When you think of ‘Carnevale’ in Italy, most will automatically think of Venice. Besides Brazil, Venice’s Carnival is one of the most famous in the world, with over 3 million visitors annually. The best part of Carnival in Venice is the spectators. You can see people of all ages, donned in almost every costume imaginable, from the traditional Venetian ‘Pantalone’ to clowns to the more modern Halloween costumes.
If you’re looking for something a little more ‘home grown’ right here in Tuscany, then the “Carnevale di Viareggio” is a must!
This year will be the 139th year that Viareggio hosts the Carnival, held on its 2 km circuit by the sea called ‘La Passeggiata’. The Viareggio carnival is most famous for its parade of papier-mâché floats that have been known to be massive. The floats, a lot of the time, showcase comedy-like political and pop-culture figures, showing them at their worst. Along with the floats, there are folklore bands, dancers and local authorities.
For more information regarding the carnival in Viareggio, i.e. how to get there, how much it costs, etc – check out www.viareggio.ilcarnevale.com
Like horseback riding? Well the regional councilor of culture and tourism, Paolo Cocchi, has recently introduced a new way to visit the Tuscany region: on horseback! He says it gives amateur horseback riders (both tourists and locals) an eco-friendly way to visit some of the lesser-known and otherwise, difficult to reach areas of the region. Equestrian tourism is becoming more and more popular in Tuscany. The five new trails that run through the Casentino and Arezzo areas, Monte Amiata, the Livorno coastline, the province of Siena, and the mountains in Pistoia, all of the trails are connected by two main paths. For more information visit www.turismo.intoscana.it
Medici Coat of Arms
Students studying in Florence maybe wonder why the Medici Crest can be found all over Florence and more so, what it means. The Medici were former rulers or tyrants (according to some) of Florence and owned property all over Florence. It is no wonder that their crest with its six spheres can be found on almost every building corner, inside churches, chapels, and museums. There are many speculations about what the Medici Coat of Arms actually means.
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This year Florence is hosting free fashion tours to many of the well known shops throughout the city.
You can book your tour from Monday to Friday (from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m)
See below for tour information and times!
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In celebration with Women’s Day, the Nation Archaeological Museum of Florence, in Piazza Santissima Annunziata, is holding ‘Women in Antiquity, from late empire to the Lombards: new finds in Tuscany.” [Read more...]
- Entrance: €4
- When: Monday-Sunday 8:15am-1:50pm
Closed the 1st, 3rd,5th Sundays, 2nd and 4th Mondays of every month.
This statue will not be on display until the beginning of June due to it being displayed at a trade show in Milan.
Since the 29 November 2008 the Museo Nazionale del Bargello has put back on display to the public Donatello’s Restored David.
The restoration was undergone in an open laboratory which was stationed in the center of the Donatello room, where it has been since 1887. The Ministry of Culture decided to restore the David in commemoration of the 40 year anniversary of the great Florentine flood, 4 November 1966. [Read more...]
When you think of ‘Carnevale’ in Italy, most will automatically think of Venice. Besides Brazil, Venice’s Carnival is one of the most famous in the world, with over 3 million visitors annually. The best part of Carnival in Venice is the spectators. You can see people of all ages, donned in almost every costume imaginable, from the traditional Venetian ‘Pantalone’ to clowns to the more modern Halloween costumes.