When one thinks of art in Italy, it is the grand heritage of art that first comes to mind. One pictures the museums stuffed with works by the likes of Botticelli, Titian, and Caravaggio, the grand churches with art pieces and frescoes by the likes of Michelangelo and da Vinci, and elegant palaces and villas that bring together works by endless lists of talented artisans and artists under one roof. This long-standing history and wealth of cultural heritage is, of course, to be found in Italy, but it is not all there is to offer. It might be hard to imagine at first but Italy is also home to incredible works of art that are outside these lauded institutions, works of art that anyone can enjoy at any time of day and for free. That is to say, it is home to some rather special pieces of street art.
This street art is incredibly varied in size, age, style, and more. Some pieces are even centuries-old and other pieces are being added all the time. Some are by unknowns and some are by some of the most famous names in art history. If you are planning a trip to Italy and are interested in art, be sure to also spend time outside galleries, keeping your eyes peeled for street art surprises as you explore. If you are looking for some particular highlights to specifically set aside time to visit, then these are some of our top street art picks around Italy.
This street art is incredibly varied in size, age, style, and more. Some pieces are even centuries-old and other pieces are being added all the time. Some are by unknowns and some are by some of the most famous names in art history. If you are planning a trip to Italy and are interested in art, be sure to also spend time outside galleries, keeping your eyes peeled for street art surprises as you explore. If you are looking for some particular highlights to specifically set aside time to visit, then these are some of our top street art picks around Italy.
1. CLET’s Whimsical Additions To Street Signs In Florence
Florence was the birthplace of the Renaissance and, therefore, is a place where art lives and thrives and continues to do so. It is also an incredibly historic and beloved place and one could not imagine its beautiful centre covered in graffiti but that does not mean that it is without street art. It is merely home to some very clever street art by CLET, a French artist living in Florence. CLET’s work does not seek to alter chunks of facades of buildings but is, instead, respectful, if tongue-in-cheek. His work takes everyday objects in the city, such as streets signs, and then changes them and adds a sense of whimsy by tacking on removable stickers that don't damage or affect the use of anything but inject some fun into the hallowed streets of Florence.
CLET even has a studio and his name (Clet Abraham) and identity are well-known but he doesn’t find himself in trouble with the authorities for his work. He is quick to point out that doesn’t want to ruin or destroy things with his art and his is a peaceful street art intervention. You can even buy pieces of art and merchandise like magnets and stickers from his studio in the San Niccolò neighbourhood, if you find yourself taken with his work. So, if you have found a vacation rental in Florence, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for his work as you explore the city – you never know when, where, or how it might pop up!
Florence was the birthplace of the Renaissance and, therefore, is a place where art lives and thrives and continues to do so. It is also an incredibly historic and beloved place and one could not imagine its beautiful centre covered in graffiti but that does not mean that it is without street art. It is merely home to some very clever street art by CLET, a French artist living in Florence. CLET’s work does not seek to alter chunks of facades of buildings but is, instead, respectful, if tongue-in-cheek. His work takes everyday objects in the city, such as streets signs, and then changes them and adds a sense of whimsy by tacking on removable stickers that don't damage or affect the use of anything but inject some fun into the hallowed streets of Florence.
CLET even has a studio and his name (Clet Abraham) and identity are well-known but he doesn’t find himself in trouble with the authorities for his work. He is quick to point out that doesn’t want to ruin or destroy things with his art and his is a peaceful street art intervention. You can even buy pieces of art and merchandise like magnets and stickers from his studio in the San Niccolò neighbourhood, if you find yourself taken with his work. So, if you have found a vacation rental in Florence, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for his work as you explore the city – you never know when, where, or how it might pop up!
2. L'Importuno Di Michelangelo
While you have found your holiday rental in Florence and are exploring the cultural capital of Tuscany, there is another, far older street artist that you might want to seek out: Michelangelo! This might come as a surprise, particularly considering the legendary artist’s reputation as a very serious and tireless genius that was dedicated to his work, but there is a simple caricature known as the L’importuno di Michelangelo, or Michelangelo's Graffiti, on the corner of the Palazzo Vecchio that is attributed to the great master. Located on the side of the building near the Uffizi Gallery, carved into the wall a few metres up, just behind the sculpture, “Ercole e Caco" by Baccio Bandinelli, this simple but evocative rendering of the outline of a man’s face is something that many could easily walk past and mistake as the work of a common-place vandal.
In fact, we do not know for sure that it is actually the work of Michelangelo’s hand but local legend claims it to be his and there are several origin stories. In one tale, he carved the face on a dare and even went so far as to show off by etching it in the stone with his back turned. Another story says that Michelangelo was constantly being stopped by a notoriously dull acquaintance to chat when crossing the square and the artist, being ever eager to get back to his work and bored out of his mind, completed the doodle while passing the time by sketching the man behind his back with a hammer and chisel. This version seems rather unlikely as one would have to be very self-obsessed and busy talking to not notice someone chiselling out a carving behind their own back! The final version of the tale states that the work is actually a portrait of a man that Michelangelo saw being executed in the square. To this day, we do not know which, if any, version of the story is the real deal but the work of ancient street art remains as a little surprise to uncover and a mystery to puzzle over on your trip to Florence.
While you have found your holiday rental in Florence and are exploring the cultural capital of Tuscany, there is another, far older street artist that you might want to seek out: Michelangelo! This might come as a surprise, particularly considering the legendary artist’s reputation as a very serious and tireless genius that was dedicated to his work, but there is a simple caricature known as the L’importuno di Michelangelo, or Michelangelo's Graffiti, on the corner of the Palazzo Vecchio that is attributed to the great master. Located on the side of the building near the Uffizi Gallery, carved into the wall a few metres up, just behind the sculpture, “Ercole e Caco" by Baccio Bandinelli, this simple but evocative rendering of the outline of a man’s face is something that many could easily walk past and mistake as the work of a common-place vandal.
In fact, we do not know for sure that it is actually the work of Michelangelo’s hand but local legend claims it to be his and there are several origin stories. In one tale, he carved the face on a dare and even went so far as to show off by etching it in the stone with his back turned. Another story says that Michelangelo was constantly being stopped by a notoriously dull acquaintance to chat when crossing the square and the artist, being ever eager to get back to his work and bored out of his mind, completed the doodle while passing the time by sketching the man behind his back with a hammer and chisel. This version seems rather unlikely as one would have to be very self-obsessed and busy talking to not notice someone chiselling out a carving behind their own back! The final version of the tale states that the work is actually a portrait of a man that Michelangelo saw being executed in the square. To this day, we do not know which, if any, version of the story is the real deal but the work of ancient street art remains as a little surprise to uncover and a mystery to puzzle over on your trip to Florence.
3. Tuttomondo
Staying in Tuscany, if you find a vacation rental in Pisa and come to explore the town famous for its wonky tower, you will encounter a less famous attraction by a rather big name in modern art that is well worth seeking out! This is, of course, Keith Haring's “Tuttomondo” mural, which was painted on the side of the old convent of S. Antonio in 1989, a year before the famous American artist passed away. His last public work, the mural was produced in collaboration with the students of Caparol Center, the suppliers of the acrylic tempera paint, and represents “the whole world”, with peace and harmony in the world expressed in thirty interconnected and divided colourful and characteristically Haring figures. Made by one of the most famous graffiti artists of all time, beautiful and striking, and readily visited, it is a must-see for art lovers who are exploring Tuscany.
Staying in Tuscany, if you find a vacation rental in Pisa and come to explore the town famous for its wonky tower, you will encounter a less famous attraction by a rather big name in modern art that is well worth seeking out! This is, of course, Keith Haring's “Tuttomondo” mural, which was painted on the side of the old convent of S. Antonio in 1989, a year before the famous American artist passed away. His last public work, the mural was produced in collaboration with the students of Caparol Center, the suppliers of the acrylic tempera paint, and represents “the whole world”, with peace and harmony in the world expressed in thirty interconnected and divided colourful and characteristically Haring figures. Made by one of the most famous graffiti artists of all time, beautiful and striking, and readily visited, it is a must-see for art lovers who are exploring Tuscany.
4. Milan
Milan is known as an industrial centre and fashion capital and doesn't have quite the artistic reputation of other Italian cities but, if you do go and find a holiday rental in Milan, you will be glad to discover that is has a rather exceptionally rich tradition in street art. In fact, you can even take a special guided tour of works located around the city and learn all about the history of street art in Milan. This is a great way to see the city and learn about this lesser-known heritage at the same time. As you walk around Milan, in general, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for works all over by the likes of the prolific Never2501 (he has 12 pieces on Via Emilio Gola alone) and head to areas like Bovisa, where you will find street art dotting the remnants of 19th century factory buildings, industrial factories, cute streets and the railway, and Leoncavallo, one of the largest, oldest and most famous ‘centri sociali’ in Milan that also happens to have the highest concentration of great street art pieces in the entire city.
Milan is known as an industrial centre and fashion capital and doesn't have quite the artistic reputation of other Italian cities but, if you do go and find a holiday rental in Milan, you will be glad to discover that is has a rather exceptionally rich tradition in street art. In fact, you can even take a special guided tour of works located around the city and learn all about the history of street art in Milan. This is a great way to see the city and learn about this lesser-known heritage at the same time. As you walk around Milan, in general, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for works all over by the likes of the prolific Never2501 (he has 12 pieces on Via Emilio Gola alone) and head to areas like Bovisa, where you will find street art dotting the remnants of 19th century factory buildings, industrial factories, cute streets and the railway, and Leoncavallo, one of the largest, oldest and most famous ‘centri sociali’ in Milan that also happens to have the highest concentration of great street art pieces in the entire city.
5. Dozza
Finally, if you’re looking to get well off the beaten tourist path and find street art, then find a holiday rental in Emilia-Romagna and head to the town of Dozza. Located not far from Bologna, the town of Dozza Imolese is considered one of the 100 most beautiful villages in Italy and is home to around 200 murals and counting. It all began in 1960, when the first Biennale Exhibition of Painted Wall took place in the town and although it was originally envisaged as a temporary event, it became a permanent fixture, transforming this beautiful village into one giant art gallery. Wandering the streets is quite the treat! If you find yourself in this part of Italy, it is a must-see!
So, if you love art but want a slightly different art experience while you vacation in Italy, then be sure to head outside and look for the incredible examples of street art that are dotted all over the country.
Finally, if you’re looking to get well off the beaten tourist path and find street art, then find a holiday rental in Emilia-Romagna and head to the town of Dozza. Located not far from Bologna, the town of Dozza Imolese is considered one of the 100 most beautiful villages in Italy and is home to around 200 murals and counting. It all began in 1960, when the first Biennale Exhibition of Painted Wall took place in the town and although it was originally envisaged as a temporary event, it became a permanent fixture, transforming this beautiful village into one giant art gallery. Wandering the streets is quite the treat! If you find yourself in this part of Italy, it is a must-see!
So, if you love art but want a slightly different art experience while you vacation in Italy, then be sure to head outside and look for the incredible examples of street art that are dotted all over the country.
Photo credits:
Picture 2: LivornoDP / CC BY-SA 3.0;
Picture 3: Sailko / CC BY 2.5;
Picture 4: Voyages etc... / CC BY 2.0;
Picture 5: Wwikiwalter / CC BY-SA 4.0
Picture 2: LivornoDP / CC BY-SA 3.0;
Picture 3: Sailko / CC BY 2.5;
Picture 4: Voyages etc... / CC BY 2.0;
Picture 5: Wwikiwalter / CC BY-SA 4.0
