British Institute Library

Many famous writers have passed by Florence, entranced and felt the love strong enough to coin a few words to commerate the city. I have a feeling they would hung out at the British Institute Harold Acton Library along the arno river, between ponte santa trinita and ponte carraia.
Walking inside you are hit with a sort of slightly eccentric former world. The kind of world where people actually read, had interesting conversations and embraced personal enrichment.
it’s slightly sad that I’ve lived in this city nine years and have only recently visited. Here they offer short courses, Wednesday yea, hold screenings, all with some pretty excellent lecturers. I took a one-​day course on the patronage of Medici women (you know that ancient family with their balls all over Florence) and really enjoyed it. The other people attending were an interesting mix of people looking to learn a little history of art in the city and scholars.
The British Institute offers an annual membership that includes access to their fast library. Space to work, study and connect to Wifi. I recommend checking it out even just too see a bit of history in Firenze.