May 13, 2022

Great news for LGBTQ+ rights in Florence!

The City of Florence town council has formed an official working committee to fight against all forms of discrimination and for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.

Joining the City’s efforts are the numerous LBGTQ+ associations of Tuscany including ARCIGAY Firenze, AGEDO (Italy’s version of PFLAG), Intersex Collective, the Equal Rights Lawyer’s committee, as well as others.

“For the first time we have an official committee working for the LGBTQ+ community of Florence,” explains Donata Bianchi, the president of the city’s equal rights commission. “It is a proposal that I have strongly encouraged as per the need of the numerous associations active in Florence. I am convinced of a positive outcome and the bonds that we will be creating. […] These committees are a point of reference for the institutions thanks to their ability to foster exchange and act as a stimulus for diversity.”

Historically, Florence has always been a progressive and tolerant city. In fact, one could say that the very first gay rights protest was held here in 1512, when a group of 30 young aristocrats charged into the local City Hall, forcing a senior justice official to resign and demanding that the Florentine council revoke the sentences of all those who had been exiled or deprived of office for sodomy. In 1971, Italy’s first gay club, Tabasco, opened right off Piazza Signoria. This club is now closed but Florence offers many other venues and events catering to the LGBTQ+ community*.

ISI Florence embraces this new committee and hopes its LGBTQ+ students will feel even more welcome and included in local city life.

*For a full list of resources, check out the ISI Florence APP in the section “Queer Florence” or just ask any member of staff.

April 12, 2022

5 Steps to Being a Local

By Julia Morlino, University of Maryland

The beautiful and historic city of Florence has an abundance to offer for those who visit: Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Statue of David, the picturesque Duomo, the art-filled church of Santa Croce, and shopping on the famous Ponte Vecchio. Yet, the true highlights of Florence are a lot smaller. They’re the toy-sized cups of espresso you drink every morning to keep you energized for a day of culture absorbing, the hole-in-the-wall restaurants down narrow streets that end up being the best meal you’ve ever had, and the hidden piazzas that become venues for local markets if you catch them at the right time. The authentic Florentine life is like no other. Although it’s inevitable for tourists not to stick out in a city that’s not theirs, there are still various ways to live “la dolce vita” in Florence like a true local.

And here’s how:

#1 Explore the “other side of the Arno River”

The Arno River flows directly through Florence, creating two sides of the city with bridges that connect them. One side of the river is known to be more touristy than the other and is home to several international retail stores, artistic churches, famous museums such as the Uffizi Gallery, and various scenic squares like Piazza della Signoria and Piazza della Repubblica. While these sights are still a must-see in Florence, stepping away from the tourist traps is a smart strategy for living like a local. The Oltrarno offers a calmer and more authentic atmosphere with cozy neighborhoods, antique shops, and inexpensive restaurants. Here you can see Pitti Palace, the Grand Duke of Tuscany’s former residence, which houses various renaissance art museums and galleries. The Boboli Gardens, located directly behind the palace, where you can admire a collection of sculptures that date back to Roman times and the beautiful Renaissance Italian Garden layout. In the heart of Oltrarno lies Piazza Santo Spirito. Restaurants, vendors, gelato, and markets are found in the piazza, and is the perfect place for a relaxing aperitivo around its central fountain.

 

#2 Learn the language

While most Italians who work in or near tourist destinations know the English language, locals genuinely appreciate it when you try to speak to them in Italian. Learning Italian helps you feel even more connected with the culture, and to locals, it shows respect and interest. From personal experience, you often get a better response and better service if you try to speak the native language. Italians are also very receptive and willing to speak back in Italian, some of whom will even correct your pronunciation as a helpful gesture. It’s important to remember that while you won’t become fluent during the first few months visiting Florence, knowing only a handful of greetings, goodbyes, and polite words like “please” and “thank you” will go a long way in your journey to living like a local.

 

#3 Eat like a local

Food— Italy’s world-renowned claim to fame. It’s impossible to not immerse yourself in the Florentine food and drink culture, considering you can find restaurants, bars, cafes, and gelaterias on every street corner and city square. However, the key is knowing where to dine for the most valuable and best quality meal. Any local bar or cafe will satisfy your coffee fix in the morning. Italians opt for a light meal for breakfast, consisting of an espresso or cappuccino with a sweet, carb-based pastry. It is common to finish your coffee and pastry at the counter, rather than sitting down at a table or taking it to go. It is very rare to see locals walking down the streets of Florence with a coffee in hand, because they finish their drink midst a conversation with the bartender!

Bustling markets are a Florentine specialty. They offer a variety of local and international food that is guaranteed to please everyone. Mercato Centrale is an Italian favorite for lunch, with vendors who sell baked products, fried food, fresh fish, meat and charcuterie, chocolate and gelato, fresh pasta, wine, truffles, and vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Besides the markets, Florence is also known for being home to the world’s greatest sandwiches. Via de Neri is filled with sandwich shops and hungry locals itching to get to the front of the line. Those waiting for All’Antico Vinaio take up most of the space on this famous street, as these sandwiches are considered Florence’s most legendary street eats. However, if you’re in a rush and don’t want to waste a beautiful day in Florence in line for a panino, there are plenty of other sandwich shops that surround the same street, and ones that I would even say are better than the hyped All’Antico Vinaio. A personal favorite, La Fettunta, is always less crowded and serves delicious sandwiches. It is incredibly underrated for the quality they offer and is sure to give you a more authentic, less-touristy panino experience.

Happy hour time in Italy, better known as aperitivo, is very popular amongst Italians. There is no better way to immerse yourself in the Florentine culture than by sitting amongst locals as the sun sets with a drink in hand and an antipasto on its way. Your beverage of choice comes with small plates to act as a light meal before you stuff your face at dinner. Some of my favorite aperitivo spots are Il Signorvino and Obica Mozzerella Bar.

If you try to call a restaurant in the afternoon to make a reservation for that night, chances are no one will pick up. This is because most restaurants in Florence don’t open until 7-7:30pm, as dinnertime in Italy is typically between 8:30 and 9:30pm. This is something to keep in mind when visiting, especially during the warmer months when tourist season is in full fledge and everyone is trying to get a seat at the same restaurants. Dinner in Florence can be a lighter meal or a multicourse with primo and secondo, but I promise the multicourse will be more appealing once you realize how small the portion sizes are in Italy.

 

#4 Walk!

After living in Italy for about 2 months now, a 20-minute walk doesn’t sound as dreadful as it used to. The city of Florence is the perfect walkable size, and the sights along the way make the stroll much more enjoyable. While there are other ways to get around the city like taxis and busses, walking is the most convenient mode of transportation in Florence. Battling traffic in busy areas of town is always stressful and paying for transportation every time you need to get somewhere is costly. Walking is additionally a great way to indulge yourself in the Florentine culture, considering locals walk everywhere and are always on the streets munching on a panini, eating gelato, talking with a friend, or shopping. It also feels nice to walk off the pasta dish you just ate for dinner!

 

#5 Pay attention to gelato

The greatest tip I have ever received while living in Florence is to be picky about your gelato. Although a mountain of vibrant colored gelato looks the most appealing, gelaterias that advertise their gelato like this most likely use artificial flavors. Instead of going by what’s the most pleasing to the eye, you should be looking for the smaller gelaterias with fresh ingredients. The most creamy and delicious gelato is more likely to be found when its packed down and more dense, keeping the flavors more pronounced and irresistible. This is what makes the gelato in Florence so special, which is a part of the local Italian experience that you wouldn’t want to miss out on.

It won’t be long now before you start living like a true local in Florence and tourists are asking you where the nearest, best restaurant or museum is.

 

“La dolce vita” in Florence is calling your name!

 

 

 

February 1, 2022

Fondazione Franco Zeffirelli opens its doors to ISI Florence students

ISI Florence has signed an agreement with the Fondazione Franco Zeffirelli to create projects tailored to our students’ skills and goals, such as translating archive documents or designing museum tours for their peers.

Housed just behind the Palazzo Vecchio (Florence’s city hall) in the baroque complex of San Firenze, Fondazione Franco Zeffirelli is brimming with art, from preparatory sketches for sets and costumes to scale models, outfits and photographs, thus displaying every aspect of Zeffirelli’s versatile genius.

ISI Florence students will have access to the Library of Fine and Performing Arts housed on the Fondazione’s ground floor for studying and research purposes. The library includes volumes from the Maestro’s private collection and is continuously enriched with texts on art history, cinema, theater, music, photography, and more.

We are extremely pleased and grateful for the warm welcome the Fondazione is giving to ISI Florence and our students!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE OFFICIAL FONDAZIONE FRANCO ZEFFIRELLI WEBSITE

 

NEW Internship! Medici Museum Tour Guide

The Museo de’ Medici is a recently opened museum, entirely dedicated to the history of the Medici family. It tells the story of this extraordinary dynasty through the exhibition of original works of art, paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, and printed books.

ISI Florence is proud to announce the recently signed agreement with the Museo de’ Medici, offering students the unique opportunity to intern as tour guides and taking advantage of the resources the museum owns.

Interns will study and research the documents and works of art, becoming familiar with the history of this family. They will welcome tourists at the entrance, providing an introduction to the various rooms and leading private informative tours. Moreover, our students and professors will have access to the documents and historical books for research purposes. This partnership will enrich the wide offer of opportunities for ISI Florence students and professors.

CLICK HERE | Discover more about the Museum 

 

 

 

 

 

January 26, 2022

Become ambassador of the Galileo Museum!

ISI Florence and the Museo Galileo have recently signed an agreement that will offer our students the once in a life time opportunity to become Museo Galileo tour guides and ambassadors. We believe that ISI Florence students and faculty will highly benefit from the connection to this prestigious Institute.

The Galileo Museum is a little gem of scientific culture in the heart of Florence, founded in 1927 as the Institute of History of Science with the goal of collecting, cataloguing, and restoring scientific collections scattered around Italy.

In recent decades the Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza has experienced a strong expansion with the growth of visibility of its activities and the organization of temporary exhibitions, as well as with the impressive increase in library collections, the assiduous commitment to promoting research, the dense publication of journals and volumes and the massive investment in information and communication technology at the service of historical-scientific research.

The name Museo Galileo was adopted in 2010 after a radical renovation of the museum’s premises and contents.

On the first floor of the building the museum hosts the Medicean Collection of scientific instruments, begun by Cosimo I de’Medici in the XVI century, while on the second floor the exhibition continues with the Lorenese Collection, dating back to the late XVIII century.

While the Museo Galileo promotes the scientific heritage of the past, it also embraces the future by making the collections available through digital virtual tours and the planning activities specifically designed for schools.

Wish to plan a visit or know more about the Museum? CLICK HERE!

 

November 9, 2021

Why I Decided to Study Abroad in Fall 2021

I’ve always wanted to study abroad as I was intrigued by being indulged into different environments and cultures compared to what I’m used to. Ever since I went to Vietnam and Canada with my family, the experience of traveling sparked my interest. Generally, I have always been surrounded and involved with friends and schoolmates with diverse ethnicities, learning every bit of everyone’s culture.

Study abroad has always been on my mind – so when I found out the UHart Architecture Department allows its students to study at ISI Florence during the spring semester of their junior year, I was excited! However, since the pandemic hit, things went haywire – students that were in Florence just before Covid-19 hit (Spring 2020 semester), had to head back to the States. I didn’t know how long the pandemic would last, but this didn’t stop my determination to wanting to study abroad. When I found out about the opportunity to study in Florence in the fall semester from my professor (shout out to Prof. Ted Sawruk, he’s a real one!), that’s when I locked down on studying abroad as my main goal.

The journey to Florence was long and tiring, but worth it in regards of being able to travel abroad on my own for the first time. When I first arrived, Florence was foreign to me – but I had a goal in my mind to dwell myself into the Italian environment and culture, and Florence specifically. Being here for about a month and a half before the semester started, I was able to create connections among those who have come here to study abroad, as well as with some Italian locals (I was able to flex my newly learned Italian, but I’m così così – ENG. so so) I also had the opportunity to travel out of the city to beautiful places like Chianti – just looking at the landscapes puts me at ease. Florence is literally like a maze since the city is so condensed, but it’s so fun to explore and discover places that I haven’t notice earlier – and that’s when the adventurous aspect of myself appears. Architecture-wise, Florence is a must-go city to witness its flourishing beauty. Only by strolling, I’m literally walking on and witnessing history – and it blows my mind to imagine people from the past walking through these very streets. I can’t believe I’m in Florence right now and what I had to do to lead myself to this position. I must thank my professors (Ted, Crosbie, Fuller), and ISI Florence for making this trip happen – it’s really a life-changing experience.

In the end, it was my fiery passion for traveling that led me here and I must pat myself on the back!

As an E-Board member of NOMAS (National Organization of Minority Architecture Students) at the University of Hartford, for any architecture student and anyone thinking of studying abroad in Florence – it’s a must! The reason why I came to Florence was my interest in historical preservation and that’s visible throughout the city.

Patrick Sutton once said,
“Travel & seek out beauty… the more you have seen, the more depth of your visual library.”

 

As you travel throughout your life and continuously immerse yourself into different environments and cultures – you have a better understanding of how things work in certain places, and that will essentially implement your designing skills. And not only. Through traveling you can meet people, create relationships and connections –which might help you with your goals in the future.

Studying abroad is overall incredibly beneficial in regards to a life-changing experience, and I hope anyone who’s reading this blog will take it into consideration.

 

YOLO!
∼  Carpe Diem ∼

 

 

 

David Tran, University of Hartford Department of Architecture | ISI Florence Fall 2021
Secretary, UHART National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS)

 

February 25, 2021

Discovering the Wonders of Summer in Florence

A Summer in Florence is like heaven on earth. Speaking from experience, there’s nothing better than walking through the streets in Italy, with or without a plan. In this article, as I reflect on why I’ll be planning a trip there this summer, you will experience just a brief summary of the wonders of Florence – from culture, art, food, and language, this beautiful Italian city has it all.

Discovering Art & Culture

Whether or not you’re a fan of art and architecture, the many wonders of Florence will definitely float your boat. Of course, you could visit the Uffizi Gallery and stand amongst Botticelli’s famously breathtaking paintings. Or maybe you’d rather take a look at the intricate affreschi in Florence’s Cathedral’s dome? After all, many do say it inspired the art in the U.S Capitol rotunda. There’s so much to see, but I personally would love to bask in the cool shade of a local bookstore, noticing the faded affreschi and art which once covered its walls in color. Art is everywhere in Florence!

Tasting Delicious Food

Dishing out innovation, culture, and mouth-watering foods to all its visitors, Florence has an unbeatable variety of foods. From fresh fruit markets, notorious for their deep roots in Florentine history, to modern gelato art shops. Who wouldn’t want rose-shaped gelato, scooped perfectly into a crispy home-made cone, perfect for a hot summer’s day? Che buono!

Take a look at our article on Food in Florence for more great spots recommended by our former students!

Perfecting Italian Skills

A simple dialect, plenty of Italians, and a welcoming atmosphere. Can you think of a better place in which you can fully immerse yourself in the Italian language and culture for the summer? When in doubt, don’t panic! Manyost Florentine locals speak English very well and are happy to help you out with your Italian if you get stuck. When in doubt, use hand gestures!

Interested in flying to Florence this summer?
Consider joining us and apply today!

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About the Author:
Sara is interning with ISI Florence through ISI Abroad as part of her gap year experience. As an aspiring English major and experienced traveler, she will be your guide to help you plan for a summer or semester in Florence, Italian style.

 

 

February 2, 2021

Useful Apps for Navigating Florence | Live Like a Florentine

A change in environment is a great fresh start to your semester! To help you navigate Florence once you arrive in your new home, we’ve compiled a brief list of useful apps that can guide you through the city, led by the modern ingenuity of Italian tech.

Firenze Up!

Created by the Florentine commune, the local government, this app allows you to view all the official events being held in Florence. From festivals to markets and guided tours, explore Florence independently whilst supporting the local commune with the use of this app!

ISI Florence App

A few years ago our team created the ideal study abroad app, designed specifically to meet the needs and interests of our students. It includes a range of features that will facilitate communications and show you the best local opportunities. Check out the app store (IOS/Android) for a quick guide of the app, helping you keep all your resources in one place!

Firenze the Walking City

Another app supported by the official Florentine commune, this app will allow you to explore Florence with a new perspective. Follow the pre-planned walking route to engage with the historical architecture and breathtaking views. Explore sites outside the usual tourist itinerary and feel like a local! Routes are designed to fit your level of fitness, varying in difficulty & length, showing you the number of calories burned and the average speed of your walk. Pretty nifty!

Duolingo /Google Translate

Traveling is a great way to pick up a new language! These free apps will help you improve your Italian so you’re daytrip ready. ISI Florence also offers Italian classes for all students, providing different levels of difficulty (beginner to advanced).

WhatsApp

Worried about your phone bill? WhatsApp is used by most Europeans as it’s a free app that allows you to call, text, and video chat with all your contacts. It knows no boundaries: as long as both people have the app, you can communicate via WhatsApp. You will need to have an internet connection to use it, but your apartment will have WiFi and you’ll find various cafes and other locations across Europe that offer free internet connections.

 

There are many more apps and services to explore here in Italy. Whether you’re looking to travel or hoping to find a virtual tour as you walk through the Uffizi, there’s always something useful for you!

For more apps approved by the official Florentine commune click here.

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About the Author:
Sara is interning with ISI Florence through ISI Abroad as part of her gap year experience. As an aspiring English major and experienced traveler, she will be your guide this summer to help you plan for a semester in Florence, Italian style.

January 15, 2021

Food in Florence When You’re on the Go

The city of Florence is most famously known for its culture, art, history, and the food, of course! With so many options to choose from, it can seem overwhelming when trying to find places to eat during a busy day of classes. There are countless places you’ll have to hunt down during your time in Florence, but in the meantime, here are some suggestions to help make the process easier!

Rivarno Cafe

A hidden gem along the Arno River, Rivarno Cafe is a quaint and charming place that is vegetarian friendly with plenty of gluten-free options. Located directly next to Palazzo Bargagli, it’s an ideal spot to grab a quick bite in between classes. Their menu offers an array of smoothies, wraps, panini, and baked goods. Make sure to let them know you attend ISI Florence to receive a student discount!

Mercato Centrale

Mercato Centrale is the largest indoor food market in Florence, and is a food lover’s paradise! The first level is a sort of farmers market that sells fresh produce, meats, spices, cheese, and so much more. On the second floor, you’ll find a wide range of cuisines and Florentine specialties packed into an upscale food court. From burgers, to sushi, to cheese and wine bars, this is the ideal place to try out different dishes. Be sure to check out Mercato Centrale, the opportunities are endless!

All’Antico Vinaio

Considerably one of Florence’s most iconic sandwich shops, All’Antico Vinaio is a bucket-list spot during your time abroad. For only 6 euro, you can try their famous focaccia sandwiches from a menu full of variety to satisfy any taste palette. Located in the heart of the city center, it’s within walking distance from Palazzo Bargagli, and is a great place to stop in for lunch in between classes. Did I mention that All’Antico Vanaio is the third most-reviewed restaurant on TripAdvisor in the world?

#RAW

A short walk over the Arno river into Santo Spirito, #RAW has a menu consisting of completely raw ingredients, and is a nice change of pace from the usual Italian cuisine. With vegan and gluten-free options, their menu has a wide variety of wraps, smoothies, juices, and even gelato. If you’re looking for healthier options, this place is a must!

Gusta Pizza

In a country famous for its pizza, Gusta Pizza is arguably one of the most popular pizza spots in Florence. The menu is simple, the service is quick, and the pizzas are made fresh at a reasonable price for under 10 euro. Seating is limited, but you can take it to go and sit on the steps of Santo Spirito Basilica. It’s always bustling with locals and tourists alike, and the atmosphere is unmatched. This hole-in-the-wall pizza shop will not disappoint!

Interested in learning about what kind of food Italy has to offer? Check out courses like Social Media, Social Food, or The History & Culture of Food.

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About the Author:

Brenna is a former student of ISI Florence and a current intern at ISI Abroad. She has traveled extensively in recent years to embrace new cultural experiences and gain new perspectives.

 

January 8, 2021

Tips on Financial Aid & Saving Money in Florence

Studying abroad requires a lot of planning but our team is here to help and today we’d like to provide some tips on saving money in Florence.

Know what to budget for

ISI Florence provides a budget guide among your pre-departure materials. We recommend you review that in detail to consider the personal expenses you may encounter. In addition, you should know about what you won’t have to worry about while abroad. ISI Florences’ program costs include housing & tuition, as well as services like airport pickup in Florence (upon arrival), utilities (including WiFi and initial housing sanitation), access to all ISI facilities, 24/7 emergency phone, and much more. We also include an orientation program (including a day trip) introducing you to the new and stunning environment.

Before you pick your program, remember to compare the prices to your usual costs on campus. Also, don’t forget to consider your personal and academic goals to ensure that you’re getting the most out of the experience you choose!

Look for new financial aid opportunities

A lot of colleges provide financial aid to students studying abroad, beyond the aid granted during a usual semester on campus. Sometimes this aid is based on financial need, other times it is based on academic performance or your destination/program of interest. You’ll also find that third party scholarship providers also provide special funding for study abroad as a way to prepare students for international workplaces. Ask your study abroad adviser right away about budgeting for study abroad.

To help you find ways to make your experience as accessible as possible ISI Florence has provided a list of available scholarships. Click here for more information on financial aid.

Understand the cost of living

Florence can be a very busy city and it’s no secret that its beauty attracts thousands of tourists every year. This might make it a little more expensive than a small Italian town, but it can still be more affordable than the average city in the U.S.

Saving money is simple: try to avoid eating out in common restaurants in the middle of prominent areas, look for smaller restaurants where the locals eat instead or cook something that reminds you of home. When it comes to eating out, learn the culture of the apericena (Italian habit of going out for an evening drink accompanied by a buffet of food, usually costing around 10 Euro). If cooking for yourself or for friends, food markets will provide fresh & local produce at a lower price, so this is a great opportunity to perfect your culinary skills!

Would you like more tips about planning for your semester studying abroad in Italy? Visit our website or contact [email protected] to get in touch with one of our advisers.

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About the Author:
Sara is interning with ISI Florence through ISI Abroad as part of her gap year experience. As an aspiring English major and experienced traveler, she will be your guide this summer to help you plan for a semester in Florence, Italian style.

November 13, 2020

Italian Superstitions for your Friday the 13th

Sometimes Italian superstitions mirror those found in the States, other times they offer a completely different perspective. Superstitions themselves and the question of good and bad fortune are found around the world and are typically a result of historic events or beliefs steeped in tradition (and we all know how much Italians love tradition!). This blog highlights a few of the most common Italian superstitions for your Friday the 13th. 

Friday the…17th?

In Italian culture, the unlucky number is 17. This makes Friday the 17th particularly unlucky according to local folklore. Why exactly? Because it brings together two unlucky elements: Friday and 17. Friday, because it is the day remembered for the death of Jesus in the Catholic tradition, which was Venerdì Santo. The number 17 because…well that history goes back to ancient Greece and beyond. One thing’s for sure that today, Friday the 13th, is just another Friday for your Italian friends. 

What does a bull have to do with it?

In Florence, if you look up at the Duomo, you can enjoy a brief scavenger hunt looking for the sculpted face of a bull. Why is it there? Well, local legend has it that when the Duomo was constructed, one of the artists had an affair with the wife of a shop owner across the street. When the shop owner pressed charges, the artist made a mockery of him by designing the sculpture of the bull’s head to look forever toward the man’s shop. 

What does a bull have to do with it? Well, in Italian the phrase “fare le corna” has two meanings. The first is when using the gesture symbolizing the bull’s horn or stating “facciamo le corna” against bad luck (the same way one might knock on wood). The second is an insult that indicates cheating (adultery or being unfaithful). 

So, if you use the phrase or the gesture, use it carefully. However, it is definitely safe to circle the Duomo and find the notorious, revengeful bull!

Those pearls look pretty!

If you love jewelry, it is important to know that you should never gift pearls to your Italian friend, family member, or romantic partner! Giving pearls is associated with tears and bad luck so if an Italian wants pearls, they save up and purchase a set themselves. 

Knock on wo…iron

An American might say to their friend, “Here’s to hoping it doesn’t rain at the vineyard today” and their friend would naturally respond “knock on wood” before tapping the nearest table or door frame. While this may seem odd to an Italian, it is certainly a gesture they would recognize. If an Italian hopes for good luck, they’ll reach for the nearest iron desk leg or other form of metal to “toccare ferro” or “touch iron”. Why? Today, the reasoning is that it is a strong and supportive material that can hold up your luck rain or shine but traditionally this action goes back to the medieval symbolism of a horseshoe.

They told me to touch the pig

Another particularly Florentine tradition revolves around a statue of a wild boar found beside the Mercato Nuovo in the center of the city. Locals recommend that you touch the nose of the boar for good luck – something that has been done so many times over the years that though the statue has aged, its nose continues to shine! 

Just don’t forget to bring your hand sanitizer with you if you choose to seek a little luck these days…

November 11, 2020

Unknown Facts on Top Tourist Attractions in Florence

The Duomo

One of the main focal points of Florence, Italy is the beautiful Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore) located at the heart of the main square in Piazza del Duomo.

Piazza del Duomo is the center of all historical, artistic, and cultural aspects of the city. Specifically, the Dome of the Florence cathedral was designed by famous architect Filippo Brunelleschi, who also created the doors of the Baptistery located in the Baptistry directly in front of the Duomo. The Dome of the Florence cathedral is a 2 tiered “shell” that interconnects, which allows visitors to climb the church to get the BEST views of Florence. Read more here.

Santa Croce

The Basilica di Santa Croce is located a few short blocks away from ISI Florence Palazzo Bargagli. This church is a Gothic Style Cathedral with a very unique and ornate marble facade of reds and blues. Santa Croce is also the final resting place to some of the most famous Florentines; Galileo Galilei, Michelangelo, and Machiavelli. Explore it here.

Ponte Vecchio – The Old Bridge

Ponte Vecchio is the colorful bridge located right on the Arno River, a short walk from ISI Florence’s Palazzo Bargagli. Specifically, Ponte Vecchio is home to many luxury jewelry shops, but back in the day used to be shops for butchers, clothes, and leather goods. Oddly enough Ponte Vecchio is only one aspect of a large city “bridge” that the Medici family designed to be able to get from Palazzo Vecchio to Palazzo Pitti without ever having to come into contact with the people of Florence. Discover its past here.

Palazzo Rucellai – The Rucellai Palace

Today, it houses some of ISI Florence’s classes and staff offices. In the past, Palazzo Rucellai was designed during the Renaissance by world-renowned architect Leon Battista Alberti (between 1446-1451). The facade of the building represents ancient Roman architecture; arches, pilasters, and entablatures. Palazzo Rucellai stands 3-stories high with pilasters of classical column orders very similar to the architectural elements of the Colosseum. Notably, the palace was created out of eight smaller buildings combined into an architectural complex/central courtyard. Giovanni Rucellai commissioned Alberti when he was completing the facade of the Church of Santa Maria Novella. Giovanni Rucellai and Marcus Agrippa’s names were engraved on the entablature, however, Agrippa’s name was engraved on the Pantheon 1,500 years earlier. Learn the history of your classrooms here.

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About the Author:
Karsyn (Marywood University) is interning with ISI Florence through ISI Abroad during her senior year. As an aspiring architect and art historian, she will be your guide to help you explore all the possibilities Italy has to offer!