I love to visit Florence regularly. It is not far from Bagni di Lucca, so it is an easy day trip (see the previous post). I have seen all the major attractions several times, so I just love to wander with nothing particular in mind.
Santa Maria Novella church
This beautiful church is not too far from the station. The church was completed by 1300 and the facade was modified by Alberti in 1450. The piazza in front has been fenced off for a long time for renovations. It is open again now, but I think it looks worse now than it did before. There are stark, ugly seats which makes the area quite uninviting. Perhaps a garden will be planted, it certainly needs help.
some young nuns off for a walk around Florence
My next stop is usually the Santa Maria Novella pharmacy.
part of the ceiling in the library
The interior of the pharmacy is beautiful and it always smells heavenly in there. Click here for more.
The shopping in Florence is excellent. One of my favourite shops sells gorgeous scarves. There are so many, it makes decision making difficult.
beautiful scarves
they sell other things too
The shop is called Faliero Sarti and it in Via Della Spada, close to my favourite caffe in the world, Giacosa, behind the Roberto Cavalli shop in Via Tornabuoni. I never go to Florence without at least on stop here. Call in for a coffee, if you are lucky you will see the beautiful boy , now known as Giacosa boy, I spotted there.
a cute shop window
Window shopping is always fun in Florence. A lot of effort is put in to make the shops look interesting and inviting. Go to the Max Mara store in Via Tornabuoni if only to see the lovely frescoes. I always to to Luisa, Via Roma, the best shop in Florence.
I try to make time for a quick look at Palazzo Davanzati, a centuries old Florentine house that has been very well preserved.
in the parrot room
There are lots of options for lunch. Florentine steak is a speciality. Most are huge. Go to Trattoria Bordino for one that is a reasonable size and an excellent price.
steak and porcini mushrooms in the window of a restaurant
There is always time for a walk through Piazza Signoria on the way to the Arno.
part of Neptune's fountain
On a good day the river Arno sparkes. If you are lucky you might see a muskrat waddle along the bank and dive into the water, or a family of ducks.
ducks on the Arno
This is their view, I wonder if ducks are impressed by the Ponte Vecchio, I know I am.
looking towards the Ponte Vecchio
Florence is a place that cries out to be visited lots of times. I’ll be back there in October for more.
Look in the Florence category for lots more on fabulous Florence.