The Florentine

18/06/2026

The Florence Dance festival brings troupes from all over, with days dedicated to paleontology, photography and nature making up our selection for June 18-25.
https://www.theflorentine.net/best-events-in-florence-this-week/
Città di Firenze Cultura Florence Dance Festival Residenza d'Arte il Palmerino Museo di Storia Naturale dell'Università di Firenze Hotel Savoy, a Rocco Forte hotel Fabbrica Europa

18/06/2026

A Tuscan discovery is now written among the stars.

Asteroid "(120097) Janniksinner", discovered by a team of Tuscan astronomers, has officially been named after Italian tennis champion Jannik Sinner. The honour was proposed by stargazers from Montelupo Fiorentino, who cited not only Sinner’s sporting achievements but also the values of resilience, fairness and dedication he represents.

17/06/2026

⚽️ World Cup fever has arrived in Florence, Italy!

From lively Irish pubs and historic sports bars to riverside hangouts and giant outdoor screens, there’s no shortage of places to catch every match with fellow fans. Whether you're cheering for your home nation or just soaking up the atmosphere, Florence is ready for a summer of unforgettable football.

Tag your match-day crew and tell us where you'll be watching!

17/06/2026

Beyond its artistic heritage, Florence is home to a culture of humanity, exemplified by a social cooperative dedicated to empowerment.

17/06/2026

The Città di Firenze has launched an expanded version of Festina Lente 055055, its multilingual virtual assistant designed to help residents access municipal services online around the clock. Available 24 hours a day and in 13 languages through the city’s official website, the AI-powered assistant provides information and guidance on all digital services offered by the municipality, giving citizens continuous support and easier access to public services.

Available in 13 languages and 24/7, the new digital assistant makes information more accessible.

16/06/2026

A new look for Botticelli at the Uffizi. 🌸
The Uffizi Galleries have unveiled newly renovated rooms dedicated to Sandro Botticelli, offering a fresh setting for the Renaissance masterpieces, including The Birth of Venus and Primavera. The redesigned galleries feature updated lighting, expanded space and a renewed curatorial approach aimed at enhancing the visitor experience and bringing audiences closer to Botticelli’s vision. It’s the latest milestone in the museum’s ongoing transformation helmed by director Simone Verde.

👂 Our advice: come off-season and first thing in the morning to enjoy these rightly popular masterworks.

16/06/2026

The Livorno Torso, a remarkable bronze belonging to the Medici Grand Bronzes collection, has returned to public view at the National Archaeological Museum of Florence following a major restoration and interdisciplinary research project involving Italian and international specialists.

The Livorno Torso has returned to public view at the National Archaeological Museum of Florence.

16/06/2026

Through September 30, Florence is once again an open-air cultural stage as Estate Fiorentina 2026 unfolds across the city with four months of performances, festivals, talks and artistic initiatives spread throughout all five districts.
https://www.theflorentine.net/2026/06/08/estate-fiorentina-2026/
Città di Firenze Cultura

The city’s summer calendar, known as Estate Fiorentina, aims to engage audiences of all ages for months of culture.

15/06/2026

Few traditions capture the spirit of Florence like Calcio Storico. Its roots stretch back through centuries of ball games, from the ancient Greek Sphairamachia and the Roman Harpastum to the Middle Ages when football was played in the streets of Florence, to the legendary match of February 17, 1530. While the city was weakened by hunger and besieged by Charles V, Florentines defiantly took to the square to play, mocking their enemies and celebrating their resilience.

Calcio Storico remains one of Florence’s most fiercely contested and beloved traditions.

This weekend’s semifinals delivered unforgettable action:
🔴 Rossi 22 – 2 Verdi
The defending champions dominated the opening semifinal and secured their place in the final with a record-breaking performance.
🔵 Azzurri 18½ – 4 Bianchi
A commanding victory for Santa Croce sends the Azzurri through to the championship match.

🏆 Final – June 24
🔴 Rossi vs 🔵 Azzurri

Photos: Agenzia Massimo Sestini for the Comune di Firenze Press Office

15/06/2026

Most people have never heard of ex-votos, so I was surprised when dark-haired little Anna, aged five, interrupted me by pulling at my trousers and whispering, “I need one of those”.
By Duncan Geddes

A chance conversation in a Florentine church uncovers a remarkable story of family and a little girl's answered prayer.