Florence is a city that’s easy to love, but one of the things we never quite get used to is how art is such a part of everyday life. You’ll find it not only in galleries but also in the sculptures and fountains seemingly around every turn. And then there are the workshops where artisans still practice their craft. Nowhere is this spirit more alive than across the Arno in the Oltrarno neighborhood. This is where many of the city’s most talented artisans continue a legacy of craftsmanship that stretches back centuries. If you’ve ever wandered through its narrow streets, you’ll have felt the Oltrarno’s creative side. Whether it’s the work of woodcarvers and goldsmiths or young designers, each workshop tells a story of dedication and artistry.

That spirit of craftsmanship comes to life in a wonderful way on the Artisan Workshop Tour in Florence’s Oltrarno Neighborhood. Led by a local expert, this private three-hour experience takes you behind the scenes of Florence’s living workshops. Along the way, you’ll meet master leather workers, silversmiths, shoemakers and milliners, and see their artistry up close. Watch how materials take shape in skilled hands and learn how these centuries-old traditions continue to define the city today.

This isn’t a typical shopping tour but a true immersion into Florence’s creative soul. Your guide will share stories of the medieval guilds that once set the standard for quality craftsmanship and shows how those values still shape daily life in the Oltrarno. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to chat with artisans, ask questions and gain a fuller appreciation for the dedication behind each handmade piece. It’s exactly the kind of experience we love, because it’s deeply important to us to celebrate Florence’s traditions and the people who keep them alive.

Charming Piazza Santo Spirito in the Oltrarno.

It’s no secret that we love the Oltrarno. This neighborhood captures a quieter, more local side of the city, where artisans open their doors and outdoor cafés are the perfect setting for long conversations. Stroll through Piazza Santo Spirito in the morning to see the market stalls come to life or head there in the evening when locals gather for aperitivo. We’ve shared more about all our favorite things to see and do in the area in Our Guide to Florence’s Oltrarno Neighborhood.

If this sounds like the Florence experience would like to have for yourself, here are some of our beautiful vacation rentals in the heart of the Oltrarno.

A truly splendid view of the Arno from our Splendida apartment rental.

Splendida

With sweeping Arno River views and elegant mid-century style, Splendida lives up to its name. This beautifully designed two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment offers bridge-to-bridge panoramas from the long balcony—from Ponte alla Carraia to Ponte Vecchio—and a light-filled living room that’s perfect for relaxing after a day exploring the city.

Charming terrace at Casetta Bonsi in Florence.

Casetta Bonsi

With a charming, cottage-like setting just two blocks from the Ponte Vecchio, Casetta Bonsi is a rare find. Step outside to the sound of church bells and stroll through streets filled with artisan studios and neighborhood shops. This inviting one-bedroom home offers the perfect blend of history, comfort and local character.

Florence’s artistic traditions are still very much alive, and there’s no better place to experience them than in the Oltrarno. Whether you’re meeting the city’s talented makers or staying in one of our inviting Florence vacation rentals, you’ll discover the beauty of craftsmanship woven into every corner of this extraordinary city!

The post Meet the Makers Keeping Florence’s Artistic Traditions Alive appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

We love discovering what sparks the imagination when travelers begin planning a trip to Italy. Recently, our guests have been especially interested in one of Florence’s most charming gastronomic curiosities – the buchette del vino, or wine windows. These small, arched openings set into Renaissance palaces may look unassuming at first glance, but they hold centuries of history within their stone frames. Let’s take a closer look at their story plus the perfect way to experience them for yourself!

A Renaissance Wine Tradition

Florence’s wine windows date back tothe 16th century, when Cosimo I de’ Medici granted noble families the right to sell wine directly from their homes. Many of these families owned vineyards in the Tuscan countryside as well as grand residences in the city. The solution was both practical and discreet: a small hatch in the palazzo wall where locals could bring a flask, pass it through, and have it filled with wine – all without ever entering the household.

These windows would become much more than just a convenience. During the plague years of the 1600s, they allowed for exchanges that kept social distance long before the concept had a name. In the centuries that followed, many were sealed or forgotten as Florence modernized, yet the wine windows endured as little reminders of the city’s resilience and ingenuity.

Rediscovery & Revival

For centuries, Florence’s wine windows were overlooked, many bricked over or repurposed as mail slots and doorbells. Their story began to reemerge thanks to the work of local historians and the Buchette del Vino Association, which has catalogued more than 180 surviving examples in Florence alone. They’ve also inspired renewed attention in recent years thanks to photographer Robbin Gheesling’s evocative Wine Doors of Florence project and the richly illustrated book Wine Windows in Florence and Tuscany by Diletta Corsini and Lucrezia Giordano.

Even Stanley Tucci brought them into the spotlight in his series Searching for Italy, where he marveled at the charm of sipping a glass of wine received through one of these centuries-old doors. All of this attention has made the buchette del vino one of Florence’s most charming gastronomic features.

Experience the Wine Windows Yourself

With something as unique as Florence’s wine windows, you simply have to see them in action. Join a Florence Wine Windows Guided Walk led by a local expert to discover the historic buchette del vino for yourself. Along the way you’ll also pass landmarks such as the Duomo, Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Piazza della Repubblica and Palazzo Strozzi, while hearing the fascinating details behind these tiny windows

At one stop, you’ll even sip a glass of wine served through a window – just as Florentines did centuries ago. The walk then continues inside Mercato Centrale, where a Tuscan wine specialist will host a tasting of three regional wines paired with classic bites like prosciutto, salami and olives. With its small-group format, this tour is a great mix of history, culture and gastronomy that will leave you with a new appreciation for Florence’s most curious tradition.

Want to explore even more of Florence’s history, art and cuisine? Take a look at our favorite Florence tours that bring the city to life in unforgettable ways.

The post Florence’s Curious Wine Windows appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

As one of Italy’s top travel destinations, Florence is a city so rich with history and charm that it can be a challenge to know where to start. We’ve created this guide to help you plan a perfect week that includes all the top museums and sights, best gastronomic experiences, beautiful walks and perfect day trips in Tuscany. We’ve also included our favorite hidden gems and a variety of options and ideas if you’re planning a return trip or already know and love Florence. Check it out and then contact our team to help you find that perfect vacation apartment rental in Florence!

Experience the best of Florence!

Day 1: Discovering the Historic Heart of Florence

Whether it’s your first visit or you’ve been traveling to Florence for years, there’s something special about stepping into Piazza di San Giovanni and coming face to face with the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral. You can often catch a glimpse of its geometric white, green and pink marble design while approaching along the narrow side streets. But when it’s there in front of you, especially looking up at Brunelleschi’s dome, it’s hard to pull your eyes away. Start your visit with a stroll around the cathedral, also called the Duomo, and then visit inside to stand under the massive dome that is decorated with 16th-century frescoes by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari. If you have a head for heights and don’t mind a lot of steps, you can climb up to the top of Brunelleschi’s dome or the 278-foot tall bell tower.

Just opposite the entrance to the Duomo you’ll spot the stand alone octagonal Baptistery, which is one of the oldest buildings in Florence. It was built between 1059 and 1128 in the Florentine Romanesque style, which greatly influenced the later Renaissance style you’ll see around Florence. Don’t miss the sets of bronze doors with carved relief panels. The doors on the east side closest to the Duomo by Lorenzo Ghiberti are so beautiful that Michelangelo called them the “Gates of Paradise.” You can learn more about the Duomo in the fascinating Museo dell’Opera del Duomo located behind the cathedral.

The area around the Duomo is fun for shopping and exploring. It’s rich with historical sights like the 14th-century church Orsanmichele, one of our favorite hidden gems in Florence.

See the Doni Tondo by Michelangelo at the Uffizi.

Day 2: Renaissance Masterpieces & Santa Croce

Home to one of the greatest collections of art in the world, the Uffizi Gallery is a must while you’re in Florence. Don’t lose any time waiting in line by booking an Uffizi Gallery Priority Pass or, even better, an Uffizi Gallery Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket to be led through the collection by an experienced guide. However you choose to visit, you’ll have the chance to see firsthand some of the most important masterpieces by artists such as Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Caravaggio and many more. Be sure to pace yourself and afterwords stroll over to beautiful Piazza della Signoria where you’ll find the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence’s town hall, and many beautiful statues, including a copy of Michelangelo’s David.

In the afternoon, meander over to the Santa Croce neighborhood to visit the Basilica of Santa Croce, which is full of artistic and architectural treasures. Check out our Santa Croce guide for tips on what to see and do, where to shop and the best restaurants.

Discover the unique flavors of Florence.

Day 3: Gastronomic Delights in Florence

Savoring delicious Tuscan fare is something you’ll enjoy every day in Florence. Not sure where to start? For the tastiest experience, head out on a Taste of Florence Food Tour or a Florence Private Food Tour. Want to learn more about Italian wines while in Italy? Discover local wines and pairings on this 3-hour Florence Tuscan Wine Private Tour. If you’re like us and fall in love with all the delicious pizza and Tuscan dishes you’ll enjoy while dining out, then consider spending some time learning how to recreate those specialties at home. Learn how to make your own Italian Homemade Pasta, have fun with the the always popular Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class, or enjoy a Four Course Lunch Cooking Class or a Florentine Dinner Cooking Class.

Walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo for stunning views! (credit)

Day 4: Beautiful Gardens & Florence Views

Florence is beautiful from every angle, but one of the loveliest spots by far is the view overlooking the city from Piazzale Michelangelo. Follow our self-guided Florence Walking Tour from the Ponte Vecchio past a 14th-century entrance tower to Florence, through a rose garden and up to Piazzale Michelangelo for a stunning view. Spend more time in the area by climbing a little further up to the beautiful San Miniato al Monte Basilica. On the way up or back down, spend time visiting the Museo Stefano Bardini and Bardini Gardens or head back across the Arno to visit the remarkable Bargello Museum to see masterpieces of the Renaissance, like Donatello’s David, in a historic building that is almost as beautiful as the art on display.

The Palazzo Pitti was home to the Medici family.

Day 5: A Day with the Medici

One name you’ll hear a lot of in Florence is Medici and that’s because this wealthy and powerful family ruled Florence during the Renaissance and were patrons to the most influential and important artists of the day. Get to know more about them on the Florence Medici Private Tour that takes you from artistic treasures in their family church to the Palazzo Medici-Riccardi and the Medici Chapel in the San Lorenzo church. After the tour, head across the Arno to the Oltrarno neighborhood to visit the Palazzo Pitti which was the Medici family’s lavish home. Then skip the line to the Boboli Gardens and imagine the life the Medici’s lived with these as their private gardens in the heart of Florence.

The Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens are just the beginning of the treasures you can discover in the Oltrarno. Check out our guide to the stylish and fun Oltrarno neighborhood for more ideas!

Spend a day exploring beautiful Tuscany on a day trip from Florence!

Day 6: Best of Tuscany Day Trip

Florence is so well situated for exploring Tuscany and top destinations across Italy. If you’d like spend more time exploring and less time in museums, enjoy easy day trips to Siena, the Cinque Terre, Bologna and even Venice. Wine enthusiasts will want to head out on day trips to the best wineries in Tuscany while during the summer months there are beautiful beach day trips from Florence, too.

Have limited time and want to see the top sights in Tuscany on a worry-free day? On our recommended Best of Tuscany Day Trip you’ll visit the historic center of Siena and see its magnificent cathedral and then enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch and wine tasting at a Chianti vineyard followed by time spent in the famous hilltop town of San Gimignano and finish the day with a visit to Pisa. You’ll return to Florence having experienced the beauty and unforgettable flavors of Tuscany!

See the original David sculpture at the Accademia Gallery. (credit)

Day 7: Seeing David & Shopping in Style

Although you’ll surely spot the famous David statue in front of the Palazzo Vecchio in Piazza della Signoria, that isn’t the original statue carved by Michelangelo. To see that you’ll want to visit the Galleria dell’ Accademia, which is just a short stroll north from the Duomo. Of course, you won’t be the only one eager to see this masterpiece, so save time by booking the Accademia Gallery skip the line tour to avoid waiting in a long queue. While the David is certainly a show stopper, you’ll also see other important works by Michelangelo as well as 15th-century paintings by Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Uccello and more.

Spend a leisurely afternoon strolling over toward Santa Maria Novella church, where you can stop to see an impressive crucifix by Giotto and works by Botticelli, Masaccio and more. Around the corner, visit the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella — the world’s oldest pharmacy — which is a great spot to pick out special gifts to take back home. Spend the afternoon shopping along elegant Via dè Tornabuoni or the smaller side streets. Or head to the Museo Salvatore Ferragamo to learn more about Florence’s fashion history.

Ready to book your perfect week in Italy? Check out our Florence vacation apartment rentals and contact our team for assistance booking your stay!

The post A Perfect Week in Florence Itinerary appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

It’s easy to fall in love with just about every corner of Florence, but one of our favorite areas to stay in and explore is the Oltrarno neighborhood. With our charming vacation apartments located right in the heart of this vibrant area, you can immerse yourself in the authentic Florentine lifestyle. The name means “the other side of the Arno,” and refers to the area south of the Arno across from the historic center around the Duomo. Simply crossing the Ponte Vecchio takes you right into the heart of the Oltrarno, which is a chic neighborhood full of incredible historic sites, expansive gardens, artistic traditions, and the best views of Florence. Enjoy some of our favorite things to see and do in Florence’s beautiful Oltrarno neighborhood!

The Vasari Corridor passing around the Torre dei Mannelli on the Ponte Vecchio. (credit)

Unexpected Artistic Gems in Santa Felicita

Crossing over the Ponte Vecchio you’re following the same route the Medici family took from Palazzo Vecchio to reach the Palazzo Pitti, their lavish residence starting in the 16th century. In fact, along the way you can look up and see the Vasari Corridor, which was their above ground private passageway through the city. Just steps from Ponte Vecchio following the beautiful Via de’ Guicciardini, you’ll spot a little piazza with the 15th-century Column of Santa Felicita and just beyond the Church of Santa Felicita.

A church has been located on this site since about the 4th century, but the one there nowadays dates from the 18th century. If the facade of the church looks a bit odd, that’s because the Vasari Corridor passes along the front of the church. If you go inside and look up above the entrance, you’ll spot a large gated window where the Medici family could listen to mass without being seen by anyone inside the church.

Pontormo’s Deposition from the Cross in Santa Felicita. (credit)

For art lovers, however, there’s a real treasure inside Santa Felicita that you won’t want to miss. Just inside the entrance on the right is a small chapel designed by Filippo Brunelleschi—the architect of the Duomo’s massive dome—that was decorated by Pontormo, a 16th-century painter whose style marked a change in Renaissance painting that was later called Mannerism. Here you’ll see two of his masterpieces. The Deposition from the Cross is beautifully lit to show off the brilliant colors of the oil painting and is set in shimmering gilded frame. On the wall to the right are frescoes of the Virgin Mary and Angel Gabriel also painted by Pontormo.

You’ll find the Ponte Vecchio and Santa Felicita just moments from our one-bedroom Casetta Bonsi apartment or two-bedroom Momoria apartment, both of which put you in a perfect location in the Oltrarno.

The grand Palazzo Pitti from the Boboli Gardens

Medici Marvels at Palazzo Pitti & Boboli Gardens

Follow Via de’ Guicciardini to Palazzo Pitti, set atop a grand sloped square that draws your eye from every spot to the impressive entrance of the Medici family’s palace. Starting in 1549, this enormous palazzo and the beautifully landscaped gardens were home to the rulers of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and it was filled with an incredible collection of art and luxurious decorations. As the largest museum complex in Florence, a visit to the museum is a must for art lovers or anyone interesting in learning more about the Medici family.

As you pass through the lavishly decorated rooms of the Palantine Gallery and the royal apartments, you have the rare chance to see hundreds and hundreds of fine works by Renaissance masters hung largely as they would have in a private collection as originally intended – rather than a traditional museum setting. Imagine living with your walls covered with works by the likes of Raphael, Peter Paul Rubens, Titian, Correggio and Perugino. Just be warned that Stendhal syndrome can set in quickly in the Palazzo Pitti galleries, so you’ll need a breath of fresh air. What better place than the Boboli Gardens just outside?

Splendid fountains in the Boboli Gardens.

Created in the 16th century for the Medici family, this enormous landscaped garden covers about 111 acres and spreads up the hillside behind the Palazzo Pitti. Far bigger than you might expect to find right in the heart of Florence, these beautiful gardens have been open to the public since 1766. Now you can stroll along the stone pathways and imagine the regal setting in the 16th century. Although there are some finely framed views of Florence and the Duomo from right near the entrance to the gardens behind the Palazzo Pitti, be sure to climb to the top of the gardens to the Palazzina del Cavaliere, which houses the Porcelain Museum, for the best views. Look across the hillside to spot the San Miniato al Monte Basilica and enjoy the lovely gardens before exploring more of the Boboli Gardens.

Want to avoid the lines and get direct access to the Boboli Gardens? This Skip the Line Boboli Gardens tour is our top recommendation.

The Fontana dello Sprone at the cornder of Via dello Sprone and Borgo San Jacopo. (credit)

Exploring the Artisan Traditions of the Oltrarno

After the expansive gardens, it’s time to meander into heart of the Oltrarno district, which is full of narrow streets, beautiful piazzas, and excellent shopping and dining. The best way to experience the Oltrarno is to simply meander through the narrow streets, which even on busy summer days are refreshingly quiet. Along the way you’ll pass little boutiques, antique shops, and our favorite experience, small artisan workshops that keep the neighborhood’s artistic traditions alive. Stop to see jewelry makers, bookbinders, frame makers gilding frames, and all types of creatives at work.

For a refreshing break, stop at Gelateria Della Passera, one of our favorite gelato shops in Florence, which is set on the charming little Piazza della Passera. You’ll also find our Maestro apartment in an excellent spot nearby.

While out strolling, keep in mind that some shops in this neighborhood will close during lunch from about 1pm to 3 or 4pm so you might find it even quieter during those hours. When you head over to visit the Brancacci Chapel, don’t miss a stroll down Borgo San Frediano, considered one of the coolest streets in Florence.

Relax in a shady spot in Piazza Santo Spirito.

Hang Out in Piazza Santo Spirito

The heart of the Oltrarno neighborhood in many ways is the Piazza Spirito Santo. The leafy tree-lined square is surrounded by restaurants and cafes where you can find activity throughout the day and most certainly in the evenings when the Florentine movida begins. We love passing through the square during the day to stop at the open-air market to pick up fresh fruit and veggies, but it’s also a great place to eat or stop for a drink anytime of the day and night.

Of course you’ll also want to visit the Basilica di Santo Spirito while exploring the Oltrarno. Although the facade is quite simple, inside you’ll find one of the finest Renaissance churches in Florence. Construction began in 1444 and this church was the last project designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, the city’s most famous architect.

Head to the Piazza del Carmine to see the Brancacci Chapel.

Renaissance Glory at the Brancacci Chapel

Meander through the historic streets over to Piazza del Carmine, a large square with the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine. Construction began in the 13th century, but the church was significantly damaged by a fire in 1771. The soaring interior is now largely in the Rococo style, which is quite a contrast to the stark facade, which like the Basilica di San Lorenzo in Florence was never finished.

Mesmerizing beauty in the Cappella Brancacci.

However, the treasure that draws most visitors to Santa Maria del Carmine is the remarkable Brancacci Chapel, which survived the massive fire in the 18th century. Here you’ll find frescoes by Masaccio and Masolino, which are some of the most important early masterpieces of the Renaissance. The chapel decorations were commissioned in 1425 by a wealthy Florentine merchant, Felice Brancacci, and here the master painter Masolino, working with his student Massacio, created a series of frescoes depicting scenes from the life of St. Peter that captures a sense of space and depth unlike anyone had seen before.

Both Masolino and Massacio were called away by other projects before the chapel was complete and some of the frescoes and decoration were finished by Florentine artist Filippino Lippi. Called the “Sistine Chapel of the early Renaissance” for the intensity of its beauty, it is an absolute treasure to visit. However, do check Brancacci Chapel website in advance as the hours are limited.

Panoramic view over Florence from the Piazzale Michelangelo. (credit)

Finding the Best Views in Florence

Once you start spending time in the Oltrarno neighborhood you’ll keep coming back for more. We love the atmosphere and great shopping but the absolute best part of spending time in the Oltrarno are the views and the beautiful gardens and open spaces right in the heart of the city. Check out our Florence Walking Tour with Beautiful Views that takes you from the Ponte Vecchio past incredible museums, the Bardini Gardens, the 14th-century Porta San Niccolò watchtower, and up to the incredible overlook at Piazzale Michelangelo and the fascinating San Miniato al Monte Basilica. All of this is right at your doorstep in the Oltrarno neighborhood!

The post Our Guide to Florence’s Oltrarno Neighborhood appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

Calcio Storico – a unique Florentine tradition. (Credit)

Once a year, the genteel streets of Florence take a surprisingly violent turn. The beating of drums fills the air. A historical parade with medieval costumed figures leads the way to Piazza Santa Croce, which has been transformed into a sandy field surrounded by stands of cheering crowds. Splendid flag throwing and bands are just the beginning of the day’s events, because now it is time for the Calcio Storico game to begin. This is Florence like you’ve never seen it.

While there is no simple description of Calcio Storico, also called Calcio Fiorentino, the game is an early form of football—although more like rugby—if you add in bare-knuckle boxing and remove very nearly all the rules. In 1574, Henry III, King of France, described the game as “Too small to be a war, too cruel to be a game.” In all the centuries since, no one has come up with a better description of Calcio Storico. Nowaways, every June 24th on the festival of Florence’s patron San Giovanni Battista, the players—often called “modern day gladiators”—take the field to quite literally fight for the honor and traditions of the city they love.

A Powerful History

How did such an intense game become one of the most-loved symbols of Florence? If you’ve seen Giorgio Vasari’s grand fresco of the Siege of Florence in 1530 at the Palazzo Vecchio, or have delved even a little bit into Florence’s past, you’ll know this small city has an epic history – of wars and struggle and rebellion. The roots of the Calcio Storico are thought to go back about 2,000 years to when the city of Florentia was founded by Julius Caesar in 59 BC as a settlement for veteran soldiers in the style of an army camp. Yet to understand Calcio Storico today, the story begins just about 500 years ago.

Vasari’s Seige of Florence fresco from the Palazzo Vecchio. (Credit)

The warlike elements of Calcio Storico are tied to a very specific date in the 16th century: February 17, 1530. These were the dark days of the Siege of Florence from 1529-1530 when the city was under attack from the Imperial and Spanish armies fighting to overthrow the Republic of Florence and return the Medici as rulers of the city. These violent games in Piazza Santa Croce were the city’s way to flaunt their strength to the Imperial army – and since then the game has captured the fighting spirit of the city. The Florentines are fiercely proud of their history, which is channeled into the epic Calcio Storico games each year.

A Calcio Storico game in Piazza Santa Croce from 1688. (Credit)

While not very well known to many travelers, locals are passionate about Calcio Storico in Florence. Interest in the game is spreading and Home Game, a Netflix series about unique sports around the world, even dedicated its first episode to Calcio Storico. If you have a chance to watch, they did an excellent job telling the tale of the city’s connection to this historic game.

How to Play Calcio Storico

While it’s unlikely you’ll want to recreate the Calcio Storico in your backyard, the game does have its own set of curious rules. There are four teams in Florence and players can only play for the district they were born in – forever. Each team is associated with a district of Florence and has a color: Rossi (red) is Santa Maria Novella, Bianchi (white) is Santo Spirito, Azzurri (blue) is Santa Croce and Verdi (green) is San Giovanni.

Under the heat of the Tuscan sun, the players arrive in Piazza Santa Croce—often bare chested—wearing pants that look like they’ve come straight out of a Renaissance painting. These historic costumes are why the game is also called calcio in costume. Each team has 27 players who take to the sandy playing field with one goal in mind. This is to get the ball in the goal net, which is the length of the two short sides of the rectangular field. Goals are worth 1 point, but with a catch. If you try for a goal and miss, the other team gets half of a point. After 50 minutes, the team with the most goals wins. Sounds straightforward, right?

Well, this is where things get dicey.

Players wear historic costumes. (Credit)

After the toss up, the battle begins. 15 players on each team go on the attack in the middle of the field to clear a path to the goal while the remaining team members focus on getting the ball to the goal. But this is no blocking and tackling like in American football. This is full on bare-knuckle boxing and fighting—without any of that heavy football padding—to make a pathway to the goal. There are very few rules for how players can be taken down and you’ll see fights break out all over the field as players turn into attack mode. And here’s why. Once a player is tackled or sent to the ground, that player can’t get up until a point is scored.

Because of the intensity, Calcio Storico is played only once per year. There are two semifinals a little over a week before the final game on June 24th. When the day of the final game arrives, a historic parade that includes colorful historical costumes, bands and flag throwing leads up to the big event. The stands around the field are full of supporters dressed in the two colors to support their teams in the final game.

The Corteo Storico parade arrives in Piazza Santa Croce. (Credit)

What’s the grand prize? You could take a lot of guesses but you probably wouldn’t be right. That’s because the prize is a cow. This also dates back to the 1530 games when a cow was a great prize, especially in a city under siege. Today the cow is just paraded through town. (In case you were wondering exactly why a cow is in the parade.) Besides the unexpected history, what’s fascinating is that the players don’t receive any sort of compensation for participating – even at great personal risk. Well, definite personal risk. They train all year and their participation is entirely voluntary. They play for the love of Florence – its history, its glory, its traditions. The teams have a strong bond and they go into each game with a battle spirit to fight for their city.

It’s aggressive. It’s intense. And, yes, violent. But you’ll never see anything more powerfully traditional than Calcio Storico.

A perfect view of the Calcio Storico games from our S Croce Miravista apartment!

The Best View of the Calcio Storico

Curious to experience Calcio Storico in person? It’s a thrilling experience – especially if you have a great view. That’s the catch though. Being such a beloved Florentine tradition, tickets are very hard to come by. That’s where Italy Perfect can get you some of the best seats in the house. Book one of our beautiful properties overlooking Piazza Santa Croce and you’ll enjoy a front row view without the crowds. Our S Croce Miravista apartment has a gorgeous terrace where you can enjoy the most spectacular bird’s-eye view of the games. The charming S Croce Mimi also has a terrace with picture perfect views. There are several more properties in this historic palazzo directly on Piazza Santa Croce—or just nearby—that have incredible views for watching the Calcio Storico in a comfortable home setting.

While the final game is on June 24th, the semifinals are also thrilling to watch. The actual dates aren’t known very far in advance, but if you reserve one of our vacation rentals overlooking Piazza Santa Croce for a week a bit earlier in June, the possibility is good you’ll get to see one of those matches. And for the final match, guests staying in any our apartments in this historic palazzo—even the ones that don’t have a view of the piazza—may watch from the piazza-facing windows of the office. A great opportunity! Just picture yourself taking in the experience from the elegant S Croce Medici apartment!

An incredible view overlooking Piazza Santa Croce from our S Croce Medici apartment.

Above all, planning well in advance is key for finding availability during the Calcio Storico since it’s one of Florence’s top events of the year. Booking is now open for the Calcio Storico 2023 dates, but they go fast! However, we have the rare chance for you to experience this year’s Calcio Storico with a stay at the S Croce Miravista. This 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom apartment has availability the week of Calcio Storico this year – and the experience could be yours! Contact our team to score this incredible Calcio Storico stay in Florence.

The post Calcio Storico: Florence’s Exhilarating Local Game appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.