The weather has changed and Autumn finally has arrived in Florence. Olio nuovo can be found in restaurants as well as gourmet stores and supermarkets. Funghi porcini, (porcini mushrooms) are displayed in open air markets as well as the most delicious Zucca di Mantova, (pumpkin). I was so inspired, I cooked, for the very first time a pumpkin soup alla Napolitana, which is really more of a pasta dish. (zucca in dialect is called cocozza).
Autumn is a feast for the senses, including, seeing many of the new exhibits in Florence.
The second floor or Primo Piano of the elegant and historic Palazzo Bartolini Salimbeni, has been bought by the famous Florentine art collector Roberto Casamonti. Until May of 2019, the first half of his collection of twentieth century art to the early sixties is exhibited. I have rarely seen such an important and varied collection with works of Picasso, Kandinsky, Morandi, Chagall, Klee, de Chirico and Fattori just to name a few.
It is always special to spend some time on the grounds of Villa Bardini with its unparalleled views of Florence…
And when the Museum is featuring two excellent exhibits , it’s a win-win.
The first exhibit, titled Florentia, is a collection of watercolors of botanical art organized by the Tuscan Society of Orticultura. Approximately 80 original works by well known botanical artist from eleven different countries.
The second, Fanfare e Silenzi/Celebration and Silence, focuses on the evolution of the work of the Florentine Impressionist painter Primo Conti. Also featuring some of his contemporaries who shared similar style.
A couple of self portraits by Primo Conti
Both exhibits have been so popular that they have been extended through January, 2018.
This Fall also saw the completion of the restoration of Piazza Dei Ciompi as well as the addition of a lovely garden full of roses.
The Loggia del Pesce, designed by Giorgio Vesari in 1567 was the site of the historic fish market, that was originally near the Ponte Vecchio, however Cosimo Medici wanted it moved due to the stench of the fish so close to his home and offices. It was dismantled in the mid nineteenth century and then rebuilt in the 1950’s using the saved structure. It is adorned with eight ceramic medallions of fishes.
So enjoy the seasonal dishes, check out the new openings and exhibits, catch the Fall season at the Teatro of Maggio (Opera House) and wish you had a lifetime to do it all.
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