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Whether you need to know local public holidays or highlights through the seasons, we hope you will find the facts gathered below useful tools for your travel planning. Please feel free to contact us if we can assist you further.

General information

With origins dating back to Roman times, Florence acquired the status of legend as the birthplace of early Renaissance art and architecture. With its red-tiled roofs and lofty domes, it still presents a remarkable likeness to the small, late-medieval centre that contributed so much to the artistic and political development of Europe. Its striking buildings, formidable galleries and treasure-crammed churches form an extraordinary repository of Renaissance art. Of course, visitors to Florence are also drawn by its top fashion houses, exquisite handicrafts and superb culinary traditions. Whatever the purpose of their stay, guests at Four Seasons quickly discover that the Hotel is close to everything that matters – and perfectly placed to make the most of this enchanting city.

Time zone

GMT +1 hour
Central European Time

Language(s) spoken

Italian is the primary language. English is also widely spoken.

Electrical system

Local voltage is 220 to 240 volts AC. Adapters available; please request through the Concierge.

Shopping hours

Monday to Saturday 10:00 am to 7:30 pm

Working hours

Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Time and distance to city centre

10 minute walk/1 kilometre (0.621 miles)

Time and distance to shopping

10 minute walk/1 kilometre (0.621 miles)

View in–depth travel advice from Frommers.com

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Seasonal highlights

January

• One of the world’s most important previews of men’s fashions, clothing and accessories, Pitti Immagine Uomo takes place in Florence twice a year, in January and June. The exhibition features approximately 700 exhibitors, over 850 collections and close to 120 fashion-related events.
• On January 6 every year, the procession of the Magi takes place. This solemn procession winds its way through the ancient streets of the city to celebrate the feast of the Epiphany. Dressed in elaborate costumes, the Magi and a procession of people walk from the Piazza Pitti to the Piazza Duomo. Inside the cathedral, the Magi offer gifts to the image of the infant Jesus and the people in the procession offer gifts to the children taking part.

February

• A four-week celebration, the Viareggio carnival, takes place every Sunday in February. People disguise themselves in amusing or historical costumes and admire the floats that cross the seafront of the Viareggio, a seaside town 45 minutes from Florence.

March

• Capodanno fiorentino, the traditional Florentine new year, takes place annually on March 25. The celebrations include a procession from the Palagio di Parte Guelfa to the Santissima Annunziata church.

April

• One of the most ancient traditions in Florence, the scoppio del carro takes place on Easter Sunday – a mechanical dove is sent sliding on a wire from the Duomo altar to a historical float positioned outside the cathedral, setting off a display of fireworks.

May

• Each May at the Fortezza da Basso, the mostra mercato dell'artigianato, the most important exhibition for handmade products, is held with exhibitors from around to the world selling their products.
• The Fiorita commemorates the death of Savonarola, the Dominican prior of San Marco, who was burned at the stake in Piazza della Signoria on May 23, 1498. Every year on this date, a mass is held in his memory and flowers (the fiorita) are laid on the spot where he died.
• Italy’s oldest music festival comes alive each year throughout May and June. Maggio Musicale Fiorentino presents contemporary and little-known operas in visually dramatic productions. Some of the world’s best-known conductors participate in this prestigious festival.

June

• On June 24, the festival of San Giovanni (John the Baptist, Florence’s patron saint) takes place in Piazzale Michelangelo with a spectacular fireworks display that reflects dramatically in the Arno River below.
• During June, three games of calcio storico fiorentino take place in Piazza Santa Croce. A game with roots dating back to the Greeks and Romans, it is a mix of soccer and rugby. In honour of a historic game that took place in 1530, today’s players in the four participating teams (representing the four quarters of Florence) wear Renaissance costumes. Each match is preceded by a lively procession through the centre of the city, accompanied by music and flag-waving.
• Pitti Immagine Uomo, one of the world’s most important previews of men’s fashions, clothing and accessories takes place in Florence twice a year, in January and June. The exhibition features approximately 700 exhibitors, over 850 collections and close to 120 fashion-related events.

July

• Puccini festival – Each summer in Lucca, operas are held in honour of Giacomo Puccini, who was born in Lucca.

August

• On August 16, the Palio dell'Assunta, a historical horseback riding competition, takes place in Piazza del Campo in Siena.

September

• Festa della Rificolona – On September 7, men used to come from the countryside to pay tribute to the Madonna in Piazza Santissima Annunziata, and in honour of the occasion the people of Florence would leave on the streets special lamps made with coloured paper, a candle and a little stick. Today, children maintain this tradition, preparing these lamps and walking along the Arno river under torchlight.

October

• The vino novo festival takes place in the countryside to celebrate the grape harvest and to taste the new wines.

November

• In November, the olio novo festival celebrates the recent olive harvest.

December

• During the entire month of December, Christmas street markets colour Florence with gift ideas and handmade products.