Italy was a dream and while we didn’t get to experience ALL that Italy has to offer, which means we will have to go back, we did get to check out some of the top sites. I have to say, I was most excited to see Rome but we planned a night in Florence since we were only an hour away. Let me tell you, I am so glad we did because Florence was the most incredible city we visited while in Italy.
Where We Stayed
We were in Italy for 8 nights and while we fully planned our visit to Rome, we were much more laid back on the rest of our agenda, that’s why AirBnB was the easiest option for last minute room and board. Of course we went on Air BnB to pick out a super cute and conveniently located flat four our Florence stay but we couldn’t have imagined just how incredible the locale truly was until we arrived. At Francesca’s Place, Air BnB, our entry door opened right up to the Piazza della Signoria, Florence‘s most famous and beautiful Piazza.
What to Do in Florence, Italy
Michelangelo’s David Statue
Michelangelo’s David, created between 1501 and 1504, has become one of the most recognized works of the Renaissance period. As a symbol of strength and youthful beauty, this massive sculpture stands at 17 feet tall and weighs more than 12,000 pounds, yet it is sculpted from a single block of white marble. David is even more magnificent than what we see in the movies and on TV. A must see at the Accademia museum during your visit to Florence.
Even more fascinating than David, in my opinion, were the Prisoner of Slaves sculptures, Michaelangelo’s unfinished works which are housed in the Accademia as well. While working on these pieces, Michaelangelo was called to work on the Sistine Chapel, and therefore never finished them.
I’m not sure why I spent more time with these works over David himself. Maybe because I tend to gravitate towards the broken or unfinished? The unperfected parts of life have always been far more fascinating to me than the “ideal.” Nevertheless, I really connected to these men who seemed to be emerging from the space that confined them. When I looked at David, I felt a sense of majesty, power, and even narcissism for some reason. Perhaps it is because of his positioning in the Accademia museum? David stood under a beautifully lit dome facing the unfinished Prisoner of Slaves works. The prisoners looked as though they were breaking free from the mold as if in attempts to rise above David who stood so perfectly looking down on them. We saw many works of art while in Italy but I most connected with the prisoners. They evoked feelings of liberation and growth while also summoning a sense of overwhelming sadness and hope lost as I know that they will never achieve their full potential, forever remaining tied and restrained under the guise of the beautiful marble that confines them.
The Duomo
Towering over the center of Florence, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is a breathtaking sight. But even more impressive than its beauty is the story behind the structure.
From the 7th-century church that originally stood on the spot, to the final completion of the dome in 1436, the history of this architectural marvel is incredible. Our guide led us through the cathedral while explaining the fascinating story of almost two centuries of building. We learned about the new construction process that was invented by Brunelleschi to complete the dome above, which we could see in detail from the ground floor of the cathedral. The beautiful marble floors, elegant stained-glass windows and stunning frescos including Vasari’s The Last Judgement were breathtaking.
We did both of these tours with City Tours – Best of Florence Walking tour. This 2 hour tour gives you skip the line access to the Accademia as well as taking you to the amazing Duomo, perfect for a short but sweet trip to this amazing city.
Piazza della Signoria
Equally beautiful whether day or night, Piazza Della Signoria has plenty of historical sites, shops (my favorite being Chanel) and delicious eats. Being that our flat was in Piazza della Signoria, we spent all of our time after touring here. Named after the Palazzo della Signoria, also called Palazzo Vecchio (which means Old Palace) which is the beautiful castle that is centrally located in this square, Piazza della Signoria is the main point of the origin and history of the Florentine Republic and still maintains its reputation as the political focus of the city.
The bronze equestrian statue executed by Giambologna from 1587 to 1594, and erected in Piazza della Signoria in 1594, was commissioned by Cosimo’s son Ferdinando. The base of the statue depicts scenes from the life of Cosimo, including his coronation in Rome as Grand-Duke in 1570 and his entrance into Siena as a ruler (1557) after his victory over that republic.
One of Florence’s most incredible fountains also resides in Piazza Della Signoria, the Fountain of Neptune commissioned by Cosimo I de’ Medici in 1559 to celebrate the marriage of Francesco de’ Medici I to Grand Duchess Joanna of Austria. Below are some images of inside the courtyard of the Palazzo Vecchio. The ornate detail of the carved columns, frescos on the ceilings and walls, and antique fountain were just breathtaking.
The Medici Influence
The House of Medici was an Italian banking family and political dynasty that first consolidated power in the Republic of Florence under Cosimo de’ Medici, during the first half of the 15th century. Eventually the Medici family became one the leading banking families of Europe and their influence is prominent in Florence. In the middle picture below, you will see the torch holders and horse rings that surround their Florentine home. The torch holders were so large that I could only imagine the trunk of a small tree would be used to illuminate the grand estate. The courtyard of their home was lined with Florence Lemon Citron tress which was grown by the Medici family to signify wealth.
Ponte Vecchio
Building shops on such bridges was once a common practice in Florence, however the Ponte Vecchio (meaning Old Bridge) is only such bridge in Florence spared from destruction during World War II. During WWII times, butchers, tanners, and farmers initially occupied the shops along the Ponte Vecchio, however in attempts to upscale the shops after WWII times, the present tenants are jewelers, art dealers, and souvenir sellers.
Funny story, when we arrived to Florence, Siri kept telling us to go over the Ponte Vecchio to get to our flat. We figured that Siri wouldn’t have directed us this way if it was not an actual roadway. WRONG! The Polizia quickly surrounded our vehicle and needless to say, weren’t very pleased at our, or Siri’s decision.
Where to Eat
Ristorante Dei Priori
We were only in Florence for 24 hours but we decided to visit Ristorante Dei Priori in Piazza della Signoria twice. The food was out of this world and the atmosphere much like a romantic movie.
We were told before heading to Florence that it is a MUST to try the Florentine steak, so that was immediately on order. The Florentine steak is typically from Chianina cattle, an ancient Tuscan breed known for its prized and tasty meat, and seasoned with local spices. They prepare this steak grilled over red-hot coals and served “rare.” The Italian Pesto Gnocchi made the perfect side to share.
I ordered the Sauté di come e vongole, or sautéed mussels and the chicken scallop in white wine sauce. The chicken was perfectly cooked and the mussels complimentarily seasoned.
Traveling Around Florence
Florence has a great mass transit system which includes buses, trams, and ride sharing. Also, many of the sites are close together making travel by foot very easy. If you plan to visit other parts of Italy, I recommend renting a car from the airport. We went with Discover Cars for our travels from Rome, through Tuscany, and off to Florence. NOTE: Make sure you are familiar with Italian street signs before parking. We didn’t do our research and got a parking ticket in Florence, one that I am STILL trying to figure out how to pay!
Hope you enjoyed my recap of Florence!
I would love to hear all about your Florence trip in the comments below!
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