of the museums and galleries in Firenze. I divided it into two parts, those I had visited and those I still have to see. My plan was to just strike through the plan-to-see places and add them to the bin-there, done-that list as I visited. The current spell of wet weather has been ideal for spending time indoors and I have managed three strike-throughs so far. My original idea was not to comment any further above maintaining the list, however, in the words of Robbie Burns “the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry“. Continue reading
Posts Tagged With: Florence
Museum Surprises
Categories: Archeology, Firenze, History, Museums
Tags: archeology, Firenze, Florence, museums
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Children can surprise you
Today I planned to visit the Palazzo Strozzi which is hosting an exhibition of late 19th and early 20th centuries ‘religious’ art under the title Divine Beauty from Van Gogh to Chagall and Fontana. Two things come as a surprise in that first sentence. Firstly that I had made a plan of any sort this early in my holiday and secondly, that I chose to look at art work that was not medieval or Renaissance this early as well. These are things that usually happen when I have run out of time and energy. At the same time as I climbed the grand staircase to the Strozzi’s exhibition space, herd of school children can running up the stairs behind me with their teachers and minders. Given that they were RUNNING up the stairs I was getting ready to have my enjoyment spoiled and composing in my head the piece I would write about how children are all the same. Ah, but fair reader … read on! Continue reading
Categories: Firenze, Museums, Uncategorized
Tags: Firenze, Florence, galleries, museums, Palazzo Strozzi
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Operazione Strada Sicura
When ever family and friends in Sydney ask me about feeling safe in Italy, my response is always that I feel as at ease here as I do at home. Of course, I take the usual precautions that I do when I am at home. I make sure that I know where are the unsafe areas, which all communities of people have regardless of the hype. I don’t walk alone in dark places at night. I am friendly and smile at people but I don’t let myself get taken in by anyone. Continue reading
Musei in Firenze – un elenco (Museums in Florence – a list)
Amongst the many Twitter feeds that I subscribe to is one generated by The Florentine Weekly, an English language newspaper which alerts visitors and expats to the current goings on in la bella citta. Usually I read the first few pages which have stories about what is going on. I drool for a short time and then move on to my next task. Continue reading
Hidden treasures
Brancacci Chapel fresco
Categories: Masaccio, Masolino, Oltrarno, Renaissance
Tags: Florence, Masaccio, Oltrarno, Palazzo Pitti, Ponte Vecchio, Santa Maria del Carmine
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The Sixteen Pleasures
Palazzo Antellesi – Photograph by Robyn Smith
Il 4 novembre, 1966 il fiume Arno ha allagato la citta di Firenze dopo tanti giorni di pioggia in la campagna. E stato l’inondazione peggiore che ci sia mai stato in la citta e ha coperto tanti edifici alle secondo piano. Ha danneggiato o ha distrutto tanti libri antico e opere d’arte inestimabili.
On the 4 November, 1966, Florence was inundated by the waters of the Arno River following many days of rain in the surrounding area. The flood is said to have been the worst in the recorded history of the city and covered the buildings up to the second floor. The destruction to priceless works of art and books was unimaginable. There are still markers in many places around the town indicating the top of the flood waters. The Church of Santa Croce has a gallery of photographs taken at the time. Continue reading
Io voglio essere in Italia 