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WARNING! THIS IS NOT A TOURIST GUIDEBOOK!

Youth Moving www.youthmoving.com

Flor

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Youth Moving

Youth Moving International Guide to Florence is designed for Movers, i.e. everyone who is planning on spending months, maybe even years, living in the city.If you are only coming to Florence for a couple of days to sight-see or hang out at the main tourist spots, then a traditional guidebook might be better suited to your needs.In this guide we want to provide you with information about living in Florence, not just visiting it. So if you’re a Mover, not a tourist, here is some information designed to help you through the wonderful process of fitting into your new city. Maybe you’ve just arrived and you feel lost in an unknown place, but don’t worry: you’ll soon have a place to stay and lots of friends. And if you already have a flat and some mates, there are still many more things you will want to know about living in Florence.In the next few pages you’ll find out about some of the most important issues for a Mover.There are things like how to find accommodation, open a bank account, move around the city, the

best nightlife spots, universities, events, how to spend your free time, where to go out for an aperitivo, a good wine or just chill out. Also, you’ll find the most common expressions and habits of the locals, what they always talk about at the bars and their favorite places.You will find out that Florence is not just a beautiful city of art. Very soon, you will hopefully feel a little bit Florentine yourself.We hope you find this guide useful!Make sure you check out www.YouthMoving.com to find out more about what’s going on in the Movers community and help us grow!

Live the world. Be a Mover!The Youth Moving Team

Editors:Alessandro EpisAlessandro@youthmoving.com

Dario CiniselliDario@youthmoving.com

Contributing editor:Annalisa Pinzauti

Advertising sales manager:Giorgio GrandeGiorgio@youthmoving.com

Art director:Marta Grasso

Translations:Alessandra HaggartyClaire Curtis

Cover design: Elisa Macellari

Youth Moving S.r.l. hi@youthmoving.com

Contents

Print: Press Up s.r.l.

About the CityThings to do in FlorenceMovers ExperiencesTransportPractical InfoUniversitiesAcademiesZonesAccommodationRestaurantsAperitivo and BarsCafesEnoteche and VinainiClubs and DiscosArt and CultureMapFlorence SlangAbout Us...and Erasmus Life

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Although Florence is not a big city, with a few more than 350 thousands citizens, it is one of the most known Italian cities in the world. If you are wondering why, you should come here and you will soon discover the answer! Walking through the streets of Florence is like visiting the Renaissance; like an open air museum.Florence is also known for fashion, ranked within the top fifty fashion capitals of the world.

A BRIEF HISTORY

The exact year of Florence’s foundation by the Italici is unknown, but it is certain that they were conquered by the Etruscans. Florence may have been destroyed by Sulla in the 60s BC. In 59 it was rebuilt and turned into a Roman town, with the name Florentia, given by Julius Caesar to cope with the followers of Catiline.The city failed to assert itself politically and economically during the Empire nor during the barbarian rule. Only in 1115 Florence became a free Comune. Some noble families set up in the town, perpetually at war with each other for the power over the city, some allying with the Pope (Guelph), and some with the Emperor (Ghibellines).Despite these bloody wars, the city enriched and earned a prominent place in the market both in Italy and in Europe. Around 1284, Florence expanded its domain to almost all of Tuscany.In 1293 the Arti Maggiori (Major Arts) were born. They are groups of nobles and wealthy merchants, which dominated for nearly two centuries.

About the City

About the City

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In 1302 the most illustrious victim of political struggles is Dante Alighieri, who was forced into exile to avoid the death sentence. His moral integrity prevented him from accepting the invitation, from the new rulers, to return after the demand for an apology.The Arti Minori (Minor Arts), composed by employers and workers, fought for freedom but were repressed by the oligarchy composed of the most prominent families. The Medici family conquered the control of the city by Cosimo the Elder, thanks to the help of the people. But it was Lorenzo the Magnificent, who foiled the conspiracy of the Pazzi, that strengthened its power. After his untimely death, the city experienced decades of war and confusion. The people, inflamed by the preaching of the monk Savonarola, began a Republic, which was short-lived because the Pope Alexander VI arrested, hung and burnt the monk. Only with the agreement between the Pope and the Emperor, the Medici family obtained recognition of its power and extended the reach

of their status with the conquest of Siena (1555). In 1737 the Medici family was left without an heir. The state was assigned to the Duke of Lorraine and then to Leopold, his second child. In 1860, with a plebiscite, Florence was joined to the Kingdom of Vittorio Emanuele II, and from 1865 to 1871 was the capital of the Kingdom of Italy.During the Second World War, the city suffered violent attacks by the Germans and was seriously damaged. They destroyed all the bridges except the Ponte Vecchio, thanks to the intervention of Gerahard Wolf, the German representative who, after the war, was granted the honorary citizenship and dedicated a plaque on the bridge itself. Perhaps more serious, however, was the damage caused by the flood of November 4, 1966 that moved the world. For this reason the city attracted thousands of volunteers, mostly students.

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THE LIFE

Florence is one of the most famous and visited cities in the world. It offers art, culture, music, sport, nightlife and fashion: if you are a Mover these are some things you will definitely appreciate in your new city. With its diverse and multicultural atmosphere Tuscany’s regional capital city will give you the chance to meet lots of people from all around the world whether they are tourists, Erasmus students or language swappers. Florence is quite a small city and you shouldn’t be surprised if in some neighborhoods you come across the same kind of atmosphere and close relationships between people that you would find in the smaller old fashioned italian towns.When you meet a florentine, don’t judge him on the first impression! At first some may seem a bit cold and unfriendly: this may be because of the strong pride they have for traditions, their aversion to strangers and their tendency to be overcritical, but once you get to know them they are nice folks really and you

Little by little you will also discover and learn how to understand the famous tuscan humor which is incredibly passionate, irreverent and quite often salacious. Tuscany, in fact, is the birthplace of many famous comic actors like Roberto Benigni and Leonardo Pieraccioni. If you are a movie buff you have to see the movie “Amici miei” and you’ll know exactly what we mean about their sense of humor!

About the City

About the City

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FORTEZZA DA BASSO

The Fortezza da Basso, whose original name was Fortezza di San Giovanni Battista, was built between 1534 and 1537 by Antonio da San-gallo and commissioned by Alessandro de’ Medici. It is a masterpiece of the Renaissance architecture. It is situated near the central rail station and surrounded by the avenues. Nowadays the Fortezza is the base of many national and international exhibitions and concerts. The most famous are Mostra Internazionale dell’ Artigianato (usually at the end of April), Pitti exhibition, Salone del mobile and a few others.

AUTODROMO DEL MUGELLO

The international Mugello circuit is located in Mugello, a suburban area of Florerence. The circuit is in the city of Sacarperia. The Autodromo attracts a lot of people who love motorbike races. The most famous and important competition that takes place is the Grand Prix motorcycle racing. It usually takes place in June or July and lasts 3 days. This event calls people from all over Italy and Europe. It is very common for spectators to buy a 3 day ticket and stay inside the Autodromo for the whole duration. If you love motorbikes and parties it is a great event you can’t miss. he expression that characterizes those three days is: “Al Mugello non si dorme” (at Mugello Circuit we never sleep). To get there you have to take the Sita or Lazzi bus that connects Florence to the Mugello area.

Things to do in

Florence

Things to do in Florence

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CALCIO STORICO

The calcio storico fiorentino is a very important and “felt” event in Florence. The game is like a mixture of rugby and football. It is a chal-lenge among the four historical neigh-borhoods of the city: “white” team from S. Spirito, “blue” team from S. Croce, “red” team from S. Maria Novella and “green” team from S. Giovanni. Each match lasts 50 minutes and each team has 27 players. The goal of the match is to bring the ball on the rival side of the field by every possible means. The final prize is a Chianina race white veal. The event takes place every year during the month of June and the final match is usually on the 24 of June, San. Giovanni day, who is the Saint patron of Flor-ence.

NOTTE BIANCA

The Florence white night usually takes place between the 30 of April and the 1st of May. During this night you can find open museums, free concerts, performances, photography exhibitions and dj sets all around the centre streets and squares.In the recent years, the Oltrarno white night has also taken place. It is very similar to the first one, but it only includes the places beyond river Arno from piazza del Carmine to piazza Pitti, including all the small streets and squares.

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50 GIORNI DI CINEMA

Florence’s “50 giorni di Cinema Internazionale” started in 2007. Its purpose was to involve all the main florentine movie festivals. The fi-nal result is the creation of a real movie season. This festival gives the opportunity to show another kind of movie production that has cultural value, but can’t find a space in the traditional distribution. The festival is composed of full-length films, short films, documenta-ries, discussions and meeting with the authors. It takes place at the Odeon cinema, next to Palazzo Strozzi, from October to December.

FUOCHI DI S. GIOVANNI

San Giovanni Battista is the patron of Florence and celebrations devoted to him take place on the 24 of June. Schools are closed but many shops are opened. All the day is characterized by many kinds of events, but the most expected event takes place during the night with the fireworks that are launched in the sky from piazzale Michelangelo. The best place to see them is from S.Trinità bridge. The fireworks bring a lot of people to the center and there are always traffic jams, so it is better to go to the center well before the beginning of the show.

Things to do in

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Things to do in Florence

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MAGGIO MUSICALE FIORENTINO

It is a very important festival founded in April 1933 with the aim of presenting contemporary and forgotten operas in visually dramatic productions. The Maggio Musicale is the oldest and most prestigious European Festival along with Bayreuth and Salzburg. Born as a triennial event, after 1937 it became annual and it is an appointment not to be missed for music lovers. Performances take place in the Teatro Comunale and Teatro Piccolo, plus the historic Teatro della Pergola.

SCOPPIO DEL CARRO

The “Scoppio del carro” is a florentine folkloristic event and it takes place on the Easter mornings. A hundred and fifty men bring the paschal cart from Porta a Prato to Duomo square, while a procession starts from Santi Apostoli square to the cathedral square. The cart is loaded with fireworks while a wire, stretching to the high altar inside the cathedral, is fitted with a mechanical dove (the “columbina”). Shortly after, at the singing of the Gloria in excelsis Deo during Easter Mass, the cardinal of Florence lights a fuse in the columbina with the Easter fire. It then speeds through the church to ignite the cart outside. During all of these stages, the bells of Giotto’s campanile ring out.The complex fireworks show that follows lasts about 20 minutes.

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Youth Moving

Movers Experiences

Movers Experiences

Two years ago I got the news that I had been given the erasmus scolarship. At the beginning I was disappointed because my dream was to live in Rome. The arrival wasn’t easy:I lived far from the centre and couldn’t speak a word of Italian. Moreover Florentines had a characteristic accent and this made everything even more diffi cult. But in spite of this, lit-tle by little, I was carried away by what is called Italian style! The fact that I lived far became an adventure: going out by bicycle with my fl at mates made us live unforgettable moments and crossing those historical streets full of art made me change

my initial idea of Florence.I integrated very well, I created a group of friends, and I even managed to speak with their accent, the same accent that seemed impossible to understand. In this way, from being a tourist, I became a citizen with deep knowledge of the city and of its most ancient hidden alleys fi nding out a new world. Florentine culture became part of me! My experience was so exciting that, when I came back to my hometown, I had moments of sadness and melancholy. I really missed Tuscan jokes, the beauty of the city, my friends, the nights we passed all together. Now, after 2 years, I’m here again. I went back to living in Florence and I still fi nd it beautiful. Obviously I’m not Erasmus any more. Everything is not new to me, but however things turn out, and wherever I’ll go someday, one thing is for sure: I’ll never forget this city and I can guarantee that the lily that blossomed in my heart...will stay there forever.

Marta24

Madrid

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My name is Bruno and I come from Tenerife, Canary Islands. I did the Erasmus program in Florence during the academic year 2010/2011. It has been a unique experience in a marvelous city where I met fantastic people coming from different nations. Also, the Erasmus let me learn a new language and take exams in a university different from mine. I could travel, fi nd out fantastic cities, and have unbelievable parties through the student association that takes care of the Erasmus in Florence, ESN Florentia.

Viktorija20

Vilnius

When at the beginning I found out that I would have done my Erasmus in Florence, all I knew was that it is an amazing city in one of the most beautiful regions of Italy: Tuscany.Step by step and getting more and more knowledge in Italian language and culture, like real Florentines I became proud of living in this great city included everything – culture, people, night life, sightseeing. It’s such a gift to have had the opportunity to spend a part of my life in this stunning city!

Bruno24

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

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Transport

Public transport in Florence is useful even if the service is not always excellent. In fact you could wait for a bus a long time, so if you have an important meeting to attend, be careful to take the time required.Bus routes end quite soon at night, usually at 10 pm there is the last one. There are very few busses during the night.

TRAM

Florence tram is a brand new public transport, in use from 2010. It connects the city centre with Scandicci: a small but populated town at the door of Florence. It’ s very useful and used by people also because it is the fastest way to get to some city zones like Porta a Prato and Isolotto. The fare is the same of ATAF ticket. The first route starts at 5 am and the last one at 12.30 am

TICKETS AND FARES

Tickets can be purchased at ATAF Points, parking meters and at authorized bars and newsstands. You need to validate those tickets

at the machines on board. If you have an Italian mobile number you can also buy a digital ticket by sending an SMS writing “ATAF” at 4880105. Simple ticket: 1.20 € (valid for 90 minutes since validation)Simple ticket purchased on board: 2 €Carta Agile 10: 10 € (valid for 10 simple tickets)Carta Agile 20: 20 € (valid for 21 simple tickets)Carta Agile 30: 30 € (valid for 35 simple tickets)Day pass: 5 € (unlimited journeys for 24 hours since validation)Weekly pass: 18 € (valid until the midnight of the 7th day since validation)

SEASON TICKETS

Season tickets allow you to travel whenever and as often you want on the public transport system. You can purchase them at ATAF Points, online (www.ataf.net) and at authorized bars and newsstands. For the annual ticket you will need to bring a passport photograph, a valid

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ID and your Italian social security number. For the monthly ticket just a valid ID card is enough.Monthly ticket: 35 € (from the 1st to the last day of the month for which it has been purchased)Annual ticket: 315 € (valid for 12 months from the date of issue)If you’re a student and you’re under 27 you can ask for a Student Card, which costs 9 € and is valid for 3 years. This card grants you discounts on the monthly and annual season tickets:Monthly: 23 €Annual: 185 €

NOTTE TEMPO

Notte Tempo is a service that works every day from 10 pm to 2 am. If you reserve it, it will pick you up at any stop and take you at any other stop in the city where the service is active. To reserve it, call the number 055 5650555 from 6 pm to 0.15 am and at least 30 minutes before the ride. The tickets can be bought on board at 4 €, or by sending 3 SMS writing “ATAF” at 4880105. Season tickets and Carta Agile are also accepted.

TAXI

Taxis are a more comfortable and expensive way to move around Florence. Base fares can vary depending on the hour and the day of the week. Weekdays from 6 am till 10 pm it is 3.30 €, Saturday, Sunday and holidays 5.30 €, while at night (from 10 pm till 6 am) it’s 6.60 €.The basic rates are 0.91 € per km and 24 € per hour.If getting a taxi is the only option you have we suggest you try to find someone to share it with.

AIRPORTS

The Airport of Florence Amerigo Vespucci has a single runway and it’s located just outside the city. You can reach it by bus (6 € one way, 10 € return trip) or by taxi (20 € one way trip).The Pisa International Airport is further from Florence but providing more flights and destinations. You can reach it from Florence by train (7.80 € one way trip) or bus (6 € one way, 10 € return trip).

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Practical Info

Practical Info

CODICE FISCALE

The Italian fiscal code, officially known in Italy as Codice Fiscale, is an identification code made of 16 alphanumeric characters. It is much like the Social Security Number in other countries and identifies a citizen in all dealings with the Italian Public Authorities and Administrations. You are going to need the Codice Fiscale if you want to get a job, open a bank account, have an Italian phone number, subscribe to a public transport card and basically, for everything that involves signing a contract.The Codice Fiscale is free and has to be requested at the Agenzia delle Entrate. There are two offices in Florence:Via Santa Caterina D’Alessandria 23 (Ph. 055/505141)Via Panciatichi 20 (Ph. 055/447851)Opening hours for the offices are Monday-Friday from 8:40am to 12:40pm, on Tuesday and Thursday also from 2:20pm to 3:40pm.

However, you should probably call before going there as these hours can sometimes vary.Along with the request, citizens of EU countries must show a valid identification document. Non-EU citizens will need to bring a valid passport (with Visa if required). This is enough if you are from one of the following countries: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China (only Hong Kong and Macao), Costa Rica, Croatia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, USA, Vatican, Venezuela. For citizens from other non-EU countries it can be a bit more complicated, because there is a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) required apart from the passport or a student Visa.

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Practical Info

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HOLYDAYS

January 1st New Year’s Day

January 6th Epiphany

March 31st Easter

April 1st Easter Monday

April 25th Liberation Day

May 1st Labour Day

June 2nd National Day

August 15th Assumption Day

November 1st All Saints’ Day

December 7th St. Ambrose’s Day (Patron Saint of Milan)

December 8th Immaculate Conception Day

December 25th Christmas Day

December 26th Saint Stephen’s Day

USEFUL NUMBERS

EMERGENCYAmbulance: 118Police: 113Carabinieri: 112 Firemen: 115Guardia di Finanza: 117 Road Assistance (ACI): 116

COMUNE DI MILANO055.055

TRANSPORTATAF: 800.42.45.00Notte tempo: 055.56.50.555Trenitalia: 89.20.21Florence Airport: 055.3061300Pisa Airport: 050.849111

TAXICo.Ta.Fi: 055.4390So.Co.Ta: 055.4242 or 055.4798

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Universities

In Florence there is only one state university, named Università degli Studi di Firenze. However the academic offer of the city does not end here. In fact there are a lot of academies specialized in subjects like design, music, arts and so on. Moreover many foreign universities have a branch in Florence for studies regarding Renaissance history and art e.g., the Dutch University Institute for Art History in Florence and the Harvard University Center for Italian Renaissance study located in Villa I Tatti. Florence hosts the largest number of American universities in the world outside of the United States as for example the California State University, the New York University which has its biggest European campus located in the historic VillaLa Pietra, the Florida State University, the aforementioned Harvard University and much more. So it’s easy to say that also under the academic point of view Florence is an international city fitted for you Movers!

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P.zza S.Marco, 450121 Firenze www.unifi.it

UNIVERSITàDEGLI STUDI DI FIRENZE

This University has its origins in 1321, but it was recognize and named University only in 1924. It is one of the most important universities in Italy and it hosts 12 faculties and almost 60 thousands students.The faculties are settled in different campuses (“Poli” in italian) within the city and in decentralized areas. In Florence the campuses are:

- Polo Biomedico e Tecnologico (www.polobiotec.unifi.it)

- Polo Scientifico e Tecnologico (www.poloscitec.unifi.it)

- Polo Scienze Sociali (www.polosociale.unifi.it)

- Polo Centro Storico (www.polocs1.unifi.it)

The Università degli studi di Firenze has in its tradition an important international dimension. It collaborates with other universities to the internationalization process with more than 260 deals with universities in 70 different countries. There are almost 3000 foreign students enrolled and more than 1000 European students joining the Erasmus program for one semester or one year.

Universities

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ESE FIRENZE EUROPEAN

SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS

EUIEUROPEAN UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE

It was established 40 years ago by the six founding members of the European Community. It is located in the Tuscan hills over-looking Florence and it represents a unique international centre for doctorate and post-doctorate studies and research. It has four departments (Economics, History and Civilization, Law, and Political and Social Sciences) and it hosts students from more than 60 countries.

Via Roccettini, 9, 50014 Fiesole Firenze

www.eui.eu

It is a private College of Higher Education in international business, offering bachelor, master, MBA, and certificate programs. Besides Florence it has branches in London, New York, Rome, Milan and Madrid. The courses are validated by the University of Buckingham (UK) and are internationally recognized. Internation-alization and business are the hallmarks of this school.

Borgo Santi Apostoli, 1950123 Florencewww.uniese.it

It is a public university devoted to advanced study and research in the field of the human and social sciences. It hosts PhD programs, research programs and masters. The SUM has a distinctive network structure including different universities in Italy: Bologna, Firenze , Milano, Napoli, Roma and Siena. This shows its aim of optimizing the multi-centered nature of the Italian cultural tradition.

Piazza degli Strozzi50123 Firenze

http://www.sumitalia.it

ISTITUTO ITALIANO

DI SCIENZE UMANE

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It is an International network for advanced education in the design, fashion, visual arts and communication fields. The IED network includes 5 branches in Italy, two in Spain (Madrid and Barcelona) and one in Brazil (Sao Paulo). In Florence you can join a bachelor degree, a master or specialization courses in Italian or in English.

Via M. Bufalini 6/r50122 Florence

www.ied.it/firenze

IEDISTITUTO EUROPEO

DI DESIGN

ISIAISTITUTO SUPERIORE

PER LE INDUSTRIE ARTISTICHE

ISIA is a state institution of higher education founded in 1975. It deals with de-sign matters offering bachelor courses and advanced degrees in product, communication, fashion and mobility design. The teach ing i s strongly based on practical experience through workshops and collaboration with companies of the sector. ISIA adheres to the Erasmus program and it also offers internships abroad.

Via Alfani, 5850121 Florence

www.isiadesign.fi.it

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ACCADEMIA DELLE BELLE

ARTI

CONSERVATORIODI MUSICA LUIGI

CHERUBINI

The Conservatory offers academic courses (both bachelor degree and advanced degree) related to music and to the learning of playing instruments. It’s the only conservatory in the Tuscan region and it attracts in-ternational students from Europe, North and South America, Asia and Africa thanks to the deals made with academic and musical institutions all over Europe.

Piazza delle Belle Arti 250122 Florence

www.conservatorio.firenze.it

The Academy of Fine Arts in Florence is an institution of Higher Education in Art. It hosts more than 1200 students coming from all over the world. In the last years the Academy has organized exhibi-tions, shows, confer-ences, public lectures, movie screenings and performance events.

Via Ricasoli 6650122 Florence

www.accademia.firenze.it

It is an international design school in the center of the city. It specializes in courses of Architecture and Graphic, Interior and Furniture Design for students from across the world. All classes are taught in English focusing on internationaliza-tion but also lessons in the Italian language and Art History are part of each student’s educational aim to integrate with the Italian culture.

Borgo Ognissanti 9 50123 Florence

www.florence-institute.com

FLORENCE INSTITUTE OF DESIGN

INTERNATIONAL

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WHAT IS ESN FLORENTIA?

ESN A.s.i. Florentia is a non-profi t organization born in Florence just three years ago. It is made up of students of the University of Florence, most of them ex erasmus. In fact ESN means Erasmus Student Network, which is made up of 49 associations scattered all over Italy. Its aim is to welcome erasmus and foreign students, so that they could fi t in the best way in the new city and learn to know it from the fi rst days. Since the beginning ESN Florentia helps the new students to find an accommodation and gives them some information about the city and the university. To make the students’ stay in Florence cooler,

ESN Florentia also organises cultural (trips all over Italy, film clubs, projects for the district) and social/nightlife events (aperitivi, parties, disco nights). In this way the Erasmus students begin enjoying Florence nightlife and meeting each other. Foreign students who live in other cities and want to take a trip to Florence can contact ESN Florentia too, so that it can give them advice about the best restaurants, clubs and cultural spots. In fact it is really important for the association to create a sharing intercultural mood that could make foreign students’ Italian experience more exciting and, at the same time, help the local young people break the national barriers.

WEEKLY EVENTS

ESN Florentia organises many kinds of events. Some of them occur occasionally in different places, while others are weekly events, on which international students in Florence can always count on. This year the weekly events are two and they take place right in the city centre. The first one occurs every tuesday at The Club-house (Via de’ Ginori 6r) where, from 9 p.m. on, students meet for a huge aperitivo. It is the perfect occasion for foreign students to meet new people and learn Italian and of course for all the Italians who want practise foreign languages. After the aperitivo, students take advantage of the largest room of the bar to pump up the music making up a proper disco, or to play some games like beer-pong, to end with a bang.

The other weekly ESN event is on friday and usually begins with a Spanish-style botellón: students bring their own drinks from home and meet up in Piazza Santa Maria Novella. After the botellón comes the best part of the night: clubbing at the SpaceClub (via Palazzuolo 37), the largest disco in the centre of Florence, until late night. Thanks to the weekly events it is possible to form a united, ever expanding group. In this way, the students and the ESN organisers can get to know each other quickly and arrange autonomously other meetings for the rest of the week.

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Sant’Ambrogio

We can include in this area from piazza Beccaria to piazza dei Ciompi including piazza Ghiberti and piazza S. Ambrogio with its church. It is a central zone, where are also located the headquar ters of “La Nazione” newspaper. During the mornings there is the S. Ambrogio market, where you can buy local food and dresses. In front of the market there is the architecture faculty. During the night this zone attracts a lot of people because of its high number of good restaurants, pubs and clubs.

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The historical city center of Florence is enclosed in an imaginary triangle that has as its zenith piazza S. Marco, piazza Santa Maria Novella and Ponte Vecchio. This area contains some of the most important and famous museums and monuments of the city as well as all kinds of shops. Via Tornabuoni is the street of the luxury shopping but all around this area we can also find international megastores and small stores. This area is mostly populated during the day; it’s very hard to find a good place to eat because it is the most touristic zone of Florence. In this central area there is also the liberal art faculty whose lecture halls are placed all over the center.

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Oltrarno

With the word “Oltrarno” (beyond the river Arno) Florentine city dwellers mean the central area of Florence on the other side of the river Arno that includes the area from piazza Pitti, piazza S. Spirito to porta S. Frediano. Here we can feel and live the real Florentine atmosphere. This area is full of good restaurants, “trattorie” and small shops that sell everything, especially handcrafted goods. It’s a very famous area for the nightlife; piazza S.Spirito is a meeting point for a lot of people, especially during the weekend.

Zones

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It is the northwest suburban area of Florence. It is a very populated area where there are many offices. It includes some subareas, the most “important” Novoli and Careggi area. In Novoli there is the “Polo d e l l e s c i e n z e s o c i a l i ” o f t h e University of Florence where there are the faculties of economy, law and statesmanship. In this area there are some newer buildings like the new courthouse (Palazzo di giustizia). In the Careggi area there are the university faculties of engineering, biology, mathematics and medicine. Next to the university area there are commercial areas that includes Dalmazia and Leopoldo square and the streets all around. It is a good area to live because is quite near to the center, there are some pubs and the rent prices are lower than in the center.

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This zone covers the area of the central railway and bus station with the big square behind it, piazza S. Maria Novella, as well as the area of via Borgo Ognissanti till the Arno river. Here there are a lot of small markets which are usually owned by Indian or Chinese people. This shops sell any kind of food also during the night. In the square, on the other side of the church, there is the loggia dell’Ospedale di San Paolo which houses the Museo Nazionale della Fotografia. In the streets behind S. Maria Novella square you can find good restaurants and bars.

We can include S. Lorenzo zone in the area from the Medici-Riccardi palace to the Fortezza. It is famous for its food and leather market. The first one is indoor and you can find any kind of local product and taste the typical Florentine market atmosphere. Clothes markets surround this area; you will see many stands and small shops that sell leather clothes and bags made in the Florentine area. Be careful: don’t buy anything from who doesn’t have a stand, they are not authorized to sell. This area is full of people during the day but at night, except a few restaurants, it is quite deserted.

San Lorenzo Stazione Centrale

Zone

s

6Zone5

Zone

Zones

32

S. Croce area obviously has as its focus the homonymous church and all the streets around. It is the heart of the nightlife of Florence. There you will find every kind of bar, pubs and discos. During the weekends the streets are full of people, starting from the late afternoon for the happy hour and the aperitivo. At night, sitting on the steps of the church, next to the Dante’s sculpture you can find a lot of young guys drinking, talking and playing guitar. In S. Croce square a lot of big events take place during the whole year like: calcio storico (during the month of June), Christmas market (usually the first two weeks of December), concerts and theatrical plays (usually during the summer).

Porta al prato is one of the doors that in the past were the entrances to the city center; it still draws the line between the central area and the beginning of the suburbs. Even if it is not in the center, you can find many attractions, also thanks to the new tram. In this area there are many offices, but at the same time you can find some cool clubs. The biggest attraction of this area is the Stazione Leopolda, a big covered area where many events take place such as concerts, a vintage market, movie festivals and exhibitions.

7Zone

8Zone

Santa Croce Porta al Prato

Zones

Zones

33

Campo di Marte

This area includes the rail station, the stadium of the local football team Fiorentina and a large swimming pool. Furthermore there are the lecture halls of the psychology faculty. This zone is a mainly residential area, but also commercial. Gioberti street, that goes from piazza Alberti to piazza Beccaria, is full of little shops as well as good and cheap restaurants. It is a good zone to live, because it’s quite near to the center but less expensive. Close to the sport area you will also find some pubs which are very popular for florentine guys. For football lovers, near the stadium there is the Centro Tecnico Sportivo Federale where is located the training camp of the national football team.

9Zone

San Niccolò area can be included between piazza Pitti and piazza Ferrucci. It is an above the Arno area where you can find some little shops, good restaurants and bars. During the summer in this part of lungarni a lot of kiosks open from the afternoon till late night. You can have a cold beer in a green area with a fantastic sight of the city center. If you like walking, from porta S. Niccolò you can get until piazzale Michelangelo or to Forte Belvedere, where you have the best views of Florence.

San Niccolò

Zone

s

10Zone

Zones

www.lemurate.it

www.lemurate.it

36

Accommodation

One of the most important things if you want to have a great experience abroad is a good accommodation: remember that you are spending months here, it’s not just a holiday. So be patient and choose as carefully as you can. There are different kinds of accommodation in the city and your choice should reflect your tastes and needs. There are many ways to look for the home that best suits your needs. If you’re lucky enough you already have some friends in Florence that can help you out before and after your arrival. Or, if you’ve come to study or work, your university or company may have some place to offer you. Otherwise, the best solution is probably to stay in a hotel for a while so that you can look at different apartments, without having to take the first one you see just because you need a place to sleep for the night! For example, you might want to check that the place where you are going to live is well connected to the rest of the city, that the price is fair, also compared to other offers

(be sure to ask if the utilities are included in the rent), that your room is big enough and if there are any amenities (for example air conditioning, washing machine, dishwasher and so on), that the flat is fully furnished and in good condition.Remember that if you choose to live in a shared flat, which is usually the cheapest solution, the right flat mates are equally important (if not more!) as the location, the price, the size and the condition of the apartment.Finding the right accommodation may take you some time and effort, but it’s definitely worth it!We would like to recommend to you some youth hostels and cheap hotels to stay the first days.

Good luck with your search!

Accommodation

37

Accommodation

OSTELLO SANTA MONACA

OSTELLO EUROPA VILLA CAMERATA

Via S. Monaca, 6ph: 055 268338www.ostellosantamonaca.com

Santa Monaca Hostel is located in the center of Florence, within walking distance from the main train station Firenze Santa Maria Novella and from all major monuments.The Hostel offers a cheap and hospitable accomodation in rooms with 2/4/6/8/10 or more beds. Discount of 10% for Erasmus students with this guide.

Viale Augusto Righi, 4ph: 055 601451www.aighostels.it

The hostel is a renaissance villa with camping area, free parking, internet point, restaurant, bar, washing machines and other services. It’s near the soccer stadium and easily reachable by bus. It has accommodation in dorms with share bathrooms or ensuite private rooms, breakfast and WI-FI free.

Via Guido Monaco, 34ph: 055 321018 www.ciaohostel.com

The Ciao Hostel is composed of 40 beds spread over 4 floors. Every floor has 4 rooms, two bath-rooms, a living room and a fully equipped kitchen. The hostel guarantees free Wi fi internet to all the guests, satellite televi-sion, air conditioning and heating.Prices starting from 18 Euro.

CIAO HOSTEL

Acco

mmod

ation

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40

Tuscan food and wine are well known all around the world, but there is much more to taste than just the famous “fiorentina”. Some plates may not seem very attractive but believe us- they are to die for! Below, you can find a short list of some typical Florentine food.Enjoy your meal!Restaurants BISTECCA ALLA FIORENTINA

Also known as T-bone steak, it is the most famous Florentine food. The “bistecca” is traditionally taken from the Chianina or Maremmana breeds of cattle and and has filet, sirloin and the t-bone in the middle. A very important aspect of the peculiarity of this food is the way it is cooked. It must be eaten “al sangue”, which means rare (literally “bloody”). If you go to eat a “fiorentina” in a typical Florentine restaurant don’t ask for it well-done, the chef will not appreciate your suggestion!

PANE TOSCANO

Tuscan bread is quite famous because of a distinctive trait: it is made without salt, unlike everything else. This special characteristic found its origin during the XII century. Florence was at war against the maritime republic of Pisa that suspended the salt trade with the hinterland. Because of this, Florentine citizens started to produce bread without salt, and came up with new recipes for particularly savory plates without salt. A particular and delicious kind of bread is the schiacciata (similar to focaccia), which is cooked in a oven with oil and salt.

Restaurants

41

RIBOLLITA

We can say that the ribollita (whose literal translation is “re-boiled”) is the winter version of the panzanella. The ribollita is a typical simple plate that comes from the rural peasant tradition. Usually it was cooked a lot on Fridays with the week’s leftovers, so that there could be enough for the following days. Each time it is re-boiled it is said to be more flavorful. The basic ingredients are: black cabbage and beans with chards, carrots, bread, potatoes, tomato, leek, celery, oil, pepper and salt.

PANZANELLA

It is a typical summer Tuscan plate. It’s made with stale Tuscan bread, tomatoes, red onion, basil, olive oil and salt. It’s very easy to make, but you need good quality products. There is a diatribe about its origin. Some say that its origin is in the “usanza contadina” method where the stale bread is soaked in water and eaten with the vegetables that could be found in a vegetable garden.

Resta

uran

tsSCHIACCIATA ALLA FIORENTINA

The schiacciata alla fiorentina is a cake that traditionally is made during the Carnival period, but you can also find it year-round. The recipe is very easy: eggs, flour, sugar, milk and a few more ingredients. You can find some versions with cream or whipped cream, however its unique characteristic is its simplicity.

Restaurants

42

LE CARCERIIL PENNELLO

Piazza Madonna della Neve, 3ph: 055 2479327www.ristorantelecarceri.it

This restaurant, pizzeria and wine bar was born as a convent and a prison until 1985. In a picturesque setting with paintings made by ex-convicts, railings and ancient frescoes, the restaurant offers typical Tuscan dishes and wines as well as themed pizzas, named after the most famous prisons of the world.

Via Dante Alighieri, 4/rph: 055 294848www.ristoranteilpennello.it

This restaurant was opened in the XVI century and is located in the historic center. It has 3 halls with about 95 seats and a staff able to offer an extensive menu based on Tuscan and Italian cuisine, including fresh fish. The daily menu changes every 3-4 weeks to provide an up-to-date menu full of delicious seasonal dishes.

Via De’ Neri, 50/rph: 348 0903142www.il-club-del-gusto.it

Located in the historical centre of Florence, it’s the smallest restaurant in town but in spite of this, it’s one of the most famous ones. It offers a huge variety of sandwiches, one above all the famous Lampredotto, a typical Florentine peasant dish. Prices are very low: first dishes for 5 euros.

CLUB DEL GUSTO

Restaurants

Restaurants

43

Ape

ritivo

and B

ars

In Italy the aperitivo consists of some snacks – usually chips, peanuts or small squares of pizza – being served for free together with your pre-dinner drink. But in some places in Florence it is much more than this: with the price of your drink you have access to an all-you-can-eat buffet where you can fi ll your plate with appetizers, pasta, pizza, rice, sandwiches, fruit and much more. Many bars and pubs use to call it apericena (aperitivo + dinner).

The aperitivo in fact can easily be a light dinner, but it makes a bad impression on the owners and other customers if you fi ll up your dish too many times with just one drink. A good tip to avoid this is to never remain at your table with your dish full and your glass empty, so if you are still hungry order another one.

Aperitivo and Bars

44

SOUL KITCHEN

Via dei Benci, 34/rph: 055 2639772www.soulkitchenfi erenze.it

Right in the centre of the historic city, round the corner from Piazza Santa Croce, you walk into a diner developed by a group of cutting-edge designers with a keen sense of good taste. Its famous aperitivo (only 7 Euro) stands up to its name and this diner puts ‘soul’ into all its recipes, with a delicious selection of Italian dishes. You will fi nd some pretty mean cocktails and live gigs too. We are sure this venue will delight you!

Our

Choice

Aperitivo

Aperitivo and Bars

NEGRONI

Florence is known all over the world because it was the cradle of the Renaissance, but not everybody knows that is also the birthplace of the famous cocktail: the Negroni.In fact, during the mid twenty years of the 20th century, the Count Camillo Negroni used to strength-en the Americano that he drank everyday with his friends at Giacosa Café (made with Campari, Vermouth and soda) by adding gin rather than the soda water. So, it is said that Count Negroni originated the accidental invention of Negroni cocktail and its diffusion. We also have to remember Fosco Scarselli, the bartender who fi rst made this now renowned cocktail to quench the thirst of the Count.

Aperitivo and Bars

ph: 055 2639772www.soulkitchenfi erenze.it

Right in the centre of the historic city, of the historic city, round the corner round the corner from Piazza Santa Croce, you walk into a diner developed by a group of cutting-edge a group of cutting-edge designers with a keen sense of good taste. sense of good taste. Its famous aperitivo (only 7 Euro) stands up to its name and this diner puts ‘soul’ into all its recipes, into all its recipes, with a delicious selection with a delicious selection of Italian dishes. You will fi nd some pretty mean cocktails pretty mean cocktails

Our

Choicethe Renaissance, but not everybody knows that is also the birthplace of the famous cocktail: the Negroni.In fact, during the mid twenty years of the 20th century, the Count Camillo Negroni used to strength-en the Americano that he drank everyday with his friends at Giacosa Café (made with Campari, Vermouth and soda) by adding gin rather than the soda water. So, it is said that Count Negroni originated the accidental invention of Negroni cocktail and its diffusion. We also have to remember Fosco Scarselli, the bartender who fi rst made this now renowned cocktail to quench the thirst of the Count.

45

PLAZASTOR

Via Pietrapiana, 36/38 rph: 055242081www.platz.eu

Plaz is nestled in a young and dynamic area with modern décor and is open to everyone. Lively and versatile, here you can have a drink, a great hamburger or arrive after dinner for excellent live music and cocktails. Here you can also taste one of the best aperitivo in Florence.

Piazza Duomo, 20/rph: 055 2399318www.astorcafe.com

Astor is a comfortable and modern cafe, with bar and grill. From 10pm until late it transforms into a disco bar where the music and visual performances create a lively and fun atmos-phere for all tastes.Astor is open all the week with no cover charge. The SKYY Lounge can be reserved for private parties and events.

Via De’Macci 92/rph: 328 9672241

Close to piazza Ghiberti you can fi nd this bar with its warm and friendly atmosphere.Open from 8 am till late night, you can fi nd a delicious aperitivo everyday (on wednesday its veg).Good music on the background and a big tv screen to see football matches. It is a fantastic place where you can have a great time.

ENOTECA DE’ MACCI

Ape

ritivo

and B

ars

Aperitivo and Bars

Via Pietrapiana, 36/38 rph: 055242081www.platz.eu

Plaz is nestled in a young and dynamic area with modern décor and is open to everyone. Lively and versatile, here you can have a drink, a great hamburger or arrive after dinner for excellent live

Piazza Duomo, 20/rph: 055 2399318www.astorcafe.com

Astor is a comfortable and modern cafe, with bar and grill. From 10pm until late it transforms into a disco bar where the music and visual performances create a lively and fun atmos-phere for all tastes.

Via De’Macci 92/rph: 328 9672241

Close to piazza Ghiberti you can fi nd this bar with its warm and friendly atmosphere.Open from 8 am till late night, you can fi nd a delicious aperitivo everyday (on wednesday its veg).Good music on the

46

Cafes

Cafes in Florence are often like a second home, or the house of a good friend, where you can eat, drink, read the newspaper, watch TV and chat with the owner and the other customers. The key is always the coffee, which in Italy is almost like a religion rather than a simple beverage. When you spend some time at the bar you will notice that everyone has his/her own personal habits there. Espresso, lungo, macchiato (caldo or freddo), cappuccino and marocchino are just some examples of the infinite ways coffee can be ordered. We would like to suggest a few bars where you can taste some of the greatest coffee in Florence and finally choose your favorite one.

Cafes

LE MURATE CAFFÈ LETTERARIO

Our

Choice

Piazza delle Murate ph: 055 2346872www.lemurate.it

Set in the heart of Florence in the historical old prison complex Le Murate, it is one of the most offbeat, cutting edge and refined place where to hang out. Every day from 7.00 to 9.30 pm you can come for the aperitivo and enjoy a glass of wine, a beer or a cocktail while tasting delicious Tuscan and Ethnic dishes. Also a restaurant, it serves dinner à la carte, breakfast and lunch as well as brunch on Sundays. At night free entrance to live concerts, performances and dj-sets.

47

CHIARO SCURO

Via Della Spada, 10/Rph: 055-2776328www.caffegiacosa.com

Confectionery, pastries, wines and spirits, restaurant, tea room, chocolate factory. Suppliers patented by the Royal Household. Casa Giacosa, founded in 1815”. This read the header of this famous and elegant bar, for generations a meeting point for Florentine high society where also the famous Negroni cocktail was born.

Via del Corso 13Rph: 055.21.42.47 info@chiaroscurofirenze.it

Chiaroscuro offers all the finest coffee in the world: the most famous and rare Italian blends as well as the most gourmet beans of the world like the Jamaica Blue and the famous and controversial Kopi Luwak. At Chiaroscuro you can also find big cappuccinos, the real tchai latte, breakfast, lunch, and aperitivo.

CUCULIACAFE GIACOSA

Cafes

Cafes

Via dei Serragli, 3r,ph: 055 277 6205www.cuculia.it

A unique spot in Florence city center where you can enjoy a mundane ambiance surrounded by art and good music. Drinks, coffee, tea and designer food can be enjoyed in good company and at a good price. It is also possible to organize parties and exhibitions in a relaxing atmosphere mixing tradition and international taste.

48

Enoteche and Vinaini

Enoteche and Vinaini

Tuscan wine production is well-known all around the world. In the hills around Florence and its surrounding cities, you can find countless vineyards. Chianti wine is made in the territory of Florence, Siena and Arezzo; Brunello di Montalcino, Montepulciano and Vernaccia di S. Gimignano are all typical of the area of Siena. The Morellino di Scansano comes from Grosseto province, while Bolgheri from the Livorno area. All these wines are red, with the exception of Vernaccia which is a white wine. In fact, the production of wine in Tuscany is mainly made up of red wine, although you can also find some great-tasting white wine.In Florence, if you want to taste wine you can typically go to a vinaino (literally “little vintner”) or to an enoteca (wine bar).

In general the vinaino is cheaper and more cheerful. You can taste many different kinds of wine and match them with a plate of cheese and cold cuts or a sandwich. The enoteca is more sophisticated and could be a little more pricey. You can have a bottle of wine and mix it with a crostone (a slice of bread with cheese and ham), a portion of pasta or a dessert.

www.avignonesi.it

TERROIR SPEAKS;WE LISTEN

50

Clubs and Discos

After a long aperitivo, a good dinner or a few drinks at a pub, you’ll probably be ready to go home and get some sleep if you have to wake up early the next morning. Or you can choose to party on, as many other Movers do. Luckily in Florence there are many international nights at the clubs. You can find two kind of clubs: disco-pubs and discos. Disco-pubs usually have free entrance, and you can go to have just a drink or dance a little as well. They open quite early and close at late night. On the other hand, to get inside a disco you a have to pay the entrance but usually you have a drink included in the fee and you can go there quite late. The clubs close between 2 and 4 am.

Clubs and Discos

PINK CLUB

Via Dei Servi, 82/RPh: 347 5130733

It is a young and dynamic club with a modern unconventional design, located in via dei Servi. Open every day since morning it is designed to satisfy the most diverse and demanding customers with its comprehensive and accurate offer: fine breakfast, lunch, aperitivo and dj sets. But its strength is definitely the week-end clubbing, when foreign and Italian people dance and party together till late night. The exclusive area downstairs is equipped with its own dj booth and available to be reserved for private parties.

Our

Choice

51

LIFE CLUBSPACE CLUB

Via dell’Erta Canina, 12/rph: 347 4238636www.lifeclubfirenze.it

It is a brand new club in Florence, designed to satisfy the most diverse needs. It is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday. From 8.30 pm you can have an aperitivo with a huge buffet and after 11 pm the music starts pumping with the selection of DJs. There is also a privé for private parties and special occasions.

Via Palazzuolo, 37ph: 055 293082www.spaceclubfirenze.com

This disco opened in 1969 and is open every day. Every Friday it hosts erasmus nights (see page 27) at the price of 10 euros includ-ing a drink and a shot for ESN Card owners: on the ground-floor you can also enjoy a karaoke with songs in many languages, while upstairs there’s a dance floor with commercial music.

Via Cantagalli, 1/rph: 329 8718807www.rullanteclub.com

Located close to porta Romana, it is one of the few alternative club in the city, suggested to the rock music lovers. You can go just to have a drink and play with your friends with board games but you can also find concerts of emerging bands and dj sets, usually rock music.

RULLANTE CLUB

Clubs and Discos

Club

s and

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os

52

Ok you’re right, we said we wouldn’t tell you about touristic stuff but living in Florence you will be surrounded by art and culture and you will soon be aware that they are part of the Italian lifestyle and they affect people’s behavior. We have tried to make a mix of both famous and less known places and a selection from classic to contemporary art to give you an example of the wide array of cultural the city has to offer.

BASILICA DI SANTA CROCE

Art and Culture

Art and Culture

Built in 1294, it wasn’t finished until the mid-nineteenth century, with the lining of its Gothic facade. At the end of the sixteenth Michelangelo Buonarroti was buried here. His remains were stolen from the church of the Holy Apostles in Rome. Since then, S. Croce has becomes a sort of Pantheon, a cemetery to honor the memory of the Great Italians. Here, in fact, are the tombs or cenotaphs of Dante, Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Foscolo, Galileo, Rossini, etc..Apart from these buried intellectuals, you can also find a great deal of works of art inside the church.

53

GALLERIA DEGLI UFFIZIDUOMO DI SANTA MARIA DEL FIORE

Art

and C

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e

The building was created as a place of administrative and judicial offices and it now it houses a priceless artistic heritage which is one of the richest in the world consisting of paintings which date back to the Middle Ages to modern times. It’s very long list of great Italian artists hosted here include: Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael, Beato Angelico, Botticelli, Piero della Francesca, etc.. However, there are also foreign artists such as Rembrandt and Rubens. A visit to this museum is a must.

It’s construction began in 1296, thanks to Arnolfo di Cambio. At his death, it was interrupted, but the construction continued in the following years and prosecuted, albeit slowly, by several architects, including Giotto. Only after 1450 Brunelleschi completed the “cupola” (dome) and afterwards the lantern. The present neo-Gothic facade was not completed until after 1871. The “cupola” is a true masterpiece of architecture. It is not easy to understand how Brunelleschi was able to build the largest dome in the world of its time, and still the biggest brick and mortar dome ever built. In order to admire the panorama of the city, it’s essential to ascend to the lantern (the central part of the dome), climb the long and challenging staircase to the top. It is also a must to reflect upon the largest fresco in the world (3600 sqm).

Art and Culture

54

PALAZZO VECCHIO

Art and Culture

Its construction began in 1299 (by Arnolfo di Cambio). It was completed in 1315 but it was repeatedly modified and extended by different artists, including Vasari, which was responsible for the arrangement of the Salone dei Cinquecento and the building of the Vasari Corridor, which connects Palazzo Vecchio to Palazzo Pitti, passing over Ponte Vecchio. In the magnificent Salone dei Cinquecento (54m x 23 x 18 high) would be have held the artistic race between Michelangelo and Leonardo.

Pitti, a rich merchant, commissioned in 1440, a dwelling that exceed in magnitude those of other wealthy Florentine, including those of the Medici family. On the outside, you can admire one of the most beautiful Italian gardens, the Giardino di Boboli, which borders the palace. In many rooms, in addition to the royal apartments, there are various exhibitions and galleries, including the rich Palatine Gallery.

PALAZZO PITTI

Art and Culture

55

THE BAPTISTERY OF SAN GIOVANNI

PONTE VECCHIO

It’s one of the oldest buildings in the city, located opposite the Cathedral. Inside you can admire in the dome one of the largest Byzantine mosaics of the West, representing the Last Judgement. It took almost 100 years of work and collaboration with artists such as Giotto and Cimabue. Perhaps it inspired Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel frescoes. Outside,there is the famous Gates of Paradise created by Ghiberti and so nicknamed by Michelangelo.

Destroyed by a flood and rebuilt in 1345, is the only bridge that survived WWII. Since 1200 ,merchants and artisans, mainly fishmongers and butchers, have built their shops on this step. Around 1565, Vasari built above the shops, a corridor that connects Palazzo Vecchio to Palazzo Pitti. The Grand Duke Ferdinand, could not stand the smell, and removed all shopkeepers with the exception of goldsmiths. It’s one of the most visited places in Florence, and it offers a beautiful view.

Art

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Art and Culture

56

PALAZZO STROZZI AND STROZZINA

ACCADEMIA DELLE ARTI E DEL DISEGNO

Art and Culture

Located in Piazza Strozzi, there is a big palace whose first stone was put down in 1489 by the order of Filippo Strozzi the Elder, a florentine banker. Palazzo Strozzi represents the renaissance ideal of a noble abode. It resembles a small fortress inside the city. The building hosts the “Gabinetto Viessex”, “Istituto Italiano di Scienze umane”, “Istituto Nazionale di Studi sul Rinascimento” and the “Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi” exhibitions. At the first floor of the building, called “Piano nobile” you can find great art exhibitions, which vary at different times of the year. On the floor below, you’ll find the CCC Strozzina (Contemporary Cultural Center) that hosts wonderful, contemporary art exhibitions. There is a free entry on Thursay nights.

IN 1562, the Medici family also founded the Academy of Arts and Design. In addition to the learning that takes places here, there is also a large collection of works, the most important ones being: David and the Prisons of Michelangelo. These last, unfinished, were intended for the tomb of Pope Julius II in S. Peter’s in Rome, but they never left Florence.

Art and Culture

57

It’s the work of Brunelleschi, which required the demolition of an entire neighborhood. There were many beneficiaries, but in the end only the Medici funded it, and this became their family church. Behind it, there are two monumental Sacrist ies: the Old one by Brunelleschi and the New one by Michelangelo, an actual Medici mausoleum. Michelangelo abandoned the work and moved to Rome, but left statues of priceless beauty, even if they were incomplete. The façade even today, isn’t coated.

PIAZZA DELLA SIGNORIA

The city of Florence is said to be a sort of open-air museum, however this is even more so at the most important square of the city: Piazza della Signoria. In addition to the beautiful buildings that surround it, here you can find sculptures of the highest quality, although some are copies for the originals, for example: David by Michelangelo, Judith and Holofernes by Donatello, Perseus by Cellini, etc. Since the Middle Ages, this was the center of the city in all aspects of life. There is even a plaque commemorating the gallows and the stake of Savonarola.

SAN LORENZO

Art

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Art and Culture

4Zone

6Zone

7Zone

1

3Zone

5Zone8

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Zone

10Zone

2Zone

9Zone

Check pages 29 - 33 for more info.

60

Litteraly means “to arrive after the San Giovanni fireworks”. Florentines use this common saying to say that you arrived late for something, when eveything is finished. We can translate this sentence in “you arrived when the show was over”

It is the contraction form when you say “bye-bye” to some one. The extened form is “Ci si vede” or “Ci si becca” (see “beccare”) that can be simply translate with “See you”. It is very used by younger and it vey colloquial expression. So, don’t use it if you are talking with someone you don’t know.

ARRIVARE DOPO I FOHI

DI SAN GIOVANNI

!

CI SI!

Florence Slang

In Italy there are lots of dialects: there are regional ones and there could even be two neighbouring cities that speak two different dialects and could have a hard time understanding each other. Florentine people always say that Florence is the birthplace of Italian language and that in Florence (or in Tuscany) people speak the real Italian. The vocabulary is very nice and it has some common saying very funny. The most famous characteristic of Florentine speech is the “aspirated c”. This usually happens at the beginning of a word, but its grammatical rules are a lot. Everybody love Florentine way to speak and “aspirated c” in fact people always ask them to say:”una Coca-cola con la cannuccia corta corta” (a Coke with a very short straw). Why? Let’s try.

Florence Slang

61

This expression means “wasting time in activities of little or no importance”. For example, “ho cazzeggiato tutto il pomeriggio su facebook” means “I wasted all afternoon on facebook”.

It is a typical proverb when you drink too much and the day after you are in hangover. Literally it means “it’s not drinking, but re-drinking” but the actual meaning is “ I don’t feel bad because i drank once, but because I drank heavily” that we say “ E unné stato i’ bere che m’ha fregato ma i’ ribere”.

CAZZEGGIARE!

UNNÈ I’ BERE MA I’ RIBERE

!

Its litteraly translation is “to go around seven churchs” but the real meaning is “to go to a place to another by the longest way, when you could use the shortest one”.This way of saying has its origins in a tradition of the day before Eastern. In fact it was common to visit seven sepulchres in seven different churches. “Per arrivare allo stadio s’è fatto il giro delle sette chiese” does not mean that you went to pray in seven churches before getting to the stadium, but that you did not take the shortest way.

FARE I’ GIRO DELLE SETTE CHIESE

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Cigarette. Be carefull: in many cities in Italy “cicca” means bubble gum so if you ask “hai una cicca?” someone could answer you: “no, but I have a sweet if you want”. He is not crazy but he’s probably not Tuscan.

CICCA/CICCHINO!

Flor

ence

Slan

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Florence Slang

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1) To achieve a goal, “L’ho becca’o”, I achieved it. 2) To get ill, to catch a disease, “Hobecca’o l’influenza”, I caught a flu. 3) To be caught red-handed, “T’ho becca’o”, I found out what you’ve been doing.4) Synonymous with “ imbroccare” and “cuccare”, “Che n’hai becca’a nessuna te?”, did you pick up any girl? 5) To meet each other. “Ci si becca al bar”, see you at the bar.

A not very clever and cultured person who assumes inconvenient and unpleasant attitudes. The origin of this term isn’t clear, though it clearly has its roots in Tuscany between Florence and the maremma. For somebody it recalls the male genital organ, for others the surname of an ancient Florentine family renowned for its wrong financial investments, for others the key which regulates the string instruments, and in the end the “bischero di padule”, a shrub growing on the side of swamps and ditches that sways at every gust of wind, just like the “bischero” follows the others without thinking with its own head. So even if often in a friendly and colloquial way it means simpleton, stupid, if not something worse. It also depends on the tone of voice and on the context.

BÌSCHERO!

BECCARE!

Milan Slang

Florence Slang

From the adjective derives also the noun “bischerata”, which refers to a stupid decision or action done without thinking too much about it and resulting in a fail, as it would have appeared obvious thinking a little about it before acting.

Florence Slang

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The Youth Moving project is the idea of three Italian guys. We have had different experiences abroad, such as Erasmus and Leonardo da Vinci programme and we have even spent some of our time abroad learning another language and working. After this, we realized that awesome experiences like these could be improved with some useful services.In particular, the original idea is the one of a social network which could help people share their experiences, rate cities and transport, talk about universities and jobs, fi nd a good place to stay, get to know other people, learn and teach languages and last but not least give advice on their city or just go out for a drink. The Beta version of this web app is onl ine s ince February 2013.While working on the idea of the social network we have realized that we could do more and we have created this guide you are reading. The fi rst one was the guide to Milan that has been a great success in the city between the Movers. This guide you are reading is the fi rst edition

regarding Florence.Living abroad is a very challenging experience and nowadays it is very important. The Erasmus Programme has just turned 25 years old and Erasmus Mundus is getting more and more popular; A lot of companies when deciding to hire someone, have declared to prefer a candidate who has had an experience abroad rather than one with the highest grades at school, and that knowing languages is fundamental to people who want to travel or get to know other cultures.Our aim is to help integration between people and countries, creating both a virtual and a real life connection through the web services, our presence on the most important social networks, our guides and our events.We like to use the word “Movers” to refer to all the people who live or have lived abroad, people like us. And as the trend of going abroad has grown more and more over the years we love to call this new generation of Movers the “Youth Moving”. And that is why we chose this name.

About Us ...

About Us...

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Episode 1

... and Erasmus Life

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d Era

smus

Life

COVER ILLUSTRATOR

Elisa Macellari

Elisa is an illustrator and visual artist based in Milan.

She studied in Perugia where she received a degree in Computer Graphics.

She is involved in editorial projects in Italy and abroad.

www.elisamacellari.com

hi@youthmoving.comOr Follow Us on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube channel

Youth Moving is a young and dynamic project, based on people. If you are a Mover and you would like to collaborate with us or just to know more about it you can contact us:

Youth Moving

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