Hidden Florence, brought to you by The Medici Dynasty Show
1. Bellosguardo
Early birds can start their day with a view of the sunrise from Bellosguardo, a hill dominating the Santo Spirito district, just minutes away from central Florence. Return to the center and make a stop at Amble for a centrifuga to boost your energy.
2. Vasari Corridor
Almost a kilometer in length, this covered walkway and overhead passageway starts in the West Corridor of the Uffizi Gallery, heads towards the Arno and then, supported by huge arches, follows the river as far as the Ponte Vecchio, crossing the bridge and passing over all of the shops. If you have the opportunity a visit to the Vasariano Corridor is a must.
3. Bobolino Garden
Have a stroll through Bobolino Garden, a small and intimate version of Boboli Gardens. The Bobolino Garden is right next to Porta Romana. The Florence garden is on a slope and winds up Viale Machiavelli. There are grassy knolls and staircases where you can sit under the shade, or relax by the flowerbeds and ponds.
4. Piazza della Passera
Want something sweet? Run, don’t walk, to piazza della Passera for delicious artisanal ice cream at Gelateria degli Artigiani. Only a stone’s throw from piazza Pitti, a historical figure from the art world also has ties to this square. Leonardo da Vinci’s world-renowned portrait, the Mona Lisa, is celebrated annually in piazza della Passera. His muse, Lisa Gherardini, was born on via Sguazza, parallel to the square.
5. Il Santino
A former wine cellar, Il Santino is a cozy space with exposed brick, wooden beams and shelves stacked full of local produce. Behind the bar, cured meats hang from hooks while beneath the marble countertop a glass cabinet displays temping Tuscan cold cuts, marinated vegetables and an array of cheeses. For a wonderful food and wine pairing, il Santino is the place to go.
6. Sant’Ambrogio
For an unadulterated Italian experience, the Sant’ Ambrogio neighborhood is the place to be. It sits just far enough from the center to filter out most tourists, yet it’s close enough to be a vibrant part of the city fabric. When passing through Sant’Ambrogio, stop by Cibrèo for a coffee and then stroll through the lively Sant’Ambrogio market.
7. Piazza Santo Spirito
Florence’s lively-yet-laid-back piazza is lined with good cafés and bars spilling out beneath the façade of Brunelleschi’s basilica. For a sense of local artisanal lifestyle, make your way to piazza Santo Spirito for live music at Volume, a spritz at Pop Cafè or a beer on the church steps.
8. The Medici Dynasty Show
Finish off your day with The Medici Dynasty Show, a cultural aperitif, which brings the Medici family back to life in a close-up portrait of siblings. This show aims to bridge the past, present and future; re-interpret humanism in the ‘now’ and re-create art with modern technology. It’s a must-see!
