Dimora Palanca, Florence’s coolest new boutique hotel wants to provide you with a preview of a truly Florentine Easter. Dimore Palanca this is an experience not to be missed.
Easter is an exuberant occasion overflowing with Florentine culture, spectacular seasonal traditions, and endless opportunities for festive feasting.
Classic Celebrations
The most impressive of the traditional Easter celebrations is that of the rather theatrical Exploding Cart (Esplosione del Carro), A tradition dating back over 300 years. The Cart even has its own name the ‘Brindellone’, and stands an impressive 9 meters tall and is towed through the streets by a pair of magnificent white oxen. Its final destination is the enchanting Piazza Duomo, in the the heart of the city. Here the cart is set between the cathedral and Baptistery where following the Easter mass, the Archbishop of Florence lights the ‘Colombina’, a rocket shaped like a dove which symbolizes the Holy Spirit.
This pyrotechnic wonder then sends a charge to a staggering number of rockets which sit atop the cart sending an explosion of rockets skywards, hence the name of the celebration itself. We suggest you head to the city centre early to watch this annual spectacle or ask your hotel concierge to arrange transfers, if possible get them to book a spot at a convenient coffee bar well ahead of time.
Alfresco Adventures
Easter is the perfect time to explore the city’s multitude of galleries, palaces, museums and landmarks, yet Florence also boasts some of Tuscany’s most magical gardens. The ideal destination for a sunny day out, private picnic or an adventure with the family. Why not plot your route on foot and enjoy the city’s exceptional architecture as you head through the captivating medieval streets and breathtaking piazzas.
Florence has many impressive historic gardens hidden away in the heart of the city or resting just on the outskirts. Of course, the famous Boboli Gardens and Gardens of Villa Bardini are well worth a visit, and both are open over the Easter weekend. Why not pick up a picnic or pack a brunch and head to the Garden of Horticulture (just outside the historical center near Piazza della Libertà). Walk off your lunch with an easy hike to the nearby gardens of Parnassus for a wonderful view across Florence’s city centre. On Easter Sunday the beautiful Medici Pratolino Park in Vaglia is also open and admission is free.
For a special occasion book a luxury picnic hamper or ask to arrange a VIP picnic and simply turn up at an agreed lunch spot! Your picnic will have been miraculously set up for you in advance of your arrival, chilled prosecco and glasses at the ready.
Festive Feasting
Throughout the Easter season Florence’s many Pasticceria, bakeries and artisan chocolatiers offer an enticing collection of sweet treats that appear as highly ornate edible art. Oversized Easter eggs are richly decorated, and shop window displays are truly impressive. One symbol of Easter in Italy is the traditional baked Columba, a large cake shaped like a dove filled with candied fruit and adorned with almonds and icing. In Tuscany it is as popular to eat Colomba at Easter as it is to eat Panettone and Pandoro at Christmas.
During the period of Lent (Quaresima), pastry shops and bakeries all over Tuscany make ‘pan di ramerino’, a sweet bun with raisins and rosemary. Tradition has mass goers take a few pieces to Mass on Holy Thursday, the last Thursday before Easter, to also be blessed. The cookies called ‘Quaresimali’, made with cocoa and in the form of letters are probably the sweets most appreciated by children.
A Florentine Easter would not be complete without indulging in a few sweet treats with many recipes and traditions being as old as the city itself.
Where to Stay in Florence
One of the most convenient, well located, yet impressively tranquil hotels is the recently opened 5* Dimora Palanca. Just a short walk from Florence’s main train station, Dimora Palanca offers stylish luxury in the very heart of Florence. An elegant 19th century villa with its own walled garden, Dimora Palanca is perfectly positioned for exploring Florence on foot. Spacious suites are all artfully presented with some featuring original frescoes, large bath tubs, private balconies and connecting rooms. For families, the garden suites in the old orangery provide space and seclusion. Dimora Palanca also boasts one of the best fine dining restaurants in Florence where chef Giovanni Cerroni champions seasonal cuisine at it’s finest. For romance choose the master-suite with is gilded ceiling fresco, in-room spa and alfresco terrace. The highly knowledgeable concierge team can tailor-make experiences, plan excursions and design authentic activities for you during your stay.
Dimora Palanca is offering an enticing Easter Package which includes a 3-night luxury stay with gourmet a la carte breakfast, a VIP picnic hamper, 5-course Easter lunch at Mimesi’s fine dining restaurant and free use of bikes for exploring the city during your stay. For expert advice on planning your trip to Florence the Concierge team at Dimora Palanca can organise the perfect Florentine experience.
