A Romantic City
Florence is widely considered one of the world’s most romantic cities, making it a popular honeymoon destination. Some of the most legendary artists have lived in this town and Botticelli, Brunelleschi, Donatello, Giotto, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci have all contributed to the mind-blowing cultural diversity of Florence, slowly turning it into a living art gallery. This was in part financed by the famous Medici family, once a simple family trading textiles, later the rulers of Florence and one of the most powerful clans in Italian history.
Paintings, Frescoes, Wood Carvings and Sculptures
Florence’s history can be traced back to Etruscan times, though a proper town wasn’t founded until 59 B.C., and during the Middle Ages it rose from a small trading town to a European power player. The tale of Florence is told all over the city in buildings, monuments, fountains, and paintings. The Old Town is not very large, yet it contains a sheer endless number of historically significant buildings. These days the town is run from the Palazzo Vicchio, the town hall, which has been added to since its construction in the early 1300s. Large parts of it are open to the public and you should use this opportunity, as the inside is a fabulous assembly of paintings, frescoes, and wood carvings.
"Must- See" Sites
Right next to the Palazzo you will have to visit the Uffizi Gallery, as no trip to Florence is complete without this. One of the most famous art galleries in the world it contains da Vinci’s Annunciation as well as Botticelli’s Birth of Venus. Also on the map is the Duomo Santa Maria de Fiore. Brunelleschi designed the huge dome and was later put to rest inside the cathedral. Right next to the Duomo you should stop by the baptistery and take some time to admire the mosaic ceilings and golden doors. For an afternoon nap under a cypress tree and surrounded by bubbling fountains go to the Giardino di Boboli behind Palazzo Pitti. The gardens contain an amphitheater and grottos and are generally quite tranquil. No tourist to Florence gets away without a visit to the Museo Nazionale di Bargello, once a prison and now the most comprehensive Italian collection of sculptures dating from the 14th to 16th century. Donatello and Michelangelo are displayed, as well as Cellini and Giambologna. For more of Michelangelo’s works go to his birth house Casa Buonarotti, though should you be looking for his famous David statue you will find this in the Galleria dell’Accademia.
Magnificant Scenery
No less romantic than the city is the gorgeous Tuscan countryside around Florence. The Chianti area is famous for its wine and a visit to one of the countless family-run vineyards around Montepulciano, Pienza, or Montalcino is a great authentic Italian experience. Since public transport is a bit sporadic in this area a rental car is basically inevitable, but it is well worth it since the scenery is just as beautiful as its reputation. Though mainly residing in Florence the Medici family took advantage of the scenic surroundings and built countless country houses outside the city. Villa Poggio a Caiano is the most impressive. Built for Lorenzo il Magnifico it housed the Italian royal family during the 19th century. For less tourists than in Florence but equally fascinating history go to San Gimignano, a picture-perfect medieval town with and old defensive wall which is to be climbed for a fantastic view over the Tuscan country.
