I love Florence! I visit as often as I can when I am in Italy. Fortunately it is an easy day trip from Bagni di Lucca. Come along for a couple of wanderings in beautiful Florence.
Even on a miserable, wet day Florence shines. A trip to Florence always involves the Ponte Vecchio and the Arno River.
In the Piazza Signoria is my favourite Neptune, designed by Bartolommeo Ammannati in 1575.
I like his fierce look.
Behind him is Cosimo I de’Medici, by Giambologna in 1594.
A copy of Michelangelo’s David.
Hercules and Cacus by Florentine sculptor Baccio Bandinelli from 1525-1534.
Stopping for coffee has become a difficult choice. Giacosa has reopened across the street where it was in Via della Spada.
Right now schiacciata all’uva is in season.
My other favourite place for coffee is Caffe Gilli on the corner of Piazza Republica. It is the oldest cafe in Florence, established in 1733. I love to stand at the bar and pretend I am a local.
A walk past the incredible Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is necessary. It is one of the largest churches in the world. It was begun in 1296 in Gothic style to a design of Arnoldo di Cambio and was structurally completed by 1436, with the dome engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi. The facade was completed in the 19th century.
Part of the exterior of the church is now covered for renovation work.
It pays to look up while walking…the roof of Basilica di San Lorenzo. In 1419 a new church was financed a new church to replace an 11th century Romanesque building on the site.
I pass this on the way to my new favourite place for lunch, La Menagere in Via de’Ginori. It is a shop, a florist a restaurant and cafe and I love it.
I spotted some excellent Christmas gift ideas in the Bulgari window.
Here is the Arno again with different skies.
I feel very lucky to be able to go to Florence often.
For more things I like in Florence, including places to stay see below.
One can’t visit Florence enough – it is fabulous
By: Elizabeth Valerie Litzow on October 12, 2024
at 7:18 pm
Indeed it is.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 13, 2024
at 5:23 am
Your photos are always stunning. I miss Italy so very much!
Florence is totally beautiful, a place not to be forgotten.
So many happy memories…
By: Gill Ford-Cross on October 12, 2024
at 8:17 pm
I never tire of Florence no matter how many times I go.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 13, 2024
at 6:18 am
Wonderful, Deb. We ended up staying in Lastra A Signa for two weeks over the summer and wandered the Florentine streets a lot. Is it normal we want to buy a place to return more often?! Matt
By: Matt on October 12, 2024
at 8:18 pm
Buying our apartment in Bagni di Lucca in 2003 was the best thing we have done. I love my split life between Australia and Italy.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 13, 2024
at 11:35 am
Thank you for sharing, Debra! Wonderfully covered joys of Florence. Love it,
By: Doreen on October 12, 2024
at 8:41 pm
Florence is a joy. There are still lots of visitors, but once you get away from the main sites it is OK.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 13, 2024
at 11:44 am
Florence is amazing the art, fashion and the history all so so beautiful.
Breathtaking thank you 🙏
Like always amazing photos ✨
By: Lorraine Wagner on October 12, 2024
at 9:46 pm
Florence is gorgeous. When I don’t have friends with me I head for the back streets to discover new (for me) things.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 13, 2024
at 11:52 am
The restaurant/cafe/florist looks amazing. Wish I had known about it when I was there last month.
By: Wendy Bradford on October 12, 2024
at 10:02 pm
I found it a few years ago and it has become my favourite place to have lunch. I love the selection in the shop as well.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 13, 2024
at 6:57 pm
Beautiful to see. Brings back great memories. 😊
By: Vicki Grady on October 12, 2024
at 10:03 pm
Florence is stunning, even on dull days. There are still lots of visitors in the city.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 13, 2024
at 7:15 pm
How wonderful you are able to frequently visit beautiful Florence.
Everything about Florence is fabulous.
By: Camillus Davall on October 12, 2024
at 10:24 pm
I love my regular trips to Florence!
By: Debra Kolkka on October 13, 2024
at 8:19 pm
The joys of visiting Florence can never be under-rated. I’m glad you love it and regularly show us your photos. X
By: Kerry & Jim on October 12, 2024
at 11:20 pm
There is much to love in Florence.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 14, 2024
at 2:14 am
Thank you Deb. What a wonderful guide for anyone considering revisiting Florence.
By: David Mortimer on October 13, 2024
at 2:55 am
Florence is a great city to wander in, there is something stunning at every turn.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 14, 2024
at 3:41 am
You have a wonderful eye for composition, Debra. Thanks for sharing. You make me want to get back to Italy even more than I always have.
By: Robert Paul Mc Artor on October 13, 2024
at 6:19 am
Thank you. It is easy to take interesting photos in Florence.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 14, 2024
at 5:13 am
Wow !!! La Menagere. Che bello .
By: Donna McCormack on October 13, 2024
at 9:14 pm
We have eaten in the restaurant in the evening. It is excellent.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 14, 2024
at 8:11 am