Author: Lourdes Flores

An American living in Florence for over 10 years, Lourdes continues to explore and discover new places in Tuscany with the eyes of a tourist but with the experience of living in Italy. She shares her experiences on this blog and website, particularly offering lots of travel planning help on the Forum!

A “Plant” Perspective at the Forte Belvedere & Boboli

August 29, 2014

If you want to view incredible views of Florence during this summer and fall with the added plus of great outdoor art, I recommend you add Forte Belvedere to your itinerary. The Forte Belvedere – and Boboli Gardens too – are currently hosting a major exhibition dedicated to the international artist Giuseppe Penone (who just…

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White Night in Lucca this Saturday August 23

August 22, 2014

For its 3rd year, the highly expected “White Night” is returning this weekend to Lucca, on Saturday, August 23. The event, organized by Confcommercio in collaboration with the City, is characterized by the very rich program of artistic, cultural and recreational activities which offer residents and visitors alike the opportunity to visit many places for…

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Pavement in Duomo di Siena Completely Visible

August 16, 2014

The magnificent pavement of the Duomo in Siena will once again be completely uncovered from this Monday, August 18 through October 27th, 2014. Described by Vasari as the “most beautiful… grand and magnificent“, major sections of the marble pavement are usually covered to protect them from the feet of the numerous visitors and faithful that…

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Changes at the State Museums in Florence, Tuscany and Italy

July 14, 2014

Several changes are taking place in the State museums across all of Italy, all recently announced and slowly being implemented starting July 1st. As you plan your travels to Italy you might already have become aware of some of them, but to make it easier for all, we’ve decided to create a post to put…

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A night to remember Michelangelo

In celebration of the great Michelangelo’s 450th anniversary since his demise, many exhibitions and initiatives are taking place this year. Tonight, the City of Florence, along with the Central Market in San Lorenzo, is hosting a very particular event: the revocation of the funeral rites for Michelangelo Buonarroti. Michelangelo is today buried in Piazza Santa…

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Hard Rock Rising – On the Road 2014

July 4, 2014

Love music? And live concerts? Then head to Piazza Santa Maria Novella this Sunday, July 6th for a free music concert! Starting at 6pm, it is sure to be a fun evening with good music and entertainment with your friends and family.

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Music at the Museum in San Gimignano and Pienza

July 3, 2014

If you’re in the enchanting San Gimignano or the magnificent Pienza this July through early August, I recommend a special evening enjoying “Music at the Museum“! In San Gimignano, the initiative is taking place within the suggestive museum center that hosts the Archaeological Museum, Gallery of Modern Art and Spezieria di Santa Fina while in…

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Exploring the Origins of Wine

July 2, 2014

Do you love wine? Would you like to know more about its origins in Europe? A very interesting exhibit is currently hosted at the Palazzo Piccolomini in Pienza called VINUM NOSTRUM which explores the “art, science and myths of wine in ancient Mediterranean cultures” and brings to our attention the cultutal as well as religious…

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Calcio Storico Final Canceled

June 20, 2014

Florence major, Dario Nardella, has just issued the official cancellation of the Calcio Storico final that was to be played on Tuesday, June 24th. The reasoning is that the tournament was already too highly compromised to have been valid, and tensions have been high all week so there was the fear that the match would…

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