Imagine stepping onto weathered cobblestones, surrounded by buildings that whisper of centuries past. The scent of strong espresso mingles with the rich patina of history. This is Florence, the city that birthed the Renaissance.
Let’s dive into its treasures, and perhaps uncover why it captures hearts time and time again. The history of Florence gaining its prominence as a center of art and culture goes back to 14th century and strongly tied to one famous family – The Medici. Think about it, modern Italian stems from the florentine dialect from that time. The Medici invented double bookkeeping, bankrolled artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michaelangelo and explorers like Columbus, scientists like Galileo and even the Piano was invented at a Medici workshop in early Seventeenth Century.
Train travel in Italy is smooth, and Florence is easily reached from other major cities – under 3 hours on fast train from Rome, Milan or Venice. We opted for an Airbnb, a short walk from the center, perfect for feeling like a temporary local. Florence is built for strolling, but taxis and buses are there if needed. Think beyond hotels. Villas in the Tuscan countryside offer another kind of magic.
Florence at dawn is otherworldly. Before tourists fill the streets, there’s a hush, a chance to connect with the city’s quieter soul. The way the soft light hits those ancient stones, the echo of your own footsteps. It’s a Florence few get to see.
One of the most rewarding experience in Florence is exploring the Duomo. And you can climb all the way to the top of the 454 stairs! It’s a bit of a squeeze in places, but those narrow stairs are part of the adventure. Halfway up, marvel at the dome’s interior, painted with Vasari’s stunning and slightly terrifying vision of hell from Dante’s Inferno.
No Florence trip is complete without encountering Michelangelo’s David. The Galleria dell’Accademia houses his masterpiece, so pre-booked tickets are a must. But the gallery offers so much more. Unfinished Michelangelo sculptures that reveal his process, stunning religious art, even antique musical instruments.
Check out the podcast video below for an audio guide to Florence, Italy – the Heart of the Renaissance!
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