Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance and one of the most beautiful cities in the world needs to be on your next trip to Europe! There are countless museums, monuments, churches and of course, shops! In this Report, I’ll highlight some of my favorite sights and shops in Florence.
As Florence is the capital city of Tuscany, Tuscany is the region of many fine winemakers and wineries. We visited one fine wine producer called Frescobaldi and toured their Castello di Nipozzano property. We were fortunate enough to get a privately guided tour by one of the members of the Frescobaldi family, Diletta Frescobaldi. She led a magnificent tour and joined us for a private lunch and wine tasting. One of the finest wines we tasted was Marchesi de Frescobaldi Castello di Nipozzano Mormoreto Toscana IGT. Superb and nicely priced! I’m hoping to find it on a restaurant wine menu soon. Should you like to schedule a private tour with Diletta Frescobaldi, Just Ask!
Walk this way …
Florence is an ideal walking city, and boy, did we walk! We walked through one of the hottest districts called San Niccolò on our way up to visit the Church of San Miniato al Monte. We stopped at Museo Bottega del Maestro Alesssandro Dari who created the most incredible and yet, somewhat bizarre rings and other baubles. As we walked, we passed through the ancient city wall, headed up the hills and walked along the beautiful Via dell’Erta Canina, which led us up to a lovely park and playground called Giardino della Carraia. Prior to walking up to the church, make sure you visit Piazzale de Michelangelo. Visit Piazzale de Michelangelo at sunset to view the most spectacular views of Florence and the Arno River. It’s worth the walk!
Another great climb is up the bell tower of the Il Grande Museo Del Duomo and up the Dome itself. The Dome walk is very narrow indeed, but the view from above is in the open air and breathtaking. The adjacent bell tower climb is a great workout, too. Have to get those steps in!
Walk through the artisans neighborhood called the Oltrarno quarter and pass through the Piazza Santo Spirito and Piazza della Passera. Both are bustling with people sitting at cafés and restaurants.
Everyone knows that The David by Michelangelo resides in Florence, so even if this is your second time to this engaging city, stop into the Galleria dell’Accademia and wink at The David just one more time
Another must see museum is the Gucci Museum. This museum is in the Piazza della Signoria and it showcases Guccio Gucci’s leather accessories, as well as the many gowns worn by past and present day celebrities (Blake Lively’s gold gown is on display!). There are a collection of crests and many sportswear and couture designs, too. If you like fashion, like I do, this is a museum that will delight!
The last incredible walk that I’d like to recommend is the Boboli Gardens of the Pitti Palace. Unfortunately, not much was in bloom during my trip, but the green grounds were a monumental sight.
On to shopping…
Here are my fave places to shop in Florence:
1. Via di Santo Spirito between Borgo San Jacopo and Borge San Frediano – clothes, housewares, shoes
2. Junko Mukai; Via del Monte alle croci14 R– original watercolors
3. Gem Bijoux; Borgo San Jacopo, 8r – jewelry
4. Emilio Pucci; Via de’Tornabuoni – THE most famous street in Florence!– scarves, of course!
5. Sbigoli Terrecotte; Vis S. Egidio, 4r – Italian ceramics
6. Il Papiro; Piazza del Duomo, 24r– stationery and decorative paper products
7. Sonia Fortuna; Borgo San Jacopo – women’s chic clothing boutique
8. Piero Puliti; Via del Corso, 51– men’s shirts and ties
9. Dixie; Via del Corso– women’s casual clothing
10. San Lorenzo Market – small gifts and inexpensive travel bags. Bargain away!
11. Mercato Centrale – Downstairs - an indoor farmers market. Upstairs - made-to-order lunch plates!
12. Ponte Vecchio – jewelry
If you’d like me to plan your entire itinerary (or just a particular part) to Florence, Just Ask!
Arriverderci!
