Florence…the birthplace of the Renaissance, the ‘Athens
of the Middle Ages’, Italy’s culture capital. It is no surprise that it is one
of the most visited cities in the world. Here are 5 things you must do during your next visit to Florence.
Take in the views at Piazzale Michelangelo – This
square, named after and dedicated to the great Renaissance sculptor Michelangelo
(with bronze copies of his marble works) famously boasts one of the most
beautiful skylines in all of Europe. Whether it’s by foot (be prepared for a
steep climb!) or vehicle, make sure you get here during your time in Florence –
it is the only place where you can see all the city’s major sights from the same
spot.
Visit the Uffizi Gallery - In Florence, the choice of
art galleries and museums to visit is enormous. For me, however, the Uffizi Gallery comes out on top of this elite selection. Here, you will find a collection of priceless works from the likes of Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci
and Botticelli, making this a pilgrimage for art lovers. If you are visiting
Florence for a few days, my top tip would be to purchase a ‘Firenze Card’,
which grants access to this and all the city’s other galleries and museums, providing
you with priority entrance without need for pre-reservation.
Climb the Duomo – Located in the Piazza del Duomo,
Florence Cathedral (‘Il Duomo’) stands proudly alongside the Baptistery and
Giotto’s Campanile (the entire complex has been designated a UNESCO World
Heritage Site). The cathedral’s exterior and interior are both stunning, and of
course the dome is Florence’s domineering feature, standing out in that famous
view from Piazzale Michelangelo. For a small fee you can climb up the dome, an experience you won’t
forget. During the 463-step journey you’ll get a close look at Giorgio Vasari's frescoes
of the Last Judgment, before discovering
more exceptional city views, arguably matching the Piazzale’s.
Wine and dine – Florence isn’t just a hub of wonderful
art, but also of fine wine and cuisine. Stretching between Siena and Florence, the
Chianto Classico subregion produces some of Italy's best red wines. These
can be found in the abundance of high quality restaurants in a city that has always
been a bastion of gastronomic excellence – Trattoria Sabatino, IO osteria personale in particular draw in fine dining
lovers from the world over. And of course, those Chianti reds go perfectly with some famous Florentine
steak…
Stroll around the Giardino Bardini – This garden is perhaps one of the more overlooked attractions in
Florence, but certainly merits inclusion in our list! Another legacy of the
Renaissance, it has views to match Piazzale Michelangelo and boasts a delightful array of wildlife and plants, including rock pigeons, blackbirds and
woodpigeons. It is a throwback to the days of Florence’s 19th century English aristocratic mass tourism, whilst maintaining a distinctly Italian feel with its olive trees and hillside terraces. What better escape from the hustle and bustle of Florence’s more renowned attractions than to spend an afternoon here in the sunshine?
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