A fascinating event, throughout the month of July, which invites you to discover and relive ancient history through guided night tours, conferences and interactive activities
Extraordinary evening and night openings, conferences, trekking in archaeological sites, educational workshops for children: these are just some of the events that make summer in Tuscany unique. With the rich program promoted by the “Nights of Archaeology” event, the spotlight is on the wonders of the past, to discover extraordinary places. Those who are in Florence cannot miss a visit to the many archaeological areas, staying at the FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo, located in a strategic and perfect position to have all the attractions at hand.
In Tuscany, summer is synonymous with discovery, passion and wonder thanks to the numerous initiatives promoted by the region. Like the event that enchants enthusiasts and curious people who want to dive into the fascinating world of archaeology. In fact, from 1st July to 4th August, the exhibition “The Nights of Archaeology” is coming, a precious opportunity to participate in visits and in-depth studies in the museums and archaeological areas, both well-known and less well-known, of which the region is rich. In the 2024 edition, the theme proposed for the special initiatives will be “Archaeology, what a passion!”, with events also designed for the little ones, who are projected into the great adventures and suggestions of the past. Extinct animals, cavemen, myths, discoveries still play a fundamental role today not only by stimulating the imagination and curiosity of children but also becoming an incentive for in-depth studies by adults who always find something to discover. The program is rich and varied and all the initiatives are at different times in order to have greater usability by everyone, with initiatives inserted directly by the museums. The Archeology Nights are a summer event that is always eagerly awaited by the vast public of enthusiasts and beyond. In fact, they allow you to have an all-round vision of the rich archaeological heritage thanks to extraordinary evening and night openings, conferences on archaeological themes, urban trekking and archaeological sites, guided tours for families and adults, educational initiatives dedicated to children.
Every summer the program unfolds with events throughout the region and represents a unique opportunity to discover the immense historical and archaeological wealth of Tuscany. The initiative was born in 2001 by AMAT, the Association of Archaeological Museums of Tuscany and includes among its members over 30 archaeological museums, distributed throughout the most characteristic districts. It therefore goes from the Tyrrhenian coast with Grosseto, Val di Cornia Parks, Vetulonia, to the area of Volterra (Guarnacci Museum), from Vadichiana with Cortona, Chianciano Terme, Cetona, to the area of Prato (Artimino), Florence (Fiesole), Siena (S. Maria della Scala, Casole d’Elsa, Murlo). Initially known with the name of The Long Night of Archaeology, it was later transformed precisely because of the extraordinary success achieved and found the immediate support of the Tuscany Region and the Superintendence for Archaeological Heritage. The initiative certainly represents a new way to enhance the Tuscan archaeological heritage because, alongside the standard events, there are collateral events such as educational workshops, dedicated concerts or dramatizations that offer a different key to address topics that often remain in academic circles only. This is how we manage to approach many types of public, starting from the foreign one, since the offers are truly many and range from Prehistory to the Etruscan world, from the Roman one to the Middle Ages through experiences that can satisfy all tastes.
Just think of the special projects that, over the years, have put the spotlight on archaeological Tuscany, such as the reconstructed Roman ship that, in 2004, entered many ports in the region to commemorate the journey of the Roman poet and governor of Tuscia Rutilio Namaziano or, in 2013, the Etruscan chariot that traveled the ancient paths of Maremma. Those who are in Florence can take advantage, for example, of the exhibition dedicated to the theme of well-being over time and in different cultures scheduled for Monday 17 July from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm in the greenery of the Archaeological Area of Fiesole. Entrance to the Archaeological Museum and the Archaeological Area is free, as is participation in the numerous activities planned that include games for children, yoga and tai chi practices in the open air, moments of poetry and philosophy, themed guided tours. The evening will end with nightly theatrical performances by La Compagnia delle Seggiole, in the evocative setting of the ruins of the archaeological area, and with a conversation about the sky of the ancient Romans, followed by stargazing, by the Arcetri Astrophysical Observatory. It promises to be a unique evening thanks to the activities proposed that can regenerate body and mind through contact with history and nature.
The address not to be missed for your stay in Florence is the FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo, a short distance from all the main attractions. Its strategic position allows you to have everything at your fingertips and to move easily to participate in the most important initiatives that during the summer make the Tuscan capital an even more lively destination.
Grand Hotel Mediterraneo
It is a 4* hotel in contemporary style on the Lungarno in a strategic position to explore the city and the main attractions, such as Piazzale Michelangelo, Piazza Santa Croce, Ponte Vecchio, Galleria degli Uffizi. It offers large and welcoming spaces characterized by comfort and functionality that lend themselves perfectly to a stay for both pleasure and work. The gastronomic offer is also rich thanks to the restaurant of the Arno hotel, which offers traditional Tuscan cuisine with a selection of dishes of the day and the American Bar “Lounge Bar” which offers international cuisine dishes that can be combined with classic cocktails. During the summer period it is also possible to relax at the delightful Terrazza Bar adjacent to the Lounge Bar.
Particularly sensitive to environmental issues, the hotel is equipped with efficient systems and cutting-edge technologies to reduce environmental impact, is committed to rationalizing the use of energy resources and optimizing the use of water resources as well as following waste recycling practices. It also adopts an eco-friendly philosophy by offering “Green” services, such as electric bicycles available to guests, and is committed to reducing waste.
The hotel is also sensitive to the theme of accessible tourism by offering rooms and public spaces accessible to people with disabilities, including access ramps, elevators with space for wheelchairs and specially equipped bathrooms. In addition, the hotel offers personalized assistance services to ensure maximum comfort and safety for travelers with specific needs. The cuisine of the Grand Hotel Mediterraneo is also part of the Italian Celiac Association circuit and offers a wide choice of gluten-free foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The structure has the largest hotel conference center in Florence, the Globo, with 15 meeting rooms, perfect for organizing small and large corporate events, conferences and conferences. It also offers a large garage. It is pet friendly, has specific policies and services that allow pets to stay and be welcomed in the best way. A small park separates the hotel entrance from the riverside, and a public area reserved for animals is located a few steps away, excellent opportunities for taking a relaxing walk with your four-legged friend.
FH55 HOTELS
It is a hotel group founded in 1955 by Dino Innocenti, a pioneer in the hotel sector, who began by creating the Grand Hotel Mediterraneo in Florence. The story continues in 1968 with the construction of the Grand Hotel Palatino in Rome, a stone’s throw from the Colosseum. Subsequently the group continued its growth with the purchase of the Hotel Calzaiuoli, in the heart of Florence which opened in 1982. Upon the death of the founder, the heirs who had in the meantime become owners of the structures, continued the expansion policy and in 1995 acquired the Hotel Villa Fiesole. Today FH55 HOTELS is a hotel group made up of 4 structures, each with its own identity, but united by those values that the ownership transmits daily to all the staff and management of the hotels.
The FH55 Group, in light of the latest catastrophic events and aware of the enormous impact that the flood has had on local communities, has decided to take an active role in reconstruction and support. It has committed to being alongside the flood victims of Tuscany by offering a special dish on the menus of its restaurants, an excellence of Tuscan cuisine: Pici Senesi with Cinta Senese Ragù, Wild Herbs and Pecorino di Pienza dop (Pecorino obtained exclusively with milk from sheep raised in the production area in the lands of Siena). For each dish sold, 2.00 Euros will be donated to the Fund established by the Civil Protection to support the affected populations.
