THE TERRACES OF THE CATHEDRAL

Duomo

The feast of the "Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore" better known as the DUOMO to the florentines, was established in 1985 and is celebrated on 8 September each year, in memory of the laying of the foundation stone of the cathedral, which occurred on the day dedicated to the Nativity of Mary, in 1296 (or 1298 according to other sources).

The main event (from 1pm to 4pm) of the day is the free opening of the outdoor terraces of the cathedral with the traditional walk of thirty-two meters high, walk that gives to the Florentines and to the guests of our city a unique and unusual overview of Florence.

Also can visit for free the Duomo (1:30pm - 4:45pm), the Baptistry (8:30am - 2pm), Giotto tower (8:30am - 7:30pm) and the museum (9am - 1:45pm)

Battistero

F-LIGHT FESTIVAL IN SANTO SPIRITO

F-light in Santo Spirito (credits:Florence Magazine)

Started on December 13th, 2012 and until December 31st, 2012 the facade of the Santo Spirito church will be lighted by some marvelous 3D video projection by Mario Mariotti remembering the legerndary night of 1980.

Don't miss this show starting everyday at 6pm...

Santo Spirito church in Firenze, Italy

Firenze light festival 2012

 

 

 

ABBEY OF CERTOSA DI GALLUZZO

Certosa di Galluzzo - Florence, Italy

Espetially in a sunny day the Certosa di Galluzzo is worth a visit.

The Certosa di Galluzzo seen from the outside seems more like a castle than an abbey.

Certosa di Galluzzo - Florence, Italy

The construction was started in year 1342 by Niccolò Acciaioli with the intent to introduce the poor florentine people to the religios studies. After the death of Acciaioli the works stoped and the construction was ended in year 1400.

Certosa di Galluzzo - Florence, Italy 

In year 1866 it becomes property of the Italian government and from year 1958 it returns to a place of faith with the Cisternian monks who took over the Carthusians.

Certosa di Galluzzo - Florence, Italy

Nowdays the monks accompany te visitors during the visit of the abbey. The tour is very very intresting with and the monk guide shows you everything about this faith place. At the end you must  give them a small offer and ther's also a shop where you can buy honey and liquer made from the monks.

Certosa di Galluzzo - Florence, Italy

Facade of St. Lorenzo church - Certosa di Galluzzo - Florenze, Italy

The church of San Lorenzo was built in year 1545 and has a Renaissance facade. There are three chapels in the monastery, the St. Tobias, the St. Andrew and the St. Mary.

Altar of S. Lorenzo church - Certosa di Galluzzo - Florence, Italy

The Great Cloister is very spatious, has a typical old stone at its center, and lead to the monks cells. Each cell is separated from te other and was used by a single monk and they could take advantage of a small garden for their comtemplation. This because the Cistercian monks are dedicates to silence except of one hour a week in the interview room.

The Great Cloister - Certosa di Galluzzo - Florence, Italy

How to reach the Certosa: From Florence: By car go in direction of Porta Romana, than via Senese and after the small town of Galluzzo on your right side ther's the Certosa. By bus take number 37 from the Santa Maria train station and stop to the Certosa bus stop (buy tickes before you jump on the bus).

From the A1 highway exit to Firenze Certosa and follow the indications.

For more info about the abbey and the guidet tours (only in italian) please check the Certosa di Galluzzo website.

OGNISSANTI CHURCH

While in Florence go and visit this Franciscan church.

It was completed during the 1250s, but almost completely rebuilt on Baroque designs of Bartolomeo Pettirossi in year 1627.

This was the first example of Baroque architecture in the Renaissance city of Florence.

It is situated in Piazza Ognissanti and named also the borgo (one of the traditional divisions in Florence).

Chiesa di Ognissanti - first baroque church in Florence

XIVth WEEK OF THE CULTURE

From 14th until the 22nd of April in Florence several state-run museums, galleries, monuments, villas and archaeological areas will have a free entrance.

So dont loose the chance to visit the Boboli Gardens, the Medici Chapels, the Uffizi Gallery, the Pitti Palace, the museum of  Palazzo Vecchio, the Palazzo Davanzati, the San Marco museum and many other places.

UNESCO recently estimated that nearly 40% of the world's cultural heritage lies in Italy, Culture Week offers the opportunity to explore Florence's phenomenal historical treasures.

Uffizi Gallery - Florence, Italy

SANTA CROCE CHURCH

The Santa Croce square and church - Florence, Italy

This Franciscan church is situated in the Santa Croce Square. Its most notable feautures are its sixteen chapels, many of them decorated with frescoes by Giotto and his pupils. The church is the burial place of some of the most illustrious italians, such as Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli.

Santa Croce was founded by St Francis himself. The construction of the courrent church, to replace an older building, was begun in year 1294. It is considerd as the oldest church in Florence.

The main cluster houses the Cappella de Pazzi designed by Filippo Brunelleschi.

The cluster of the church of Santa Croce - Florence, Italy

In the 19th century a Jewish architect Niccoló Matas dedigned a neo-gothic facade, working a prominent Star of David into the composition.

The David Star of the Santa Croce's church - Florence, Italy

Today the former dormitory of the Franciscan Friars, wich is at the back of the Dante's statue, houses the Leather School. Visitors can watch how artisans craft purses, wallets and other leather goods wich are sold at the school shop.

Dante Alighieri and the former dormitory of the Franciscans Friars 

THE CURCH OF SANTO STEFANO AL PONTE VECCHIO



Church of Santo Stefano al Ponte Vecchio
Florence - Italy

This tiny but marvellous church takes its name by the nearness to the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge). The church was built in year 1116 in a Romanesque style. At the begining it has three asles an a white and green marble facade. In the XIV century the facade was renovated and only the marble work around the portal remained. Another important renovation was in year 1631-1655 when the three asles was convertet in one big open hall.

Church of Santo Stefano al Ponte Vecchio
Florence - Italy



Bernardo Buontalenti's Steps

This was the church of the Gherardini family, they still have a chapel inside.

At the begining of the XX century the church was renovated again and the city of Florence put inside the steps of Buontalenti, and the altar of Gianbologna bringing them from the church of Santa Trinità

Interior of the church of Santo Stefano - Florence - Italy

Nowdays the church of Santo Stefano hosts a lot of concerts and events at  its inside.







Dali & Rodin: "Homage to Dante: more than 250 works"
Church of Santo Stefano
Florence - Italy



You have time till September 28 to visit the exhibition dedicated to Dante (the great italian writter).

Salvador Dalì and Auguste Rodin together with their masterpieces from the Divine Comedy. More than 120 works and bronxe statues from Dali, and 60 bronxe statues from Rodin explaining the Divine Comedy and its song: The Hell.

The exhibition is open everyday from 2pm to 10pm.
Entrance ticket is €9, or €6 (reduced).
At the shop inside you can buy illustred copies of teh Divine Comedy.







Dali & Rodin: "Homage to Dante: more than 250 works"
Church of Santo Stefano
Florence - Italy