San Marco: The Cultural Heart of Florence

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
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• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
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• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
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• Thank youGrazie
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• Excuse me/SorryScusami/Scusa
  [skoo-sah-mee/skoo-sah]
• How are you?Come stai?
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• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh. eh too]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [nohn kah-pee-skoh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menù, per favore
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• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
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• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vohr-reh pah-gah-reh, pehr fah-vo-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
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• Go away!Vai via!
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• Call the Police!Chiama la Polizia!
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• Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore!
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• I'm lostMi sono perso/a
  [mee soh-noh pehr-soh/ah]
• I'm illSono malato/a
  [soh-noh mah-lah-toh/ah]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
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• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
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• How much is it?Quanto costa?
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• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
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• Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
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• What time is it?Che ora è?
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• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
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• Half past (10)Sono le dieci e mezza
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• MorningMattina
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• AfternoonPomeriggio
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• EveningSera
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• YesterdayIeri
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• TodayOggi
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• TomorrowDomani
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• 8Otto
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• 9Nove
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• 10Dieci
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• Where's a/the...?Dov'è un/il...?
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• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
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• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwah-ee moh-strah-mee (sool-lah mahp-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh pahs-sah eel prohs-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon bee-lyet-toh (pehr)]

San Marco's history began in the 13th century when the area was largely agricultural. The establishment of the San Marco Monastery in 1436, commissioned by Cosimo de' Medici, marked a significant turning point. Designed by the renowned architect Michelozzo, this monastery became a center of intellectual and cultural life in Florence, attracting scholars and artists.

The Dominicans played a crucial role in San Marco's development. The monastery was home to the famous painter Fra Angelico, who created many of his notable works in the monastery's cells. San Marco became a hub of artistic and religious life, with its influence extending across Florence and beyond.

Under the Medici family, particularly during the Renaissance, San Marco thrived as a cultural and intellectual center. The Medici's patronage fostered an environment where artists, philosophers, and scientists could flourish. The Medici's influence is still evident today, with many buildings and artworks from this period found throughout the neighborhood.

In the 19th century, San Marco underwent significant urban changes. The area was modernized, and many of the original monastic structures were repurposed. The opening of the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze in 1784 further solidified San Marco's reputation as a center for art education, drawing students from across Europe.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, San Marco has evolved into a vibrant cultural neighborhood. The area is now home to numerous galleries, museums, and cultural institutions, including the Museo di San Marco, which houses the works of Fra Angelico and showcases the rich artistic heritage of Florence.

San Marco is centrally located in Florence, making it easily accessible from other neighborhoods. From Santa Maria Novella train station, you can walk to San Marco in about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can take bus lines 1, 6, or 11, which connect to various parts of the city. Taxis are also available and can drop you off near the main attractions.

San Marco is a compact neighborhood, perfect for exploring on foot. Most attractions, including the Basilica of San Marco and the Accademia Gallery, are within walking distance. Public transport options include local buses, which can take you to other parts of Florence. Bicycles can be rented from various shops, and bike lanes are available along some streets.

San Marco is generally safe for tourists. However, it is wise to remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas such as markets and near popular attractions. Pickpocketing can occur, particularly around the Accademia Gallery. Avoid poorly lit streets at night and stay away from the less frequented alleys after dark.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police, 118 for medical emergencies, and 115 for fire services. The nearest hospital is the Ospedale di Santa Maria Nuova, located a short distance from San Marco. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers health emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly when visiting churches; avoid shorts and sleeveless tops. Religion: Do be respectful in religious sites; cover your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding and offer your seat to the elderly. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Buongiorno' (Good morning). Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine at trattorias; don’t expect to find American-style fast food. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.

To experience San Marco like a local, visit the Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio, a vibrant market where you can sample fresh produce and local delicacies. Take time to relax in the nearby Giardino della Villa Medici, a beautiful garden offering stunning views of the city. Attend a local cooking class or a wine tasting to immerse yourself in Tuscan culture.