A room with unrecognizably silent and empty cities: Venice without people, the streets of Boston without cars. An unsettling absence that feels halted and restless, perhaps leaving space for a flickering thought on the usual madness that occupies these spaces. The photographs by Mimmo Jodice on display at Villa Bardini until July 14 are sometimes deliberately distorted, burned and torn, and other times carefully crafted coastal postcards, or indeed actual correspondence itself, playing with the medium by placing packets of paper behind a frame, the only intervention being the addition of his s ..read more

Children automatically become Italian citizens by virtue of having a parent with Italian citizenship. However, this is not the case for the non-Italian spouse of an Italian citizen. Instead they have two options: they can either apply for citizenship by marriage or for a residency permit to live in Italy. This FAQ answers some of the questions about the process and requirements for citizenship by marriage and residency permits for non-Italian spouses of Italian citizens. Citizenship by marriage Who is eligible? Becoming an Italian citizen by marriage is also known as Jure Ma ..read more

On June 8 and 9, residents of Florence will vote in local elections to decide who will run the city and Italy’s representatives at the European Parliament. While nothing’s fully in black and white yet (the civic lists will be presented at the beginning of May), the campaigns are already underway. We offer advice on how to vote and take a look at the candidates in the running to become the future mayor of Florence. How to vote in the local elections in Florence On June 8 and 9, local elections will take place for the next Mayor of Florence, the district presidents and city councillors. Polli ..read more

Florentine non-profit Fondazione Claudio Ciai is marking its tenth anniversary, having been established in 2014 by Claudio Ciai’s family and friends following a tragic car accident that resulted in years of suffering and, finally, his death. Since then, the foundation, led by Claudio’s son, Francesco Ciai, has helped over 350 people and organizations, and raised over 250,000 euro. It promotes the social inclusion of people with disabilities and defends human rights. The tenth anniversary coincides with some good news for the foundation as it has been selected by the bioMérieux Endowment Fun ..read more

Aristocratic Florentine winemaking family Antinori has agreed to sponsor part of a conservative restoration campaign on the Ponte Vecchio. Ponte Vecchio restoration project rendering The City of Florence will be bearing most of the costs, while Marchesi Antinori is financing the part concerning the bridge’s facades. “Our family history has always been inextricably linked to Florence since the 13th century,” explains Piero Antinori, honorary president of Marchesi Antinori. “The city has given us so much over the centuries, which is why it is a pleasure for us to be able to be part of this imp ..read more

The recent 2024 Selezione Oli Extravergine showcase held at Cinema la Compagnia di Firenze served as an opportunity to delve into various aspects of the olive oil sector, including pressing techniques, research into cultivars and future prospects for the industry. The event was organized by Regione Toscana in collaboration with Florence’s Chamber of Commerce, PromoFirenze and Fondazione Sistema Toscana. Tuscany’s olive oil industry sprawls across 91,000 hectares, boasting a rich tapestry of over 15 million native olive trees and encompassing 80 different varieties. With over 36,000 companie ..read more

There is gentleness in the air as you walk along the lungarno, mesmerized by the reflection of the Uffizi and her neighbors in the storied river below. You stop for just a moment and take in the city, the breeze gently wisping through your hair, and you don’t even mind the newly arrived tourists yattering as the conglomeration of languages create a strange chirping all of its own. You never really mind the travelers anyway because, in all honesty, you are one yourself, even if you have made the Renaissance city your home. The sounds of gelato paddles clicking against the metal canisters that h ..read more

As someone with an ever-growing “TBR pile”, I get a twinge of anxiety whenever someone tells me that I have to read some book or another. There’s just no time, I think to myself, while simultaneously adding the title to my running list. So, I understand the panic in people’s eyes when I tell them I’m teaching a Dante course and that it’s a great opportunity for them to finally read the Divine Comedy. Though I know time is limited and pleasure reading is considered a luxury, here I am with 5 reasons that may convince you to make time for Dante and his divine poem. Nardo di Cione, Paradiso, Str ..read more

Spring gets everyone out and about to make the most of the sunshine. It’s the perfect time of year for strolls in the city, getting a new perspective on Florence by exploring the surroundings, or taking part in an outdoor experience that brings you into closer contact with the Tuscan countryside. Destination Florence has put together the best ways to enjoy spring in Florence. In the footsteps of the Medici There’s one family more synonymous with Florence than any other: the Medici dynasty made an indelible mark on the city, and the fascination with the family has remained centuries later ..read more

Florentine Emilia Mugnai was on maternity leave from her work with United Nations in Bangkok when she became fascinated with the varying cultures and traditions of families around the world. Her long-held dream was to marry a passion for beautiful items with the belief that they must also be “good and right”. Her husband, Aidan, was also the perfect partner in business, bringing his experience in international economic development to the opening of their Family Nation e-store, “an online showcase for 2.0 parents”, before launching their first physical store in Milan last November. The innovati ..read more