Discover The Sounds Of Florence For Music Lovers

Ah Firenze. Could there possibly be a more beautiful city on the planet? Ask any local andthey’ll tell you the answer is a resounding ‘no’! Because it’s true, Florence is blessed withquite a bit more than its fair share of stunning architecture, not to mention the River Arno.But while it’s more often associated with the vast collections of Renaissance art displayed inits many galleries, museums and public spaces, the city also has a rich classical musicalheritage. For those who embark on Florence and Tuscany tours looking to delve into thischarming aspect of the city’s history, the sound of music is never too far away.

Stroll Around the Top Classical Musical Attractions

Some of the most famous musical attractions can be seen in a relatively short time due tothe compact nature of the city. While not all Florence and Tuscany tours will include visits tothe sites mentioned below on their itinerary, it’s easy to get out and explore them on yourown – or perhaps with the help of an online guide.

The National Public Library

In this, the largest public library in Italy, along with a copy of every book ever published inTuscany (more than six million of them) you’ll be able to view some of the oldest sheet musicleft in the world. Housed in a truly beautiful building, the impressive musical collection alsocomprises the songbooks and sheet music for hymns, operas and choral works from theWW1 era.

Teatro Verdi

With a reputation and capacity befitting its famous namesake, Teatro Verdi is an ‘Italianstyle’ theatre, laid out with galleries, a balcony and tiers of private boxes. Along with regulartraditional opera performances, the theatre is also host to many contemporary events,including film festivals, modern musicals, ballets and piano recitals.

Galleria dell’Accademia

As well as the famous statue of David, by Michelangelo, the Accademia is also home to theMusical Instrument Museum – a museum within a museum, if you will. The collectioncomprises around 50 instruments dating from the seventeenth to the nineteenth centuries.One of the highlights is a viola made by Antonio Stradivari, who was and is considered oneof the world’s finest craftsmen of musical instruments. Some of the exhibits allow you tolisten to the ancient instruments through the modern-day multi-media systems.

Teatro Della Pergola

Lovers of opera will be in their element with the chance to attend a performance at thisrevered opera house, which is the oldest in Italy. For more than 350 years the theatre hasstaged some iconic events, including Verdi’s production of Macbeth, in 1847. With a capacityof nearly 2,000 all told, the opera house holds around 250 performances every year.

Discover the Sound of Italy on Florence and Tuscany Tours

For anyone with a deep love of classical music, one of the small group organised Florenceand Tuscany tours can introduce you to the country’s rich and inspirational musical heritage.By visiting these, and many other sites of interest, you can gain a genuine insight into thesignificance music has played throughout Italy’s long and fascinating history.

Author Plate

Mauro Bramante is the Director of WalkAbout Florence, an independent business offeringunforgettable tours and excursions around Italy including the best Florence and Tuscanytours. Whether you want to ride a Vintage Vespa, try the famous Chianti wine or getcooking with fresh local ingredients, Mauro`s company promises excitement, adventure andabove all, fun. If you`re keen to experience the magic of Italy with the help of somepassionate and knowledgeable tour guides, look no further than WalkAbout Florence foryour next getaway.