Since the medieval period, the lion has been the animal symbol of Fiorenza (medieval Florence). The lion, representing the Republic of Florence, became known as the Marzocco. The origin of the name is believed to…. continue ›
Rip-roaring Marzocco!
Posts By: Freya
The English cemetery
Considering it’s Halloween, and tomorrow All Saint’s Day, I thought it appropriate to write a few lines on the so-called ‘English cemetery’ in Florence. Located in piazzale Donatello, the cemetery appears like an elevated island…. continue ›
Cantuccini – the biscotti that are cooked twice, dipped twice and indulged in countless times
The advertising campaign for the Pringle potato chips ‘once you pop you just can’t stop’ perfectly describes my cantucci addiction. I confess to being shamelessly hooked on cantucci. I cannot stop at one, or even…. continue ›
Ceramics in Florence – cooked earth never shone so bright
My mum is a born super sleuth and shopper, one of her many fortes is finding very cool shops wherever she is around the world. Cutting edge or artisanal, she’ll suss it out! Every time…. continue ›
Mantua: A Gonzaga getaway
A visit to Mantua (Mantova in Italian), located in the south east of the region of Lombardy, is ideal for a weekend getaway or an overnight stop in an Italian trip. Whilst the city is…. continue ›
The exotic in Florence – the Medici giraffe
Detail of The Gathering of Manna. 1540 by Francesco Bacchiacca in the National Gallery of Art, Washington I think that everybody agrees, the giraffes in the zoos always draw a crowd – tall, leaf eating,…. continue ›
Umbria: the perfect retreat
Spoleto’s medieval aquaduct / crossing After an intensive cultural and shopping experience in Florence, it is a perfect combo to then have a bit of rest and recuperation in the region of Umbria. Hire a…. continue ›
A Tuscan christmas
Pandoro being warmed by the fire. What will be on the table in Tuscany on the 25th December, Christmas day? Here is a pretty typical menu for this region: to start with a big plate…. continue ›
Florence: Wining & dining with Frescobaldi
The little wine bar section of the Frescobaldi restaurant, entrance from via della Condotta. The other day I dined for the first time at the Frescobaldi restaurant in central Florence, a stone’s throw from the…. continue ›
The Epiphany – Florence’s Kings
Adoration of the Magi, Filippino Lippi, 1496, oil on panel, Uffizi gallery, Florence. The Epiphany is celebrated on the 6th of January in the Christian calendar, the day dedicated to the adoration of the…. continue ›