Planning a visit to Florence during the Easter week can be overwhelming, as Easter is considered a mini high-season for tourism in Italy. But there is nothing to worry about when it comes to keeping busy during your stay! Most museums in Florence will keep their normal hours, Tuesday through Sunday, closed on Monday. Many museums have special exhibitions to visit during this time, and there are authentic Florentine festivities to see all around the city.
On Easter Sunday, visit the Piazza del Duomo for the Scoppio del Carro. This tradition in Florence dates back to the First Crusade, when the Europeans claimed Palastine for Christianity. In honor of this, a 30-foot tall antique cart packed with fireworks and other pyrotechnics moves from Porta al Prato to Piazza del Duomo, and it is lit to explode as a historic spectacle of honor. A successful Scoppio del Carro is said to bring good harvest, stable civic life, and good business to Florence, and it is a spectical that you do not want to miss out on.
Because Easter is one of the most highly regarded national holidays in Italy, there are Easter masses held at all hours of the day in churches through out the area. Many museums and galleries are also open on Easter Sunday, so be sure to visit some of the exhibitions going on.
The Gallery of Modern Art of the Pitti Palace is offering a unique exhibition, “From Boldini to Del Pisis: Florence welcomes the masterpieces from Ferrara.” After the recent earthquake that caused problems for the Ferrara galleries, Florence is fostering an extinsive selection of artwork from the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Ferrara. Until May 15, the exhibition is home to three works fo art by Giovanni Boldini; two still lifes and the Venice Seascape. Along with many other pieces, the exhibition closes with Filippo de Pisis, who recounts his highly personal artisitic vision through still lifes, portraits, parisian views, and flowers painted and narrated through a unique synthetic technique.
“Remembrant through Morandi’s Eyes” is an exhibition at the Uffizi Gallery that has been such a hit that it has been extended until April 28. Focusing on the distant closeness between Morandi and Rembrandt, the collection includes many of the artists pieces that emulate the natural etchings of Rembrandt in his own way, creating an artificial and surreal look. His skillful “recreations” are straight from his self-training, and there is much to be appreciated if you are a fan of Rembrandt.
Both museums are open Tuesday through Sunday, 8:15am – 6:50pm. If you are interested in visiting one of these exhibits or getting more information on what is going on in Florence during the Easter week, contact Italy Travels to speak with a tour operator specialized in organizing cultural events. Call (+0039) 055 2670402 or email info@italy-travels.it.
For more information, visit our website at www.ticketsflorence.com.