Piazza della Signoria - the place of Florence City Hall

Piazza della Signoria is an L-shaped square which is situated in the center of Florence. It is in the front of Palazzo Vecchio which is the city hall of the capital of Tuscany. It is the central point of history and politics but also of art. It is located near Ponte Vecchio and Piazza del Duomo and it is a gateway to Uffizi Gallery. Piazza della Signoria is always crowded because there is a lot of tourist but also Florentines which prefer this place for meetings and walks.

Palazzo Vecchio ‘Old Palace’ is the city hall of the city. In the front of the entrance you can find the copy of Michelangelo’s David – the original statue is inside the Uffizzi Gallery. It is one of the most impressive town halls in whole Italy. It very beautiful and nice because you can sit in a corner and observe people or horses and many of interesting situations. The Loggia dei Lanzi contains the most beautiful copies of statues which you can find inside the gallery. In the Piazza della Signoria is also Tribunale della Mercanzia is a building where in the past lawyers judged in the trial between matchants.

This square is really appreciated for its art and architecture but for me is really special for its climate and atmosphere. Really often after my university lessons I went there only to take a coffee and then for a long time I was observing all those people who was creating really funny situations.

 

 

                                                               David by Michelangelo

                                                              Panorama of the square

                                                      Full view on Piazza delle Signoria

                                                                    Palazzo Vecchio

Loggia dei Lanzi

Square of Saint Cross

Piazza Santa Croce in English the Square of Saint Cross is one of the main squares in Florence. In my opinion there is a special atmosphere espcially at the night because around this square there are a lot of small canteens and bars where you can drink a good wine and eat a typical food of Tuscany. It is close to the Piazza della Signoria and the National Library. The name of this square comes from the name of Basilica Santa Croce (Basilica of Saint Cross) that overlooks the square.

The important thing is that this basilica is the biggest Franciscan church in the world. The most beautiful characteristic are the sixteen chapels most of the decorated by Giotto and his students. The Basilica of Saint Cross is a burial place of many important Italians like Michelangelo, Niccolò Machiavelli and Galileo Galilei.

Another interesting characteristic of this square is a marble statue made by Enrico Pazzi and it was dedicated to Dante. Very beautiful is also the fountain of 19^th century whoch you can find in the front of the Palazzo Cocchi-Serristori whoch is situated on the opposite side to the Basilica.

This square is also crucial for the most important events in Florence. Every June Piazza Santa Croce is prepared for the annual Calcio Storico/Fiorentino (historic football). That event is based on games between four districts in Florence. The game is very violent because boxing and wrestling is allowed and there are also present minor injuries.
Every December are organized Christmas markets from Germany. It very nice place where you can delicious food and find good ideas for Christmas gifts. The funniest thing is that every years there is present the stand from Poland with polish food and beer. There is also an ice ring which is the biggest entertainment for kids.

 

Dante by Enrico Pazzi

Piazza Santa Croce ready for Calcio Storio
 Piazza Santa Croce with the fountain

   

 

Biscotti di Prato - Cantucci

After a cow’s stomach I would like to write about something that will be appreciate by everyone.  Biscotti di Prato know also as Cantucci are the most famous twice-baked Cookies which come from Italian city of Prato. This biscuits are long and are made mostly with almonds, dried figs or chocolate. This cookies are baked twice and for that reason are so crunchy and delicious.  

The word biscotto means “twice-cooked/baked”. The cantucci were cooked so long, we can also say were over baked because they were very dry and could be stored for long periods of time. This cookies were common used during medieval journeys and wars and it was also a staple food of the Roman Legions . Today word ‘biscotti’ in Italian language descript any kind of biscuits or crackers.

The first documented recipe is a centuries-old manuscript from the eighteenth-century found by Amadio Baldanzi. After this discovery this cookies have become a regional product of Italy, or rather of Tuscany. The important thing is that there is one original recipe but nowadays in Italy are many variations, so when you will be in Italy you have to remember to find the original Cantucci.

The most important pastry store is Antonio Mattei. Also his recipe is a little bit different from the original one but now is accepted as the traditional recipe for this cookies. The mixture is composed of flour, sugar, eggs and almonds that are not roasted or skinned. Like I said before the Cantucci have to be cooked twice: once in slab form and again after cutting in sliced form.  This biscuits are served with a sweet wine called Vin Santo.