ITALY
Falling in love
with Florence
fter days of train-hopping we finally arrived in Florence, where we would stay for two nights. It's easy to fall in love with this city, the sun, the architecture, they lure you in and take over. Florence has effortlessly become my favorite Italian city.
Look for a pasta workshop because you haven't experienced Italy, unless you learn how to make pasta from scratch
Florence was our last stop before returning to Milan to fly out. We were tired but the city has a way of lighting you up. We stayed at Residenza D’Epoca Via Santo Spirito 6 (for €240, for 2 nights and 5 people), a big flat not on the center but close.
Now the city, as I said, is magic; the air is different, the vibes are different, everything feels unique. We crossed Arno River to get to our flat and the view is so beautiful. For a night walk head over to Piazza della Signora. It’s the square between Arno and Duomo and holds a breathtaking space full of history. The Fountain of Neptune is a huge fountain located in the Piazza and was meant to be an allusion to Florence’s dominion over the sea.
Loggia dei Lanzi is basically the building with the three big arches that hold various statues, including Perseus with the Head of Medusa and you just stand there in awe observing it. We had dinner at Il Toscanaccio, which was a cute little restaurant at Piazza di S. Firenze. Nice lasagna, great pizza.
Then of course we went for ice cream at Vivoli, the first gelateria opened in Florence back in 1930. I had strawberry, blackberry and pineapple and ginger. Curious combination but delicious. No cone though, only cups. If you’re looking for good ice-cream, you can also find Venchi, located in the historic center of Florence, a few steps from the famous Piazza della Signoria.
The next day started with brunch at Melaleuca, almost right across the bridge. A great cafe with reggae music and healthier snacks (although I did chose pancakes, of course), good vibes all over.
On our to-see list included Gucci Garden which is perfect for any fashion enthusiast out there. It’s a gallery dedicated to the history and all things Gucci, that could only be a bit better if it was in an actual garden. Located inside the historic Palazzo della Mercanzia and conceived by Alessandro Michele, Gucci Garden features a store with one-of-a-kind items and the Gucci Garden Galleria exhibition rooms curated by critic Maria Luisa Frisa.
I’m not a big fan of going out to restaurants, especially when I’m in a new country. You could give me street food and casual spots every day and I wouldn’t complain. You understand my joy when we came across Firenze Jazz Festival; free entrance, jazz music, street food, perfect combination. The burger was simple and delicious, from Ditta Eredi L. Nigro‘s food truck.
If you’re looking for a nice experience, look for a pasta workshop because you haven’t experienced Italy, unless you learn how to make pasta from scratch. We signed up for three hours that included two hours of pasta making (three different types, linguine, ravioli and tortellini, the last two filled with either ricotta cheese or pesto) and one hour of eating what the class has made. It was €55 per person and it’s an experience you must live in Italy.
Of course, you can’t leave Florence before visiting that incredible cathedral. The cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is one of the largest churches in the world, with free access. It’s 153m in length, 90m wide and 90m high from floor to base of the lantern. The name “Santa Maria del Fiore” (Lady of the flower) alludes to the name of the city, “Florentia”, or “city of flowers”, “destined to bloom”, and to its emblem, the Florentine lily. Once you are there, you will be astounded by the exterior design. The design of the new façade was done by Emilio De Fabris starting from 1876 until 1887. This neo-gothic façade in white, green and red marble is an awe-inspiring sight and highlights the uniqueness of the three buildings – cathedral, Giotto’s bell tower and the Baptistery. The cathedral complex with these three buildings is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Additionally, the Basilica of the Holy Cross is on the Piazza di Santa Croce, 800m southeast of the Duomo and is the burial place of notable Italians, including those from the Italian Renaissance – Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli.
Florence is easily one of my favorite cities in Europe. It can so easily and effortlessly take your breath away, it doesn’t matter if you are sightseeing, casually visiting, staying downtown or a bit further away, you will be enamoured.