Florence is Italian culture heart, a Europe muse that gave life to the Renaissance.
Coming to Florence, one expects to be inspired by the unique architecture, historical streets, and museums jam-packed with Renaissance treasures. There are boutiques of haute couture houses, of those who had been making fashion history for decades.
It’s a gourmet paradise. Those restaurants of the highest-class Italian cuisine are always ready to surprise.
Florence introduced such art masters as Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Donatello, Dante, and Galileo. It is the city of artists, artisans, and geniuses till today.
We’re going to find out what to see in Florence during the Calcio Fiorentino festival – a prototype of football and rugby. Those, quite frankly, we’re fed up with.
Much more brutal than football on scrupulously trimmed grass.
That’s a whole different story.
By the way, that brings us to the history of that game.
It appeared a long time ago. Being unorganized and, strictly speaking, a complete mess, it’s been quite concerning for local authorities.
Surely, the players were beating each other up as crazies, causing severe injuries and sparking chaotic brawls. They decided to have it all under control.
They equipped fields and bleachers for the audience to watch the show.
This is where wrestling and boxing come into play.
Quarter vs. quarter. With fists, kicks, thrusts, punches, and blood. One may not necessarily be a dribbling player, though get a good hit in the face, anyway.
Now, what’s so spectacular?
Well, the magic begins even before the game itself, as the Corteo Storico takes place.
550 people, dressed according to the Florentine Republic 1520/30 times, walk the city.
Some wave flags, some play music, some look like citizens, some like soldiers, and others are holding hands, playing court lovers.
The city travels through time: the show is about to begin, and people are eager to see it. Everything suddenly pictures the old times.
Sure, it’s quite scary to be directly involved in such a thing. This is a rather traumatic, if not dangerous sport, not for everyone. However, it’s not as scary as back in the days at the beginning of the game. After all, the main difference is that the medical emergency team watches the game to help at any moment. To run out right on the field, as the game is not to be interrupted (probably risk taking a hit).
Come here in June. Just at this time, a tournament in honor of St. John the Baptist takes place here as well. People gather in the streets at about 16:00 when the parade begins. The game starts at 17:00. Stay a little bit longer to see fireworks on Michelangelo Square.
What else to do in Florence?
Actually, anything and everywhere (taking a law under consideration). No, really, Florence is beautiful in itself, and wherever its streets lead you, you will always find yourself in the right place. We have already told you about the castles in Italy earlier, click here to read the article.
So, Florence is beautiful inside and out. Here are Top-3 locations for you to spectate, learn, and have a snack.
Galleria degli Uffizi
One of the main European museums presents:
- The Birth of Venus Sandro Botticelli
- Spring Sandro Botticelli
- Medusa Caravaggio
- The Annunciation Leonardo da Vinci
etc.
La Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore
The Cathedral in Florence is an astonishing piece of architectural history.
All’antico Vinaio
A place to have a snack – you got it cheap and tasty.
