The Uffizi Gallery is not only the most famous museum in Florence but also one the most important museums in the world. The building dates back to 1560, it was built by Giorgio Vasari for Cosimo I de’ Medici to house the administrative and legal offices, uffizi in ancient Italian, of Florence. Giorgio Vasari completed it a few years later with the addition of a corridor, the Corridoio Vasariano, connecting the Gallery with the Pitti Palace, the new residence of the Medici family. In 1574 the works were entrusted by Francesco I de’ Medici, son of Cosimo I, to the architect Bernardo Buontalenti. Once the works were finished in 1581, Francesco I decided
The Charterhouse of St Martin (known as the Certosa di San Martino) perched high above the Vomero Hill overlooking the Bay of Naples, has been bearing witness to the long monastic and intricate history of the city. A superb repository of Neapolitan ancient splendours, riches, intrigues and mysteries, this unique monument has been decorated, adorned and altered over the centuries by some of Italy’s finest talents before becoming one the largest monumental complex in Naples and one of the most successful examples of Italian artistry. But when the fascinating history of this one-of-a kind imposing Charterhouse started? Let’s travel back
Pompeii and the lives of its inhabitants have always been at the core of many a debate, waving from truth to fantasy, reality to legends. A way to pierce the mysterious veil of time that covers this immortal city could be now possible thanks to the brand new exhibition running from May to 5th August 2019, called “Vanity: Stories of Jewel from Cyclades to Pompeii”. Vanity as an ephemeral pleasure always displayed through immense wealth, even in the Greek and Roman world, is indeed the theme of this unique refined even whose aim is to cast a light on the
When asked to describe his paintings, Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio used to say: “I borrow bodies and objects. I paint them to remind myself of the magic of the balance that governs the entire universe.” Magic itself is the right word to express the profound bond that tied such an inimitable artist with the city of Naples, whose unique and mysterious charm deeply inspired Caravaggio. This incredible rebel artist spent about 18 months in Naples between 1606 and 1609 until his death in Porto Ercole on the journey back to Rome: a blissful encounter with the Neapolitan lively local art
Hugo Pratt’s Famous Sailor Lands In Naples Sailing the sea, under the gentle cloak of thousands and thousands stars, looking for a new adventure beyond the horizon. This is indeed the spirit of Corto Maltese, the famous sea captain created by the genius of Hugo Pratt in 1967, whose ship is now landing to Naples to enter the halls of the MANN - Archaeological Museum of Naples - from 25th April to 9th September 2019. Born on the island of Malta in 1887, son of a sailor from Cornwall and a gypsy woman from Seville, Corto Maltese is the main
David Bowie the singer, the poet, the performer, the icon. The Thin White Duke has been undoubtedly one of the most representative artists of the XX century and after, since his music and songs have influenced many a generation. To quote one of his most famous lines he is truly a hero. This very word is the name of the brand new exhibition, Heroes, that the Japanese master of photography, Masayoshi Sukita, has dedicated to his long gone friend David Bowie. A collection of more than 60 pictures that will be displayed in the fabulous setting of Palazzo Medici Riccardi,
Antonio Canova is without any doubt the most refined embodiment of Neo-classic sculpture who has been hailed as “the last of the ancients and the first of the moderns” by generations of critics for his talent in melting together ancient and modern arts. He was an unparalleled genius able to transform marble into living flesh, shaping absolute masterpieces such as Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss, The Three Graces, Pauline Bonaparte as Venus Victrix to name some. For the first time his refined works will be on display at the MANN of Naples for the stunning exhibition “Canova e l’antico” (Canova
They say that Marc Chagall’s art is like the sun reflecting its light through the windows of a church resulting is a carnival of colours. Looking at his beautiful paintings there could not be a more appropriate definition. Chagall a Russian naturalized French painter of Jewish origin, whose real name was Moishe Segal, has been undoubtedly one of the most representatives artists in the contemporary art. His paintings, inspired by the Russian fairy tales and the Holy Bible, were a stunning expression of how colours can overcome the outlines and expand to the infinite as it happens only in dreams.
Everybody knows Leonardo da Vinci, the genius, the talent, the innovator, the spirit of Italian Renaissance. But what about his mentor? Yes, Leonardo also had a master who was able to inspire in him the will to dare and go beyond the limits of human fantasy. His name was Andrea del Verrocchio, an emblematic artist of the Florentine Renaissance, whose major artworks will be on display at Palazzo Strozzi from 9th March to 14th July 2019. The exhibition will be undoubtedly a stunning and refined showcase with over 120 artworks including paintings, sculptures and drawings coming from the world’s leading
Free Entry To Italy’s Most Famous Attractions In March Would you like visiting the Uffizi Gallery, the Archaeological Site of Pompeii, the Royal Palace of Naples and the Colosseum for free? Next week you can! From the 5th to the 10th March 2019 will be inaugurated the Museum Week, a special event organized by the Minister of Cultural Heritage Alberto Bonisoli together with the MiBAC: locals and tourists from all over the world can finally visit some of Italy’s most famous attractions without paying a cent! This first edition of Museum Week will include six days in a row
Are you ready to experience the best Carnival you have ever had? If your answer is affirmative then you really should not miss the Great Carnival in Maiori, one of the most awaited events on the Amalfi Coast since the Seventies. Thousands of masks, floats, dancing groups and a rain of confetti are going to fill the streets of the small village along with live music, traditional games and various entertainment. The first edition dates back to 1971 when the parade was called Gran Carnevale Maiorese and focused on life in the ancient Roman Empire: a huge banquet was set
Vincent Van Gogh is undoubtedly of the most controversial and genial artists the world has ever known. A man whose art has deeply influenced the twentieth century and not only. In the arc of a decade, he created about 2100 artworks, above all paintings, mostly characterized by a deep and dramatic representation of reality, whose ultimate yet elusive meaning, has profoundly inspired modern art. This very meaning is now living in Florence among the walls of the deconsecrated church of Santo Stefano al Ponte, a short walk from the Ponte Vecchio, thanks to the multimedia exhibition Van Gogh Alive –
The Castel Nuovo (or Maschio Angioino) is one of the most famous and important symbols of the city of Naples. It majestic architecture, facing the deep blue Mediterranean Sea, has been part of the history of Naples over the last eight centuries, silently witnessing the constant succession of men who have made the history of the city great. But what’s the real history of Castle Nuovo? Let’s start from the beginning of the story… Named Castrum Novum (New Castle) to distinguish it from the other two royal residences of Naples (Castel dell’Ovo and Castel Capuano), this huge Neapolitan medieval fortress was
If you are looking for a unique and tasty Valentine’s Day or if you simply crave for chocolate you should really come to Naples and let yourself be charmed by Chocoliamo, one of the biggest fairs of chocolate and sweets in Italy. This amazing event dedicated to all chocolate lovers will take place from Friday 8th to Sunday 17th February with ten days of celebrations in the charming neighbourhood of Chiaja, surely of the most enchanting and magic venues of Naples. Walking among the characteristic alleys and buildings of Piazza San Pasquale, Piazza Amendola e Laboratori, all chocoholic will have
Gelato, the good quality one, knows no climate or season. Italians can consume gelato to cool off during summer time or they simply enjoy it for the pure pleasure of tasting an authentic delicacy! At any given time of the day, you’ll indeed find Italians sitting in the squares, walking in the streets, socializing with one another, and enjoying each other’s company over a cone or two. Cioccolato, pistacchio, stracciatella, nocciola, vaniglia…. you are spoilt for choice! But Gelato has also a social value. It has the power to create a sense of belonging and to brings people together. Even
Are you a fan of vintage clothing? Do you like to dress with style and unique garments? Here an unmissable winter event that will definitely suit you! From Wednesday 23rd to Sunday 27th January 2019, the scenic location of the Cavaniglia Pavilion within the Fortezza da Basso in Florence, will host the 33rd edition of the unique fashion fair “Vintage Selection”, considered one of the most prestigious fashion events and an unmissable appointment for vintage clothing lovers. Organized by Stazione Leopolda together with Pitti Immagine, Vintage Selection is a must-see for all fans of vintage culture in search of original
A Brand New Exhibition In The Recently Opened Antiquarium A great news for all Archaeology lovers: the famous Antiquarium of Herculaneum, after almost 44 years, has finally opened to the public to hosts the brand new exhibition “SplendORI, Luxury in the Ornaments of Herculaneum”. Running from the 20th of December 2018 until the 30th September 2019, this incredible collection includes more than 100 jewels and objects from the ancient Roman city of Herculaneum. A unique exhibition that will tell us hundreds of stories of all those who died during the tragic eruption of Mount Vesuvius back in 79 AD. The
Rome is definitely full to the brim with cultural sights, attractions, incredible exhibitions and unmissable events. You may feel overwhelmed and spend your whole time in the Eternal City dragging yourself between monuments and museums without the time to fully discover what this unique city has to offer. Time can indeed be a big issue when traveling, but sometimes you may drift into missing very interesting events while chasing more famous sights. If you want to wander off the beaten path, if you are a true art lover or simply if you need to catch your breath during your winter
Christmas in Naples is something unique and astonishing, a perfect fusion between the sacred and the profane, the tradition and the innovation: the bustling streets of the historical city centre filled with decorations, the traditional melodies of the zampognari (bagpipes players), the smell of roasted chestnuts and hazelnuts coated in caramel melting together with the unique aroma of the Neapolitan espresso coffee, and, above all, the famous presepe (nativity scene), surely the most representative example of the Neapolitan Christmas. How many of you have walked along the narrow streets of San Gregorio Armeno and have been enchanted by the countless
Another extraordinary female image re-emerges in Pompeii during the new excavations of the Regio V. The myth of Leda and the swan depicted in a unique fresco has been indeed discovered during the stabilization and re-profiling of the excavation fronts, in a cubicle (bedroom) of a house along Via del Vesuvio. The painting, a triumph of sensuality, represents the junction between Zeus, transformed into a swan, and Leda, daughter of Thestios, the King of Pleuron and wife of Tyndareus king of Sparta. According to the Greek myth, Zeus, in love with Leda, turned into a swan to mate with her
Naples is definitely an amazing city with over 2000 years of history and endless things to do and to visit. It is often gritty and chaotic, with its bustling streets and open air markets but beautiful and authentic at the same time. A place of soul-stirring art-works and landscapes, fascinating buildings and unexpected, inimitable treasures. Everybody knows about the city aboveground with its castles, the museums and the sun-drenched streets, but the real essence of Naples, its heart, lies in the shadow. Naples underground is full of mysterious and gloomy labyrinths where history meets with legend, magic and spirituality. There
A recent discovery in Pompeii seems to change without any doubt the date of the catastrophic eruption of Mt Vesuvius that destroyed the ancient Roman cities in the I century AD. In a letter to the historian Tacitus written 25 years after the tragic event, Pliny the Younger recalls the last days of his uncle and the violent eruption of Mt Vesuvius dating it back to “nonum kal Septembres”, which is nine days before the beginning of September or the 24th of August 79 AD. A day that has always been taken for granted to calendar this natural disaster. Until
If you are planning to visit the MANN (Archaeological Museum of Naples) in these days, you should be aware of Le quattro giornate di Napoli, the four days of Naples, a fundamental event in the Neapolitan and Italian history. Le quattro giornate di Napoli took place between 27th – 30th September 1943 and refer to those days when Neapolitan people gathered and fought to send the Nazi army away, by counting only on their forces and will of freedom. An important event indeed since Naples was the first city in Europe to free itself from the German army’s oppression and
Cumae, Discovered An Ancient Tomb Featuring A Naked Servant Cumae, the oldest Ancient Greek settlement in the western world, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and intriguing places for archaeologists. Founded in the second half of the 8th century BC by Greeks from Euboea, later sacked by the Oscans and then incorporated into the Roman Empire, this ancient city and its precious and amazing findings have indeed casted a light on crucial aspects of the Greek culture and on the ancient civilization of Ancient Campania. In recent years archaeologists have focused the excavations on an area where a Greek
Rome 2018 Aperol Spritz Festival: A Unique Event To Taste The Famous Italian Cocktail Have you ever heard about Spritz? Would you like to taste this amazing Italian long drink? Well, if the answer is “yes” you cannot miss the event Rome 2018 Aperol Spritz Festival hosted by Roma.Eat, that will take place in the Italian city on Sunday 23 September 2018 at Palazzo Brancaccio. For one day the halls of this marvellous historical palace will be transformed in Aperol Spritz bars opened from 6pm to 2am: 5 stands in total, where famous Italian bartenders will prepare their best cocktails for a
Florence Jazz Fringe Festival 2018 Have you ever heard about the Florence Jazz Fringe Festival (FJFF)? It is one of the most successful and lively festivals in Italy, born from an idea of Furio Di Castri, an Italian musician, who during the first edition was able to register 25,000 admissions, a considerable achievement undoubtedly. FJFF will be back for the Florentine Summer 2018 from 5 to 9 September: 5 days for 70 hours of music, 150 artists who will perform in 12 places for over 50 performances, with a program that will celebrate and enhance the originality of music. FJFF
The Rome Of Kings: A Journey In The Ancient Rome How was life in the Rome of kings, when neither the Senate nor the Empire existed? The answer may lie in the new exhibition that is taking place in Rome at the Capitoline Museums within the rooms of Palazzo Cafarelli and in the area of the Temple of Jupiter until the 27th of January 2019. “The Rome of the kings. The story of Archaeology” it will be indeed the first of a series of temporary exhibits whose aim is to allow visitors to learn about the most ancient phase in
“In Search Of Stabiae”, A New Exhibition Casts Light On The Ancient City Of Stabiae And Its Inhabitants “In Search of Stabiae” is the title of a new exhibition that has been inaugurated at the Antiquarium of Pompeii on the 31st July 2018, and will be on display until the 31st January 2019. The exhibit will focus on the Ancient town of Stabiae that, together with the archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, is without a doubt an area of great interest in the reconstruction of territory settlement dynamics in Campania during the Roman Empire and before it. Thanks to
FERRAGOSTO IN ITALY: regular openings for museums and archaeological sites Ferragosto is a special day for Italian people, celebrated every year from North to South on the 15th of August. Nowadays it is a catholic feast day in honour of the Virgin Mary, but its roots date back to the Roman Empire. The name Ferragosto comes from the Latin “Feriae Augusti”, which means “August’s rest”, and indicated the days set to celebrate the emperor Octavian Augustus, the first Roman emperor, from which the month of August takes its name. In ancient times, as a pagan feast, it was celebrated
NIGHT WALK IN POMPEII, OPLONTIS AND STABIAE A night with history or better say in the light of history. This could be the motto of the event promoted by the Ministry for Cultural Heritage and Activities that will take place from Friday 27th until 28th September along the routes of the Vesuvian archaeological sites: Pompeii, the Villa of Poppaea at Oplontis, the Antiquarium of Boscoreale and, for the first time, the Villa S. Marco at Stabiae will be illuminated on Friday and Saturday evenings for an evocative night walk. In Pompeii the night walk will begin from Porta Marina and