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.