Istituto Galileo Galilei - Italian Language and Culture Institute Florence

Francesco I de' Medici and Bianca Cappello Tour in Florence
with Gigi Berardi - author of “Bianca’s cure” book

LOVE, POWER, ALCHEMY, AND MURDER IN MEDICI FLORENCE
What happens when passion becomes obsession, and power becomes a motive for murder?
In the intriguing world of Renaissance Florence, few stories are as fascinating—or as mysterious—as that of Francesco I de’ Medici and Bianca Cappello. He was the Grand Duke of Tuscany, the heir to one of Europe's most powerful dynasties. She was a beautiful Venetian noblewoman whose intelligence and ambition captivated him completely. Their forbidden love scandalized the court, reshaped Florentine politics, and ultimately ended in tragedy.
Surrounded by intrigue, secret experiments, family rivalries, and whispers of poison, Francesco and Bianca's sudden deaths in 1587 remain one of history's greatest unsolved mysteries. Was it illness, accident, or murder? More than four centuries later, historians and scientists still debate the truth.

Join acclaimed author Gigi Berardi, author of Bianca's Cure for a unique literary and historical journey through the Florence of the Medici, exploring the places where this extraordinary story unfolded.

This is more than a tour—it's a walk through the very streets, squares, and buildings where Francesco and Bianca lived, loved, ruled, and met their mysterious fate.
As we explore the historic heart of Florence, you'll discover how the city itself shaped their story. Through themed walks in Piazza San Marco and Piazza Santissima Annunziata, you'll encounter the political, artistic, and personal worlds of the Medici court, tracing the footsteps of princes, courtiers, scholars, and conspirators. Along the way, Gigi Berardi will share historical insights, stories, and readings that bring this extraordinary period vividly to life.
-Saturday, June 27, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
-Meeting point: Istituto Galilei, Via degli Alfani 68 (second floor)
-Price: Euro 45 per person

For reservations contact us at [email protected] !

The experience includes:
Exclusive stories and readings from the author
Guided walk through Piazza San Marco and Piazza SS. Annunziata
Italian-language copy of La Cura di Bianca

Follow the footsteps of dukes, courtiers, alchemists, and conspirators as we uncover the secrets behind one of Florence's most captivating legends.

Do you want to speak Italian with confidence in your professional field?
Learning general Italian is useful. Learning the Italian you actually need for your career can make all the difference.
Our Individual Business Italian Courses are fully personalized for foreign professionals who want to master industry-specific language and communicate effectively in real-world situations.

Whether you work in Business & Marketing, Finance & Banking, law & Legal Services, Import-Export & International Trade, Tourism & Hospitality, Translation & Interpreting...or any other specialized sector, we create a tailored learning programme designed around your goals.

-One-to-one lessons
-Industry-specific vocabulary
-Real business scenarios and conversations
-Expert trainers in specialized fields
-Flexible programme based on your profession

You can even bring your own work materials, documents, presentations, or reports to make every lesson directly relevant to your daily professional life.
Why learn generic Italian when you can learn the Italian that helps your career grow?

https://www.galilei.it/italian-language-business-courses/

📩 Contact us today at [email protected] and start your personalized Business Italian course.

✨ MODERN ETIQUETTE & CULTURE OF COMMUNICATION ✨

Confidence. Elegance. Professionalism.

Discover our Modern Etiquette & Communication Course in Florence and learn the essential skills to navigate social, professional, and international environments with ease and confidence.
From business etiquette and professional communication to dining manners, dress codes, and personal presentation, our course helps participants develop confidence, emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and refined social skills for every occasion. Students also learn the art of hospitality, event etiquette, and effective communication in both personal and professional settings.

Whether for your career, social life, or personal growth, mastering etiquette helps you create positive impressions, communicate effectively, and build meaningful relationships.

📍 Courses available in Florence
📅 Flexible starting dates — courses can begin on any requested day
👥 Individual and group options available
💬 Discounts for groups and private arrangements

Good manners never go out of style.

https://www.galilei.it/modern-etiquette-and-communication-course/

For more information contact us at [email protected] !

Unleash your creativity with our Cold Batik Masterclass— where art, color, and imagination come together in a unique textile experience! 🎨
Inspired by the traditional Indonesian batik technique, this modern approach lets you create stunning designs without using hot wax. Easy, relaxing, and incredibly fun! 🌈🖌️

👩🎨 Suitable for all skill levels — beginners welcome!
🧵 Work on cotton, silk, linen, denim, bags, and more
💡 Learn creative techniques with experienced instructors
📍 Florence, Italy
👥 Available for individuals and self composed groups
✨ Ideal for art lovers, fashion enthusiasts & handmade design fans

Create your own wearable artwork and discover the beauty of colors and patterns in the heart of Florence 💛

https://www.galilei.it/batik-course/

✨ Learn Italian in a Truly Small Group Course (with max 3-4 students) 🇮🇹
Not all “group courses” are the same…
Our small group courses have ONLY 3–4 students per class. Yes, really!
👥 Just 3–4 people means:
• You speak more, every single lesson
• You get real, personalized attention
• You can’t “hide” — and that’s how you improve fast

This is the perfect balance between a private lesson and a traditional group course.
🎯 In fact, with such small groups, 2 weeks of study can equal 4 weeks in larger classes. That’s how effective it is.

https://www.galilei.it/italian-small-group-courses/

Contact us at [email protected] to have more information!

Small group courses 2 weeks in our Italian small group courses correspond to 4 weeks of a standard course (8-12 pax) For self-composed groups special discount!

Daylight Saving Time is Back! – March 28th

“Losing an hour of sleep… so stressful!”
On March 28, we move our clocks forward by one hour, marking the return of Daylight Saving Time (DST). But have you ever wondered where this tradition comes from and who else follows it?

When and why was it introduced?
The idea of shifting the clock was first proposed by Benjamin Franklin in 1784, but it was officially adopted much later—during World War I (1916) by several European countries. The goal was simple: save energy by making better use of natural daylight and reducing the need for artificial lighting. During World War II, the practice became even more widespread and, in some cases, more extreme, with extended or year-round daylight saving to maximize energy savings. After the wars, some countries abandoned it, but it returned during the 1970s energy crisis, when rising oil prices pushed governments to find ways to reduce energy consumption.
Since then, Daylight Saving Time has remained in use in many parts of the world—although today its effectiveness and impact are still widely debated.

Which countries use it?
Around 70 countries worldwide still use Daylight Saving Time, including most of Europe, parts of North America, and some regions in the Middle East and Oceania.
However, not all countries change clocks on the same day!
• Most European countries (including Italy) switch on the same day: the last Sunday of March.
• The United States and Canada change earlier, usually on the second Sunday of March.
• Some countries, like Australia, adjust their clocks on completely different dates depending on the region.

Who doesn’t follow DST?
Many countries have abandoned it, especially near the equator where daylight hours don’t vary much. Examples include Japan, India, and most of Africa.

CURIOSITIES
• Not all EU countries agree on keeping DST—there has been ongoing debate about abolishing it!
• Losing one hour of sleep in spring is often linked to a temporary increase in tiredness and reduced concentration 
• In autumn, we “gain” an extra hour when clocks go back!

Do you enjoy the longer evenings, or would you prefer to keep the same time all year round? Let us know in the comments!

https://www.galilei.it/

Learn Italian at Any Age with Istituto Galilei! 🇮🇹✨
At Istituto Galilei, we believe learning never stops — and our Italian courses for adults are designed for those who want to enjoy language learning at a relaxed and engaging pace.
Our lessons are fully personalized and adapted to each student’s learning speed, ensuring a comfortable and effective experience for everyone. Whether you’re discovering Italian for travel, culture, or personal enrichment, our experienced teachers will guide you step by step with interactive lessons and conversation practice in a friendly and supportive atmosphere.
Our courses for adults also include unique cultural experiences: enjoy a guided tour of Florence, an evening of musical events, and a visit to the Central Market — all designed to immerse you in authentic Italian life.
Take the first step today and enjoy learning Italian in an inspiring environment tailored for adults 😊
Interested in our Italian courses for seniors and adults?

Visit our page https://www.istituto-galilei.com/italian-courses-senior or contact us at [email protected] !

Individual Photography Courses in Florence – Discover the Art of Photography!

Would you like to develop your photography skills while experiencing the beauty of Florence?
Our individual courses are designed for international students who want a personalized and immersive learning experience.
✨ What we offer:
✔️ One-to-one photography lessons tailored to your level
✔️ Customized programs based on your interests (street photography, architecture, portrait, travel photography and more)
✔️ Practical photo walks through the historic center of Florence
✔️ Guidance on composition, light, camera settings and visual storytelling
📷 From beginners to experienced photographers, our courses help you improve both your technical skills and your creative vision.
Learn photography in one of the most inspiring cities in the world, surrounded by art, history and extraordinary landscapes ✨
📩 Contact us for more information at [email protected] and start creating your personalized course!
https://www.galilei.it/photography-courses-florence/

Individual Italian Literature Courses in Florence – Personalized Programs

Would you like to explore Italian literature while living the unique experience of Florence?
We offer one-to-one customized courses, designed specifically for international students of all levels.
✨ What we offer:
✔️ Fully personalized individual lessons
✔️ A program tailored to your interests (Middle Ages, Renaissance, 20th century, contemporary literature…)
✔️ Guided analysis of great authors such as Dante Alighieri, Niccolò Machiavelli, Alessandro Manzoni and many others
✔️ On-site lessons in Florence or online options available
📖 Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, we will create a course that matches your linguistic and cultural goals.
Study Italian literature in the heart of Tuscany, surrounded by the streets that inspired some of the greatest writers in history ✨
📩 Contact us for more information at [email protected] and to create your personalized program!
https://www.galilei.it/italian-literature-courses/

Home The italian language school Istituto Galilei offers italian language courses in Florence, individual and groups courses also cultural and art lessons.

🎨 Discover Your Artistic Talent! 🎨

Have you always dreamed of learning to paint or improving your drawing skills?

Our painting and drawing courses are designed for adults and young people of all levels, from beginners to experienced artists.
And there’s no better place than Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where art is everywhere you look. ✨🏛

Drawing: pencil, charcoal, perspective, shading
Painting: watercolour, acrylic, and oil, colour theory and composition
Personalized programs to develop your unique style
Practical exercises designed to improve precision and creativity
No experience needed, just passion and a willingness to try!

💡 Got friends or family interested? We can create a custom course just for you!
https://www.istituto-galilei.com/drawing-and-painting-courses/

📩 Contact us for more information: [email protected]