Welcome to our Blog. Here you will find information about various topics, food, places, events, etc.
Legend about Romulus and Remus
According to the legend Rome was found by Romulus and Remus - boys, who suckled by a wolf and in this way rescued from death. Having divine roots – being sons of good of War – Mars - and grandchildren of king Numitor brothers gave Rome extraordinary beginning. But how everything happened? Brother of the king made conspiracy against the royal family so that he could become the king instead. As the boys in the future had to be the heirs of the throne he decided to kill them. And he chose wrong tactics – put them in the basket and let them flow in the river Tiber. Boys were saved by the wolf who fed them and let them become stronger and grow – very likely because of their father Mars protection. Shepherd found them in the forest and grew them as his own sons. When Romulus and Remus were mature they got to know that they are from royal family and killed the brother of the grandfather. Being the heirs to the throne both young men started to built new cities each – Romulus on Palatine and Remus on Aventine hills. The legend tells us, that Remus was killed by his brother Romulus because of insulting him and making fun of his new city. Becoming a king of Rome in 753BC Romulus kidnapped Sabine woman from the local tribe and made her his wife and so the Sabines became part of Roman society too. According to other legend after Romulus death, he was taken to heaven by his father Mars. So Rome can be proud of being established by the son of Mars and having these divine roots and the beginning.
An important part of Italian culture and life in Rome is food. We love cooking, and in this Blog among other things we present some of the most popular dishes of Italian gastronomy.
In this section we will gather some of our favourite italian dishes. Italian gastronomy is world famous for its taste and simplicity. We propose these delicious dishes that are very tasty and also rather easy to make.
During Renaisance and Enlighment periods, Rome was one of the destinations of the Grand Tour – a trip for young noble men before starting their political and professional career to gain knowledge, study languages and it could last for many months. Roman chefs were elite and had various titles. At the reign of emperor Hadrian they established private ''culinary art academy''.
Our dishes:
1. Spaghetti alle Vongole (Spaghetti with Clams)
2. Funghi Porcini (Boletus)
3. Spaghetti Carbonara. (Coming soon)
Spaghetti alle vongole veraci - Spaghetti with clams
Spaghetti alle vongole is a Neapolitan dish, one of the finest pasta Italy has to offer. It has a delicate taste and it also looks very fresh. It is one of our favourites dishes ever!
Ingredients for 2 persons:
500grams of vongole veraci clams
Parsley
Two or three pieces of garlic
160grams of spaghetti number 13 (De Cecco brand is our favourite)
Salt
Olive oil
First we need to wash the clams. The first step is to prepare the clams in a plate with salt water, let them rest for one hour. In this process the clams will "spit" its sand. The second step is to rinse them with cold running water. Now, we need to open them, put the clams in a frying pan and with low flame let them open. They will produce water, which we will not throw, it will contribute to the taste of our dish.
Now, lets cut some parsley, some "pepperoncino" pepper chili and prepare the garlic. Crush the garlic with the knife so that it will spread its taste better. In the meanwhile the clams are all open thanks to the heat. Lets add some olive oil, the garlic, the chili and half of the parsley, the rest of the parsley will be added in the end.
- Things are now frying! Mix well, add a bit of salt (if necessary). Mix mix mix...
- Cook the spaghetti, add some salt and a little of olive oil (to prevent foam).
- When the spaghetti is ready, mix it with the clams, let it cook a bit... Serve and enjoy!
Funghi Porcini (Boletus Edulis mushroom)
Another delicacy. Boletus Edulis mushrooms are famous in Europe. They grow only in the rain season (September-October). They are also rare and sometimes pricey. Nevertheless, very special taste, simply delicious.
Ingredients for 3 persons
- 400grams of Boletus Edulis mushrooms
- Salt
- Frying oil
- 2 eggs
Lets examine our mushrooms, this is the unique shape of the Boletus Edulis. We well clean and rinse the mushroom with water. Then we will cut the mushrooms in big chunks.
Prepare two dishes. One with two eggs another with flour. Then fry them on a high flame with the frying oil.
Prepare a large bowl with napkings so that it will absorb the oil. Add lots of salt and serve.
Travelling in Italy? We have gathered some information on the most popular places.
Around the Colosseum
By just taking bus 75 from Belvedere apartment, you can enjoy one of the most famous monuments in Rome, the Colosseum and Foro Romano area.
The district Celio has a life of its own and it retains this character since ancient Roman republican era, when the Caelian Hill was a fashionable residential district, separate from the rest of the town, though a few yards away from the Forum and all places of interest, exactly like it is now.
This is a newly built park, together with other two ones, older and magnificent, Colle Oppio (Domus Aurea) and Villa Celimontana, which surround the entire area. There are excellent wine bars, pubs and nice shops. You can find lots of things at 1-2 m walk: in Via S. Giovanni in Laterano you have two cash points, at "Pizza Forum" you get a real "original" pizza "the way Neapolitans cook it" (something not so common in Rome and outside Naples), refined connoisseur wine places are everywhere, a pharmacy is in Via Celimontana, a supermarket in Via Annia itself, another one in Via SS. Quattro, 1 minute walk away, three hospitals in the area etc.
Information about Sorrento
Rugged inaccessible cliffs alternated with pleasant beaches. The town’s coastal area is divided in two villages: Marina Piccola, with the harbour for ferries and hydrofoils, and Marina Grande, with its lidos and beaches. The enchanting landscape with its high cliffs, the superb views over the Gulf of Naples to Vesuvius, make Sorrento a traditional international holiday resort.
Probably founded by the Greeks and later conquered by the Samnites it eventually came under the Roman sphere influence. With the fall of the Roman empire and the barbarian invasions, Sorrento suffered the same devastating fate as many other Roman towns in Campania.
The town reached the height of its glory in the Middle Ages as a free maritime duchy, and even contested the supremacy of Amalfi and Naples in the Upper Tyrrhenian Sea.
Some of the most attractive places to visit include: Piazza Tasso, formerly called Largo di Castello; the Villa Comunale, town park on the cliff top with a superb view over the Gulf of Naples; Marina Grande, etc.
From Sorrento You can easily reach Punta Campanella, with its beautiful views and seascape from the very tip of the Gulf of Naples and also its relics of historical interest, as well as the towns of Massalubrense and Nerano.
Sorrento is one of the most romantic and famous tourist attractions in Italy. The main fascination of this town is the serene brilliance of its landscape, the flowering of its gardens, the mildness of its air. Many prefer the mild restful beauty of Sorrento, especially for a holiday, to the wild and rugged beauty of Capri, and the orgy of colour and granite of the coast of Amalfi. The town of Sorrento lies on a stratum of rock of volcanic origin about 50 meters above sea level, and has as its background the green hills of Sant'Agata, Tore, S. Angelo and Colli di Fontanelle, which separate the peninsula into the bays of Naples and Salerno.
From Vico Equense to Massalubrense visitor passes behind a curtain of orange trees, with their blossom in May, and silver olive trees.
Among the visitors who came here to enjoy its serenity for their works are: Goethe, Byron, F. Cooper, Walter Scott, Vittorio Alfieri, Giacomo Leopardi, Alexander Dumas, Ernest Renan, Henrik Ibsen, who wrote Ghosts in 1881. Also here were Giuseppe Verdi, and Longfellow in 1862, Samuel Smiles in 1888, Oscar Wilde, Nietzsche wrote Human, too Human at Sorrento in 1876, and it was here that he had his famous dispute with Wagner. Grieg also wrote several of his "poems" here at Sorrento.
The description of this romantic land, with its orange and lemon groves, vineyards, walnut and almond trees, could be attractive, but in real life is definitely better. The song "Come back to Sorrento" is still on for you.
A visitor, who spends his vacation in Sorrento, has the chance to visit also the nearby ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum and the seaside resorts in the Naples area such as Amalfi, Positano, Capri, Naples itself, Salerno and other beautiful places in the region.
SORRENTO: the town, its history, what to see
Sorrento, the town
The enchanting landscape with its high cliffs, the superb views over the Gulf of Naples to Vesuvius, make Sorrento a traditional international holiday resort. It is an ideal place to come on holiday, a great tourist attraction also for the vicinity of popular places easy to reach such as the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, Naples, Capri, Positano, Amalfi and Ischia. Sorrento coast is composed of rugged inaccessible cliffs alternated with pleasant beaches. The town's coastal area is divided in two villages: Marina Piccola , with the harbour for ferries and hydrofoils, and Marina Grande , with its lidos and beaches.
A FEW HISTORICAL INSIGHTS ABOUT SORRENTO :
Sorrento was probably founded by the Etruscans (VII century b.c.), a population coming from Tuscany, and later conquered by the Samnites (V century b.c.), native of Campania region. It eventually came under the Roman sphere influence, but with the fall of the Roman empire and the barbarian invasions, Sorrento suffered the same devastating fate as many other Roman towns in Campania. The town reached the height of its glory in the Middle Ages as a free maritime duchy, and even contested the supremacy of Amalfi and Naples in the Upper Tyrrhenian Sea. After the long period of the Middle Age, Sorrento suffered the Spanish domination : the baroque style of so many churches is a visible heritage of that period. But the XVIII century and a part of the XIX century were an economical, social end cultural rebirth of Sorrento when the tourist vocation of this area was born and it was established with its inclusion in the so-called "Grand Tour", a journey through the most important Italian sights that every noble European son of those times had to make to complete his cultural, historical and literary formation. Thus, as above-mentioned, guests such as Byron, Keats, Scott, Dickens, Goethe, Wagner, Ibsen and Nitzsche came to stay in Sorrento in search of sun and inspiration.
WHAT TO SEE IN SORRENTO :
Some places in Sorrento of tourist attraction include:
Piazza Tasso, formerly called Largo di Castello;
the Villa Comunale;
the public garden on the cliff top with a superb view over the Gulf of Naples;
Marina Grande, a charming bay with a characteristic fishing village;
the Romanesque style Cathedral dating from the 15th century;
Regina Giovanna, the archaeological remains of a seaside villa.
Another pearl of the town is the "Correale Museum", which is due to the munificence of the Correale Counts, who gave this beautiful villa and the park surrounding it as well as the precious collections. The museum has an archeological section on the ground floor, where there Greek, Roman and Byzantine marbles, and in particular the important Base of Augustus (sacrificial altar of a statue of the Augustian age) are kept. In the two upper floors are collections of furniture, paintings, ceramics, clocks, statuettes for Neapolitan cribs and 17th and 18th century Neapolitan porcelain. Various rooms are devoted to the so-called "the School of Posillipo", with paintings by Pitloo, Vianelli, Duclère, Gigante and some of the most representative painters of the 19th century Naples.
The visit to this museum gives a magnificent idea of the development of Neapolitan decorative arts. Outside the villa, a stone commemorates the illustrious foreigners who have celebrated the beauty of Sorrento.
This town, besides its history, antiquity and healthy climate, is also important for its trade of citrus fruits, wines, oils, walnuts and cheeses (in particular "mozzarella"), as well as for its laceworks, silks and inlaid wood-works, which may be purchased in several shops in Sorrento.
In addition, from Sorrento You can easily reach Punta Campanella , with its beautiful views and seascape from the very tip of the Gulf of Naples and also its relics of historical interest, as well as the towns of Massalubrense and Nerano.
Image of Sorrento Peninsula with its typical lemons of Sorrento.
The lemon of Sorrento is the “Oval of Sorrento” cultivar, known affectionately as “Femminello”. This fruit medium to large-sized fruit weighing at least 85 g, is elliptical in shape, has a strong scent and is very juicy. The yellow part of the peel is rich in essential oils and the juice from the fruit has an instantly recognisable combination of citrus acid and sugar. In 2000, the “Femminello” received Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) recognition under European Union regulations. This protects the cultivar and defines the geographical area where the lemon can be grown as the Sorrento peninsula and the Isle of Capri. The PGI stamp also requires that cultivation is carried out in a specific (and organic) way, under the pagliarelle, which are like “mats” that protect against the saltiness in the air, drops in temperature and delay ripening (a defining characteristic of this lemon). The cultivar is remontant: in October, the first fruit (“primofiore”) has the juiciest lemons; in March, the light yellow “bianchetti” ripen; and in June, the “verdelli” or green lemons are ready.
Due to their sun-filled beauty, citrus fruit where first used as decorative plants and were even celebrated in rawdija (a genre of Arabian poetry). It was also the Arabs who discovered the healing properties of the essential oils and juices extracted from the bark, flowers and fruit of the laymun (lemon), narang (sour orange), ‘utrug (citron) and so on. The distillation of al-kuhul (alcohol) by means of the al-inbiq (alembic) was also a part of Arabian pharmacopoeia. Adding aromatic herbs to alcohol produced al-iksir (elixirs), which, for centuries, were vital for doctors, chemists and then, in monasteries. Some time in the 15th or 16th centuries, monks started to combine flavoured alcohol with sweet syrups, thus giving birth to the era of liqueurs and rosolios (sweet liqueurs). It will always be a mistery wheter it was monks or a clever housewife who first “macerated” lemon peel in alcohol and sugar syrup, but the result, “limoncello” or “limonillo” in the dialect of Sorrento, is now a typical local product.
Sorrento, the fishermen's village of Marina Grande.
It is so pleasant for a tourist to visit this spot of Sorrento which is very typical: in its restaurants You can enjoy very good fish at reasonable prices. The patron saint of this fishermen's village is Santa Anna (july 26) and every year on that date they arrange a great celebration and nice fireworks and the population of Sorrento takes part of it. It is one of the most suggestive moments of the year where ancient traditions still live on this noble coast.
Typical view of the Sorrento Coast.
Sorrento is situated on a platform of tufa stone of volcanic origin. 31000 years ago a series of eruptions took place in the Northen-West side of Naples. During those eruptions a big quantity of ash arrived as far as the Sorrento hills. Then it hardened and it turned into this rock. The proof of that is that on the other side of the Sorrento Peninsula, that is the Amalfi Coast, there is no trace of tufa rock. On the top to the right there a big building which is the hotel Vittoria (5 stars) where the famous tenor Enrico Caruso was special guest.
This strip of land is typical for the orange and lemon groves: from the lemon people of Sorrento area make the famous "limoncello" and the "lemon cream", the alcoholic drinks of the territory. Another interesting production here is that one of the walnuts and the olive oil. The olive oil is still produced here by following the ancient technique of the "cold pressing". In october and november it is possible to see plenty of nets placed at the foot of the olive-trees: they collect the olives that fall on the ground.
Tasso Square
Tasso Square, bisected by Sorrento's main street, Corso Italia, is the center of the town. The piazza is about a 300 m walk north-west of the train station, along Corso Italia.
POSITANO: seaside paradise for painters
Positano is the most coy and aristocratic of the resorts along the Amalfi coast, almost inaccessible except by sea, where there is a small landing stage, or by the narrow, winding roadway high above the sea, where two cars may just about pass each other.
Positano is a charming village of 3700 inhabitants which lies on the Amalfi Coast between three valleys called Pertuso, Comune and Paipo. According to the tradition, Positano was founded by the inhabitants of Paestum who had fled from their homes, sacked by the invaders.
It has a small beach, very elegant haunts, exquisite hotels and everything is de-luxe or almost so. Mass tourism is banned at Positano, which cannot welcome more tourists than it does at present, for as it is they almost bump into one another of the tiny beach bounded by rock. There is no possibility of building further, and Positano is perhaps the only resort in the world that doesn't advertise.
Nowadays, this town is one of the most well-known seaside-resorts on the Amalfi Coast and it is especially popular with artists from all over the world.
They appreciate its houses, the majority white, clustering in picturesque confusion, on the seaward slope of the steep hill. Many painters, indeed, came to Positano for just a few days and stayed there for the rest of their lives.
What can You do at Positano? Nothing: but in a big way. Here people come for the sea, to meet the elect few in the private villas, to dance in the night clubs, to chat in the sun, or to walk in the narrow streets. It is a stupendous oasis of peace, where there are no motor-cars (only electric vehicles) and where life has a different rhythm, and an altogether different meaning.
In Positano it is worth visiting the so-called "Chiesa Madre" , the main church whose majolica dome is visible from any spot of Positano.
And at the sunset the fishing boats take the sea with great lanterns on the bow:
they fish anchoves and cuttle-fish. Then, the nightlife of Positano is absolutely unique and you cannot miss enjoying a good dish of fish in one of the restaurants on the beach.
But the surroundings of Positano too are very beautiful: the trip along the Amafi coast, both by sea and by coach, is a celebrated itinerary for Mediterranean tourists. In general, Sorrento, Amalfi, Positano and Ravello are the most famous: but there are other tiny fishing villages, not very easy to reach and therefore primitive, where visitors can find a hospitality that is not sophisticated, but open hearted, in the little rustic cottages. Cetara with the neighouring combe of Fuenti once the shelter of Saracen galleys; Conca dei Marini , with its deep and highly colourful off shore water; the inlet of Furore . an awful picture deep in the rocks, where the sea runs; the little beach of Marina di Praia; Vettica with its church with the majolica cupola. It is a long succession of overhanging rocks, tenacious vegetation, rock plants too, colour effects from the sea. Silence and sun, the immensity of the sea and the strong scent of flowers, are the attractions of this superb coast, which has so much yet to offer the intelligent tourist, who is tired of the worldliness and clamour of the resorts.
In addition, from this charming town it is easy to reach the other famous places of the area:
the National Road 163 takes to Sorrento on one side and Amalfi, Ravello, Vietri and Salerno on the other side.
The legend of Positano
The legend recounts, with great minuteness, that one night a Saracen sailing vessel that had stolen a precious Painting of the Madonna suddenly found itself in the midst of a furious storm off the Positano coast. The south-west wind was threatening to make the mainmast come tumbling down any minute, the fury of the sea and of the rain beset the vessel sweeping men and objects overboard. The men of the crew had abandoned their duties and were running frantically from stern to stern on the high-prowed ancient Byzantine vessel, when all of a sudden the sailors heard a mysterious voice rising above the terrifying creaking of the foremast. Out of the howling gusts of the gale, a crystalclear voice apparently born of the wind repeatedly said: “Posa, posa!” (Lay me down). The Madonna, weary of roaming the seas, was asking to be brought to rest on land. The sailors understood and decided to obey, in the hope of reaching safety and with the premonition that they were face to face with a new reality: a miracle. All of the crew, converted to the Christian faith, got down to work like slaves, some went to the helm, others strove to get landward wind to fill the canvas of the one and only square sail: but miraculously every effort was superfluous because the vessel, as if propelled by a will of its own, started gliding towards the small bay where the Madonna was laid down on the small crescent shaped beach which nowadays is a favourite haunt of families on vacation. The storm had abated and billows were gradually receding. On the water line, still black from the early morning rain, the Byzantine Madonna shone out brightly from her cedar-tree tablet where a skilful artist of distant Greece had depicted her: and there she was found at dawn by the first fishermen going out to sea. The pious inhabitants of these shores built a temple on that very site and since that day the village took the name of Positano from the “Posa, posa” uttered by its Madonna (so the legend has it, for legends, we all know, are impatient of complex Greek etymological assumptions according to which the name Positano is a corruption of Poseidon).
Positano and its bright colours.
The colourful dwellings of Positano climb up upon the sides of the mountain and seem almost to hold each other up.And at the sunset the fishing boats take the sea with great lanterns on the bow: they fish anchovies and cuttle-fish. Then, the nightlife of Positano is absolutely unique and You cannot miss enjoying a good dish of fish in one of the restaurants on the beach. From this charming town it is easy to reach also the other famous places of the area: the National Road 163 takes to Sorrento on one side and Amalfi, Ravello, Vietri and Salerno on the other side.
The nightlife of Positano is the most beautiful moment for this small and very refined town, which is enjoyable in the best way with the moonlight. The centre is pedestrian. Nowadays, this town is one of the most well-known seaside-resorts on the Amalfi Coast and it is especially popular with artists from all over the world. They appreciate its houses, the majority white, clustering in picturesque confusion, on the seaward slope of the steep hill. Many painters, indeed, came to Positano for just a few days and stayed there for the rest of their lives.
Typical view of Positano.
Positano is one of the most famous and elegant localities on the Amalfi coast, with its houses clustering in picturesque confusion on the seaward slope of a steep hill. Positano is especially popular with artists from all over the world. The writer John Steinbeck wrote: “ Positano leaves a deep mark on those who visit it. It is a dreamland that doesn’t seem true so long as You are there, but once You have left it, its deep reality strikes You nostalgically.”
Coast, beach and the houses clinging to the mountain-side. This small town has quite a grandiose past. As part of the Republic of Amalfi, it played an important role in the preparation of the first written collection of maritime codes that laid down the rights of seamen. But actually nowadays, what can we do there? Nothing: but in a big way. There people come for the sea, to meet the elect few in the private villas, to dance in the night clubs, to chat in the sun or to walk in the narrow streets. It is a nice oasis of peace, where there are no motor-cars and where life has a different rythm and altogether a different meaning.
A street of Positano.
Some of the features whick make Positano one of the finest places on the Amalfi coast are its social life, its colours, its perennially blue sky and its picturesque houses, which are so close to the steep slope that they appear to be helping each other to clamber up the hillside. The writer John Steinbeck wrote: “ When You happen to come across a place as beautiful as Positano, the first, instinctive reaction is to keep the discovery to yourself.”
Picturesque view of Positano.
Among Positano’s architectural features are three outer towers built for protection and five inner towers of great historical interest. Also worthy of note are the church of Santa Maria Assunta and the beautiful Roman villa. Positano also has several gardens, and all in all is to be considered one of the most interesting places for the tourist on the Amalfi coast.
Without doubt, the beauty of the Amalfi coast-line is unequalled . Positano, Amalfi and Ravello have in common the history of the sea which they overlook. A Positano legend says that one night a Saracen sailing vessel that had stolen the precious painting of the Madonna suddenly found itself in the midst of a furious storm off the Positano coast. Moreover the sailors heard a mysterious voice apparently born of the wind repeatedly said : “Posa, posa” (Lay me down). The pirates became aware of having committed a sacrilege, repented came back ashore and take back the Painting to the village, that since that day took the name of Positano from the “Posa, posa” uttered by its Madonna.
A view of the typical pathways of Positano.
Walking around the stairs or pathways of Positano is a very pleasant experience, amazing views are around every corner. In the XVI and XVII centuries Positano became a very prosperous town. Its ships sailed all the seas, trading with the countries of the near and Middle East, transporting spices and silks and the precious woods so much sought after in the West.
HOW TO REACH POSITANO
FROM ROME BY CAR:
From Rome reach the main road "A1"direction south (Napoli) and, after leaving Napoli, take the main road "A3" to Napoli - Salerno (Not Tangenziale Napoli). At Castellammare di Stabia, take the road to Sorrento. Anyway everywhere (along the motorway too) there are brown signs "Penisola Sorrentina": follow that sign. When You arrive to Piano di Sorrento (a village along the way) takes Via Cavone and follow the National Road 163 to Positano.
FROM ROME AIRPORT BY PUBLIC MEANS:
A shuttle links the Airport with the main railway station in Rome. From Rome several trains go to Naples (The trip takes approximately 2 hours). In alternative, (only during working days) from the Tiburtina train station You can take the bus of “Marozzi” company that leaves from the capital at 7:00 am and 3:00 pm: the bus takes directly to Sorrento ( Euros 15.99). In Sorrento You can board the buses operated by the "Sita" company that takes to Positano (40' min).
FROM NAPLES CAPODICHINO AIRPORT BY CAR:
From Naples Capodichino You should follow the motorway A/3 Naples-Salerno as far as the exit Castellammare di Stabia; once You are in Castellammare You follow the National Road 145 (SS 145) as far as Sorrento which is about 48 kms away from Naples. Anyway everywhere (along the motorway too) there are brown signs "Penisola Sorrentina": follow that sign. When You arrive to Piano di Sorrento (a village along the way) takes Via Cavone and follow the National Road 163 to Positano.
FROM NAPLES CAPODICHINO AIRPORT BY PUBLIC MEANS:
From Naples airport You can take a taxi or bus to the railway station at Piazza Garibaldi. At the main train station Piazza Garibaldi in Naples You will be able to board the local Circumvesuviana trains which leave for Sorrento every 20 minutes all day long. In alternative, from the Naples Capodichino Airport You can take the bus of “Curreri” company that takes directly to Sorrento with departure at 9:00 am – 11:30 am – 01:00 pm – 02:30 pm – 04:30 pm – 07:00 pm. (The trip takes approximately 1 hour). Once in Sorrento You can board the buses operated by the "Sita" company that takes to Positano (40' min).
Information about Florence
Santo Spirito is one of the most characteristic areas of Florence. It has an open market every day, artisan shops filled with handmade crafts, furniture restorers and many antique shops where you can admire works of quality craftsmanship.
Via Maggio, the continuation of via Tornabuoni beyond the Arno, meets via della Chiesa. It is one of the most beautiful streets in Florence, where you can find over fifty antique shops and artisan workshops.
The church, just steps from the apartments, is considered to be one of the masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance. During the 13th century, many religious orders began to situate themselves within Florentine city walls. The Chiesa di Santo Spirito was the first location of the Agostinian monks, who, in 1250, founded a new church dedicated to Santa Maria and Santo Spirito on the site of a preexisting oratory. The Agostinians were a religious order founded by Agostino d’Ippona, a monk from Tunisia.
Many Florentine families began to populate the area and construct their homes in this zone, termed “di là d’Arano” or “Oltrarno” – “on the other side of the Arno” – referring to its position in relationship to the Duomo. The responsibility of creating the new project of Santo Spirito was entrusted to Filippo Brunelleschi.
Work began in 1444, funded by the church and by the wealthy Florentine families who, in exchange, earned the right to have their tombs inside the chapels of the church.Brunelleschi was inspired by the ancient Romanic basilicas and also by the old Florentine church of Santissimi Apostoli, proposing a grand hall shaped like a Latin cross with three naves divided by stone columns and arches.
Inside, you can find works by Filippino Lippi, Maso di Banco, Alessandro Allori and many other important artists from the Florentine school. The elegant and sober façade was initially decorated with pillars and painted frames. Today, after a long restoration, it has been returned to its original state, thus showing all of its elegance and linearity.
Markets and Food Vendors
Gargani Giuliano Via Romana 160, Tortoli Borgo S. Frediano 115, Pirgher Via Dei Serragli 39.
Restaurants and Pizzerie
La Mangiatoia Piazza San Felice 8/10r Tel 055 224060, Bebi Piazza Santo Spirito Trattoria Al Tranvai Piazza Tasso 14 Tel 055 225197, Trattoria Boboli Via Romana 45 Tel 055 2336401, Cinghiale Bianco Osteria Borgo San Jacopo 43 Tel 055 215706, Ristorante Il Barone Di Porta Romana Via Romana 123 Tel 055 220585.
The history behind the apartments
The two apartments, “Santo Spirito” and “San Frediano”, are located in a historic building constructed around 1300, originally under ecclesiastic ownership.
The nuns of Annunziatina occupied the space, demonstrated by the coat of arms with two crossed keys that you will find on the façade of the building. In fact, the name of the street (which means Church Street) was named after its important location between the historic churches of Santo Spirito and San Felice.
The two apartments, restored in 2003 with respect to their original floor plans, are completely independent. Above the internal stairway you will find the crest of Casato Soldi, belonging to the most recent owners of the building. Now, the two apartments are available to provide you the opportunity to enter the Florentine history.
