Neighborhoods of Florence, Italy: Exploring Quartiere di Santa Croce with Kate Bolton-Porciatti

Neighborhoods of Florence, Italy: Exploring Quartiere di Santa Croce 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 third installment will focus upon the Santa Croce Neighborhood – which gathers around the monumental Franciscan complex of the Holy Cross, on the northeast side of town. This quarter is profoundly shaped by its proximity to the River Arno and we see how it has recovered after the devastating1966 flood. Historically, it was the area of fabric manufacturers who washed and dyed Florence’s famous wools and silks in the river. Today, artisan traditions live on here: in Santa Croce’s leather school, boutique perfumeries, jewelry, and ceramic workshops. Here, too, is the family home of Michelangelo (now a house museum) and Palazzo Bardi – the place where Italian opera was born. Santa Croce is also the setting for the annual Calcio Storico – a historic football-rugby-wrestling match, in which all the city’s quarters teams compete.
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 23 reviews
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(23)
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B
B.K. (San Antonio, US)
Wonderful experience

Guest did not leave comment

S
Sandra S -- Boston (Saugus, US)
Third of the 4 Quarters to Visit: Santa Croce

A wonderful tour of the eastern quarter of Florence around the key Franciscan church, Santa Croce. Highlights of this area were expanded to include many other interesting and important sites: Piazza della Signoria and the palazzo, Uffizi Gallery, the Bargello -- just to name a few. But, Kate discussed many other areas and sites that are off of the usual tourist visit goals. Much appreciated and hope to find these less well-known sites if I can return to Florence. The use of old photos in the presentation about the destruction and rebirth segment was outstanding (demolition of areas for modernization, WW II bombing, and the 1966 Arno River flooding); these made a viewer realize the extent of the 'rebirth' that occurred afterward. Inclusion of artisans and markets was very helpful in addition to the resource emailed after the seminar. A wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon in learning and yearning to travel!

g
gary hicks (Coe Hill, CA)

Guest did not leave comment

E
E. (Alexandria, US)
Total Immersion in 90 minutes

This is the 3rd neighborhood walk with Kate Bolton-Porciatti. Without leaving my desk, I have been transported to Firenze. Kate's knowledge is encyclopedic but delivered as though you were talking to your best friend or dear neighbor. It is a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon. The lecture, the notes, the professionalism of the all the staff. Great experience.

G
G. (Sarasota, US)
Great overview , historical context and tips on hidden gems.

I've been to Florence 3-4 times over the last 25 years and will be visiting again this summer. I learned a lot about Santa Croce history and events as well as useful information for my trip. Kate did a great job!

123

Customer Reviews

Based on 23 reviews
100%
(23)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
B
B.K. (San Antonio, US)
Wonderful experience

Guest did not leave comment

S
Sandra S -- Boston (Saugus, US)
Third of the 4 Quarters to Visit: Santa Croce

A wonderful tour of the eastern quarter of Florence around the key Franciscan church, Santa Croce. Highlights of this area were expanded to include many other interesting and important sites: Piazza della Signoria and the palazzo, Uffizi Gallery, the Bargello -- just to name a few. But, Kate discussed many other areas and sites that are off of the usual tourist visit goals. Much appreciated and hope to find these less well-known sites if I can return to Florence. The use of old photos in the presentation about the destruction and rebirth segment was outstanding (demolition of areas for modernization, WW II bombing, and the 1966 Arno River flooding); these made a viewer realize the extent of the 'rebirth' that occurred afterward. Inclusion of artisans and markets was very helpful in addition to the resource emailed after the seminar. A wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon in learning and yearning to travel!

g
gary hicks (Coe Hill, CA)

Guest did not leave comment

E
E. (Alexandria, US)
Total Immersion in 90 minutes

This is the 3rd neighborhood walk with Kate Bolton-Porciatti. Without leaving my desk, I have been transported to Firenze. Kate's knowledge is encyclopedic but delivered as though you were talking to your best friend or dear neighbor. It is a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon. The lecture, the notes, the professionalism of the all the staff. Great experience.

G
G. (Sarasota, US)
Great overview , historical context and tips on hidden gems.

I've been to Florence 3-4 times over the last 25 years and will be visiting again this summer. I learned a lot about Santa Croce history and events as well as useful information for my trip. Kate did a great job!

123