Florence's Hidden Art Treasures - WSJ.Com

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Florence's Hidden Art Treasures - WSJ.Com Florence's Hidden Art Treasures - WSJ.com http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB100014240527023045125045794... Dow Jones Reprints: This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. To order presentation-ready copies for distribution to your colleagues, clients or customers, use the Order Reprints tool at the bottom of any article or visit www.djreprints.com See a sample reprint in PDF format. Order a reprint of this article now SITES & SIGHTINGS Florence's Hidden Art Treasures Some of the city's masterpieces, including its largest private garden and a library by Michelangelo, can be seen by appointment only By AKHIL SHARMA April 24, 2014 1:19 p.m. ET Vasari Corridor Francesco Lastrucci for The Wall Street Journal FLORENCE IS BLESSED with some of the world's greatest treasures: Botticelli's zaftig Venus, Raphael's elegant Madonnas, the soaring Duomo. But there's more in this Renaissance capital than meets the public eye—in fact, some of its most impressive works aren't out on display. They are tucked inside monasteries or schools, locked behind family-owned gates or shut away in museum annexes for lack of security funds. Still, with time and patience, anyone can book an appointment to see Florence's largest private garden or a library Michelangelo designed for the Medici family. Enlisting professional help will spare you pleading phone calls, emails and sometimes even faxes. (Luxury travel agency Red Savannah and the concierge at the Hotel Savoy helped me.) Plan at least two months in advance. "Accept the very small windows of opportunities that are going to come," said Sarah-Leigh Shenton, marketing director at Red Savannah. "Don't try to negotiate for a nicer time so you can have a leisurely breakfast." Here are five of the city's 1 of 4 4/26/2014 11:57 AM Florence's Hidden Art Treasures - WSJ.com http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB100014240527023045125045794... most special "by appointment only" sites. If you score a slot, you might just be the only visitor of the day. Vasari Corridor Dan Brown's novel "Inferno" brought fame to this kilometer-long passageway that stretches across the Arno River, from the Palazzo Vecchio and Uffizi Gallery on the northern bank to the Palazzo Pitti on the south. The upside: It's easier to get an appointment to traverse the hall these days. The drawback: A rare experience is becoming common. Named for its designer, Giorgio Vasari, the corridor was built by the Medici family in 1564 so they could travel privately between their home (Palazzo Pitti) and the seat of government in the Palazzo Vecchio. Before the elevated hall was constructed along the Ponte Vecchio there was a meat market on the bridge; the Medici did not relish the smell, so the market was replaced with goldsmithing, which you can still see there today. Now part of the Uffizi, the corridor is lined with self-portraits, including some interesting ones by Bernini and Ingres. But the best part of visiting is the vast, meditative views of the Arno. Tours start from inside the Uffizi or the Boboli Gardens. uffizi.com Contini Bonacossi Collection Entering the building where this collection is stored feels like going into a bank vault—visitors pass through a series of locked doors into a set of small, bland rooms. The artwork is certainly worth guarding: In the collection are a marble statue of St. Lawrence writhing on a gridiron (the only Bernini sculpture in Florence), an unrestored El Greco and one of Veronese's most lively paintings, an upper-class man keeping his son from stepping out of the frame. The works belonged to Alessandro Contini Bonacossi, an art dealer who was convicted of being a fascist and Nazi collaborator after World War II. When Bonacossi died in 1955, he left some 1,000 pieces, including works by Tintoretto, Bernini and Veronese, to Italy. After his heirs challenged the will, the public was left with these 35 objects. Via Lambertesca, uffizi.org Contini Bonacossi Collection Scala/Art Resource, NY Laurentian Library This might just be the most exciting architectural space in Florence. Designed by Michelangelo for Medici Pope Clement VII in 1523-24, the library has influenced artists for centuries—Mark Rothko, for one, said that it informed his 2 of 4 4/26/2014 11:57 AM Florence's Hidden Art Treasures - WSJ.com http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB100014240527023045125045794... 1950s Seagram Murals. The library is in a cloister inside the Basilica di San Lorenzo di Firenze, one of the city's largest churches. You enter by stepping into a small, dim vestibule with 44-foot-high ceilings. The room's height is intimidating, as is the massive, steep stone staircase on one side. That tension is part of the genius of its design —ascending to the reading room is, in a way, like passing from anxious ignorance into civilized calm. The airy space is topped by a gold and red ceiling and lined with two rows of carved reading benches. Books were once attached to them by chains, but are now kept in humidity-controlled storage. Piazza San Lorenzo, 9, www.bml.firenze.sbn.it Laurentian Library Francesco Lastrucci for The Wall Street Journal Torrigiani Garden Hidden behind high yellow walls, this 17-acre private garden is by far the largest in Florence. It was laid out in the early 1800s, at the height of the Romantic period, and features meandering paths, as well as follies like a 98-foot-tall stone tower. Sculptures are scattered throughout the garden—one of the Egyptian god Osiris, another of a lion attacking a bull. Tours are usually led by members of the Torrigiani family; if you're lucky, you'll get personal perspective on what it's like to own a piece of land for Torrigiani Garden Francesco Lastrucci for The Wall centuries. Via dei Serragli, 144, giardinotorrigiani.it Street Journal Villa I Tatti In the early 20th century, Bernard Berenson, an American art historian, bought an unremarkable farmhouse on the border of Florence and Fiesole, and turned it into a Renaissance-style villa surrounded by 70 acres of olive groves and gardens. Today it houses a Harvard institute for Renaissance art, in addition to the late Mr. Berenson's art collection and library. Religious paintings are arranged salon-style on the walls; pieces of centuries-old altars are scattered throughout the quiet halls and rooms. Among the collection's highlights are a terrifically moving "Entombment of Christ" by Giotto, depicting a disciple kissing the dead Christ, and a joyful "Madonna and Child with Goldfinch." The grounds are considered so historically important that their preservation is mandated by law. Via di Vincigliata 26, 3 of 4 4/26/2014 11:57 AM Florence's Hidden Art Treasures - WSJ.com http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB100014240527023045125045794... itatti.harvard.edu Villa I Tatti Gary Rogers/The Garden Collection Copyright 2013 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com 4 of 4 4/26/2014 11:57 AM.
Recommended publications
  • Discovering Florence in the Footsteps of Dante Alighieri: “Must-Sees”
    1 JUNE 2021 MICHELLE 324 DISCOVERING FLORENCE IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF DANTE ALIGHIERI: “MUST-SEES” In 1265, one of the greatest poets of all time was born in Florence, Italy. Dante Alighieri has an incomparable legacy… After Dante, no other poet has ever reached the same level of respect, recognition, and fame. Not only did he transform the Italian language, but he also forever altered European literature. Among his works, “Divine Comedy,” is the most famous epic poem, continuing to inspire readers and writers to this day. So, how did Dante Alighieri become the father of the Italian language? Well, Dante’s writing was different from other prose at the time. Dante used “common” vernacular in his poetry, making it more simple for common people to understand. Moreover, Dante was deeply in love. When he was only nine years old, Dante experienced love at first sight, when he saw a young woman named “Beatrice.” His passion, devotion, and search for Beatrice formed a language understood by all - love. For centuries, Dante’s romanticism has not only lasted, but also grown. For those interested in discovering more about the mysteries of Dante Alighieri and his life in Florence , there are a handful of places you can visit. As you walk through the same streets Dante once walked, imagine the emotion he felt in his everlasting search of Beatrice. Put yourself in his shoes, as you explore the life of Dante in Florence, Italy. Consider visiting the following places: Casa di Dante Where it all began… Dante’s childhood home. Located right in the center of Florence, you can find the location of Dante’s birth and where he spent many years growing up.
    [Show full text]
  • The Flowering of Florence: Botanical Art for the Medici" on View at the National Gallery of Art March 3 - May 27, 2002
    Office of Press and Public Information Fourth Street and Constitution Av enue NW Washington, DC Phone: 202-842-6353 Fax: 202-789-3044 www.nga.gov/press Release Date: February 26, 2002 Passion for Art and Science Merge in "The Flowering of Florence: Botanical Art for the Medici" on View at the National Gallery of Art March 3 - May 27, 2002 Washington, DC -- The Medici family's passion for the arts and fascination with the natural sciences, from the 15th century to the end of the dynasty in the 18th century, is beautifully illustrated in The Flowering of Florence: Botanical Art for the Medici, at the National Gallery of Art's East Building, March 3 through May 27, 2002. Sixty-eight exquisite examples of botanical art, many never before shown in the United States, include paintings, works on vellum and paper, pietre dure (mosaics of semiprecious stones), manuscripts, printed books, and sumptuous textiles. The exhibition focuses on the work of three remarkable artists in Florence who dedicated themselves to depicting nature--Jacopo Ligozzi (1547-1626), Giovanna Garzoni (1600-1670), and Bartolomeo Bimbi (1648-1729). "The masterly technique of these remarkable artists, combined with freshness and originality of style, has had a lasting influence on the art of naturalistic painting," said Earl A. Powell III, director, National Gallery of Art. "We are indebted to the institutions and collectors, most based in Italy, who generously lent works of art to the exhibition." The Exhibition Early Nature Studies: The exhibition begins with an introductory section on nature studies from the late 1400s and early 1500s.
    [Show full text]
  • A New Chronology of the Construction and Restoration of the Medici Guardaroba in the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence
    A NEW CHRONOLOGY OF THE CONSTRUCTION AND RESTORATION OF THE MEDICI GUARDAROBA IN THE PALAZZO VECCHIO, FLORENCE by Mark Rosen One of the most unusual projects overseen by Giorgio Vasari in the Palazzo Vecchio in Flor- ence, the Guardaroba is a trapezoidal room containing a late-sixteenth-century cycle of fi fty-three geographical maps of the earth affi xed in two tiers to the front of a series of wooden cabinets (fi g. 1). Vasari published a detailed program for the Guardaroba project in the second edition of “Le vite de’ piu eccellenti pittori scultori e architettori” in 15681, at a moment when the project, begun in 1563, was still in development. The program defi nes it as a complete cosmography of the known universe, with maps, globes, painted constellations, illustrations of fl ora and fauna, and portraits of great historical leaders. Rarities and artworks placed inside the cabinets would act together with this custom-designed imagery to refl ect back on the name and charismatic persona of Vasari’s patron, Cosimo I de’ Medici (1519–1574). The idea and program behind the Medici Guardaroba had roots in late medieval studioli — small, womb-like study spaces that valorized private contemplation and collecting through complex humanistic decoration. Yet the goal of this new space was to be a public theater for the court’s cosmography and its power to collect and sort the duchy’s fi nest objects. The incomplete status of the room today — which includes only a series of empty cabinets, a terrestrial globe (1564–1568) by the Dominican scientist Egnazio Danti, and a cycle of maps painted by Danti (between 1563 and 1575) and Stefano Buonsignori (from 1576 through c.
    [Show full text]
  • The Best of Renaissance Florence April 28 – May 6, 2019
    Alumni Travel Study From Galleries to Gardens The Best of Renaissance Florence April 28 – May 6, 2019 Featuring Study Leader Molly Bourne ’87, Professor of Art History and Coordinator of the Master’s Program in Renaissance Art at Syracuse University Florence Immerse yourself in the tranquil, elegant beauty of Italy’s grandest gardens and noble estates. Discover the beauty, drama, and creativity of the Italian Renaissance by spending a week in Florence—the “Cradle of the Renaissance”—with fellow Williams College alumni. In addition to a dazzling array of special openings, invitations into private homes, and splendid feasts of Tuscan cuisine, this tour offers the academic leadership of Molly Bourne (Williams Class of ’87), art history professor at Syracuse University Florence. From the early innovations of Giotto, Brunelleschi, and Masaccio to the grand accomplishments of Michelangelo, our itinerary will uncover the very best of Florence’s Renaissance treasury. Outside of Florence, excursions to delightful Siena and along the Piero della Francesca trail will provide perspectives on the rise of the Renaissance in Tuscany. But the program is not merely an art seminar—interactions with local food and wine experts, lunches inside beautiful private homes, meanders through stunning private gardens, and meetings with traditional artisans will complement this unforgettable journey. Study Leader MOLLY BOURNE (BA Williams ’87; PhD Harvard ’98) has taught art history at Syracuse University Florence since 1999, where she is also Coordinator of their Master’s Program in Renaissance Art History. A member of the Accademia Nazionale Virgiliana, she has also served as project researcher for the Medici Archive Project and held a fellowship at Villa I Tatti, the Harvard Center for Renaissance Studies.
    [Show full text]
  • Gardens of Genoa, the Italian Riviera & Florence
    American Horticultural Society Travel Study Program GARDENS OF GENOA, THE ITALIAN RIVIERA & FLORENCE September 5 – 14, 2017 WITH AHS HOST KATY MOSS WARNER AND TOUR LEADER SUSIE ORSO OF SPECIALTOURS American Horticultural Society Announcing an 7931 East Boulevard Drive Alexandria, VA 22308 American Horticultural www.ahsgardening.org/travel Society Travel Study Program GARDENS OF GENOA, THE ITALIAN RIVIERA & FLORENCE September 5 – 14, 2017 WITH AHS HOST KATY MOSS WARNER AND TOUR LEADER SUSIE ORSO OF SPECIALTOURS Designed with the connoisseur of garden travel in mind, GARDENS OF GENOA, THE ITALIAN RIVIERA & FLORENCE the American Horticultural Society Travel Study Program Join us for unforgettable experiences including: offers exceptional itineraries that include many exclusive • Boboli Gardens, created by Cosimo I de’ Medici experiences and unique insights. Your participation benefits the work of the American Horticultural Society • Museum of the Park – the International Centre and furthers our vision of “Making America a Nation of of Open-Air Sculpture, an open air “botanical art Gardeners, a Land of Gardens.” gallery” • Uffizi Gallery, with work by masters including Botticelli, Michelangelo, da Vinci and Raphael • Villa Gamberaia and many other villas and palaces with wonderfully designed and tended gardens • The Italian city of Genoa, with its restored waterfront; Santa Margherita and Portofino, with their colorful charm; and Florence, the beloved Renaissance city Look inside for more details about this remarkable program… Please refer to the enclosed reservation form for pricing and instructions to reserve your place on this AHS Travel Study Program tour. For more information about AHS Travel Study Program tours, please contact development@ahsgardening.
    [Show full text]
  • TREASURES from the Uffizi Gallery Overview
    Offering of the Angels: Treasures from the Uffizi Gallery Overview Oering of the Angels: Treasures from the Uzi Gallery is a traveling exhibition from the famed Uzi Gallery in Florence, Italy. The exhibition features 45 works – two large tapestries and 43 paintings by Renaissance artists from the 15th to 17th century. This exhibition, along with related programming, will be presented at the James A. Michener Art Museum from April 21, 2012 – August 10, 2012. Curated by Antonio Natali, the Director of the Uzi, the exhibition examines classical sacred art as the visual representation of the path to redemption and the life of Christ, and also presents the broad diversity and stylistic evolution of art from Northern Italy during the seminal Renaissance period. The exhibition includes works by masters such as Botticelli, Tintoretto, Parmigianino, Lorenzo Monaco, Guercino, Cristofano and Alessandro Allori. A recently restored painting attributed to Tiziano has just been added to the exhibition, and will be on public display for the rst time in recent history. This tour is the only time these masterworks will be seen in the United States, and the Michener Art Museum is the only venue to host this exhibition in the Northeast region. www.MichenerArtMuseum.org A Night at the Uffizi A night of firsts To celebrate the première of the exhibition Oering of the Angels: Treasures from the Uzi Gallery, the James A. Michener Art Museum is hosting a black tie gala event, A Night at the Uzi. Oering of the Angels is the rst American tour of these works by Italian Renaissance masters and features 15th-17th century paintings and tapestries from the renowned Uzi Gallery in Florence, Italy.
    [Show full text]
  • Sponsor-A-Michelangelo Works Are Reserved in the Order That Gifts Are Received
    Sponsor-A-Michelangelo Works are reserved in the order that gifts are received. Please call 615.744.3341 to make your selection. Michelangelo: Sacred and Profane, Masterpiece Drawings from the Casa Buonarroti October 30, 2015–January 6, 2016 Michelangelo Buonarroti. Man with Crested Helmet, ca. 1504. Pen and ink, 75 Michelangelo Buonarroti. Study for a x 56 mm. Casa Buonarroti, Florence, inv. Draped Figure, ca. 1506. Pen and ink over 59F black chalk, 297 x 197 mm. Casa Buonarroti, Florence, inv. 39F Sponsored by: Michelangelo Buonarroti. Study for the Leg of the Christ Child in the “Doni Sponsored by: Tondo,” ca. 1506. Pen and ink, 163 x 92 mm. Casa Buonarroti, Florence, inv. 23F Sponsored by: Michelangelo Buonarroti. Study for the Apostles in the Transfiguration (Three Nudes), ca. 1532. Black chalk, pen and Michelangelo Buonarroti. Study for the ink. 178 x 209 mm. Casa Buonarroti, Michelangelo Buonarroti. Study for Christ Head of the Madonna in the “Doni Florence, inv. 38F Tondo,” ca. 1506. Red chalk, 200 x 172 in Limbo, ca. 1532–33. Red chalk over black chalk. 163 x 149 mm. Casa mm. Casa Buonarroti, Florence, inv. 1F Sponsored by: Buonarroti, Florence, inv. 35F Reserved Sponsored by: Sponsored by: Patricia and Rodes Hart Michelangelo Buonarroti. The Sacrifice of Isaac, ca. 1535. Black chalk, red chalk, pen and ink. 482 x 298 mm. Casa Michelangelo Buonarroti. Studies of a Horse, ca. 1540. Black chalk, traces of red Michelangelo Buonarroti. Study for the Buonarroti, Florence, inv. 70F chalk. 403 x 257 mm. Casa Buonarroti, Risen Christ, ca. 1532. Black chalk. 331 x 198 mm.
    [Show full text]
  • Welcome Pitcher & Flaccomio Picks for August
    WELCOME During July the streets of Florence have been scorching and August promises more of the same. So stay inside the museums and churches, drink lots of water, and in the evening head out for dinner under the stars. With best summer wishes from SUZANNE, CORSO, BEI, LESLIE, VANNI, ANNA PIA, RAFFAELLA, AND MARISA. PITCHER & FLACCOMIO PICKS FOR AUGUST BEST EVENT FOR AUGUST: SUMMER SEASON OF PERFORMANCES AT THE BARGELLO Text by Mary Gray from The Florentine Magazine “Estate al Bargello returns: Plays, dance performances and concerts in museum courtyard. Estate al Bargello is the umbrella title for 21 shows staged by the theatre group Compagnia Lombardi- Tiezzi, the Florence Dance Festival and the Orchestra da Camera Fiorentina. Festival organizers are the Ministero dei beni e delle attività, the Bargello Museum, the Tuscan Region, and the City of Florence's Estate Fiorentina committee, with sponsorship by the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze and additional support from the Banca CR Firenze. Start times and ticket prices vary, and both the Orchestra da Camera Fiorentina (tel. 055.783374; [email protected]) and Florence Dance Festival (tel. 055.289276; [email protected]) have special offers available for those interested in attending multiple shows. View additional information and showtimes on the Compagnia Lombardi-Tiezzi, Florence Dance Festival, and Orchestra da Camera Fiorentina websites.” P&F RENTAL PICK FOR AUGUST: A HILLSIDE HOME WITH A POOL SURROUNDED BY OLIVE TREES The hillside home is surrounded by olive trees, 4 km from the town of Bagno a Ripoli and 6 km to Viale Europa in Florence, where supermarkets, banking, general shopping, dry cleaners, post office, etc.
    [Show full text]
  • Notes on a Florence Visit
    Notes on A Florence Visit For Great Views of Florence without the Steps Frescoes of the Last Supper in Florence Roof of the Rinascente Department store Roof of the Ospedele degli Innocenti Upper floor of the Orsanmichele Church Recectory at San Marco Piazzale Michelangelo – take the #12 or #13 bus Refectory at St. Maria del Carmine Roof of the Oblate Library – 2 blocks from Duomo Refectory of Ognissante Church Take the bus from San Marco up to Fisole Refectory at Santa Maria Novella -painted by a nun- Sister Trattoria Le Mossacce Nelli Refectory at Santa Croce Videos to View Refectory of San Salvi Refectory at Sant’Apollonia Cenacolo of Fuligno The Medicis – on Netflick Rick Ruggiero on Road Scholar’s Virtual Lecture Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance -PBS YouTube – 3 hour walking tour of Florence Room With a View Secrets of Florence (on Hoopla) Books To Read Brunelleschi’s Dome – Ross King The Lives of the Artists – Vasari The Stones of Florence – McCarthy Birth of Venus – Dunant Looking at Painting in Florence – Paterson The Light in the Piazza - Spencer Places Not to Miss Mercato Centrale –Market, Food Court, Cooking School Grom Gelato Badia Fiorentina - for Night Vespers Duomo – inside without line – side entrance for English Mass on Sat. PM or Sun. Amici Card at the Uffizi for immediate entry Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella Ognissante Church – tomb of Botticello Giotto Crucifix Pazzi Chapel next to Santa Croce Leather School and Factory behind Santa Croce Vasari Corridor – expected to be opened this year Galileo Museum San Miniato Church Santissima Annunziata Church – painting of Mary completed by an angel Museum of Precious Stones Riccardo- Medici Palace – Chapel of the Magi San Maria dell Carmine Church -Brabcacci Chapel Santo Spirito Church – Michelangelo’s Crucifix .
    [Show full text]
  • Italy YOUR ITINERARY
    Offered to the Students and Friends of Smith Preparatory Academy and FCCPSA The Splendors of Italy Verona-Vicenza-Venice-Padua-Florence-Siena-San Gimignano-Rome* February 24 – March 7, 2022 YOUR ITINERARY Together with Leader Michael Phillips: Headmaster of Smith Preparatory Academy and a Director of FCCPSA. $ from Orlando* February 24–March 7, 2022 Tour Code: 222118 On February 24th, you will depart Orlando to spend 12 wonderful days discovering the splendors of Italy. Fantastic excursions, cultural encounters, historical sites, delicious food and exotic shopping make this trip exciting and rewarding. Bring these amazing memories home with you on March 7th. SPACE ON THE TOUR IS LIMITED, SO DON’T DELAY! PLEASE RETURN YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION AND $100 DEPOSIT TO EATOURS.COM BY AND RECEIVE A FREE GONDOLA RIDE IN VENICE! Verona, Vicenza, Padua & Venice February 24-February 27, 2022 Upon arrival February 25th, you will transfer to Verona, a delightful city for enjoying a guided tour* including the Roman Arena* and Juliet’s balcony before continuing to your hotel in Vicenza. Complete the afternoon exploring the city before dinner. The morning of February 26th, you will depart Vicenza on a scenic train* for an excursion to Padua! Padua is an old university town with an illustrious academic history that is rich in art and architecture. Upon arrival to Padua, a guided tour of the city* is planned, including the Scrovengi Chapel* and St. Anthony’s Basilica*. Dedicate this afternoon to exploring Vicenza where you may optionally visit Teatro Olympico. Your adventure continues February 27th, on a picturesque train* ride excursion to Venice! Enjoy a guided tour of the city* where you may see sights such as St.
    [Show full text]
  • Italy in Song the Great & Grand American Choral Series in Italy Florence · Verona · Venice · Lake Garda
    Italy In Song The Great & Grand American Choral Series in Italy Florence · Verona · Venice · Lake Garda Thursday, May 30 – Sunday, June 9, 2019 from $4145 with air / $2500 without air Registration Deadline: November 1, 2018 Experience Italy alongside HSU students during a choral festival in Florence, Italy, and surrounding areas. HSU’s Dr. Clell Wright is directing the festival choir in a performance of the Schubert Mass in G. The trip is open to any and all who want to go. You are welcome to sing in the chorus or simply tag along. Either Florence, Italy way, you’ll have a wonderful experience touring Florence, Verona, Lake Garda, and Venice. If you chose to sing the Schubert, no prior rehearsals are required – familiarize yourself with the piece on your own, then participate in rehearsals after arriving in Italy. (Purchase your copy of the score here: http://bit.ly/2ofgVBc.) The HSU choir will also present a concert in Verona with a repertoire different from the Schubert. If you’d like to sing these pieces with the HSU Choir, you must attend three days of rehearsals in Abilene, immediately prior to departure. TOUR ITINERARY (individual tour descriptions are listed below itinerary section) Day 1 – Thursday, May 30, 2019 Depart DFW (or other airport, as pre-arranged) Day 2 – Friday, May 31, 2019 - Florence Arrive in Rome via Frankfurt, Germany. Travel to Florence via motocoach. Check-in to 4-star hotel* located in central Florence. 7:00 PM-8:00 PM: Organizational meetings at Caffè Gilli or Caffè Pawszowski with MidAm and Custom Travel of Firenze staff.
    [Show full text]
  • Insider's Florence
    Insider’s Florence Explore the birthplace of the Renaissance November 8 - 15, 2014 Book Today! SmithsonianJourneys.org • 1.877.338.8687 Insider’s Florence Overview Florence is a wealth of Renaissance treasures, yet many of its riches elude all but the most experienced travelers. During this exclusive tour, Smithsonian Journey’s Resident Expert and popular art historian Elaine Ruffolo takes you behind the scenes to discover the city’s hidden gems. You’ll enjoy special access at some of Florence’s most celebrated sites during private after-hours visits and gain insight from local experts, curators, and museum directors. Learn about restoration issues with a conservator in the Uffizi’s lab, take tea with a principessa after a private viewing of her art collection, and meet with artisans practicing their ages-old art forms. During a special day in the countryside, you’ll also go behind the scenes to explore lovely villas and gardens once owned by members of the Medici family. Plus, enjoy time on your own to explore the city’s remarkable piazzas, restaurants, and other museums. This distinctive journey offers first time and returning visitors a chance to delve deeper into the arts and treasures of Florence. Smithsonian Expert Elaine Ruffolo November 8 - 15, 2014 For popular leader Elaine Ruffolo, Florence offers boundless opportunities to study and share the finest artistic achievements of the Renaissance. Having made her home in this splendid city, she serves as Resident Director for the Smithsonian’s popular Florence programs. She holds a Master’s degree in art history from Syracuse University and serves as a lecturer and field trip coordinator for the Syracuse University’s program in Italy.
    [Show full text]