Florence, Italy: HALLOWEEN in Florence- What to See, Do & Eat in October!!!

YES! Believe it or not, Florence does indeed have some haunted spots, spooky tales and creepy tours for those of you who enjoy the dark side of life. So, if you are in Florence during Halloween week, read on!

Ten years ago, Halloween was virtually unheard of, much less celebrated in Italy. Each year that I spend here, I see a little more effort being made to celebrate this fun holiday. Pubs and bars in the city host Halloween costume parties and even children are beginning to get the knack of Trick or Treating (candy+kids, it's a no brainer).

WHAT TO SEE: Florence was founded by the Romans in 59 BC, so it should not surprise us that underneath its 2000+ year history there exists some ghosts and witches. While many of the medieval towers and palazzos have haunt potential, there are 3 places that pop into my mind.

1. Hotel / Pensione Burchianti: This 17th century historical building contains beautiful frescoes and gracious rooms. Although the late Mussolini himself has spent the night there, it is rumored that the owner does not. Why? Burchianti is said to be haunted. Guests have reported seeing a male ghost, but don't worry, he's apparently friendly (at least one would hope). People have also reported feeling shifts of air (as if someone has entered the room), icy breath / vapor, and the feeling of the bed sinking as if someone was sitting on the bed- when there's no one there, of course!

2. Fort Belvedere: Across the river in the Oltrarno there is a medieval fortress that stands proudly atop a hill. This is the area where the city burned the damned: those accused of witchcraft and murder. It is said that the restless spirits of these condemned people are still there, causing grief and mischief for the living. Supposedly, some of the winding, curvy roads vibrate at night with supernatural energy and people have reported not only hearing voices, but seeing ghost-like apparitions walk along the medieval walls.

3. San Miniato al Monte Cemetery: No Halloween is complete without a visit to the local graveyard and Florence has an incredible one! This famous, frequently visited cemetery lies just outside the city center, behind the 11th century monastery dedicated to St. Minius. It is full of hauntingly beautiful statues, mausoleums so grand that any vampire would be proud to be entombed within their walls, and gravestones complete with eerie black and white photographs of the deceased. Famous Italians are buried there, too, like Carlo Collodi- the author of Pinocchio.

WHAT DO:

1. Take a Ghost Tour! Believe it or not, there is one offered...Florence Ghost Walk was first launched on Halloween 2010 and is owned and operated by local guides Nathalie and Samantha. It was Nathalie's idea to create a tour that exposed the darker side of Florence after having read books about the history of witchcraft in the city. The tour also delves into the role of the executioner, what life was like during the terrifying Black Death and some notorious murders. Cost per person is 35 euro and the tour begins at 9:15 pm (about 1 hour long). For more details: http://www.florenceghostwalk.com/home-page.html

2. Pubs, Clubs, Bars and Palazzos??? Many local "watering holes" in the city offer special theme nights, costume party (with prizes for best costume) and today I came across a haunted palazzo! Festa Theatre is actually doing a Haunted House this year, complete with actors who will scare you silly. Ages 8-80 are welcome and the suggested donation is only 5 euro. For more details: http://festatheatre.com/halloween/halloween.html

3. Tickle Your Taste Buds! Taste Florence is offering a special ONE DAY ONLY Halloween Trick or Treat Food Tour on 31 October- space is limited so sign up now! Learn about gourmet Tuscan food products with extra special treats. For more details: http://www.tasteflorence.com/halloween-day-only

WHAT TO EAT: October is the season for:

1. Tartufo (truffle): Aromatic, mouth-watering fungi that can be grated or sliced on meats, pasta, pizza- just about anything! Black or white, they are absolutely delicious.

2. Cavolo Nero (kale): Used in making the famous ribollita soup, which is hearty, healthy and tasty. Click for my delicious ribollita recipe, simply go to the Italian Food Crisis article.

3. Zucca (pumpkin): One of my all time favorite vegetables; used in ravioli (divine), soup and even gelato.

4. Castagna (chestnuts): Wonderful when roasted (they are sold on the streets), but also a wonderful flavor for gelato. Try castagnaccio , which is a torte made with chestnut flour.

And of course, wash it all down with wonderful red wine from the Chianti!!!

Have a safe, healthy and happy Halloween! As always, thank you for reading...and if you have any ghostly encounters in the Renaissance city, please let me know and I will add it to this hub.

Coming to Florence? VISIT: www.florenceinsider.com

xoxo, C