The Arnolfo Tower of Palazzo Vecchio is to re-open to the public on June 24, Florence mayor, Matteo Renzi, has announced. This historical site is where Savonarola spent his last hours before being hanged and burnt at the stake in the square. The Tower is a symbol of the city.
Category: Arts
Isabella de’ Medici was not killed, a book reveals
Isabella de’ Medici (1542-1576), the beautiful daughter of Grand Duke Cosimo I and Eleonora of Toledo, did not die, killed by her husband, out of jealousy, in the villa of Cerreto Guidi (Florence). Instead, she sank to a disease of the urinary tract, according to the latest book of Elisabetta Mori.
Uffizi, two marble busts have been restored
A portrait of Flavian era (late First century AD) and a head dating from the Sixteenth century belonging to the classic collection of the Uffizi Gallery have been restored thanks to financial support of the association of tour guides Mercurio. The two works will soon be part of the exhibition gallery.
The last scion of the House of Medici
Saturday, February 18, 2012, the city of Florence will celebrate the anniversary of the death of the Electress Palatine, the last branch of the Grand Ducal de’ Medici family, who ruled Florence for about two centuries. It is also thanks to her that Florence now boasts a heritage of art with no equal.
St. Valentine’s Day at the museum
On 14 February, any two people visiting the State museums, monuments and archaeological sites will have to pay only one entrance ticket. In Florence, Italy, Florentines and tourists can visit Uffizi gallery, Accademia gallery, Bargello national museum, museum of Medici chapels, The Pitti Palace and many other museums and galleries.
Ciatti will head “Opificio delle pietre dure”
The Italian government in the coming days to formalize the nomination of Marco Ciatti as Superintendent at Opificio delle Pietre Dure. The Opificio is a public institute of the Italian Ministry for Cultural Heritage based in Florence.
A “new” Gioconda painted by Leonardo’s pupil
The Prado Museum has disclosed the finding of a replica of Leonardo da Vinci’s Gioconda. The replica was allegedly painted by one of the Italian genius’ favourite pupils, either Andrea Salari or Francesco Melzi. Leonardo’s pupil completed the picture as his master completed the Gioconda, in the same studio in Florence, Italy.
The work of Renaissance artists will travel to PA
Offering of the Angels: Treasures from the Uffizi Gallery is a traveling exhibition from the famed Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy. The exhibition features 45 works – two large tapestries and 43 paintings by Renaissance artists – will be presented at the James A. Michener Art Museum (Philadelphia, PA, USA) from April 21, 2012 – August 10, 2012.
Accurate restoration for the “Madonna del Velo”
A beautiful painting, an oil on canvas of sixteenth-century reproduction of the original by Raffaello, after a accurate restoration of 4 months and an investment of 15,000 euros, goes back to its glory. Starhotels has financed the restoration of the “Madonna of the Veil” (Madonna del Velo). The director of the restoration was Brunella Teodori.
Corridoio vasariano sold out, no more reservations
The visits to the Vasari Corridor (Corridoio vasariano) have been very successful. After one week of reservations, they are sold out until April 26. For these reasons, reservations are currently suspended. Cristina Acidini, superintendent of the State Museums of Florence said: “We invite visitors to stop and wait for further notice”.