The National Museum "Bargello" has its setting in one of the oldest buildings in Florence and one of the most beautiful in Italy, which was begun in 1255. Initially the headquarters of the Capitano del Popolo and later of the Podestà, in the sixteenth century it became the residence of the Bargello or head of police spies from which it took its name. Throughout the eighteenth century it functioned as a prison.

The building's use as a National Museum began in the mid-nineteenth century, and nowadays is the setting mainly for works of sculpture and many examples of the decorative arts. What the Uffizi offers in painting, the Bargello offers in sculpture ... continue

For 4-6 servings:

• 400 g pasta (any short past will do)
• 2 onions
• 2 cloves of garlic
• about ten medium-sized carrots
• 2 celery stalks
• 1 sprig rosemary
• 1 dessertspoon sesame seeds
• extra-virgin olive oil
• salt

Clean the carrots carefully under running water, using a special brush; allow to dry. Clean the celery. Finely chop the onion and garlic and place in a pot with oil and rosemary. Sauté over a rapid heat. Slice the carrots lenghtwise and finely chop the celery. Add both to the pot, add the sesame seeds, a pinch of salt, and after a few ... continue