Secret Florence

Secret Florence

Escape from the crowds of tourists to visit little-known artistic masterpieces, stroll through superb private gardens that even the Florentines are unaware of, marvel at an exceptional astronomical phenomenon, learn about Florence as the centre of Renaissance hermetism and the esoteric symbolism in the Boboli Gardens, get your children to count the number of bees carved on the monument to the glory of Ferdinand I, look out for medieval wine counters in the streets, discover how Fiorentina football club's distinctive purple colours are linked to the urine of a Florentine crusader in Palestine, admire one of the city's most beautiful sculptures within a secret Templar church ...

Far from the crowds and usual clichés, Florence has many little-known treasures that are revealed only to local residents or visitors who know how to leave the beaten track far behind.

An essential guide for those who think they know the city well or for those wishing to discover its hidden aspects.