The alphabet of impossible Italian translations
The Italians by John Hooper, book review
Florence is Changing
Art exhibitions to see in Florence in 2015
What people are photographing in the Uffizi
Love and sex in Italian Renaissance art
Framing Titian’s Allegory of Prudence: an appeal from the National Gallery, London
How did Michelangelo’s David end up on my fridge wearing a boa
Leonardo’s Adoration like you’ve never seen it before
Latest Posts
The alphabet of impossible Italian translations
I work at The Florentine, where we do a lot of translations from Italian to English. Over the years, we’ve
How to Spot the Hidden Medieval Towers of Florence
Every year, many tourists visit the beautiful Tuscan town of San Gimignano. They come to see the famous medieval towers
The Food Studio: a hybrid, convivial space in Florence
In a city full of cooking schools, restaurants and event spaces, the newest opening in Florence is a place that
The Italians by John Hooper, book review
A book in English that explains what is going on in the beautiful and ailing country of Italy is certainly
Florence is Changing
Many return visitors to Florence wax nostalgic about past experiences and wish to repeat them over again a decade later.
Transformative Limits: Two Scandinavian artists in Florence
I occasionally hear about contemporary art exhibitions in Florentine galleries, but seldom manage to go see them since they are
Art exhibitions to see in Florence in 2015
If you’re planning a return trip to Florence, Italy in 2015, or if you’re here for a longer period, you’ll
The expat and the holidays: should I stay or should I go
It’s that time of year again. When trees get trimmed and everyone asks “Are you going home for the holidays?”.
The Art of Jewelry: Buccellati at Palazzo Pitti
It’s not every day that I get up close to a collar with 1693 diamonds (over 23 carats) on it,
Experiencing the Pazzi Chapel
There are some places in the world that will always be special to you. Places linked to sensations or personal
Finally a guidebook for the Maremma!
When I first started hanging around in the Maremma area of Tuscany almost 15 years ago, I remember perusing some
5 Ways to Experience the Renaissance in Sansepolcro
Borgo Sansepolcro, or just Sansepolcro, might best be described as the “four corners” of Italy. Located in the Province of
Three marvelous Maremman traditions
Southern Tuscany is a wild place. For centuries, the bright young things of Florence and Siena kept their distance. Malaria-plagued
What people are photographing in the Uffizi
In Summer, 2014, Italy’s state museums finally permitted photography for personal use. The old ban on taking pictures in museums
Finding St. Francis at Montecasale
A few minutes drive uphill from the Tuscan town of Sansepolcro, in the land inhabited by Piero della Francesca, the
The smell of a Medici garden in the morning
The crunch of gravel under your feet. The distant hum of traffic, overtaken by tweeting birds, the whooping of a
Off-season Argentario
Tuscany’s seaside is not just for the hottest days of summer. Gorgeous views, great fish and fresh air make coastal
Northern Lazio – Italy without tourists
People say Italy is beautiful. They also complain about the crowds coming to gawk at Italy’s world-famous sights. Now imagine
How to find art that inspires when you think you’ve seen it all
Have you ever felt truly inspired in front of a work of art? Have you been a victim to Stendhal
Cultural events in Tuscany, Fall 2014
Fall is a great time to explore Tuscany, getting out of the major art cities to see some of the