{"id":85348,"date":"2026-01-20T09:32:02","date_gmt":"2026-01-20T09:32:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bypillow.com\/5-cosas-que-si-no-eres-de-florencia-seguramente-no-sabes-y-si-lo-eres-puede-que-tampoco\/"},"modified":"2026-01-20T09:46:53","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T09:46:53","slug":"5-things-you-probably-dont-know-about-florence-if-youre-not-from-there-and-even-if-you-are-you-still-might-not","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bypillow.com\/en\/5-things-you-probably-dont-know-about-florence-if-youre-not-from-there-and-even-if-you-are-you-still-might-not\/","title":{"rendered":"5 things you probably don\u2019t know about Florence if you\u2019re not from there (and even if you are, you still might not)"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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BYPILLOW Times<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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5 things you probably don\u2019t know about Florence if you\u2019re not
from there (and even if you are, you still might not)<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Are you planning a trip to Florence and think you’ve done your homework? These little curiosities are almost guaranteed to surprise you.<\/strong> Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning to the city, Florence has a way of hiding secrets in plain sight and rewarding those who take the time to look closer.<\/span><\/p>\n

Florence is one of those cities that captures your heart instantly.<\/strong> As the birthplace of the Renaissance, it overflows with art, history and character at every turn. Walking through its streets feels like wandering through an <\/span>open-air museum<\/strong>. And yet, beneath all that beauty lie stories that even lifelong Florentines may not know.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this <\/span>BYPILLOW<\/strong> article, we share <\/span>five curiosities<\/strong> that are likely unfamiliar if you’re not from Florence… and possibly even if you are. Because Florence always has one more unexpected detail waiting to be discovered.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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The window that never closes at Palazzo Grifoni<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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In Piazza Santissima Annunziata, there’s a detail most visitors walk past without noticing<\/span>: a window that is never shut<\/strong>. Ever.<\/span><\/p>\n

This window, part of Palazzo Grifoni, has remained open day and night for centuries. The reason lies in <\/span>a story that is as poetic as it is tragic<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Legend has it that during one of Florence’s many wars,<\/span> a young soldier left for the front<\/strong>, leaving his beloved behind in the palace. Full of hope, she would wait by the window each day, watching the square and longing for his return.<\/span><\/p>\n

But he never came back<\/strong>. It’s said that she died still waiting, her gaze fixed on the distance. Out of respect for her unwavering love, <\/span>the window has remained open<\/strong> ever since, a symbol of eternal hope.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now you know.<\/strong> Next time you cross the square, look up at that window and you might just feel the story still lingering in the air.<\/span><\/p>\n

And remember: at BYPILLOW you’ll find <\/span>hotels right in the heart of Florence<\/strong><\/a>, perfectly placed to soak up its beauty and its secrets.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Michelangelo\u2019s hidden sculpture carved into a wall<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Florence is Michelangelo. And Michelangelo is Florence<\/strong>. His work is everywhere: the David (the original in the Accademia Gallery, the replica in Piazza della Signoria), sculptures, reliefs, sketches.<\/span> But there’s one particularly curious piece that few people know about.<\/strong> It’s not in a museum. It isn’t signed. It’s carved into a wall.<\/span><\/p>\n

As you walk through <\/span>Piazza della Signoria<\/strong>, facing the Palazzo Vecchio, stop near the main entrance and look closely at a worn section of stone. At eye level, you’ll notice the faint <\/span>profile of a human face<\/strong> carved into the wall. Subtle, almost invisible at first glance, yet undeniably there. According to legend, it was carved by Michelangelo himself… with his hands behind his back.<\/span><\/p>\n

The story goes that the artist was listening to an official who simply wouldn’t stop talking. To pass the time, <\/span>Michelangelo began carving the face one-handed, without even looking<\/strong>. Truth, myth or Renaissance humour? No one knows for sure. But the tale has been passed down through generations and is now firmly woven into Florence’s folklore.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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The oldest pharmacy still in operation in the world<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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In the historic centre, just a short walk from Santa Maria Novella station, you’ll find a place steeped in centuries of history: <\/span>the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella<\/strong>. It is widely considered <\/span>the oldest pharmacy in the world still in operation.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Founded in <\/span>1221<\/strong> by Dominican monks from the nearby convent, it originally produced <\/span>herbal remedies and perfumes<\/strong> for Florence’s nobility. Natural ingredients, medicinal plants and closely guarded formulas were at the heart of its work.<\/span><\/p>\n

Over time, its reputation spread far beyond the city walls. <\/span>Its perfumes reached European courts<\/strong>, and legend has it that Catherine de’ Medici took some of its formulas with her to France. Artists, physicians and curious travellers all made it a must-see destination.<\/span><\/p>\n

Today, the pharmacy remains open<\/strong> and feels like a temple of scent and history. You’ll find fragrances, soaps, essential oils and creams still made using traditional methods. <\/span>Best of all, the interior has barely changed over the centuries,<\/strong> offering a true step back in time.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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The Duomo\u2019s bull: a cheeky joke carved in stone<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Florence Cathedral, <\/span>Santa Maria del Fiore<\/strong>, better known as the Duomo, is one of Europe’s most breathtaking landmarks. But hidden among its grandeur is a rather mischievous story.<\/span><\/p>\n

On one of the cathedral’s side façades, the one facing Via Ricasoli, you’ll spot <\/span>a bull’s head carved into the stone<\/strong>. At first glance it looks decorative, but legend tells a different tale.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to popular lore, during the cathedral’s construction, one of the workers was having an affair with the wife of a local merchant. When the husband discovered the affair, the scandal led to the worker being dismissed. As an act of revenge and with a sharp sense of humour,<\/span> he carved the bull’s head <\/strong>facing directly towards the merchant’s home, a not-so-subtle <\/span>reference to the “horns”<\/strong> he’d been given.<\/span><\/p>\n

So next time you’re there, look up. <\/span>Florence has a sense of humour, and it’s carved in marble.<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Florence was the first European city to pave its streets\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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One final curiosity that often goes unnoticed:<\/span> in the 14th century<\/strong>, while most European cities were still little more than mud and dirt, <\/span>Florence became the first city in Europe to pave its streets.<\/strong><\/p>\n

This was a major step forward for mobility, hygiene and urban planning. Paved streets made the city cleaner, improved trade and transport, and reinforced an<\/span> image of order and progress<\/strong> that perfectly matched Florence’s cultural and artistic golden age.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Book your hotel in the centre of Florence with BYPILLOW<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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As this article shows, <\/span>Florence is made up of hidden details, quiet legends and unexpected stories<\/strong>. It’s a city to explore slowly, to look up, to get lost on purpose and allow yourself to be surprised.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you’re planning a trip <\/strong>to this Italian gem, choose one of our hotels in the centre of Florence. <\/span>BYPILLOW Goldoni<\/strong><\/a> is<\/span> ideally located and thoughtfully designed<\/strong>, offering the perfect base for your stay. This family-run hotel provides everything you need to enjoy Florence in comfort and style, and to create truly unforgettable memories in Italy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether it’s your first visit or you were born within its walls, keep your eyes wide open. <\/span>Florence always has one more secret to share.<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

BYPILLOW Times 20\/01\/2026 5 things you probably don\u2019t know about Florence if you\u2019re not from there (and even if you are, you still might not) Are you planning a trip to Florence and think you’ve done your homework? These little curiosities are almost guaranteed to surprise you. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":85319,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[129],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-85348","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-florence"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bypillow.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/85348","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bypillow.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bypillow.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bypillow.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bypillow.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=85348"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.bypillow.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/85348\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bypillow.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/85319"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bypillow.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=85348"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bypillow.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=85348"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bypillow.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=85348"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}