Exploring Florence’s Historic Wine Windows
Florence, Italy, is a city steeped in history and culture, and among its many architectural wonders are the quaint and curious wine windows. These small openings, known as “buchette del vino” in Italian, date back to the 16th century and were used by Florentine aristocrats to sell wine directly from their palaces1.
A Glimpse into the Past The tradition of wine windows began when noble families were permitted to sell their countryside-produced wine without intermediaries or taxes. This practice was not only economically savvy but also provided a safe means of commerce during the plague in the 17th century, allowing for social distancing before it was a modern term.
Discovering Wine Windows Today Today, approximately 180 wine windows can be found throughout Florence’s historic center2. While many have been sealed, some remain operational, offering both locals and tourists a unique and charming experience. The Buchette del Vino Cultural Association has been instrumental in documenting and preserving these historical gems3.
A Tour of Florence’s Wine Windows In this blog post, we’ll take you on a virtual tour of some of the most beautiful wine windows in Florence. From the Gelateria Vivoli’s rediscovered window to the well-preserved portal at Via del Giglio, 2, each window has a story to tell.
Join us as we explore these remnants of Renaissance ingenuity and learn how they’ve adapted to modern times, continuing to serve the city’s residents and its visitors.
Where Can I Have a Glass of Wine from the Window?
Babae Firenze is the working wine window from the Stanley Tucci episode on Florence. The restaurant is a nice place to sit and have a snack and a drink as well.
Reference: theintrepidguide.com