Imagine by fionline.it/galleria-palatina
Florence is one of the most incredible cities in the world and its beauty has inspired entire generations of poets, architects, musicians, sculptors and painters. A true treasure chest that has preserved art and culture for centuries and that continues, with its breathtaking views, its narrow poetic streets, and its majestic architecture, to make anyone who finds themselves in Florence to fall in love with it.
How can you explain something you deeply love to someone else, in a way that will give them a true understanding? Often times, whether it’s your favorite song, the best spot to sit and read a book, or the best view for a sunset, these intangible things are hard to describe. It is even more frustrating because these intangibles are, usually, more meaningful than the tangibles. When given the opportunity to describe my experiences and impression of Florence after four months of studying abroad, I was intimidated. I find it hard enough to describe my weekend to a friend, let alone my entire study abroad experience to strangers.
Florence in summer is even more extraordinary, but there is a special night that illuminates it and makes it shine in all its beauty! That is June 24th, the day when St. John, or San Giovanni, the patron saint of the city, is celebrated. An entire day of festivities, between historical parades and traditional games, which culminates with "fochi", an incredible fireworks display from Piazzale Michelangelo.
Henry Holiday: First Meeting of Dante and Beatrice (1877) - Image posted by Victorian British Painting
Florence is a city incredibly rich in history and charm. Its beauty and the vibrant ferment that has always animated it have inspired entire generations of poets, architects, musicians, sculptors and painters. But what do we know about the women who have populated it and their fundamental contribution in making it that precious treasure chest of culture and art that we all know?
Living in Florence means getting lost every day in its beauty and its history. All the squares, the gardens, the riversides, even the most hidden corners of the city, have a story to tell. And among the picturesque traditions that animate the Florentine summer, that of “Calcio Storico” is undoubtedly one of the most original and one of the most heartfelt. In fact, true and proper fan clubs meet every year in Piazza Santa Croce and, under the stern gaze of the statue of Dante, encourage and loudly cheer on their favorite team. But, let's discover the origins of this sport "in costume”.