64. Florence, Tuscany, Italy. Travel to Florence Italy (Pt 3). Visit the top hidden gems of Florence and find out about Italy's most dangerous sport.

This is our third and final podcast about the beautiful city of Florence and we might have just saved the best til last. But first, Just to answer a question I have received many times about our arrival in Florence in episode 62 – no I still don’t know why the guy said he was a sniper and what he was actually trying to say – if you don’t know what I’m talking about – then go back and listen to the beginning of Episode 62 and you will understand – still one of the funniest things that happened to us in Florence. Ok, back to episode 64 where we are taking you to my favourite palace in Florence – the Pitti Place (I know, the name doesn’t do it justice) as well as the beautiful Boboli Gardens which are a green oasis in the middle of the city.  Our guide Carmella showed us the most amazing galleries and living quarters of the palace. There was a quirky artwork including butterflies and dwarfs plus the most paintings by Raphael any where in the world.  In fact all the Ninja turtles are represented at the Palace. We learnt so much about the art and artists (obviously as I am still calling them ninja turtles) and the beauty in this palace was stunning. Come with us as we walk around the 11 acres of the Boboli gardens.  Some of the best views of the city are from the top of the gardens. We are quite intrigued by some of the grottos which look like lumps of plaster thrown against cave walls, but then you realise they are actually animals. Weird but fascinating. Next we go to a museum and unusual type of art gallery that only the locals seem to know about.  and it was incredible.  It involves rare semi precious stones and it is a technique that is only practiced in Florence.  Stay listening to the end to hear about the sport – if you can call it that – called Calcio Storico.  We tell you about this game which is a combination of rugby, martial arts, boxing, wrestling, and American football, just to name a few. It basically seems like a big brawl on the sand field involving 27 players on each side trying to score the most points. It actually dates back centuries and even some Popes played it in the Vatican city.  It’s a game unique to Florence and it’s only played once a year in the annual tournament in June and involves 4 teams from the four classic neighbourhoods and the locals love it. Make sure to check out the show notes and pictures from this episode by clicking the link to Episode 64 below www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/64/florence3 If you know anyone planning a trip to Italy please send them to the www.beachtravelwine.com/italy You can find all our travel podcasts and blogs or contact us at www.beachtravelwine.com

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