Once a year in the month of May, the town of Fossombrone celebrates il Trionfo del Carnevale. Based on a one-time Carnival hosted by a 16th century Duke, Giulio Della Rovere, the festivities are carried out in a three-day event recreating the details of the historic event in authentic Renaissance costumes, competitions, markets and food of the period. Relive the Renaissance in Fossombrone by attending this annual historic carnival.
Get ready for the holidays with Etsy’s top six holiday trends. From tree trimming, hosting holiday parties and thoughtful gift giving, these are the trends that will help get you in the holiday spirit and make the prepping easy.
The second half of this year’s Italian Cultural Capital, Brescia, is a show-stopping city with the largest Roman architectural remains in northern Italy, a vibrant cultural scene and breathtaking nature. A first time visit starts in the historic centre where we explore the city’s four main piazzas
A look at the history of pandoro and the city where it originated, Verona. The mastery involved to make an artisanal pandoro and a tour of the best places to find one in Verona.
A gastronomical and wine tour of Tuscany during the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend qualifies as an unforgettable, unbeatable way to celebrate the holiday outside of Canada. I also discovered that a fall stay in Chianti Classico country is one of the best times of the year to visit Italy
The Phlegraean island of Procida is the Italian Cultural Capital of 2022. It’s the first time an island has won this title. How is this mere four kilometre island preparing for the honour? I talk with Procida 2022 Director, Agostino Riitano, to find out how this humble, under the radar island off the Bay of Naples is getting ready for its closeup this year.
MEDIEVAL
L’ANTICA TORRE, VIA DE’ TORNABUONI No. 1
Situated on the street named after the surname of Lorenzo il Magnifico’s mother, Lucrezia, the medieval tower was built in the mid-13th century by the Guelf Ruggerini family. Over the centuries, there have been a variety of owners, however, the tower remained in the Gianfigliazzi family for several generations and is mentioned in the 17th Canto of Dante’s Inferno about the “Usurers”:
And when, amongst them, looking round I came,
A yellow purse 3 I saw with azure wrought,
That wore a lion’s countenance and port.
FOUNDING FATHER & FERRAGAMO
The plaque that cites the tower’s reference in The Divine Comedy sits to the right of the entrance paying tribute to the founding father of the Italian language. Fashionistas who step on to via Tornabuoni may not even notice the epigraph as they may quickly get distracted by the illustrious high-end Ferragamo boutique right across the street. Large windows display both the latest styles and iconic shoe designs by Salvatore Ferragamo. The street is chockful of luxury brands to the left and Santa Maria Trinita’ Piazza to the right.
In its current reincarnation, this historic mansion owned by a family for centuries, boasts exceptional design, breathtaking views of the city, sumptuous furnishings and Tuscan culinary fare at its best. “The Antica Torre Tornabuoni was born in 2001,” says general manager, Maria Rita Bellini. “The family decided it was time to open the doors to travellers as had been done in the past. One of their ancestors even welcomed guests of The Grand Tour in the mansion that was once a tower house.”
THE DESIGN INSPIRATION
Designer Angelica Frescobaldi worked closely with the family to execute the vision of the hotel, which combines time-honoured craftsmanship with modernity. “The Tuscan Renaissance tradition is handed down and reinvented,” according to Bellini, noting everything from the classic art and original architecture to the hand-painted walls with vibrant notes of colour. The colour palette of green, brick red and pale pink was inspired by great painters like Ghirlandaio. “Any furniture that doesn’t come from the family or ancestors has been custom-made with an exclusive design which promises the style will not be repeated elsewhere.” Richly hued textiles and rugs complement the wood floors. Silk linen drapes line the tall windows, which bathe the rooms with natural light. “Each room is different, and every time you open the door, it is as if a Tuscan treasure chest opens,” exclaims Bellini. “Some rooms have high ceilings, while others tell the story of roof terraces and beams offering a more intimate atmosphere.” The rooms at the front offer spectacular views of the Arno River.
Bathrooms are quite spacious and finished in Italian marble. After a day of walking, visiting museums, shopping and enjoying long Tuscan meals and the finest red wines I have ever tasted, it is a treat to return to your suite complete with organic skincare and bathroom products where you can rest and refresh for your next outing. Or, you can choose to stay in.
BREATHTAKING VIEWS & ART HISTORY
The Antica Torre has some of the most exceptional views of the city where you can take advantage of the two private, guests-only rooftop terraces and take in the stunning cityscape of the Dome of Santa Maria del Fiore, the hills of Fiesole, the Arno River, Palazzo Vecchio and more. The panoramic rooftop bar is an ideal place to relax and catch a Florentine sunset over the city while sipping the hotel’s signature Sunset cocktail, created by an in-house mixologist. You can also partake in an Italian cocktail lesson and learn how to make your own Negroni or Spritz—perfect for an Italian aperitivo ritual you can enjoy at home.
If you want an in-depth and comprehensive private tour of iconic sites around Florence unveiling its rich history, art and culture, the hotel works closely with some of the city’s most knowledgeable and respected city guides. An hour-long tour from L’Antica Torre to Santa Maria Novella Basilica lasted two hours as our passionate and knowledgeable guide Lucia Montuschi, founder of Exclusive Connection, shared her love and profound insights of the city she proudly calls home.
A stay at L’Antica Torre Tornabuoni often turns guests into return customers. It is no wonder the hotel once again made the Condé Nast 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards Top 10 Places to Stay in Florence List. “I fell in love with this Tower 13 years ago, a long love affair,” declares Bellini. And she is excited about the new developments slated for next year, which include the relaunch of the restaurant next April with a new menu and chef, as well as a Walking Tour of Florence at sunrise when the city is just waking up.
If you have Florence in your travel plans in 2022, book a few nights here and be prepared to be dazzled by the beautiful blend of Renaissance art and high-end hospitality, where guests enjoy a sense of timeless elegance set against a magnificent backdrop of Italian architecture and mesmerizing vistas.
RISORGIMENTO
DIMORA PALANCA, VIA DELLA SCALA 72
Joining the five-star luxury accommodation roster just this August is an exceptional 19th century villa recently restored in the heart of Florence. Ideal for people who wish to explore the city on foot, the Dimora Palanca is a five-minute walk from the Santa Maria Novella train station and main tram line that connects the city. Flanked by elegant villas and many of Florence’s major landmarks such as the Galleria dell’Accademia and Palazzo Pitti, this property has its own unique story that was honoured, reinterpreted and elevated for art aficionados seeking modern 21st century comforts amidst sleek interiors and punctuated with artfully curated spaces that soothe the soul after a day of sight-seeing.
A LITTLE HISTORY
The location is where the original city walls once stood. Once they were destroyed between 1865 and 1871, wealthy Tuscans and Italians began to construct villas along this strip. “The noble Palanca family from Orbetello in the province of Grossetto were the original property owners, and the villa was designed by architect Giuseppe Poggi,” says Sharon Kilby, creative director of Arthouse PR.
The Palanca family were avid supporters of the arts and, subsequently, the Dimora Palanca became known as a private gallery of sorts and as a hub of artistic activity and social gatherings. This connection to the art world was an important historical aspect to relay in the current design so, seasoned historic renovation collaborators, architect Stefano Viviani and artist Paolo Dovichi worked rigorously to pay tribute to the arts in the restoration. “Within the villa, the original architectural elements have been beautifully restored with many rooms featuring exquisite frescoes and intricate stuccoes. Architect Stefano Viviani has successfully created a modern reflection of Dimora Palanca’s original character,” attests Kilby.
SLEEK & CHIC
The four-floor, 18-suite art hotel hosts a collection of over 50 pieces of contemporary art by the Tuscan artist Dovichi. Inspired by the four elements of earth, water, fire and air, he uses bespoke fabrics like velvet, silk and linen and places them in plexiglass plates on display throughout the property. All common rooms have a theme that is illustrated in the restored frescoes; you just have to look up and discover the original purpose of that particular room. Beyond the art, the interiors are a celebration of modern form and function while seamlessly paying homage to classic 19th century Florentine design features as seen in the millwork, the high ceilings and the natural wood floors in a herringbone pattern. Dark wood panelling contrasts the soothing natural colour palette of cream, white and grey with touches of graphite and charcoal. En-suite bathrooms are spacious and opulent with chromotherapy showers, and the organic bath products made by an artisan Florentine perfumery are a welcome luxury with which to start your day.
EAT, DRINK, SLEEP IN STYLE
The Simmons mattresses and soundproof suites are conducive to a heavenly night of restful sleep despite being in the centre of Florence. The pièce de résistance personally for me is the secret garden which is set between the villa and the original orangery. Considering Dimora Palanca’s central location, I was amazed it also offers this peaceful, private oasis, a tranquil setting where you can enjoy pre-dinner drinks, a light lunch or your morning coffee.
Other common areas include: a chic library, spacious lounge, a bar and morning room. Walking around the hotel, my head kept bobbing from floor to ceiling as I was awestruck at every turn, from the ornate patterned parquet floors to the statement light fixtures that crowned each space. Fans of fine dining will enjoy the surprising and delectable tastings of innovative, Michelin-starred chef Giovanni Cerroni and his team at the Memesi Restaurant, located in the villa’s original kitchen. Cerroni’s unique philosophy honours traditional cuisine with a fresh energy and visionary touch.
The gastronomic odyssey takes place in an inviting dining room and intimate wine cellar. “It has a Downton Abbey feel, yet celebrates Mediterranean style with perfectly orchestrated interpretations of ancient dishes,” says Kilby.
THE ART OF LIVING WELL
Guests can choose from a collection of art-based activities that pay homage to the city’s incredible Renaissance history, including private viewings of art collections or fashion designers’ ateliers. Viticulturalists can enjoy some of Tuscany’s (and beyond) best with a sommelier who offers intimate wine tasting in the hotel’s private wine cellar. You can also tour local vineyards and do some wine tasting around Florence, as well as take a Tuscan cooking class. All activities are arranged by the helpful staff, who also seamlessly address guest requests and handle the details that assure an enjoyable and stress-free stay—the superior customer service truly is second to none.
This is but a glimpse inside two exceptional hotels, each with its own unique story and journey to its present-day glory. The staggering beauty and charm of the Chianti countryside warrants a whole other article.
Whether you returned to Italy in 2021 or decided to wait until next year when perhaps international travel isn’t quite as daunting, during my glorious 22 days in il bel paese, personally, I couldn’t help but notice a heightened optimism in the air. A renewed joie de vivre and appreciation of all that the country offers was palpable. Italians are definitely living some sort of Renaissance as they emerge bright from a dark period. It happily coincided with my first trip to Florence, and in kind, their Renaissance also became mine. Evviva!
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANTICA TORRE TORNABUONI, DIMORA PALANCA AND SILVANA LONGO
