Under the Tuscan Sun
Stop number three on my tour of western Italy was the capital of Tuscany, Florence, Italy. If Milan was all about fashion and wealth, Florence felt more relaxed and easy going. We drank wine on the river, had gelato after every meal, and visited the wonders of the world at our own leisure. Like everywhere in Italy, we climbed an ungodly amount of steps but it was worth it for the breathtaking views and all the exercise just fueled my appetite for pasta!
One of my favorite aspects of the city was the beautiful river Arno and the famous bridge that crosses at it's narrowest point. Ponte Vecchio is unique in the fact that it is not just an old bridge but a road, marketplace and piazza all in one. It's beautiful from afar and overflowing with shopping and history as you walk across.
The most famous of the Florence attractions is the Florence Cathedral and Brunelleschi's Dome. Built in the middle ages, the dome is one of the most important structures of the Renaissance. The cathedral was built in the 1400s and is still the 5th largest church in all of Europe. It's massive size and ornate detail, make it one of the most memorable buildings I've ever seen. Walk the 463 steps to the top of the dome, and you'll be rewarded with astonishing views of Florence city.
If the Florence Cathedral is the most famous tourist attraction outside, then Michelangelo's David is the most famous inside attraction. We reserved tickets to the Accademia Gallery but spent most of our time. like other tourists, just viewing the acclaimed statue. Italy has countless statues of men, both real and fictional, on streets and parks throughout each city, but there is something magical about seeing the most memorable of them all, in person.
My travels to Italy were in the peak summer month of July and everywhere I turned in Florence, I was surrounded by Americans. The city felt like a place where every single college student in the US was spending their study abroad. The attractions were packed, lines were LONG, and everything we did took hours instead of minutes. We spent a few days on our 2 week vacation in Florence, but there was so much we only saw from afar, either because of time constraints or our desire to allow for leisurely breaks at the cafes or parks. Other highlights of Florence include Uffizi Gallery, Signoria Square, Palazzo Vecchio, Santa Maria Novella, St. John Baptistry and the Chapple of the Princes. Each building was more beautiful and historic than the last. And most included hundreds of steps to climb to the top!
For me, hands down, the best part of the trip to Florence, was watching the sunset over the city from Piazza Michelangelo. The park is mobbed with tourists, but the atmosphere is electric with music playing and various marriage proposals taking place all around us. We headed up the hill early to claim our place and the daylight views are equally as stunning. We could see the entire city and all the most iconic architecture. In the distance was the lush green of Tuscany. I didn't love all the American teenagers in Florence, but I sure did love viewing Firenze from above.
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