Italy is one of those countries to which I am very happy to return, and I like to spend my free time here. This country located on the Apennine Peninsula offers a full range of attractions that will satisfy even the most demanding traveller. Great atmosphere, beautiful architecture, fabulous nature and landscapes, and above all, delicious food. What ells could you want? This year I was able to visit Italy again. I spent a total of 6 days there and visited 4 Italian cities and… and here I will leave these three dots (I will keep it a secret for now). Today I will take you on a one-day trip around atmospheric Florence.
Florence is a city in central Italy and the capital of Tuscany. It is probably the most recognizable region of this country in the world. A city lying on the Arno River at the foot of the Apennines. Florence is said to be the cradle of the Renaissance. So true, because in fact it was developing very quickly and impressively in this area. Why and what made me decide to visit this city… I think that Florence is primarily art and architecture, impressive history and delicious food. I invite you on a tour of this city.
I got to Florence from my accommodation base by train; I will honestly say that for me it is the best kind of travelling around Italy. I can’t imagine driving a car in this country, where the streets are very narrow, often one-way, always jammed and with no parking spaces. However, the situation is different for rail transport. There are a lot of train connections to different cities in Italy and at different times of the day, they are clean, comfortable, fast, prices are decent and, above all, quite punctual. Car vs train 0:1
The main station in Florence (Firenzo) is located in the very centre of the city, the main attraction is a 10-minute walk away. Walking, which for me is one of the most interesting attractions in Italy, because there is nothing more pleasant than wandering around narrow Italian streets surrounded by numerous old tenement houses.
Santa Maria Del Fiore Cathedral
Definitely the number one attraction in Florence. It will surely delight many very picky and demanding tourists. The cathedral is 107 m high and is the tallest building in the city. It can be seen from many places in Florence. The facade of the cathedral is covered with white, green and pink marble. At its top there is a viewpoint, which can be reached by 463 stairs.
Giotto’s bell tower
It is located very close to the cathedral. Due to the fact that it is built of the same marble and in the same colours, you can think at first glance that the cathedral and the bell tower form one common complex. The bell tower is 85 meters high. There are 414 steps to climb to the top. From the top there is a beautiful panorama of the city.
Piazzale Michaelangelo
In my opinion, this is the second of the most interesting attractions of the city. The square is located on a small hill, accessed by stairs. You can also go to the top by car. The square is a bit far from the city centre, but thanks to that you can take a walk between beautiful tenement houses. The second plus of the square’s distance from the centre is that thanks to this, we have the most beautiful panorama of the whole of Florence from above, with the cathedral in the main role. In the distance, you can see the panorama of the mountains … what more could you ask for? Maybe just a cup of delicious espresso to save the moment…
Ponte Vecchio
The Arno River flows through Florence, and it is over it that another attraction of the city is located, namely the Vecchio Bridge. The place also has its second name – the Goldsmith Bridge. Only goldsmiths can sell on the bridge. Prices… ehhh, but there is something to look at. The bridge is practically completely built-up, which is quite unusual, so it’s worth spending some time and visiting this place. I don’t think you will find another bridge like this anywhere else.
Piazza Della Signoria
The second most important square in Florence is Piazza Della Signora. Why? Because it’s an open-air art museum. It is here that there are such gems as: a copy of the sculpture of David by Michelangelo, the equestrian statue of Cosmas and Medici, the Fountain of Neptune by Bartolomeo Ammannati. It is a square bustling with life day and night. This is where students like to spend their free time, many artists paint, sing or play various instruments here. Here you can best feel the atmosphere of the city.
Palazzo Vecchio
An attraction within an attraction… such things only in Florence. In the Piazza Della Signoria I mentioned a moment ago, there is the Palazzo Vecchio, which is called the Medici palace. It was built in the years 1444 – 1462 and initially served as a town hall. The palace has a high observation tower, from which you can also admire the panorama of the city.
Santa Croce Basilica
Against the background of other attractions of this type, such as churches, cathedrals and basilicas… this one is quite modest. However, it hides many interesting attractions. It is in this basilica that the tombs of: Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Galileo are located. The front part of the building is covered with marble and the rest of the building with raw brick. In front of the basilica there is a statue of the famous Dante Alighieri.
What else do you need to do in Florence? Of course, drink delicious coffee in a small café and try Italian specialities… I recommend finding a small Italian restaurant in the side streets of Florence… it will be tasty and much cheaper…
Do I recommend Florence? Si…
