Florence is one of Europe’s great art cities. It is considered the cradle of the Renaissance period and there is so much exquisite art on show it is hard to know where to begin. Michelangelo’s David, Giotto’s frescoes, canvases by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and a host of other famous art treasures are all on display in this beautiful city.
Florence is a place to feast your every sense. As well as world class art the city is full of gourmet Tuscan cuisine, delicious wines, the softest leather goods, jewellery, shoemakers and fashion. Some of my favourite designers opened their first boutiques here in the 1920’s.
The compact city is made for walking and its beauty never ceases to amaze me. There seems to be extraordinary art and architectural masterpieces at every turn. It is impossible not to be completely seduced by the sheer size and grandeur of Brunelleschi’s red cathedral dome on the Piazza Del Duomo, the Gothic style cathedral took 140 years to construct.
Piazza della Signora is the largest square in the city and features well preserved remnants of Roman and medieval Florence. The loggia takes on the appearance of an outdoor sculpture gallery, some of Michelangelo’s lesser known pieces are here for free viewing.
This pretty city with its narrow cobblestone streets, medieval candlelit chapels, fresco decorated churches and marbled basilicas is set on the banks of the Arno River. Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio and check out the view and the historic jewellery shops that flank the bridge. Then head to the Oltrarno area, it is quieter and very pleasant. Pitti Palace is a must see to visit with its vast and varied art collection. Then wander back across one of the other bridges for the best views of Ponte Vecchio.
Florence and its magnificent treasures are well worth including on your next Italy adventure.
