Out of Office: Notes from Florence
Need more reasons to visit Florence, Italy? Our villa experts are here to help with insider tips about incredible art exhibitions to the latest restaurants.
How do we get our incredible travel tips? Through these posts. As our experts are out visiting the destinations featured in our portfolio, they share with us the best activities, newest attractions, and their favorite villas, supplying us (and you) with an up-to-date account of the area.
Destination: Florence, Italy
What We Saw: Piazza della Signoria
In the middle of Piazza della Signoria, we stumbled across an unusual object: a giant bronze turtle sculpture. While stopping to admire it, we overheard people around us saying that the work was by Flemish artist Jan Fabre – one of the most innovative and important figures on the contemporary art scene.
For this exhibition, entitled “Jan Fabre. Spiritual Guards,” Fabre used specific places and particular subject matter to open a dialogue between contemporary art and that of the Renaissance. In Piazza della Signoria, a man rides on the turtle’s back – a nod to men riding horses, a traditional pose in Renaissance art.
Other works featured in the exhibition can be found in Forte di Belvedere and Palazzo Vecchio, as well as Piazza della Signoria, and can be viewed through October 2, 2016.
For contemporary art lovers, the open-air museum of Piazza Signoria is a must-see. While Fabre’s giant turtle is certainly not to be missed, there are many other sculptures to see too, including the ever-famous “David” by Michelangelo.
Where We Stayed: Apartment Medea
Set inside a beautiful palazzo steps away from Ponte Vecchio, Apartment Medea offers a sophisticated interior and an unexpectedly quiet terrace. Under the wisteria-covered pergola, we enjoyed the warm daylight and the inebriating scent of spring flowers.
For an elaborate cocktail or an elegant dinner, we recommend Il Locale. It’s an ideal spot for those who love the grilled meat (especially steak), and for those fascinated with luxurious, historical rooms. There’s also valet parking, which is included in the price of the restaurant.
Until next time,
Margherita & Saffo
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