Tag: Florence

Berberè

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Interior of the restaurant

Berberè pizzeria sits on a corner where wide, popular streets meet, as opposed to the narrow, more intimate alleyways that are stereotypical of the U.S.’s idea of Italy. With floor to ceiling windows taking up most of the front, passerby are allowed to see into the space. Painted white concrete walls, stylish wooden accents, and modern light fixtures let you know that it’s a rather new restaurant, but the warm and happy atmosphere carries even through the glass to anyone outside, drawing them in. From such an inviting look to the immediately welcoming waitress, I knew I would enjoy my experience. The place was packed when I went at peak dinner hour, full of laughter between groups of friends, old and young, and couples sharing meals. The couple nearest my roommate and I’s table even had their dog with them, weaving through their legs and begging for food. A great playlist came over the speakers from a sound system near my table, a mix of music from different genres and countries, just like the diverse customers. The service was as amazing as the food.

 

Pizza with pork sausage, tomato, parmigiano reggiano aged 24 months, and fennel seeds, and a can of soda made from real cola seeds.

Almost every restaurant in Italy has pizza, what makes this place special?

So right away I loved the menu. It’s great for English speaking travelers because it’s all in both English and Italian for native speakers (or anyone learning!) They have a great selection of pizza, with some really interesting options, among a few salads and other dishes. On the back of the menu they explain where they get all of their ingredients because they’re dedicated to making real food. They use organic ingredients whenever possible, “since organic is the only method of agriculture capable of preserving the earth for future generations. About 85% of the products we buy are certified organic. Some products aren’t, but they come from farmers and breeders who share our artisanal philosophy.” Their mission statement listed on their website explains it best.

“Berberè’ was born in 2010 with the mission of serving delicious artisanal pizza, made only with living sourdough, digestible and without frills, in a welcoming atmosphere. We work with organic ingredients, and our only gospel is quality.”

Cranberry Sorbetto and whipped cream, made with water, fruit, and just a bit of sugar (4.50) Sachertorte, a cocoa sponge cake with apricot jam and whipped cream (6.50)

Eating out can get expensive, how much money would I be spending here?

This isn’t the cheapest option for pizza, but for the quality and the amount you get, I think it’s definitely more than worth it. You could spend four euros on one personal slice from many of the cafes around, or you could spend ten euros for eight slices, perfect to take home as leftovers for another meal! They also have a short list of artisanal desserts made by master pastry chef Luigi Biasetto. The desserts range from four to six euros. (That’s about the price most gelato shops charge.) They also have a great selection of very affordable wines to pair with your food, with coffee, juice, or soda for the non-drinkers!

Website: 

https://www.berberepizza.it/en

When can I go?                                                  

Monday – Sunday 12-3 PM, 7-11:30 PM

Where is it?

Located at Via dei Benci, 7, just over the bridge. It’s easily accessible from all areas in the city center, but not near enough the Duomo and other major tourist areas to be overrun or unnecessarily overpriced. (They have thirteen other locations too!)

 

A Walk in the Woods

Posted on by Joseph Kelly

Has the “din of town and city” worn you down?

motor scooters in Florence
Don’t get run over!

You walk every day down those narrow streets, and from both sides the rusticated, eighty-foot prison walls of Medicean Renaissance lean in on you, iron rings and iron bars and iron-hinged wooden doors.  The pulsating beep of taxis, the rumbling echo of the garbage truck lifting its cube of steel out of the stone street, and oh god the people! The smart-dressed woman, stick and pennant held aloft, leading a bus load of gawkers who snake off and on the curb behind her.  People on the narrow strips of sidewalk staring at their phones and walking slower than you.  People smoking in clusters in the trattoria doorway.  Garish tee shirts and shorts sit on the steps and pant in the shade of San Lorenzo.  Mopeds swooping like squadrons of birds in that old video game, Galaga, and you with one life left!

The “din and town and city” have chased out peace, and you thirst for “that serene and blessed mood,

William Wordsworth
William Wordsworth plagued by the all weary weight of this unintelligible world
In which the affections gently lead us on,—
Until, the breath of this corporeal frame
And even the motion of our human blood
Almost suspended, we are laid asleep
In body, and become a living soul[.]
Well, OK, William Wordsworth might have laid it on a bit thick.  But if you just want to get away to someplace where your feet aren’t aren’t sore from standing on paving stones and where the shade takes the mottled shape of leaves and not the straight lines of palazzo roofs, then you all you’ve got to do is . . .

. . . take the #7 Bus to Fiesole

Piazza Mino da Fiesole
Piazza Mino da Fiesole: it’s quiet in sound and sight, and you start to notice little things.

You’ll find it on the north face of the Stazione (S.M.N.), and in ten minutes you’re winding your way to heaven.  Up you go, like Dante ascending Mount Purgatory.  Gradually, the city sinks. Buildings shrink from the street.  Green lawns spread out.  You’ve still got the red-tiled roofs, but the towers now are trees.  The soul is waking up.  It’s emerging from the heavy blankets of city life.

In thirty minutes, the bus lets you off on a little hill-top piazza, neat and swank.  You’re not entirely free of tourists–among the few other people dotting the square were an American couple older even than me.  But it’s . . . quiet.

We had a leisurely lunch of the best pasta I’ve eaten in Italy–pici in a simple cream sauce–at the Bistrot al N.5.  I swear my tastebuds seemed keener, like my tongue could feel the pleasant sting of each particle of pepper. The senses were waking, noticing small things.

Knowing that a strenuous hike lay ahead, we resisted the temptation of cool white wine.  But that American couple, which had sat at the next table, ordered a second bottle as they decided to spend another hour on the square.

A quick espresso shot lifted us from lunch and sent us climbing up a narrow road for about a hundred yards. As we passed the last house on the right, it felt like a curtain opening on a stage: Florence.  The photo doesn’t do justice:  you feel like you’re perched on eagle’s aerie.  If you look close, you can see the Duomo on the left.  The sounds of traffic drift up on the thermals, the police sirens and the car horns and the distant drone of ten thousand mopeds.

Florence
Florence seen from Fiesole
quarry
historic quarry on Monte Cecini
Hike Monte Cecini
The shaded hike round Monte Cecini

You plunge into the woods.  The sounds of the city fade further.  Vespas buzz about as loud as the hum of a few bees in the wild flowers.

Back in the day it wasn’t silent here.  Hammer and spike chipped away at the mountain, and your walk brings you past stern VIETATO! signs warning you away from the dormant quarries.  The man-made caves are overgrown and silent now:  great yawning mouths of quiet.

The hike is not strenuous, and it’s pretty well-marked.  Take your time.  Bring some water. Bring a bar of dark chocolate and an orange so you can sit on the low wall of an olive orchard.  Relax.

Are the views worth the hike?

You keep Monte Cecini always on your left, rounding its shoulder, until you notice Florence is gone all together.  You’re in the woods.  You might as well be a hundred miles from town.  That’s when the best views come.  You find yourself in one of those ten thousand mini-valleys that make Tuscany so famous.  This is what it looks like.

olive grove
Hidden valley: where’d Florence go?

The scene is more serene than sublime.  You are not struck by awe.  But you are happy.  You are content.  You hear the  sound of your own footfall on the pine-straw track or on the gravel.  You hear birds.  The breeze that stirs the branches and carries the warm scent of autumn from the olive groves whispers in your ear:  Forget the city.  Listen to me.  Look at the colors of things.

You pass one village too small for a store but not too small for its own chapel and dome.  You contemplate the blue sky, the rusty terracotta tile, the ochre stucco, the gray stone, and the livid red of dying leaves. Five colors.  Beauty.

The last mile is harder.  Parts seem like you’re climbing down the dry bed of a mountain creek.  Even that stretch has its comforts.  You catch glimpses of your destination, the town of Settignano, cradled in the slopes of Tuscan hills.

Settignano
Settignano

After maybe three hours, you make it into town.  The main square is small, with a cafe and not much more, but there’s a bus stop, and you can step on the #10.  Twenty minutes brings you’re back in the heart of the metropolis, the hustle and bustle, but you’re soul is OK.  You’re restored.

Website

If you want to hike from Fiesole to Settignano, I highly recommend you consult this website. I don’t know why it’s called “Art in Tuscany” when the website has an extensive “Walking in Tuscany” page.  I guess it’s a mistake.  But we found the directions were incredibly accurate.  Only in one place did we almost get lost–which is pretty darn good for trekking in the woods.

When can I go?

You’ll want to finish your hike at Settignano in daylight, which means leave Firenze no later than 4 hours before sunset.

Where is it?

You can pick up the #7 (towards Fiesole) right near the Stazione Santa Maria Novella–look at the pin below.

 

Black Beauty: The Natural Hair Savior of Florence

Posted on by Ayla White

 

I was going through my typical morning routine; I showered, moisturized my face with aloe vera and lotion, then I moved to my hair. My Cantu Curl Activator bottle felt light in my hand. My heart sunk. Suddenly, as if I had a vision of the future, I visualized myself walking through the streets of Florence with unmanageably dry, frizzy hair. My curl cream was the most important part of my hair styling process. I still had two months left in Italy, so how could I enjoy my stay if I wasn’t happy with my appearance? That may sound conceited, but being unhappy with an important aspect of your appearance can alter your whole mood. I began to panic. I realized I should have brought extra bottles of hair products, but this thought was about a month too late.

During one of our many pre-departure meetings for my study abroad program, we were blatantly told us to leave our hair products at home. They reassured the room full of girls with straight hair that they would find a similar, if not the same, hair products in Italy. I immediately winced and rolled my eyes.

This assumption was directed towards a vastly white group of people without any regard to people of different colors or hair textures. There was no information geared towards people of different colors within the endless amount of handouts we received; all of the information was very generalized and exclusive to people with 1-2 hair types. I was left feeling anxious about what I should bring since there was no discussion or information for someone like me within my study abroad program.

Would I actually find products for my curly hair in Italy? Would it be easy to find? Would there be a natural hair section specifically geared towards 3-4 hair types like they do in stores in America? Would it be silly to pack multiple of all my hair products? Luckily for you, I have all the information you need to know about what to do and where to look.

Why is traveling with curly hair difficult?

Maintaining natural hair can be difficult. It requires a lot of time to manage, wash, and style. Frequent wash-and-goes are not always an option for all curly hair types, nor is it healthy for every hair type. It is important to understand that as someone with 3-4 hair type traveling to popular European destinations, it will be difficult to find hair salons or hair products that cater to your hair type. Take the steps to avoid having issues with your hair, such as sticking with a protective style, or finding ways to maintain your hair without using up most of your luggage space. But, if you have to bring a lot of products,

it is better to be safe than sorry. It is important to bring the essentials. Moisturizer, gel, and curl cream are my must haves. What are yours?

Precautions made don’t always work out.

Despite taking the steps to buy extra containers for styling and keeping my curls happy and moisturized, it was not until a few weeks into my stay in Florence that I realized I was going to run out of product within the next month. I began to frantically search for black/natural hair stores or salons in the area, because unlike in The States, there are not specific sections within local grocery stores designated for hair types past straight and wavy hair. Do not expect to easily find natural hair products in the typical hair stores or grocery stores around town. You’ll have to do some research.

Even before I knew I was going to run out of hair product, I began looking around Florence, out of pure curiosity, for natural hair stores, or even curly hair products within grocery stores. I came across many hair product stores, salons, and grocery stores that carry a vast variety of products for 1-2 hair types. I knew I probably wouldn’t be able to find Cantu or Shea Moisturizer, but I at least expected to see hair mousse, a possible emergency product I could use for my 3C hair. I didn’t. I seemingly had no options for what I could use for my curls.

Don’t be disheartened. Do research.

Realizing that my options were virtually nothing, I tried to do some research. Googling “black hair salons in Florence” can be a bit misleading. The first pictures to come up are of white Italian women with box-braids. I laughed out loud.

In The States, it’s a common reaction for African-Americans, or anyone with any knowledge of black protective styles, to immediately cringe when seeing a white person wear box-braids. Not only are there cultural issues surrounding the topic, but protective black hairstyles are very damaging to 1-2 type hair patterns. I immediately believed that these salons would not have what I was looking for.

I slowly continued my research within a span of a week or two, never finding anything useful. I looked up the prices of my hair products on Amazon and saw that I would be paying double the price if I were to order it online. Also, receiving something in the mail has been a rather unpredictable experience for me. One package took a month to arrive while another arrived in less than 24 hours; needless to say, it was a little too risky for me. I shied away from that option. Still, at this point, I had zero options for what I could put in my hair.

 

Let curiosity lead you.

On my way back to my apartment from class, I passed a storefront that was decorated with colorful Afros that sat on top of black mannequin heads. This display made me backtrack to peer into the windows of the store. This sight was pretty unusual within Florence. Black Beauty was printed boldly on the side of the building, and part of me thought it was some poor joke, especially after only seeing white women with box-braids through my google searches as well as the handfuls of white girls and middle aged Italian women that proudly wore this protective hairstyle. Also, the only people I saw wear Afro wigs in Italy were Italians.

As I perused the various wigs from outside the store, my eyes suddenly landed on familiar bright orange that my favorite hair product was packaged in. I nearly screamed with joy. There, sitting on one of the various shelves crammed with hair products, was Cantu. Without thinking twice, I ran inside the salon. There were only about four Cantu products offered, which were obviously bought in bulk and shipped from The States. Thankfully, the salon carried my most precious cream that was the crown during my daily hair ritual. At this point, I was on the brink of almost finishing my last bottle. It was exactly what I have been needing.

What type of products does Black Beauty have?

I noticed that there were many hair product options that were lined all around the store. Most of the products were unfamiliar brands that were seemingly shipped from different places of the world. From perm creams, to natural hair products, and hair dyes, Black Beauty carries various product options for those with type 3 and 4 hair. If you are unsure of what products you need, come prepared with your questions written or typed out in Italian so that the salon owner can help you the best she can. Although she is not fluent in English, she is very kind and willing to help!

Who does Black Beauty cater to?

Black Beauty caters to everyone. Customers include both locals and tourists of all colors, though her main customer type are college students, particularly students studying abroad. Do not be afraid to try new hairstyles you have been wanting to try, the hairstylists are very helpful and ready to discover what may work best for you. But please do research on new hairstyles you have never tried before. Depending on your hair type, certain styles can be damaging and painful.

What services are offered?

Box-braids, dread-locking, sew-ins, extensions, haircuts, and wig styling. Various different types of wings and extensions are carried within the store.

What are the prices?

The prices are relatively similar to the prices one would find in The States. It will be around 80-100 euros depending on how many braids or dreads you would like and what their length is. Extensions/ sew-ins begin at 100 euros and can go up to 200 or more, also depending on the amount of extensions and their length. Communicating with the salon owner is the best way to understand what your true price will end up being, considering that she offers so many services.

Travel with confidence. 

Maintaining any hair type can be difficult. If your hair isn’t to your liking, it can be upsetting, causing you to become a little bit more self-conscious. Since study abroad programs lack information for 3-4 hair types, it may be confusing or even difficult to know what’s best for you. Finding a shop that carries you hair products may be hard while traveling, but Black Beauty is the store to go to if you cannot find anything for your curly hair. Need your dreads re-twisted? Unhappy with your natural haircut? Are you craving to have braids to avoid constantly styling your curls? Black Beauty has your back so you don’t have to travel feeling any less confident than you should.

Location and Contact Information

Address: Via de’ Ginori, 44/R, 50123 Firenze FI

Number: 055 289408

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday from 10 AM- 7 PM

Caffè Rosanò

Posted on by jarck
My usual order: medium cappuccino with soy milk

In need of a large coffee?

Have you ever seen a cappuccino the size of a human head? Think I’m kidding? I’m not. I promise you will not find a Starbucks venti sized coffee anywhere in Florence, but these cappuccinos come pretty close. It must be an Italian thing where they believe everyone should just gulp down an espresso rather than indulge in an oversized coffee like Americans do. At Caffè Rosanò they serve everything from cappuccinos, to americanos to lattes ranging in sizes from small, medium, large and extra-large. The larges are carefully crafted cups of white, frothy, goodness poured over layers of thick, bitter espresso into salad like bowls. I have not had the courage to order an extra-large for I fear that my stomach would not be able to handle such a size, but I urge you to try it. Pro tip: smile extra big and they might just drizzle it with warm chocolate and powder it with cinnamon.

Dairy intolerant?

Colorful sign outside

It is a struggle for us non-dairy folks here in Italy. The gelato, the thick blocks of cheese in every corner window, the soft dollops of mozzarella on margarita pizzas, it is hard to resist. Trust me, I get it. Thankfully, at Caffè Rosanò they have the option of substituting soy milk in any coffee drink instead of regular milk. Hooray for no more stomach aches! Along with that they also have vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options. A healthy alternative to the typical Italian cuisine of pizza, pasta and bread. Because although all those carbs can be so delicious, there comes a time that you will do almost anything for a healthy substitution, especially a dairy free one.

Who doesn’t love a free croissant or chocolate to go?

The customer service here is unmatched. Bright, cheery faces, and “Ciaos” all around. As you walk in the dark, wooden entryway, the smell of oven baked croissants and freshly brewed coffee wafts around the small dining area, like a breath of fresh air. And if you go as often as I do, they will soon learn your name and order, so it is quite fast and easy pick me up, especially if you’re late to class. I would not recommend going any later than noon or you will find an empty display of where the croissants used to lay, an unfortunate sight to see. As a way of maintaining the influx of customers, they truly value you as one of their own, even if you are American. Mauro, the owner, always treats his guests to a free croissant or miniature chocolate bar as a thank you. That is a reason to go in all in itself!

Searching for a substantial breakfast?  

What better way to cure a morning after the Italian nightlife than a nice thick, sesame bagel and a vegan cappuccino. Bagels in Florence, as I have found, are hard to come by. Here at Caffè Rosanò they have the most delicious New York style bagel, smeared with delicate cream cheese, fresh avocado and savory smoked salmon. Try pairing it with a chocolate cappuccino to experience the sweet and savory flavors all in one. Not sold? Well, they also have several different selections of fresh omelets, crispy crêpes, warm paninis and tossed salads. The menu offers a wide variety of options to fill you up and keep you energized for the rest of the day, because you definitely will be walking, a lot.

View from my favorite corner spot

Escape wifi!

Unfortunately, this café is not the best for homework purposes, but it is great for taking in the beautiful, cobble stoned city streets of Florence and interacting with the surrounding guests. Here you can sit inside at one of the handful of square tables, or outside, purely based on personal preference and of course the weather. The outdoor seating is limited but it is located on one of the side streets off the beaten path, away from the tourist chaos. Walk around the Duomo for five minutes and you’ll know what I mean by “tourist chaos.” Without wifi it gives off the genuine appeal of what a coffee shop should feel like; filled with chatter (both Italian and American), laughter, people reading, writing and observing. Bring a good book or a journal, like I do, and check it out for yourself. Plus, this is a great place to people watch while you sip your coffee.

Hours: Monday-Friday: 7:30-4pm

Telephone: +393381541315

Location: Via S. Gallo, 29, 50129 Firenze FI


 

Lady Jane B. Boutique

Posted on by Hannah Bain

What’s this place like?

Storefront Lady Jane B Vintage
Storefront Lady Jane B.

Lady Jane B. Boutique is small (roughly the size of a large walk-in closet) and packed from end to end, wall to wall. After being greeted by an assortment of ’50s and ’60s sunglasses as well as funkily patterned headbands and Dorthey-esque high heels in the window, it’s pretty difficult to not enter. To call it eccentric might just be an understatement. Upon entering, you can find racks of vintage clothes handpicked or handmade by the owner, whom is just as funky and eccentric as the clothes: complete with ’70s wispy bangs and a variety of eras represented in her daily outfits. She is always there and ready to offer you ways to pair accessories or wear something in multiple styles. I once witnessed her spend roughly ten minutes helping a woman stylize some pieces she was purchasing and snap a few pictures both with the woman and of the woman and her son, whom wondered around the store with the same curiosity that I find myself having each time I enter. It feels like being propelled back into different decades as told through your aunt’s collection of keep sakes, complete with black and white photos and old suitcases on the walls. The store’s collection features mostly tops and matches the owner’s flair for every era of the twentieth century: ’80s sequined tops, ’40s dresses, late ’60s blouses, ’70s jumpsuits. The store is remarkably warm, both in temperature and energy.

So, how do I get there?

While Lady Jane is not off the beaten path, I wouldn’t say its in the most popular district of Florence, either. It’s located in the Chiavi neighborhood, down the street from the Sant’Ambrogio Church and its accompanying small piazza, not far from the Sant’Ambrogio market. If you go during the evening, you’ll likely hear a jazz trio in front of the church, which I recommend checking out before or after you shop; the vintage style of music pairs nicely with the clothing. If you go during the afternoon, I recommend stopping at the market first (as the market closes early) to snag some fresh, local produce and walk amongst the locals.

Top in Lady Jane B.
Top in Lady Jane B.

Will I be breaking the bank?

That’s the best part. While you may be used to walking into a vintage shop (both in America and abroad) that features well crafted items and feeling discouraged when you see the price tag, that will not be the case here. Blouses are typically priced around €30, dresses €50, accessories €15 or less. Notably, the handmade items are not necessarily more expensive. You can own something no one else has ever owned or something that was once owned 5 decades ago for a similar, reasonable price. Not to mention, there’s always a sales rack with even better deals and it’s updated pretty regularly. I went in a week after the first time I went and saw some new items in the sale section.

What makes it so different from other shops in the area?

This boutique is different because it isn’t “Goodwill” vintage nor is it designer brand vintage. It’s extremely accessible fashion – recycled and/or homemade have you – that is truly fashionable. You’ll find clothing that is special and made well and makes you feel like you’re stepping back into a twentieth century decade (take your pick of which one – or mix & match).  You can add some vintage flair with a pair of ’50s pinup sunglasses or roaring ’20s earrings. Or maybe get a ’70s dress and feel yourself fully pulled back into nostalgia. There’s fun colors, there’s great neutrals, and you’ll get a good deal without sacrificing quality.

What’re the hours like? 

The only con I’ve found of the shop: its hours. I’ve found it to be very hit or miss, so I finally looked them up. The hours are not very consistent. Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday the store is open 3 PM to 8:30 PM, Friday 1:30 PM to 8 PM, and Saturday 3 PM to 8 PM. It is closed both Tuesdays and Sundays. I’m hoping I can persuade the owner to switch out a weekday for Sunday.

Wall details in Lady Jane B.
Wall details in Lady Jane B.

 

When’s the best time to go? 

There’s really no bad time. The great thing about boutiques that are not neighbored by other clothing shops is they tend to be pretty slow often. I’ve found that closer to when it opens on the weekdays tends to be less crowded, while closer to closing is likely to have more people. It’s so small though, that only a few people in the store can feel like too many. The store is warm on its own and the extra body heat only makes it warmer. You’ll find it doesn’t both you too much, though, sifting through time, colors, and patterns.

 

Contempo Records

Posted on by andrea
Street view of Contempo Records

Contempo Record

Looking for anywhere to let your musical yearnings free, those whose heart beat to a tune will find this to be one of the most extraordinary places. From the street, I wasn’t instantly drawn to the store with looks similar to every other Italian shop. Not much is seen from the street besides its sign which has muted colors and records plastered across it, but upon entering, things change very quickly. A seemingly quiet shop holds many great surprises as soon as you cross the threshold. Imagine, you see a brightly colored, neon vinyl store with records dangling precariously from the ceiling, it’s like a breath of fresh air compared to all of the dull colors found throughout the city. Alas, my curiosity led me through the front door, coaxed by the tunes drifting outside, and it did seem small at first, but I quickly realized there was much more to this deceptively tiny record shop.

 

Tell us a bit more about this place.

Some of the bright neon designs on the walls!

I began to do some research on my little record store and found that Contempo Records has been a record store and label since 1977. To me this was quite impressive and created a new air of importance about the shop. The store itself has a very relaxed atmosphere and decorations that resemble the 70s, from eclectic patterns on all of the walls to a fancy chandelier, there are many things to look at. I wanted to know a little more about the shop so I stopped by one day to ask them some questions. I discovered the owner is Giampiero Barlotti, he’s usually at the store with a smile on his face, and although he doesn’t speak English, there are a few other’s that work with him that speak enough English to help those who are visiting find exactly what they’re looking for. I also asked what types of genres were offered throughout the store and let me tell you, I was surprised with the variety! It really does not matter what music you’re looking for because I can guarantee that there will be a record with what you’re searching for hidden on one of the many packed shelves.

 

What is sold here, and who would find this shop interesting?

Just a few of the records in the store!

In my honest opinion, I think almost anyone could come and shop at this store, obviously if you’re really into records and older music you might enjoy it more than others. As a study abroad student, I felt like this store was an excellent place to get “lost” in. I found myself relaxed as I perused the many records tucked in their boxes. I myself like a lot of newer music and listen to genres like Hip Hop and R&B, but I even found records that fit my style, such as an old Eminem album. If you’re someone who will be spending a lot of time in Italy, this store has more to offer. The welcoming atmosphere and music alone make you feel at home. There are friends to be made and time to be spent bonding over the music held inside. The music in the store is organized in sections by whatever genre the record fits into, the front part of the shop holds most of its Rock sections and some American albums as well such as The Beatles. If you’re brave enough to venture into the back you can find country music, reggae, jazz and many other options that even I couldn’t believe that they had.

 

What kind of events does the store hold?

This lovely record shop will sometimes hold release events where artists can present their new work and sometimes even preform a few songs from their albums. The audience can talk to and ask the artists questions and can even get some autographs. They offer light food and beverages when they host these release parties. I went to talk to some of the guys that worked there, and they told me about the next event and invited me to come with big smiles and insisted that there would indeed be excellent food as well! Their social media sites are the best places to check out when their next events will be!

Wall art, and records inside!

 

 Is there contact information or ways to buy online?

Yes! Contempo records has a wonderful website, that I have explored myself, where you can find links to their Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube profiles. All of their websites post dates and information of any events the store might be holding and viewers can also check out what records they have for sale. They have a website for orders: info@contemporecords.it and another website for news: contempo@contemporecords.it . The store is also open Monday-Saturday from 10:30am until 7:30pm and they are open Sundays from 3:30pm until 7:30pm.

Where can I find Contempo Records?


 

Finding Love at the Church of Dante

Posted on by Cyril Langston
The Church of Dante
Italy is filled with iconic love stories: Romeo and Juliet, Audrey Hepburn and that other guy in Roman Holiday, Lizzie McGuire and Paolo- we know them, we love them. But do you know about the couple that inspires love even today in Florence? I’m talking about Dante and Beatrice, the star-crossed lovers who never quite got their happy ending but are still in the spotlight of this city. Tucked away on the quiet street of Via Santa Margherita is a tiny church you’d never know was there unless you were looking for for it; here you can write a letter to Dante’s infamous muse and love Beatrice, asking for advice or protection of your love. Before you leave Florence, make sure to stop in and take a minute to reflect on love in one of the most notoriously romantic places in the world- if Dante and Beatrice couldn’t end up together, the least we can do is try our best in their honor.

I promise I know but give me a refresher… who’s Dante again?

Dante Alighieri is a Florentine poet who’s most famous for the Divine Comedy, his depiction of Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. This poem is widely considered one of the most important literary works in the world, and was groundbreaking for Florence specifically because it’s written in the Tuscan dialect rather than Latin, which ended up establishing that as the standard Italian language (so… he’s kind of a big deal). You might also know him from the action movie named after his depiction of Hell with Graham McTavish and Mark Hamill, Inferno, which is fine too. He’s now considered the father of the Italian language, and is Florence’s patron saint of really cool statues (just kidding. But you will be able to find his face in just about every square you visit while you’re here).

Dante’s profile. You’re going to get real familiar with it while you’re here.

Okay cool. So who’s Beatrice and why should I entrust her with my love life?

Henry Holiday’s depiction of their second meeting. To be fair, she looks great.

Beatrice is Dante’s one true love and the object of his affection and inspiration throughout his entire life. In Dante’s Paradiso (the Heaven portion of the Divine Comedy), Beatrice guides Dante through the spheres of Heaven, which was quite progressive for 14th century epic poetry. In La Vita Nuova, he credits Beatrice with having woken his sleeping heart. At the end of that work he also declared to write about Beatrice “that which has never been written of any woman.” Swoon. Boring but necessary details: they only met at most four times and were married to other people before Beatrice died at age 24. They first saw each other when Dante was nine and Beatrice eight, and Dante fell in love immediately. The second time they saw each other was eight years later, when she was walking alongside the Arno, looking so beautiful in all white that Dante literally ran away when he saw her (stars: they’re just like us!). They were never actually in a relationship or, potentially, even a conversation, but Dante continued to write about her for the rest of his life, especially following her death. Dante is known for his love for Beatrice and the two are now symbols of deep, lasting love throughout Florence. This church is the sight of their first meeting and contains Beatrice’s tomb.

“I felt awoken in my heart
a loving spirit that was sleeping;
and then I saw Love coming from far away
so glad, I could just recognize.”

Big shoes to fill if you were also a 13th century poet with a crush on Beatrice. I wonder what her husband had to write to get her attention?

There are a lot of churches in Italy. Why should I go to this one?

A photo of Beatrices tomb with letters in front of it.Compared to other Florentine spots like the Duomo and the Basilica of Santa Croce, the Church of Dante might as well be a random house. If you come here looking for magnificent frescos and hoping to spot a Michelangelo masterpiece, you’ll be gravely disappointed. No, visitors come to this church strictly for ~love~. There’s a small basket beside Beatrice’s tomb where those who love love can write a note asking Beatrice to protect their love (or, ya know, encourage it to exist a little). It’s quiet, away from the hordes of people who normally fill every building that will let them in, because most people get distracted by Dante’s House Museum located next door. Go with your sister, your mom, your best friend, your partner, by yourself, or all of the above- all of those combinations will leave you with a unique experience to reflect on love and happiness and soul mates and all that fun stuff. Linger for a minute if you can, and soak up being in the presence of the woman who got caught looking cute three times and earned herself a featured role in the most important poem of the Middle Ages.

When can I go?

Open from 8am-12:30pm and 5-7pm

Where can I find the Church of Dante?

The church’s real name is the Chiesa di Santa Margherita de’ Cherchi, and you can find it in the aptly-named Via Santa Margherita, 50122 Firenze FI