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It’s time to … Create Lifetime Memories
Frozen moments in time. From the city’s architecture to the masterpieces by da Vinci and Michelangelo, Florence’s vibrant culture and unique charm are worth putting on your bucket list. There are so many memories to capture.
It’s time to start collecting yours now!
Technically, I’m not the artist (Big Sherri is the artist, she drew me!) but Italy is a major Bucket List visit for me, and, again, Big Sherri as well!
Since Italy has so many places to wander, let’s begin in Florence and let me paint an artistic view of the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance!
Florence is where the world’s most famous artists, writers and even scientists lived (at some point in their life)! Leonardo da Vinci (polymath, painter, draughtsman, engineer, scientist, theorist, sculptor and architect), Donatello (sculptor), Michelangelo (sculptor, painter, architect and poet), Raphael (painter and architect), Dante Alighieri (poet, writer, and philosopher), Galileo Galilei (astronomer, physicist and engineer), Niccolo Machiavelli (author, philosopher), Giovanni Boccaccio (writer, poet) … (I seriously think there was something in the water … Just the first four alone had movies made about them … you know, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! LOL)
• The Ponte Vecchio bridge is an icon of Florence. It spans over the River Arno and has three arches. It is most recognizable by all the shops built on it. It was also the only bridge that survived the Second World War, as Hitler stated it was too beautiful to destroy.
• Did you know that Michelangelo’s David broke his arm? Well, he didn’t break it — during a riot against the Medici family in 1527, a chair was thrown at the statue and broke David’s left arm in three pieces. It was repaired and moved to a safer location — and a copy remains in the original spot! Yep! A copy!!! [Spoiler alert!!] The David statue you see in Plazza de la Senoria is the replica!! (Whoever threw the chair should be grateful David didn’t use the sling he is holding and pelt them with one of the broken pieces of marble! LOL)
• Florence was the first city in Europe to pave its streets, and the trend extended to the rest of Europe
• The construction of the Florence Cathedral was completed in 1436 … it took 140 years for them to finish it!
• There is a thing called “Florence Syndrome” (technical medical term is Stendhal syndrome) that causes people’s heart rate to speed up and may cause fainting — when people are exposed to art masterpieces! It is actually named after the French author, Stendhal, who it first afflicted when he visited Florence in 1817.
• Despite what you think, Pinocchio was not invented by Disney! It was invented by Carlo Collodi, who was born in Florence in 1826. The book of Pinocchio has been translated more than 250 languages, which makes it one of the world’s most translated books.
• Best time to visit is between May and September — the warm weather is great for the open-air dining and art festivals!
• That being said, it also brings the swarm of tourists — so make sure you have everything booked way in advance!
• Not a fan of crowds? Then late fall is the time to go. Just make sure you bring your fall jackets!
• Many establishments — restaurants, grocery stores and tourist attractions — are closed on Sundays. Florence attractions open at normal hours, but midday, many will take a siesta after the lunch hour.
• AVOID pointing your index finger at anything — most Italians point using all four fingers. And never ever ever point at something with just your index finger and pinky together — that is considered vulgar!
• The best way to get around Florence is by foot — you can walk from one end to the other in about 30 mins.
Obviously, you have to try the gelato! Florence is filled with gelato stands — and here is a tip when ordering pistachio flavour … the darker the colour, the better it tastes!
• You can’t leave Florence without visiting Oltrarno — the world’s most popular destination! It is packed with artisanal boutiques, art galleries and adorable eateries! This is the place to purchase your souvenirs!
• At the end of of one of your days exploring, head towards the Piazza Michelangelo and take in the sunset! The view of the city at this time is unbeatable, and you will truly have a lifetime memory with the view of the Duomo, as it dominates the skyline! (Just don’t forget to take a picture and show me!!!!)
Correspondent and Avid traveller