I don’t usually go to Florence after April. It is too hot and too crowded. This year is different. It has been much cooler than usual and because of restrictions there are few tourists about.
I can’t walk very far or very fast so I decided to stay a couple of nights so I could retreat to the hotel for regular breaks. I stayed at the Palazzo Guadagni where I stayed at Christmas. Christmas in Florence
It is in the Santo Spirito district. It is a lovely area between Palazzo Pitti and Santo Spirito church, with lots of small interesting shops, cafes and restaurants in the side streets.
The hotel has a wonderful loggia terrace, a great place for evening aperitivo, looking over the rooftops of Florence.
The view from my room was even better. If you go, ask for room number 8. I think it is the best one.
This is the view from the shower.
I was extremely lucky with the weather. It was pleasantly warm and the sky was cornflower blue. I wandered slowly past my favourite places.
I think this tiny balcony on the Ponte Vecchio has to be the cutest in Florence.
Neptune in the Piazza Signoria has been polished up recently and he is looking fierce. Neptune shines again
This one, and the one in Bolgogna, are my favourite Neptunes. I have seen some puny ones on my travels, but these two hold court over their piazzas. See the Bologna Neptune here…The Maserati Trident
I always call into Melaleuca on the bank of the Arno,the cafe run by an Australian and her Italian husband. I go for brunch where I can enjoy something I would eat at home in Brisbane…a little bit of home. A little bit of Australia in Florence
Nearby, in Via Santa Croce, I came upon the most beautiful shop, Aqua Flor. The only part open was the fragrance section where I bought a couple of small gifts.
I wish the rest had been open. All I could do was peer through the windows and wish I was inside. It will have to wait for another trip to Florence.
At the end of Via Santa Croce is this stunning building.
There are some very cute cafes and shops in this area too. There is much to be found in Florence if you leave the obvious streets and venture into the less well known areas. Get lost and just wander and you will be delighted with what you find.
I need to explore more when I can walk a bit more comfortably.