Two Italian love stories inspire those with troubles in the romance department to pour out their hearts in letters to the ladies involved…
Tag: florence
Florence, Ravenna, and Dante’s Bones
Dante is often considered Italy’s greatest poet, and the city of Florence is proud to say he was born there. And you could be forgiven for thinking he was buried there too if you’ve seen the beautiful tomb in Santa Croce, bearing his name and likeness…
A Poet and a Puppet: Pinocchio and Dante Museum in Florence
Dante and Pinocchio: Italy’s great poet and its favorite puppet both played a part in establishing Italian as Italy’s language and uniting the country
Legally Fashionable
In fourteenth-century Florence, opulent dress was outlawed. But Florentine ladies continually changed their fashions to keep them just barely legal…
Unusual Punishment in the New Market
In Florence’s New Market (the same one where the bronze pig resides) you can find leather good and all kinds of souvenirs. But be careful about going there if you have any outstanding bills. This is where people were once punished for failing to settle their debts.
The Bronze Pig of Florence
Il Porcellino, as the Italians call him, means “the little pig”. However the bronze porker fountain sitting at the side of the New Market, or Mercato Nuovo, is really a wild boar, or a cinghiale in Italian. He supposedly brings good luck when visitors rub his snout and put a coin in his mouth.
Dante’s Neighbor, but for 715 Years
When I was in Florence, I lived in Dante Alighieri’s neighborhood. For those of you who might be a little rusty on your Italian poetic
Always something happening in Florence
Saturday was the traditional wine harvest ceremony in Florence and I watched the preparations at the Duomo. Two white cows were unloaded, washed and decorated
Angelic Discussion – If this ceiling could talk… A Poem
The little angel on the frescoed ceiling of our Florentine apartment must have seen a lot over the years…