Unmissable Belmond experience 

In keeping with the spirit of Villa San Michele, a hotel steeped in history, architecture and art, and with a strong link to local excellence, the Belmond property in the hills above Florence has created a programme of behind-the-scenes experiences for its guests this year. A journey through outstanding craftsmanship and the creativity of great masters, together with women and men who are passing on their expertise and creative spirit with dedication and passion.
In this series of experiences and excursions, Florence will be revealed to our guests as a vibrant hub of knowledge, where contemporary design dialogues with historical production techniques, resulting in irresistible creations that embody Florentine craftsmanship.
 
RIDING A FIAT 1100 MUSONE: AN ICONIC CAR FOR VILLA SAN MICHELE
We set off in a FIAT 1100 Musone, an authentic 1950s car exclusively provided to Villa San Michele guests, who will be able to travel to the centre of Florence in style.
The saloon car, which is completely restored with original parts, boasts an unmistakable bonnet with a front grille reminiscent of a nose, hence the name ‘Musone’, meaning ‘big muzzle’. Belmond has gone a step further, turning it into a travelling work of art. Featuring a latest-generation electric engine for sustainable mobility, available only to guests to explore Florence and the surrounding area, and exterior decorations by renowned street artist Lucamaleonte, the car is a perfect blend of art and elegance.
Riding in this vintage car to the city centre is a unique experience for a timeless journey.

THE ART OF TOURING – SUSTAINABLE TRADITIONS
Belmond’s Musone will take guests to meet artisans in their workshops located in authentic areas of the city, where contemporary design dialogues with traditional forms of manual production, resulting in very high-quality, unique products: from a hat maker to a jeweller, via ‘boxes of wonders’ that recount lives through images, to clothes skilfully hand-sewn for generations. Each craftsman who opens the doors to their creative space will share a story of cultural heritage and uniqueness, expertise that they continue to pursue with enthusiasm and knowledge.
 
TALES OF TIMELESS CREATIVITY
The Artigianelli
Guests curious about the world of paper can enjoy a closed-door visit to the Atelier degli Artigianelli, based in the premises of the Istituto Pio X degli Artigianelli, once the heart of the city’s artistic craft sector. In 1901, the complex provided aid, civil-religious education and handicraft training to children, and it maintains the same philosophy today. The Atelier’s primary goal is to spread, through courses with expert craftsmen, knowledge of the artistic crafts associated with the world of paper.
This private workshop to experience the art of making handmade paper will offer a rare and unique opportunity to rediscover the art of papermaking and to appreciate a precious commodity hidden in a seemingly ordinary part of everyday life.
Zeffirelli Collection
The day ends with an exclusive visit to the Franco Zeffirelli Collection, assembled by the famous Italian director of theatre, opera and film.  The Foundation is located in the city’s former Courthouse, which has been transformed into a museum of magnificent treasures. These include 3D stage reconstructions, unpublished behind-the-scenes photos, sketches and drawings by Zeffirelli and an entire room dedicated to Dante’s Inferno. Guests at Villa San Michele will have an exclusive opportunity to access Zeffirelli’s library and private archives to explore his thinking and the evolution of his productions by examining his papers and sketches.

ART IN A VILLA
For the first time in Fiesole, from 13 May to 15 October, works by the Florentine maestro Massimo Listri, an internationally renowned photographer who has captured the most extraordinary villas and architectural works of all time, will be on display. Guests at the La Loggia restaurant and other selected locations in the hotel will be greeted by his photographic works. Anyone who spends a special stay at the villa will therefore be able to ‘go on a journey’ through lesser-known perspectives and details of some of the most famous cultural sites. In the rooms of Villa San Michele, between columns and vaults, Listri’s photographs interpret the harmony and symmetry of things in a perpetual metaphysics. The ten works on display will dialogue with the villa’s Renaissance architecture. These include rooms in historic Florentine buildings – Palazzo Serristori and Palazzo Martelli – as well as the Sala del Mappamondo in Palazzo Vecchio.  The exhibition is organised by Mark Robinow, Artology Gallery. To find out more:
https://www.belmond.com/it/hotels/europe/italy/florence/belmond-villa-san-michele/about#listri
 
THE SCHEDULED DAYS: 25-28 NOVEMBER
Life is theatre
This season Belmond is launching the Curiosity Circles, weekends dedicated to personal growth and exclusiveness where you can learn an art or craft from experts through moments of inspiration and creation. From 25-28 November Villa San Michele is presenting a three-day event devoted to discovering the secrets of the fascinating art of set design. Accompanied by an expert set designer, guests will discover the world of theatre design, from costumes to props. It will be an opportunity to fuel your imagination and creativity during an immersive weekend that blends reality and fantasy. The experience includes an overnight stay at Villa San Michele for 3 nights.
For more information and to book activities and the accommodation package:
reservations.vsm@belmond.com