Florence White Nights

During the period 24-26 of June, Florence, one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, the treasury of Renaissance masterpieces, shall host a unique event – “Florence White Nights” program. Florence White Nights is a symbiosis of historical, cultural, society and fashion-events.

 Program*

FIRST DAY
24th June

17:00

Calcio Storico – is a Medieval Football match, its final takes place in the center of Florence – at piazza Santa Croce, on the 24th of June, the day of St. John, the patron of Florence. This unique show dates back to epoch of Renaissance. And it still attracts thousand spectators, but it’s difficult for tourists to attend it since all tickets are sold out long in advance. Those who attend Florence White Nights will have the opportunity to see this colorful medieval match.
22:00 - Fireworks in honour of St. John Day. It is symbolic that Florence White Nights will begin exactly on the day being one of the main holidays for all Florentines.

SECOND DAY

25th June

19:00

Ball VIVA ITALIA!
The Ball will take place in magnificent Palazzo Corsini. Guests are required to observe strict dress-code: tuxedos and ball dresses. The number of guests - 300 persons: representatives of Florence, Moscow and St. Petersburg administrations, movie and TV stars, business - elite, well-known designers, members of VIVA ITALIA! club, visitors from many countries. The guests will dance to the music performed by well-known orchestra. Refined cuisine and wine will supplement the solemn atmosphere of the Ball. Program of the Ball will also cover fashion-show of children's clothes from known Italian designers in cooperation with Societa Italia and very well known in the world Pitti Bimbo children's clothes fair that will take place in Florence during these days.

Palazzo Corsini – is one of the biggest and most beautiful palaces of Florence. It is located in the center, on the bank of Arno river, near Ponte Vecchio bridge. In 1649 the Palace being the property of Duke Ferdinando II Medici was purchased by Maria Maddalena Machiavelli - wife of Marchese Filippo Corsini. The palace is built in late-baroque style, the main court yard overlooks the embankment of Arno river. Construction of the palace continued 50 years. Decorations were executed between 1692 and 1700. Such known artists as Anton Domenico Gabbiani, Alessasndro Gherardini and Pier Dandini were employed by Corsini family to decorate the Throne hall on the ground floor where the Ball will take place.

Since ancient times Palazzo Corsini hosted well-known personalities. In 1661 Great duke Cosimo III celebrated his wedding with Marguerite d'Orléans here. In 1709 the king of Denmark stayed here, at the beginning of 1800- Josephina Bonaparte.
 The palace was reopened after the Second World War and king Umberto II officially visited the Palace. By nowadays many celebrities visited the palace, among them - Sophia Loren, Anthony Hopkins. Nicole Kidman; Ridley Scott, Princess Diana, Hillary Clinton and many others.