Uffizi Gallery, Florence
Image via Wikipedia

Regularly consider ‘Rome Light’, Florence is the town of the Medici and art galore.  Despite this, there is a strange modern influence in this hallowed city.

Florence

When it came to the Renaissance, Florence was definitely one of the places to be.  The city is chock-full of examples of the past whether from great artist, design or significant sites.  The city center dominates travel guides, but gardens and fascinating sites can be seen by just going through the city.

Head to the Santa Maria novella Church and you are in a ritzy section of the city.  High-end shops abound as do the HQ of well known fashion houses like Versace and Ferragamo.  The Basso Fortress is worth a look, but has been turned into roughly a modern convention center.

For evenings, you want to ramble over to the Santo Spirito Oltrarano area where you will find tons of cafeterias.  The area is especially nice as it contains the Medici’s Boboli Gardens, which are definitely worth exploring with their fountains, walkways and, well, gardens.  Just go.

When it comes to art, Florence matches up with plenty of the most popular destinations in Europe.  You’ll find museums with Michelangelo’s David and famous paintings from a selection of artists.  The museums are packed, so be prepared.  Still, it is definitely one of those things you have got to do.

The Florence Twist

I might be burned at the stake for saying this, but I found Florence to be largely forgettable.  There is no disputing the towns place in history nor the superb design, art and gardens through it.  Something about the place feels artificial.  It is as though Florence has become a modern city, but parades it’s past solely for the all mighty tourist currency.  Then again, I could be incorrect.

regardless of your sentiments about Florence, it’s a town you must definitely visit for the art.  I’ve rarely stayed more than a couple of days, and sometimes only if I have missed a train.

If you enjoy traveling and would like to read more on some of the most famous places in the world, visit famouswonders.com and also check out Amalfi Coast Italy.

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