I believe that Florence should not be just visited, but rather listened to: with me, you can discover and hear its voice.
I was born in Warsaw, in Poland, but Italy has always had a special place in my heart. At thirteen I began to study Italian, driven by a curiosity that soon became a passion. So, when I had to choose my majors at the University, I had no doubts: I chose Italian studies and art history.
It was during those years that I began to specialize in the history of Florence, under the guidance of Professor Halina Manikowska, a medieval historian of Florence, who passed on to me her contagious enthusiasm for this Tuscany city.
I arrived here in 2008, where I completed my research for my master’s thesis. Walking through the streets of Florence, having the possibility to admire Renaissance art in the museums, seeing in person what until then I had only studied in books, was like a revelation.
At that moment I understood that Florence was not only the object of my studies. It had become my language.
That’s why after graduation I looked everywhere for a PhD program that would allow me to delve deeper into the art of 15th-century Florence.
I enrolled at my PhD at Durham University, in England, where I continued my academic journey with a broader perspective, but without ever losing sight of my beloved city.
At the end of my doctorate, in 2016, I decided to stay in Florence and to never leave it again!
Today I continue to discover what Florence has to say. And I share it with those who want to hear the fascinating story of this place.
Florence has its own voice.
During the visit I will help you listen to it and make it yours.
So, even when the tour is over, you will be able to understand what Florence has to tell you.
Against hit-and-run tourism, an alternative that touches the soul of visitors
My method results from my belief that art history is for everyone. All it takes is someone who knows how to find the right key to explain it.
Art history is often presented as a subject for a few experts, as if common people were not able to understand it. I believe the exact opposite: with the right tools, anyone can be touched and moved by a work of art, adults and children.
This is why I like to use engaging storytelling that focuses on the why before the what: I use metaphors, concrete examples, comparisons, references to the present: in this way, every concept comes to life and becomes accessible.
Do you want to hear and understand the voice of Florence?
Guide me Florence was born as a personal project, built step by step, starting from my way of living and sharing Florence. Over time, however, it has become an we!
Today I collaborate with professionals who are not simple “tour guides”, but art historians, archaeologists, curators: people with a solid academic background and contagious enthusiasm. First trusted friends, than colleagues, with whom I share a vision and method of dissemination.
Together, we want to act as a bridge between the academic world and the public: to bring the history of art out of the classroom and into the lives of those who want to truly understand it.
Specialized in medieval art history, Michele loves sharing the stories behind each artwork with compelling storytelling. His favorite museum is the Bargello, a treasure box full of sculptures and wonders.
Art historian and passionate guide, she has published research on Renaissance painting, which she continues to specialize in today. She loves the Museo Galileo, where art and science meet.
Archaeologist with a PhD in Roman history, she gives voice to the most ancient civilizations and brings history back to life. She will gladly guide you to the Museo del Duomo or to discover the secrets of the Etruscans.
Art historian and landscape enthusiast, he combines art, nature and popular culture in every visit. He loves the Basilica of San Lorenzo, where Donatello and Brunelleschi silently converse.
Medieval archaeologist and tour guide, with academic experience and excavations between Italy and Jordan. Fieldwork allows her to always stay up to date and to share with you the lates discoveries on the history of Florence.
Originally from Caracas, she moved to Italy at 21 and found her true passion in Florence. A certified guide, she creates tailor-made, engaging and emotional experiences, with a special love for Michelangelo.
A tour guide since 2011, Marco has a degree in art history and literature and has years of teaching behind him. He loves to tell stories about Florence guiding you through the narrow alleys, churches and museums. His favorite places? San Lorenzo, the Uffizi and Palazzo Pitti.
Musicologist with a Master’s degree from the University of Kraków, she has been working for years as a tour guide. She discovered Florence through her passion for music and enjoys sharing the city’s operatic roots as well as the connections between music and Renaissance architecture.
Born and bread in Tuscany, Irene is an Anthropologist with a PhD in Anthropology, History and Theory of Culture. She is adjunct Professor of Contemporary Fashion Culture at IED Istituto Europeo di Design and lobves designing itineraries dedicated to the connections between art, fashion and history.
