Whether temporary visitors to Florence or long-term residents, netizens in the city can Tweet from the steps of Santa Croce and post photos on Facebook in Piazza Signoria just minutes after taking them.
The Firenze Wi-Fi initiative, started by the city and province of Florence in November 2009, provides free, one-hour Internet access 24/7 in 12 city squares and parks. Through this new program, all the major squares have wi-fi access.
To connect, take your laptop or smartphones to the wi-fi areas and choose the strongest ‘Firenze WiFi’ connection. Register via the browser webpage, giving your name, surname and mobile number. Once registered, call 055/4650034 to receive a password via text message.
The free access lasts for one hour or 300 megabites, whichever comes first. You do not have to stay connected for one full hour but can reconnect to the wi-fi several times a day until you reach the 60-minute or 300-megabite mark. You can check how much time or downloads you have remaining at http://172.19.32.18/stato_utente. You will be charged for connecting for more than one hour.
Although myriad bars and restaurants throughout the city centre offer wi-fi with purchase (look for the ‘wi-fi’ sign on windows and doors), you can also access a free wi-fi connection upon registration at the Casa della Creatività (http://www.casadellacreativita.it) and the Oblate library (www.bibliotecadelleoblate.it).
Casa della Creatività
Chiostro Santa Maria Maggiorevicolo di Santa Maria Maggiore 1, FirenzeTel: 055/2381240Fax: 055/2678780Email: info@casadellacreativita.it
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8:30am to midnight; Sundays closed.
Oblate Library
via dell’Oriuolo 26, Firenze Help desk tel: 055/2616512Fax: 055/2616519Email: bibliotecadelleoblate@comune.fi.it
See www.bibliotecadelleoblate.it for hours
Piazzas and parks
Piazza della Signoria
Piazza Santa Croce
Piazza Santo Spirito
Piazza Santissima Annunziata
Parterre in Piazza della Libertà
Via Canova (near the General Registry Offices)
Piazze Ghiberti and Annigoni
Villa Arrivabene in Piazza Alberti
Piazzale Michelangelo
Piazza Bambini di Beslan(at the entrance of the Fortezza da Basso)
Piazzale delle Cascine
San Donato Park
