By Sydney Pogue
Photos by FUA Staf
Rising in spirals of marble and stone, Florence is a city known for its architecture, culture, and as being a cornerstone of the Renaissance, to say the least.
But amidst this place of ancient cobblestone and accented archways, lies a small gem no one would expect to see so far inland from the coast. Along the Arno, there is a place where stone turns to sand, volleyball nets and lounge chairs: Easy living.
By MacKenzie Gellner
Photo by Unspalshed
For the first time, I experienced a symphonic performance. It was held in St. Stephen Auditorium by the Orchestra da Camera Fiorentina, featuring violinists Marco Lorenzini and Kevin Mucaj. It may have had to do with it being a Florentine orchestra, but it was far more magical than what I had expected. Realistically, since having no previous experience to compare, I attempted to not have too high of expectations in case I got my hopes up. The only symphonies I’ve ever seen are in films (and I’m not really sure if that counts).
by Sydney Pogue
Photo by Alessandro Papi
Galileo, as many already may know, is one of the most iconic pioneers in the history of modern science, even being heralded by Albert Einstein as “the father of….modern science altogether”[1]. One of the fields most impacted by his intellectual prowess though, was that of Astronomy. In this subject, he ended up disproving Aristotle’s theory that the moon had a smooth and perfectly spherical surface, revealing how it was instead riddled with craters [2]. But his most famous discovery was what changed the scientific world; that instead of the Sun and celestial objects revolving around the Earth, the Earth instead revolved around the Sun— a concept which is otherwise known as “heliocentrism”[2]. After sharing evidence supporting this new revelation to the public, the Roman Catholic Church condemned him to live out the rest of his years on house arrest in a small villa in Florence[3].
By MacKenzie Gellner
Photos by the Author
We knew it wouldn’t be easy, but we didn’t think it’d be so tough.
Under the hot Florentine sun and lack of water, we didn’t know if we’d make it. But we had to try. We had to make it to Firenze Rocks, the music festival running three days in Florence. But we were only going to be there for one, so there was no room for mistakes.
By Sydney Pogue
Nestled amongst the quaint, Florentine buildings on a sequestered side street off of Piazza Toquestro Tasso lies a Hostel. Opened in 2012, Ostello Tasso has quickly gained popularity from both locals and tourists alike. Boasting a beautiful theater space, 13 stylized rooms and even a garden, on first impression it would make sense as to why this hostel has gained such intrigue.
By MacKenzie Gellner
Photo from Unsplashed
Traveling abroad for work, school or pleasure will inevitably have a traveler noticing differences between their home versus their placement. It is a classic case of culture shock, where the foreigner is unfamiliar with the lifestyle of their new temporary home. As a Canadian interning in Florence, I’ve had the chance to put this theory to the test myself. One aspect I assumed I’d notice differences in when it came to Canada versus Italy was the coffee lifestyles, and I had decided it was my mission to find the perfect cup of coffee in Florence. Perfect to me anyways.
By Katie Weiler
Art by Donald Blair
I walk out of my apartment and stare directly into the bright sun. It’s the perfect day for a walk in Florence and in this walking city there is no shortage of places to travel. The sun is beating down and with a haze hanging in the distance I start on my daily walk. I step over the crooked walkways and cross the street, dodging cars and pedestrians alike.
I still dart through the thin crowds turning as I go into the rowing club looking for Alberto.
The small dark green door is easy to miss at first sight, but behind the doorway is something worth looking into. I walk down the wide stairs and open the glass doors below. The lady inside greets me, “Buongiorno!” she says. I inquire about Alberto, who has promised to meet me. She then tells me Alberto is currently out on the water. “Come back in one hour,” she says clearly.
I decide to spend my time strolling along the banks of the river.
By Alexa Stiles
Photo from Unsplash
Upon arriving in Florence, Italy as a study abroad student, it is easy to get caught up in the beauty of the churches and cathedrals, the smell of the croissants, the taste of authentic Italian food, and the feel of the air as you walk along the Arno River.
What we tend to have difficulty accepting though is our fifth sense, the sounds that result from the hustle bustle of the city, most particularly the emergency vehicles. Living near the hospital, my ears do not stop ringing from the sirens of ambulances that pass on the hour, and if I am lucky, I will get to hear church bells chiming at 4am as well.
These sounds caused so much annoyance for me that I actually forgot to appreciate the true sounds of Italian culture, its music.
Before I came abroad, I had a friend who pointed out her fondness over street performers, and little does she know that if it was not for her, I do not think I would have ever experienced the true sounds of Florence. These musicians, although all separate groups, are collectively so incredibly talented that they attract large paparazzi- like groups who video and snap pictures of their performance.
Jokes on them though because listening to these street performances does not require electronic devices, just ears.
Whether they are playing on string instruments such as violins or guitars, blowing into a trumpet, or singing, these artists deserve the attention of our ears. They are a true representation of the culture here in Florence as they liven up each street corner and square with their melodies and songs. Although this is a different take on music, especially because the way in which music is created and performed is different in each country, it is worth unplugging the headphones from your ears because experiencing tunes so authentic and natural will come few and far between in the future. Too many of us students get so fed up with sounds of the bustle of the city that we forget to enjoy listening to a large part of the Italian culture that is present around each corner for free!
Walking the streets of Florence can uncover many different experiences, the Giardini di Boboli evoke a similar idea, as down every pathway are new and exciting sights. My favorite place I encountered is known as the Knight’s Garden.
While heading towards this spot I was encouraged to continue going up, past all the tourists that crowded around the bottom and up to one of the highest look out points. After venturing off to the side and up a small spiral staircase I encountered wonderful views, but not the ones I was expecting to see. While I saw the mesmerizing familiar city line, the garden offered something else too.
The Knight’s garden, a rooftop garden above the fountains and ornate decorations, is a stepping stone between historic Florence and the surrounding Tuscany countryside. The hills beyond the garden flow freely as you get a panoramic view of the cypress trees and olive groves. Sometimes, if the signs and food doesn’t remind you you’re in Tuscany you would never know, but here up above the city you are reminded by the colors you see in the hills.
You can spot many Italian villas nestled right between the hills where you can imagine the simplicity only such a retreat can offer. It’s a simple escape from the city, where you are connected to Tuscany and the magnificent city of Florence all at once. The view will remind you that there is plenty more of Italy to uncover as well.
The walls supporting the Knight’s Garden were made by Michelangelo in the 1500s. When they improved the Gardens, they created a villa for a knight, currently the Porcelain museum, and they added the gardens as well. Beneath the gardens there is an irrigation system that helps to water the many greenery spread around the hillside, it’s invention was one of the firsts of its time. Standing in a space that was so integral to this society was humbling.
The plants surrounding the rooftop were not in full bloom, but they were taken care of with precision, the gardeners just waiting for the spring to approach and with it the new blossoms.
The fountain in the middle of the square was also adorned with statues of monkeys, adding a mystic vibe to the scene.
Standing in the middle of such a unique place, I never wanted to leave. When it finally became time to make the descent down through the rest of the gardens I thoughtfully said my goodbyes to the panoramic view of Tuscany and parted towards the city once more.
See more of Florence and Italy at FUA’s FB, Instagram, and Twitter.
By Chrystalla Christodoulou
Have you ever pondered on how you navigate the cities you inhabit or visit? In this piece I discuss a change in mediums I made in order to find my place in Florence’s streets.
Everything I love about art came from my introduction to photography. It made me appreciate the human body as poetry, with secrets being exchanged between subject and audience. My own camera has helped me turn moments of joy, doubt, and vulnerability into art.
However, when travelling, photography becomes a game for me; it gives me adrenaline and pushes me around. I didn’t want to remember my time in Florence as a rushed hunt.
So I bought a sketchbook.
Drawing pulls me to the ground. It slows me down, and makes me choose one single atom of this vivid city to analyse.
When someone realises I’m drawing them, they are usually amused. Vastly different from the angered looks I get as a photographer; I am seen as harmless when sketching. They sometimes accentuate their pose, or even ask to see themselves.
I sit on the steps of Palazzo Vecchio and observe a couple presumably travelling together. They are discussing the David, as tourists and residents alike rush by them. In that moment, they are still unaware of me so I take my time in documenting her hat and his ponytail.
When I look back at the drawing I remember waiting for my friend, knowing she’ll be mad because of my dead phone. I remember the man trying to make his companion laugh, and her looking away. I know exactly what song I was listening to, playing from a stranger’s phone. A new favourite.
See more of Florence and Italy at FUA’s FB, Instagram, and Twitter.