A city of history and legends
Strolling through Florence in the evening is always enchanting, but on Halloween night it takes on an even more special character: every stone seems to whisper old stories, like ghosts wandering the halls of Palazzo Vecchio. Legends tell of spirits inhabiting Piazza della Signoria, or tragic love stories haunting the city’s towers and palaces.
Ghosts among Renaissance palaces
In Piazza della Santissima Annunziata, there is the legend of the ghost of a Renaissance lady who silently watches passersby from the windows of Palazzo Budini-Gattai, also known as Palazzo Grifoni.
The story tells of an unhappy love in the late 1500s between a Grifoni heir and his wife. Forced apart by the wars of the time, the woman would wait by the window every day, hoping to see her husband return. He never did, and she died in that same room, heartbroken and alone.
After her death, the window was closed — and something strange happened: books flew across the room, lamps flickered on and off, paintings fell from the walls, and furniture moved by itself. Only reopening the window brought peace back. Since then, the last window on the right of the second floor has remained half-open for more than 500 years, and it will never be shut again.
Impossible loves and cruel destinies
One of the most poignant tales is that of Bianca Cappello and Grand Duke Francesco I de’ Medici.
Bianca, a Venetian noblewoman of great beauty, ran away to Florence as a young woman with Pietro Bonaventuri, a clerk she had married against her family’s will. In Florence, she caught the eye of Francesco I, heir to the Tuscan throne. After the deaths of both Bianca’s husband and Francesco’s first wife, the two were finally able to marry in 1579, amidst scandal and disapproval from the Florentine court and people. Bianca became Grand Duchess of Tuscany, but she was never fully accepted by the aristocracy.
In 1587, during a stay at Poggio a Caiano, Bianca and Francesco both died within days of each other, officially from malaria fever — though legend has it that they were poisoned by Francesco’s brother Ferdinando, who indeed became grand duke shortly after. Even today, some say their spirits linger, two souls bound together beyond death.
Events and themed parties
Many bars, clubs, and discos in Florence organize Halloween parties with costumes, music, and dark atmospheres. Pubs in the historic center fill with decorations and spooky cocktails, while villas just outside the city host exclusive events in centuries-old mansions that feel even more mysterious at night.
Night tours and spooky walks
For an authentic experience, join our private evening tour — A Walk through Florence’s Legends — which takes visitors into the city’s “dark side.” Guided by a local expert, you’ll wander through shadowy alleys and hear tales of intrigue and crimes that shaped Florence over the centuries. It’s a fascinating way to discover a different side of the city, far from the classic tourist routes.
For families and kids
Halloween in Florence isn’t only for thrill-seekers. Museums and cultural associations organize creative workshops, theater performances, and treasure hunts in costume, making the celebration fun for children as well.
Final tip
Whether you choose a masquerade party, a tour among mysteries, or a simple nighttime stroll through the illuminated monuments, Halloween in Florence will offer you a unique mix of culture, history, and magic.
