By Meredith Bach
Florence, like a morning person, rises early and gets her work done in the first hours of the day. After all, when else would the piazzas and palaces come to life? Such a birth of movement and livelihood is only made possible by the rhythm and pulse of a Florentine morning. No sooner are the dark alleyways filling with light than the workings of the city inhale and breathe.
Continue reading Florence is a Morning Person
By Caylee Brand
After four months spent studying abroad in Florence, I reflect on my favorite moments as well as lessons I’ve learned, and share some of my friends stories as well.
Continue reading Then and Now: Studying Abroad in Florence
By Ryan Manor
If you’re a fan of live music, Florence has plenty to offer. Musicians make up a large part of the artist community and there are several venues around the city where you can enjoy some amazing tunes.
Continue reading Live Music in FlorenceBy Becca Baitel
From the smells of fresh pastries blazing through the air on a warm, sunny morning to the vibrant hubbub and personality of the city, Florence has truly grown to be a second home to me after living here for a month. However, my study abroad experience has exposed me to a myriad of different emotions, many of which have been unpleasant and difficult to handle without the comfort of my family, friends, and most importantly, the gluten-free bakery down the street from my house. As time passes and reality begins to set in, battling homesickness, FOMO, and the stresses of school, traveling, and budgeting simultaneously can feel quite stifling. Learning how to radically accept and welcome feelings of joy, excitement, anticipation, and pleasure to coexist with ones of anxiety and stress is key to making the most of your study abroad experience.
By Becca Baitel
Firenze’s Santo Spirito neighborhood has an unparalleled, captivating charm which truly encapsulates the authentic Florentine experience. Walking down the street on a typical day, visitors can hear the sounds of bustling, open-air markets, smells of fresh produce, and the warm, inviting melody of church bells. Tucked away on the south side of the Arno River in the Oltrarno quarter, Santo Spirito is most notably home to the Basilica Santo Spirito, or the Church of the Holy Spirit. Donning a Renaissance architecture style, the church attracts the public on every day of the week except Wednesdays when it is closed. Behind its noticeably unadorned exterior in comparison to many other Florentine churches, its true beauty is displayed inside where visitors can discover some of Michelangelo’s earliest work, as well as the unique design and columns by architect, Filippo Brunelleschi. The Basilica faces the main square, which alone boasts plenty of trattorias, markets, galleries, and shops, catering to every age and interest. With its convenient location steps from the esteemed Ponte Vecchio and Ponte Santa Trinita bridges, Santo Spirito is a must-see for every traveler and student alike.
Continue reading Why Santo Spirito is a Visitor’s Best Introduction to Florence
By Simona Berecka
After a brief time spent in Florence, I would like to share with you my experiences so far. I visited several places that are not difficult to reach and are worth visiting. I tried to find places with the most incredible views in this breathing city full of history. This article may help you to avoid the busy places and experience the ‘non-tourist’ atmosphere of the city. Everybody knows that Piazza Michelangelo is one of the most famous places in Florence with beautiful views, but there are also various places with exceptionally spectacular views as well, that you must see. I have chosen 3 places that are quite unknown and unique.
Continue reading Different places with breathtaking views in Florence
By Victoria De Angelis
Photo By Molly Browne
A short cut to riches is to subtract from our desires – Petrarch
By Shelby A. Winter
“Interpretation is the revenge of the intellectual upon art.”
Susan Sontag
On November 6th, 2019, Antonia Comi displayed her artwork at Florence University of the Arts (FUA), an American University in Florence, Italy. As a novice art writer, I chose to attend this show blind, hoping to simply see the walls of paintings and drawings without being influenced by too much information on the artist and the intentions behind her artwork.
By Emma Hynek
Looking through a window in your apartment in Florence provides a beautiful view, and can lead towards a new mindset. If you look closely, you might see more than you expect.
By Chelbie Smith
Photo by Amanda Cassels
A comfort zone is a situation where one feels safe or at ease, it means settling for something we already known. It is so easy to slip into the safely of routine, but living away from home encourages you to bring change into your life – in more ways than just admiring a different scenery.
Continue reading Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone