From another thread it was mentioned that it would be nice to get info from those who know, what exatly it is like for a visitor/tourist in Italy at this time. For example we are arriving into Florence at 1130 on August 15. We have discovered the museums will close earlier than the normal 1900 and will be closed at 1350. Also we understand many shops/restaurants will be closed. Will we be able to find a cafe to sit at or a restaurant for dinner?? What about the two days after the holiday? DO things remain closed??? THANKS FOR YOU COMMENTS!!
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Kim,
And from another point of view, I have been invited to a Ferragosto party here in New England. Is there anything special that it might be traditional for me to bring? How is it usually celebrated, besides leaving the city?
>>We have discovered the museums will close earlier than the normal 1900 and will be closed at 1350<<
Just a slight clarification...the closing hour for museums in Florence is not early (1350) because of Ferragosto....this is the normal Sunday closing hour.
When I went online to get reservations for the Accademia and Uffizi from Aliwest, I found that they were both closed on August 15th but opened on the 16th.
Guess I better get on the phone and try to get some reservations for anyting we want to see on Tues since that will be our only day to go the Uffizi and Accademia!
Any suggestions on our Sun (Ferragosto) and Mon?? Thought about a day trip to Siena on Mon....but no........it is Palio! We really picked a silly time to go. (I did look for tickets to Palio--a place to view the races-- and they are all SOLD OUT!). So that is out.
The only thing that is traditional all over Italy is he fact that Ferragosto is a day off. Many people use it to go on a picnick in the countryside, some others go to a resturant or take a daytrip to some city. In most non trouristy palces things are closed, but I doubt that you will ahve any problem finding open resturants or bars in Florence: on the other hand your main problem with Florence will probably be that it will be really more crowded than the usual!
As for Palio, you don't actually need tickets to see it, as long as you are willing to wait long hours in the square. The central area of the square is where the people from Siena watch the race from, it requires not tickets but it fills up very early (someitmes in the morning it's already impossibile to enter it, and there are people who sleep on the square to get the best places and the "colonnini".
Hmmmmmm..........I am a wimp. Do not think standing in a huge crowd in the heat getting squashed by everyone is my idea of a good time. I am sure it is very exciting but we will pass.... If we cannot get a place to sit and watch we will just have to miss it.
quote:Originally posted by Laura1: If we cannot get a place to sit and watch we will just have to miss it.
The big tourist crowds will be there for the race itself, but if you are in the region a few days before the race, you may consider going there to take a look at the preparatory rituals: the proof races, the horses estraction, etc. Each of these "rituals" is done with parades in costume. And visiting Siena with all the buzz for the race on is the best time to see it. Each contrada the town is divided in works for the whole year just to be ready for the two Plaio races. Check out this site for the Palio schedule, visit Siena on the 14th or 15th, pick your own favorite contrada, tour it and try to join a piece of the contrada life (communal dinners and other stuff). On the 16th, watch the palio on the TV and support your own contrada from home ^_=
Actually I wanted to suggest exactly the same thing. Although being from Siena I have to admit that the Palio day is a totally different story, I must also recognise that for non-sienese people, the days before, the preparations, the "provacce" etc have the same and probably more charme than the actual crowded loud day. Moreover it is very very hard to find parking... I would say almost impossible...
quote:Originally posted by Laura1: We arrive into the FLorence airport at 1130am on the 15th. I assume that is too late to get over to Siena to see what is going on??
You may make it for the evening provaccia and dinner, but do you really want to, or would you rather rest?
Although the museums may close early on Sunday, some of the churches actually only open for visitors at 1PM. I am thinking in particular of the Brancacci Chapel at Santa Maria del Carmine, with its wonderful frescoes. I recall that Santa Maria Novella (Masaccio, Giotto, other gorgeous and wonderful works of art) also opens in the afternoon.
Remember, I am talking about Sundays, not Ferragosto. But check and see.
Posts: 6756 | Location: Montclair, NJ, USA | Registered: 16 March 2003
Arriving on Ferragosto is not great. You probably will have to see it as a day of rest. I live in Florence but have never been in town on that day as I try to get out of the city as much as I can during August. I am sure that some restaurants will be open but not much else. I imagine you have reservations at a hotel? I would send the hotel an email and ask them your questions about what will be open that day. Any hotel worth its salt should be able to give you that info.
Topic Closed
