From Florence: 3-Hour Antiquarian & Secret Agent House

On this tour, learn why Florentines both love and hate Stefano Bardini and Rodolfo Siviero.

Antique trading as a profession began in 1800 when Florence was the most important city in Europe. Figures like Stefano Bardini were important and started to trade. He was a controversial person and sold works of art from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance to the most important people of his time. "Blue Bardini" is a wonderful art gallery in a blue color to highlight the white statues. You can admire many famous works of art from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance here, and see originals like the Piglet by Pietro Tacca and Diavolino Giambologna.

Rodolfo Siviero is known as the 007 of the arts, as a character of primary importance for Florence. During and after World War II, acting as a secret agent, he managed to recover many works of art which were imported to Germany from Italy. His house was adorned with works of art from all ages and also there is a library where Siviero hid statues, paintings, tapestries and other works taken from the Florentine art galleries.