The stunning Cattedrale Santa Maria del Fiori looks even better at night. It is incredible to believe that the cathedral was begun in 1296. It was completed structurally by 1436 with the help of Filippo Brunelleschi, who designed the famous dome. The façade is relatively new…it was completed in the 19th century.
It’s great staying over night in Florence. We don’t do it often as the city is an easy day trip from Bagni di Lucca, but it is a treat when we do. The crowds seem to melt away and everything takes on a magical quality.
We like to stay at Hotel Scoti , perfectly located in Via Tornabuoni, just around the corner from my favourite Café Giacosa where we go for breakfast.