Handicraft al Palazzo Corsini

Palazzo Corsini garden

the fire fighter's bike

the bicycle priest

the grinder's bicycle

During spring, in the beautiful Italian garden between lemon trees, boxwood trees and peonies of the seventeenth-century Palazzo Corsini al Prato, in the heart of Florence, every year a special arts and crafts event takes place, with stands of craftsmen realizing their artifacts, coming from all over Italy and abroad under the watchful eye of children and adults.

One can admire the practical demonstrations of master craftsmen, as they realize old-fashioned jewellery and modern wood engravings, silver embossing, perform the complicated and fascinating procedure to achieve the pleating of a precious evening dress, forge iron, or aluminum to make "the fiorino", work Sardinian macrame to realize lampshades and elegant necklaces.

One can also smell the oldest spices and the fine fragrances made from the ancient pharmacies of Santa Maria Novella and Lorenzo Villoresi;  wear the traditional hats from the village of Signa, close to Florence, or see shoes being made to measure. One can observe craftsmen making straw baskets of any kind and size.

This year, the most interesting part of the exhibition has been the museum of the "working" bicycles. My favorite one is the fire fighter, with the pump rolled up on the bike, and very curious one is also the priest's bicycle. Then there is the shepherd's bicycle (where butter can be churned), and the knife grinder's bicycle.

the hat from the town of Signa

straw baskets

- Post by Angelica, photos internet and Angelica

Gubbio and the Race of the Ceri

Palazzo del Consoli (photo:Elizabeth)

The Umbrian town of Gubbio is famous for a number of things. Exquisite black truffles are found in nearby fields which add a unique flavor to local dishes. The urban landscape is dotted with medieval architecture in pinkish limestone which glow in the morning sunlight. The town makes great ceramics. The most interesting thing, however, is a very particular foot race held once a year in May, to honor Saint Ubaldo.

Ubaldo, born in 1085, came from this little town, located at the foothills of the Appenine mountain chain in the Umbrian area of central Italy. Ubaldo became an orphan at a young age, took religious vows, and entered into the ecclesiastical world. He went on to become Priest and Prior of a local church. Not long after he was made Bishop of Gubbio. Much loved by the people, Bishop Ubaldo’s actions were fundamental in the rebuilding of the city after a serious fire and for stopping Federico Barbarossa’s ferocious attack in the 12^th century. 

In Gubbio, notice the flags for Saint Ubaldo

When Bishop Ubaldo died on 16 May 1160 the towns-people were in agony. They began a continual pilgrimage to pay their respects to the Bishop. Legend says that for over a year there was a continual flow of people day and night, bringing lit candles (called ceri) to the Bishop. Ubaldo was already being venerated like a Saint, and in 1192 Pope Celestino II canonized him. 

In 1194 his body was put on a cart, led by oxen and they went on their own will to the top of Mount Ingino. In the place where the animals stopped, chosen by divine provenance, a church was built in his honor. The current sanctuary and Basilica dates to the 16^th century, although there have been many changes throughout the centuries.  In the center of the main altar is Saint Ubaldo’s body, in a special shrine remodeled in the 19^th century. In the beautiful stained glass windows throughout the Sanctuary we can see the life of the Saint.

Ceri in the church (photo: Internet)

Inside the church there are also three “ceri” made of wood. The ceri are each about four meters tall, consisting of two superimposed hollow octagonal prisms joined by a central mast that weigh about 200 chilos! These sacred and profane objects (and lets face it, they look a bit phallic) are brought down into the town on May 1^st. Preparations begin for the big festivities on May 15, which is the vigil of Ubaldo's feast day. Processions abound throughout the town and eventually there is an incredible uphill foot race between the historic confraternities to carry these immense ceri back to the Basilica.  Groups of ten men carry the ceri on their shoulders with wooden stretchers. The carriers switch off every ten minutes or so because the ceri are so heavy!

 

The Ceri are moving into the vertical (photo: Internet)

The 3 saints depicted in ceramic (photo: Elizabeth)

The three ceri are topped with Saint Ubaldo in yellow,  Saint George in blue and Saint Anthony in black. The first ceri that gets through the doors of the sanctuary (which, by the way, is always Saint Ubaldo), wins. However Saint George and Saint Anthony have to try to ensure they are inside the Basilica before the doors are shut by the leaders.   

The race probably has ancient Roman origins, however the festivities around the Festa del Ceri begans after the death of Ubaldo, the protector of the city, on 16 May 1160.

Flag of Umbria (photo: Internet)

The Ceri are now incorporated into the symbol of the region of Umbria. Below is a you tube video to give you a better idea of this incredible race which is going to happen this week!

- Post by Elizabeth 

   

 

Within walking distance from Florence, Antinori's new cantina

The staircase 

Last Sunday Francesco and I visited, by chance and curiosity, Antinori's new winery. The estate is located in the Chianti Classico area, about a 30 minute drive from Florence, close to the town of Bargino and to Badia a Passignano- where the family already owns vineyards and operates a restaurant. On these Estates the Antinori family also produces the well known Peppoli and Tignanello wine.

At the beginning of 2013, after seven long years, the project designed by the architect Massimo Casamonti with Archea studio was finally inaugurated.
The ambitious architectural project had been in the spotlight because, in order to make it happen, a whole hill was dug out of the immaculate geographical area of Chianti Classico, and in a very democratic way the entire project was first presented to the nearyby local community of about five-hundred people.

the spiral staircase in the parking lot

 I was turned off a bit at the beginning as the entrance to the building looks a bit like a tunnel entrance on a highway. I have to say though, I changed my mind as soon as I reached the parking lot. The space has a large spiral staircase leading to the floors above. I was immediately conquered, with the light shining down from sky, which made an effect like the stage of an opera house.

 Antinori's Cantina entrance, the long window corridor

On the first-floor there is the cellar, a wine tasting room, a small library, offices and an auditorium (which holds 250 seats). There is a picture gallery of some of the prestigious Antinori family members and at one corner an immense wooden winepress dating back to 1700. On the second floor there is a restaurant and other areas for bottling and wine making. Every angle has an amazing panoramic view onto the countryside.

In the auditorium a large screen video in 20 minutes explains the immense architectural project from its conception, showing the various building stages. I found out that the scale of which I speak was carried out on-site piece by piece by craftsmen and then assembled here. The cost to realize the project was 67.000.000 Euro!

Next time you visit the Chianti are make sure to arrange a visit!

- Photos and post by Angelica

Tasting Tuscany with Chef Ray 22-29 September 2013

 

Our home for 4 nights Borgo Scopeto

I am very pleased and excited to be part of a special tour being planned for 22-29 September 2013 - Tasting Tuscany with Chef Ray!

If you are from Sarasota or have ever visited the area I am sure you have heard about (or tasted the incredible cuisine) of Euphemia Haye, a Longboat Key tradition. The culinary journey is hosted by Euphemia Hayes’ owners Chef Ray and D’Arcy Arpke. I have known them since I was a barefoot kid riding my bicycle through the backstreets of our little beach village and I can not tell you how honored I was to be contacted to share with them my new backyard!   

Siena

The itinerary has been created with the “foodie” in mind. We will visit an award winning chocolate factory, an organic saffron farm, a pecorino cheese farm, a Chianti Classico wine estate, a Brunello wine estate. There will be three cooking classes with Chef Ray together with local Chefs, extra-virgin olive oil tastings, gelato and much more! We will visit picturesque hilltop towns and learn about the art and the history of this incredible region. 

 

Banfi Castle

  


It will be a week exploring the different geographical areas of Tuscany- the west with charming Lucca, the south with medieval Siena and the central area with Renaissance Florence. It will be a week for all the senses- with charming accommodations, picture-perfect scenery,  artistic treasures and of course sumptuous food.  

You do not have to be from Sarasota to join the tour! If you have an interest, contact Lisa at Silvestri Travel and mention my name.

The tour is being offered for the price of $4,525.00, per person based on double occupancy. The detailed itinerary and contact information is below.

********

Tasting Tuscany with Chef Ray

A week  long culinary adventure: September 22-29, 2013

Itinerary

Day 1: Sunday, Sept 22 – Morning arrival and meet-up at Florence's Airport (Peretola) We'll enjoy a panoramic tour of this beautiful city narrated by our guide Elizabeth and then head north to the medieval walled city of Lucca. Showcasing a different Tuscan landscape, Lucca is renowned for its olive oil. Lunch will be enroute. Check in – Villa La Principessa. This aristocratic residence is set in an elegant private park, located at the foot of the Lucca hills. We'll have time to relax before our Welcome Dinner. Overnight Villa La Principessa ( L,D)

Day 2: Monday, Sept 23 – Breakfast at hotel. We’ll indulge our taste buds today with a tour of the award winning and magical Amedei Chocolate factory. Later, we’ll hunt for truffles, of course there will be a tasting. A light lunch will follow. There’ll be time to relax before our cooking lesson and dinner. Overnight Villa La Principessa. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Tuesday, Sept 24 – Breakfast at hotel and check out. This morning we'll visit an organic farm that cultivates the crocus flower for saffron and enjoy a farm-to-fork lunch. Our afternoon will include a winery visit and stops in San Gimignano and Monteriggioni. Late day, we'll check in to our hotel – Borgo Scopeto. A beautifully restored Tuscan estate, it sits amidst the gently rolling hills of Chianti, just outside Siena. It will be our home for the next four nights. In the evening we'll join Chef Ray in the hotel kitchen for a cooking lesson, followed by dinner. Overnight Borgo Scopeto. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Wednesday, Sept 25 – Breakfast at hotel. Today we will have a tour & tasting and lunch at the Banfi Winery Estate. The day's agenda will include a visit to a cheese farm to learn about the production and sample artisanal cheeses and a light dinner. Overnight Borgo Scopeto. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Thursday, Sept 26 – Breakfast at hotel and a late morning departure to Siena. We'll enjoy a guided walking tour of Siena including the Mangia Tower and its heart, the Piazza del Campo. Lunch will be on your own and the afternoon will include free time for shopping and personal sightseeing. Our cooking lesson this evening will be in the heart of Siena where Chef Ray will collaborate with the school's director in a special lesson dinner and then “home”. Overnight Borgo Scopeto. (B,D)

Day 6: Friday, Sept 27 – Breakfast at hotel. Today we will tour the villages of the Chianti region and lunch in Panzano with the famous butcher, Dario Cecchini. After lunch we'll visit a winery for an exceptional tasting of the region's wines. Overnight Borgo Scopeto. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Sat Sept 28 – Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and enjoy a special day tour with Elizabeth. We'll check into the Hotel Athenaeum, a stylish property in the heart of the city. You'll be on your own this afternoon to lunch and explore. This evening we'll gather for our Farewell Dinner. Overnight Hotel Athenaeum. (B,D)

Day 8: Sun Sept 29 – Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Florence airportfor departure. (B) Arrivederci!

Tasting Tuscany with Chef Ray

Inclusions, • 7 nights, 4* hotel accommodations, • Transfers and ground transportation, • Services of an English-speaking guide, • Breakfast daily, • Lunches and dinners with the exception of two lunches noted, • 3 cooking lessons, • 3 winery visits and tastings, • Guided walking tours of Siena and Florence, • Chocolate factory tour & tasting and truffle hunt & tasting, • Culinary visits, tastings and sightseeing as indicated

Not included, Airfare, personal expenses (food and drinks not listed) and gratuities for the guide and driver

Price: $4,525.00 per person based on double occupancy

Enjoy a $150 discount when you pay by cash or check – $4,375.00

Single supplement $850.00

Your tour payment reflects a tax –deductible donation of $100 that will be made in your name to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Booking Information: To reserve a spot, a $500 deposit is required (non refundable)

Contact Lisa, at Silvestri Travel

Call: 866-966-6535 or Email: Lican51@aol.com

International air and pre and post tour stays and travel insurance all available.

We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance.

Terms & Conditions, A non-refundable $500 deposit is required to reserve your space. Balance Due by July 7, 2013, July 8 - Aug 8 – 50% refund, Aug 9 - Departure – no refund. Penalties and fees imposed by our suppliers may be additional and, if imposed, will be deducted from the above refunds, if any.

We reserve the right to change itinerary components if needed.


-Post by Elizabeth