What to Do in Florence During the Day

Considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is rich in history and art.

Visit the Uffizi and Palazzo Vecchio to admire the work of Renaissance masters and learn about Florence’s scientific revolution at the Museo Galileo. Alternatively, escape to the beautiful Tuscan countryside and enjoy a round of golf on the world-class course, Poggio Dei Medici.

MUSEO GALILEO

In 2010 the Institute and Museum of the History of Science was revamped and renamed the Museo Galileo.

Dedicated to the father of modern science, Galileo Galilei, the Museum houses over 1,000 instruments and devices, including the telescope Galileo used to find Jupiter’s moon. Alongside the impressive scientific collections of the houses of Medici and Lorraine, look out for Galileo’s mummified middle finger. Missing for decades, this legendary digit turned up at auction in 2009 mounted on a marble base. The rest of Galileo’s remains are buried at the Sante Croce Basilica in Florence. A family centered museum, Museo Galileo offers an interactive video guide with animations showing how the scientific instruments actually worked. Contact the Museum’s secretariat for a child-friendly private tour with a knowledgeable guide dressed as Galileo.

Professor Paulo Galluzzi

+39 055 265 311

p.galluzzi@museogalileo.it

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Email Secretariat: info@museogalileo.it

Instituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza, Piazza dei Giudici, 1, 50122

www.museogalileo.it

POGGIO DEI MEDICI GOLF COURSE

Poggio dei Medici lies in the beautiful Mugello valley only 20 miles from the center of Florence.

The course is a design collaboration between Italian architect Alvise Rossi Fioravanti and professional golfer Baldovino Dassù. Thanks to its worldwide reputation, Poggio dei Medici hosted the Ladies European Tour from 1999 to 2003. The quality course offers five different starting tees, and an extensive driving range together with pitching and putting greens. Book a private lesson with a PGA instructor. There is an onsite resort with a swimming pool, gym, Turkish bath and spa. The clubhouse occupies an attractive 16th century building and there are plans to construct nine more holes in this beautiful Tuscan location.

PALAZZO VECCHIO

Palazzo Vecchio is the historical seat of government for the city of Florence.

Currently the office of the Mayor of Florence and the seat of the City Council, many of Palazzo Vecchio’s monumental rooms and halls are now open to visitors. Guests are greeted at the entrance by a replica of Michelangelo’s David, since the original now resides at the Accademia Gallery. Designed by Duomo architect Arnolfo di Cambio, the Palazzo Vecchio was built in the late 13th century on the Piazza della Signoria. Remodeled by Cosimo I de’Medici in 1540, the elaborate interior is an unexpected revelation, contrasting starkly with the coarse stone exterior. Home to the Florentine Republic parliament in 1494, the 13,000 square foot Salone dei Cinquecento is bursting with outstanding artwork from frescoes by Vasari to Michelangelo’s formidable Genius of War. To arrange private viewings of the site or private guided tours contact Elena Pianea at e.pianea@comune.fi.it/gestione.musei@comune.fi.it

UFFIZI

Designed by architect and painter Vasari, the Uffizi was completed in 1581 under the supervision of architect Bernado Buontalenti.

The Uffizi, meaning ‘office’, originally housed government offices and the official mint before its conversion to a national art gallery that first opened to the public in 1756. One of the world’s oldest and most influential galleries, the Uffizi displays the greatest Italian and European art from the 13th to 18th centuries, including Botticelli’s stunning Birth of Venus, Leonardo da Vinci’s the Adoration of the Magi and Carravagio’s Medusa. The walls of Bernardo Buontalenti’s octagonal Tribuna room are decorated with impressive floor-to-ceiling Renaissance paintings from the Medici collection. The Vasari corridor, commissioned by the Grand Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici in 1564, houses the Uffizi’s dazzling selection of self-portraits. The corridor links Palazzo Pitti, the Duke’s former residence, with the government palace, Palazzo Vecchio. Crossing the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge, the corridor joins up with the Uffizi gallery. The Vasari Corridor can only be visted by guided tour for groups of up to five people. In the summer, waiting times for the Uffizi can be up to four hours. To avoid the long queues, contact Dr Cristina Acidini to arrange private guided tours of the Vasari Gallery and private viewings, conferences and gala dinners in the Uffizi.

OFFICINA PROFUMO-FARMACEUTICA DI SANTA MARIA NOVELLA

Established in the 1220s by Dominican friars, the Officina Profumo- Farmaceutica Di Santa Maria Novella is one of the oldest pharmacies in the world.

The friars developed their skills producing medication and revitalizing balms for the monastery’s infirmary using herbs from their own garden. The pharmacy opened its doors to the public in 1612 and was eventually named a ‘Distillery of His Royal Highness’ by the Grand Duke of Tuscany. The friars soon had buyers in China, Russia and India and they created the perfume Aqua della Regina for Caterina de’ Medici, the Queen of France. The pharmacy continues to use bespoke machinery and the highest quality natural ingredients to prepare the ancient recipes of Dominican Friar Angiolo Marchissi. Now a shop and a museum, the pharmacy even offers a range of perfumes for cats and dogs, specialty foods and special preparations for skin that has undergone cosmetic surgery. To book a private guided tour email visiteofficina@smnovella.com.

PALAZZO STROZZI

Cultural center Palazzo Strozzi hosts two major exhibitions a year, in addition to a permanent exhibition dedicated to the Palazzo’s history.

Founded in 2006, the Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi has worked to bring prestigious international cultural events to Florence. Situated in the heart of Florence, with entrances on the Via Tornabuoni and Piazza Strozzi, the Palazzo Strozzi is one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture. The palace’s distinctive rusticated masonry is in stark contrast with the contemporary exhibitions that it houses. Fashion shows and installations by leading contemporary artists and free classical, jazz and contemporary music concerts regularly take place in the splendid courtyard, which also has a lively café-bar. From September 17, 2011 to January 22, 2012, the Palazzo Strozzi will host an exhibition entitled Money and Beauty; Bankers, Botticelli and the Bonfire of the Vanities. This exhibition will explore the relationship between the modern banking system and the Renaissance art movement. Palazzo Strozzi can arrange private visits and host special events.