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Neighborhoods of Florence, Italy: Exploring Quartiere di San Giovanni with Kate Bolton-Porciatti

Neighborhoods of Florence, Italy: Exploring Quartiere di San Giovanni with Kate Bolton-Porciatti


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

The city of Florence was divided into four distinct neighborhoods in the mid 13th century, and each one has preserved its own unique character and identity to this day. These four virtual tours – partly recorded on location in the city – offer first-hand insights into each area. 
During our time together, we’ll explore how the quarters have evolved and developed over the centuries, thanks to their different geographical locations, historical and political events, economics, and religion - all of which have indelibly shaped their distinctive personalities and cultural traditions. 
With the help of maps, videos, and photographs, we will tour each neighborhood, stopping en route to reflect on their artworks, social and cultural traditions. We (virtually) meet the great families that shaped each quarter, visit the towers, palaces, churches, and monuments they patronized, and explore the city’s artisan workshops and culinary traditions. Finally, we’ll reflect on how local Florentine communities have been created, and how they might be preserved in the future. 
Our first installment will focus upon the San Giovanni Neighborhood – named after the majestic 11th-century Baptistery, one of the oldest buildings in the city, and also home to Florence’s most famous monument: the Duomo. Historically, this was the quarter of the Medici whose imprint remains on the great Renaissance Medici-Riccordi Palace, the frescoed convent of San Marco, and the monumental complex of San Lorenzo where members of the dynasty are buried in tombs sculpted by Michelangelo and adorned with ‘commesso fiorentino’ – a form of stone inlay work and one of the city’s great artisan skills, which we also explore. Today, this neighborhood is alive with traditional leather stalls and the impressive food market of San Lorenzo where we sample typical Florentine culinary traditions. 
Led by an expert on Italian culture and history, Kate Bolton-Porciatti, this Conversation will bring the neighborhoods of Florence to vibrant life. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased understanding and appreciation of the city and its many personalities.
This seminar is part of a multi-part series that virtually explores the charming neighborhoods of Florence Italy. For more information, please click here.

Kate Bolton-Porciatti is a professor of Italian cultural history and music at the Istituto Lorenzo de'Medici in Florence, where she teaches BA and MA courses in the humanities. She also lectures at the British Institute, Florence, and at the Chigiana Music Academy in Siena. Kate has published extensively as an academic and a journalist; she is a music critic for BBC Music and a travel writer for The Daily Telegraph, UK. Before moving to Italy permanently in 2005, she was a senior producer and broadcaster for BBC Arts & Classical Music in London and has won prestigious Jerusalem and Sony Awards for her programs. She did her M.Phil. thesis in Italy, exploring the musical culture of early Renaissance Florence.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 34 reviews
91%
(31)
6%
(2)
3%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
J
J.C. (Madrid, ES)

I have been to Florence several times and this discussion included all the basics of the Quartiere di San Giovanni. However, it also brought to light some less familiar sites worth seeing. It was an excellent review for those who have already been to the city and a top-notch if you're planning your first trip the Florence.

J
Jeff Chilelli (Madrid, ES)
Beyond the Basics

I have been to Florence several times and this discussion included all the basics of the Quartiere di San Giovanni. However, it also brought to light some less familiar sites worth seeing. It was an excellent review for those who have already been to the city and a top-notch if you're planning your first trip the Florence.

N
Nobina Robinson (Ottawa, CA)
High quality virtual tour of central Florence

Very informative and enjoyable session on Florence with Kate Bolton-Porciatti

C
Cynthia Richards (Waco, US)
Another tip top presentation!

I felt as if I was on a personal tour. She presented the area in an historical as well as a current view. Very interesting. Whether planning a visit or just for enjoyment I highly recommend Kate.

C
C.R. (Waco, US)
Another tip top presentation!

I felt as if I was on a personal tour. She presented the area in an historical as well as a current view. Very interesting. Whether planning a visit or just for enjoyment I highly recommend Kate.

Customer Reviews

Based on 34 reviews
91%
(31)
6%
(2)
3%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
J
J.C. (Madrid, ES)

I have been to Florence several times and this discussion included all the basics of the Quartiere di San Giovanni. However, it also brought to light some less familiar sites worth seeing. It was an excellent review for those who have already been to the city and a top-notch if you're planning your first trip the Florence.

J
Jeff Chilelli (Madrid, ES)
Beyond the Basics

I have been to Florence several times and this discussion included all the basics of the Quartiere di San Giovanni. However, it also brought to light some less familiar sites worth seeing. It was an excellent review for those who have already been to the city and a top-notch if you're planning your first trip the Florence.

N
Nobina Robinson (Ottawa, CA)
High quality virtual tour of central Florence

Very informative and enjoyable session on Florence with Kate Bolton-Porciatti

C
Cynthia Richards (Waco, US)
Another tip top presentation!

I felt as if I was on a personal tour. She presented the area in an historical as well as a current view. Very interesting. Whether planning a visit or just for enjoyment I highly recommend Kate.

C
C.R. (Waco, US)
Another tip top presentation!

I felt as if I was on a personal tour. She presented the area in an historical as well as a current view. Very interesting. Whether planning a visit or just for enjoyment I highly recommend Kate.