As a student, this is the best library!!!! They offer books for reference (italian of course),…read moreamazing (free) wifi, a beautiful view of the Duomo from multiple angles, plenty of inside and outside seating, and a cafe with the best cafe latte i've ever had!!! The only thing I wish was different was that this place was open 24/7 because I would never leave.

i would like to take the time today to announce to all of my loving fans that i am officially back…read moreand i live in italy now. i have been here now for some time... and during my sojourn here i have quite enjoyed my visits to the biblioteca delle oblate. usually i have absolutley zero work ethic and no desire whatsoever to do my homework especially now in my freshman year of university. the thing is that being the way that i am, i get good grades nontheless thanks to my charming personality so i never really take the time to absorb the material. this all changes the second i step into the library. by the grace of god there is a shift in the universe and the planets align giving me the motivation to actually do my work. i have read numerous novels and poems in these walls and have become extremly scholarly and educated. i would add that there is a cafe here just for prosterity because to me its not really relevant. expect more reviews soon, as i go on a journey of self-discovery and realization and embracing my new zest for life in my eurofall and winter.

Walking up those stone stairs a reminder goes through your head of the number of people, over the…read morecenturies, that have done the same thing. Entering the first room you are hit by the ceiling, wonderfully carved wood. Under your feet, don't walk on it, a beautifully tiled floor. The wooden benches that, again over the centuries, have seated many learned people. The central circular library room with its wonderful furnishings and paintings. Finally, a room filled with illuminated books written by those monks. No modern day computers to 'help' them and, jokingly, no spell check or tipex for those mistakes LOL. Finally, the cloisters where those hard working monks had their Spartan rooms. A fantastic few hours spent. Well worth hunting this bibliotheque out.

Patrons' Tour was a most treasured life experience. Fabulous group of attendees…read morecame together from all ports adding to the experience. Encourage all to attend. LAB

I had read about tea at the British Institute of Florence's Harold Acton Library and contacted them…read morebefore we left the U.S. to see if we could attend and were told "Of course." They offer their version of High Tea on Thursdays at 4:30 PM. For a requested donation of € 1.50 each, we had cups of tea with proper sandwiches, biscuits, homemade cake, and cookies. The tea is served in the one of the libraries. The British Institute sits right on the Arno River and we were treated to some wonderful views. It was a lovely way to spend a rainy afternoon.

The Basilica di San Lorenzo is one of the biggest and oldest churches in Florence. The current…read morebuilding has been around a mere 600 years, but the church was consecrated in 393 AD. It was the parish church of the Medici family, who agreed to finance the new building in 1419. Many of the Medici are buried in the basilica. The outer facade was designed by Michelangelo, but for whatever reason, no one ever got around to constructing it. There's an ongoing debate about whether to complete the facade according to Michelangelo's designs, but for now the unfinished look is pretty interesting and distinctive. When we went, there was a temporary installation of contemporary sculptures by Florentine artist Andrea Roggi. Very cool. We visited on a quiet Thursday afternoon and took a quick, self-guided tour. Tickets were €9 apiece and we only spent 10 to 15 minutes in the church, but it was definitely worth checking out. The basilica was, of course, beautiful and opulent, extravagant in its details and full of vibrant artwork. Tons of gray and white marble and an elaborately painted dome. If you're pressed for time in Florence, Basilica di San Lorenzo isn't as mandatory as some of the other attractions. if you have a free half hour, though, you might as well spend it here. It's a great church, where you can get another strong dose of art and history.

I know!! There are sooo many churches in Italy and in Florence and it's incredibly boring if…read moreyou're a kid or unmoved by art and history. But, if you have the good luck to love art and the smarts to love history, then this is definitely one of the three churches you should see in Florence. Although, I don't like to should on people. The was the Medici family church which is nothing to look at from the outside, but the story of the Medicis and how Michaelanglo, one of the teenage mutant ninja turtle and apparently an artist as well, abandoned the project. Cosimo di Medici asked to be buried at the feet of another ninja turtle and artist Donatello. It's shows how much Cosimo adored the artist. He didn't ask to be buried with his wife or mother or children, but with one of the greatest artists of all time.

Just had an amazing vegan meal here! Everything was absolutely delicious. Below is what we had,…read morealong with a slice of cake, an espresso and cafe latte. From the first bite, we were very impressed. We cleaned our plates and as I I looked around (table of four next to us, a few two seaters around us) others did the same! The dishes played with amazing collaborations of items with amazing creams and sauces that complimented the items. The waitress suggested an amazing dry white wine (sorry, forgot name) that I also enjoyed. I also have to compliment the waitress. She had a full house, but was extremely pleasant, engaging, respectful, and helpful (as we are visitors). Definitely go check out this AMAZING spot! Platto Unico: Mezze maniche al curry Carpaccio di avocado Involtini di melanzane Tortelloni di patate e zenzero Cavolo e mele Seitan masala

Stopped in for lunch after reading good reviews about this vegetarian cafe/shop. We both ordered…read morefrom the lunch special which allowed you to get a pasta, a side and a special. The food was good but a little on the salty side. Still nice to have a vegetarian restaurant option!

From the owner: vendita (nuovo e usato) di CD, VINILE, DVD, LIBRI. Specializzato in rarità e reperimento di titoli…read moredifficili.

My wife and children have attended twice during the summer. It is a fabulous place to learn about…read moreRenaissance art, the Medicis, Florence, Italian culture and the language. It does this all at an extremely reasonable price. My kids love the main lecturer Jeremy. The tours to different beautiful sites such as the Uffizi, the Pitti Palace etc etc is truly memorable. Highly recommended program.

From the owner: The British Institute of Florence, established in 1917 promotes the cultural exchange between Italy…read moreand the United Kingdom. We offer a comprehensive English language programme, courses in Italian language, history of art, life drawing, and support various university study abroad programmes. We are the principal centre for Cambridge ESOL(English for Speakers of other Languages) exams in Tuscany. More information can be found on our website. Il British Institute of Florence, fondato nel 1917 per promuovere gli scambi culturali tra l'Italia e il mondo anglofono, organizza e offre un vasto programma di corsi di lingua inglese, lingua italiana e storia dell'arte in lingua inglese e organizza numerosi eventi culturali dì varia natura. Uno dei punti di forza di questo storico istituto fiorentino è la Biblioteca Harold Acton, visitabile liberamente in Lungarno Guicciardini, 9.