Florence's 'wine windows' become a tourist attraction

In Florence, the historic 'buchette del vino' (wine windows), small arched openings in palace facades dating to the 16th century, have become a popular tourist attraction. Originally authorized by Grand Duke Francesco I de' Medici to allow noble families to sell wine directly from their cellars, these windows were used for centuries before falling out of use in the 20th century. Many were closed or repurposed. During the COVID-19 pandemic, some were reopened to allow contactless sales of beverages and food. Their fame grew after the CNN program 'Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy' featured them in its Florence episode in 2021. Today, they are used by bars, restaurants, and gelaterias to serve customers from the street, often with a bell to call staff. However, wine can only be ordered until 9 PM due to restrictions on street alcohol consumption. The windows are also linked to historical uses, including during the plague of 1629-1631, as documented in a 1634 State Council report. The association Buchette del Vino, founded in 2015, works to census, study, and preserve these windows across Tuscany, and a 2024 exhibition was dedicated to them. The trend reflects a broader phenomenon in Italian art cities of catering to tourists seeking idealized, social-media-friendly experiences, often disconnected from local daily life. Wine tours featuring the buchette start at around 30 euros.