Why We Fell In Love With Italy’s Florence

Last Updated on August 7, 2016

You Can Eat Gelato Every Day

The gelato is known for being especially fantastic in Florence. During our few days there we sampled many flavours of gelato; it seemed to be a necessary food group of its own while we were there. We definitely were not disappointed; we could not get enough!

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The People-Watching in the Piazza della Signoria

The Piazza della Signoria is a great square to walk around, look at the amazing sculptures and fountain, and people watch. There’s a David replica at the entrance you can add to your count of David’s you have seen around Florence. This gorgeous open piazza is the front “yard” of what was once the ruling Medici family’s home – the Palazzo Vecchio.

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David Replica

The Views From Climbing Either the Duomo’s Dome or Giotto’s Tower

Take advantage of the height of the Duomo and Giotto’s tower to get amazing views of Florence from the historic city centre. We especially loved the Duomo as you get to experience some amazing articture as you climb up the staircase between the two layered domes.

When you first see the Duomo, it is sure to take your breath away. The design is so intricate and stunning, it leaves you wondering how the building was built so many years ago.

You may want to climb both, but if you’re on a budget do note that both charge a fee. Anyone interested in design and architecture will want to pick the dome for the history. Entering the cathedral is free, but to climb either the dome or tower, you will be charged a fee.

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Get Postcard Perfect Views From Piazzale Michelangelo

Get that perfect cityscape shot from the Piazzale Michelangelo, overlooking the city from its perch in the hills above the Oltrarno. You can take the bus through some neighbourhoods, but we chose to take the hike up the hill to get there. We were not so lucky with the rain and ended up being soaked, but even in the less than favourable weather for such a view,  it was still one of the the best views of the city you could possibly imagine. The “David” replica at the center of the square lets you once again add to your fake ”David” count, too. We loved the magnificent panoramic view of Florence.

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Our Hostel Was Quite Impressive

The hostel we stayed at, Plus Hostel Florence, was absolutely fabulous. It felt more like a hotel than a hostel. The hostel featured an indoor and outdoor pool, sauna, terrace bar, restaurant, bar and disco, travel desk, laundry, and plenty of computers which were super important in that ‘day and age’. The location was also great with it being just a short ten minute walk from the city centre and train station.

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Admire The Magnificent Art At Galleria dell’Accademia

Though the central focus of The central focus of the Accademia Gallery is Michelangelo’s David, you will find a myriad of other impressive and unfinished sculptures that were left struggling to escape from their marble prisons. The extensive collection of Medieval and Renaissance inspired art is extraordinary. Michelangelo’s David is more impressive in person than in any picture.

Admire Architectural Masterpieces

Truly a city of the past, Florence is a city so rich with history and art, every street and building has its own story and significance. One of the most impressive pieces of architecture in Florence, is Fillipo Brunelleschi’s breathtaking cathedral, which is also the largest Duomo in Italy. The Palazzo Vecchio, or the ‘Old Palace’ is the town hall of Florence, and this massive, Romanesque, fortress-palace is among the most impressive town halls of Tuscany. Art and creativity from hundreds of years ago are everywhere!

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The Palazzo Vecchio
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The Palazzo Vecchio

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Admire A Really Old Bridge

Ponte Vecchio is a Medieval stone closed-spandrel segnatalarch bridge over the Arno River in Florence, Italy.  The 14th century bridge isn’t much of a looker up close, with over-priced jewellery shops, art dealers and souvenir sellers, where butchers initially occupied the shops. From a distance, however, the medieval craftsmanship is really impressive.  Take a stroll down stream to Ponte Santa Trinita to take your photos.

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What were your thoughts about Florence? Did you love it as much as we did?