Learn Italian in Tuscany!

BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER MEALS

 The historical centre of Figline offers a wide range of cafés and bars where you can enjoy an aperitif and hors d'ouvres after your lessons or before dinner, maybe in the company of your new Italian friends! For dinner you can choose between a freshly made pizza cooked in a wood-burning brick oven or one of the many local speciality dishes ... don't forget the "bistecca alla fiorentina" or other famous dishes such as "pappa al pomodoro" and "ribollita".  Even at lunch-time you are spoilt for choice:  a slice of pizza, a freshly cooked plate of pasta or a panino served at one of the outdoor café tables, where you can watch town life go by in front of your eyes. To conclude your evenings, why not try one of the local pubs or, if you are a wine-lover, Figline offers you the possibility of trying the best Chianti wines in a lovely "enoteca" (wine-bar) run by very friendly Italians.

For night-owls: If you are passionate about culture, you will be enchanted by the town theatre  "Teatro Garibaldi" which organises a series of theatrical, lyrical and musical events throughout the year at accessible prices. There are two cinemas in Figline for those of you enjoy the movies and the dancers among you will be pleased to know that there is a nearby disco and a Spanish night club which holds flamenco dance shows on a monthly basis.

Shopping: In the town centre there are many lovely shops where you can find the latest fashions, shoes, gift items and typical Tuscan products such as olive oil, wine, honey etc. Naturally, there are also two large supermarkets and every Tuesday morning the weekly market is held in the main town square. Here you can buy just about everything: typical Italian food, household wares, fabric and clothes for all ages.  Every second Sunday of the month a flea market is also held in the town square, where you can see some very interesting small antiques. Those of you who prefer high fashion will not be disappointed by the designer outlets located not very far from Figline where it is possible to buy leading designer-label clothing and accessories at wholesale prices.

Traditional fairs and festivals: Since 1973 Figline has reintroduced the traditional medieval fair Feste del Perdono, which takes place  on the first Sunday of September.  "Il Palio di San Rocco" is a horse-race in a religious context. Nowadays it brings back to life the historical focklore and history of the town. Another traditional event is held in June called "La Giostra Cavalleresca" which is a jousting competition in traditional medieval costume.

In the vicinity of Figline:  It is very easy to reach other small towns and places of interest,  such as the locality of Gaville (6km from Figline) where you can admire the romanesque parish church and visit the Museum of Rural Life and Traditions with its collection of farming and household objects from the traditional Tuscan countryside. Greve, a small jewel  in the midst of the Chianti area with its characteristic town square and the Montefioralle Castle nearby. (approx 20 min. from Figline).  On the hills to the east of Figline, you can visit Cascia's parish church housing the famous "Trittico" of Masaccio. and then Reggello on the ancient road "Via dei Sette Ponti" with a scenic view of the terraced olive orchards where the renowned olive oil originates. From Reggello it is possible to make an excursion to Vallombrosa, famous for its abbey and the forest of fir trees planted by the monks centuries ago. If you enjoy walking and hiking there are many public footpaths leading from Vallobrosa to Secchieta and across the Pratomagno mountain.