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Travel
FLORENTINE SPIRIT
Globally celebrated for its culture and scenery, Tuscan capital Florence is a must-visit destination. By Alexandrea Hopper
Florence is an intimate gem of the Tuscany region. Its storied streets are chock full of unparalleled museums, famed statues, contemporary artists, musicians and so much more. It is a glimpse into the past while still bursting with reinvention. From stylish cafés to enduring trattorias or pulsing dance clubs alongside swish wine bars,
Florence is the perfect destination for any getaway.
Florence is the cradle of the
Renaissance. Its pristine 14th century architecture is an attraction in its own right – one could spend an afternoon simply walking along its piazzas.
Though for a more in-depth look into
Florence’s history, Palazzo Vecchio is a good place to start. There, you can learn about the Medici family amid a private art gallery and intricately fresco’ed ceilings. Naturally, Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia Gallery is one of the city’s premiere draws.
Though it is tourist heavy with a lengthy wait time, it’s a must-see for both art history fanatics and casual tourists alike. Elsewhere, the Duomo – a stunning gothic cathedral – is another unmissable destination, with the sprawling ceiling fresco a particular highlight. If you want to check out some excellent museums, visit the Pitti
Palace (uffizi.it/en/pitti-palace) the
Uffizi (uffizi.it/the-uffizigallery), both of which unlock the history of Italian artistry. Also, don’t forget to rub the nose of Il Porcellino in Mercato Nuovo – that’s a bronze boar statue in the middle of the city centre market – for good luck!
As the weather starts to warm, you might be inclined to spend more time outdoors, with Boboli Gardens a recommended stop. The once-private Medici estate is now an Instagramfriendly public park, which you can can stroll around for hours without ever doubling back. Regardless of weather, the sculpted hedges and towering cypress trees are a dream. Much newer than Boboli, Bardini Gardens attempts to recreate the landscape that early 20th century art dealer, Stefano Bardini, had alongside his villa overlooking Florence’s city centre. It’s a delight.
Along the Ponte Vecchio bridge that crosses the Arno river, there are plenty of gelaterias and panini shops, as well as various spots to enjoy the gorgeous views of the water. For an unparalleled view of Florence, Piazzale Michelangelo is a short, paved hike
from the city centre. Once at the top, you can look out onto a 360 degree view of the city, with the Duomo taking centre-stage.
The city’s nightlife caters to an array of tastes, from bustling reggaeton clubs to intimate speakeasies. Check out Space Club (@spaceclubfirenze on Instagram) and YAB (yab.it) for a night that won’t disappoint. In the warmer months, the Blanco Beach Bar (blancobeachbar.it) features excellent DJ sets to soundtrack the river-front views.
Florence also has plenty to offer to foodies, with Angel Rooftop and Bar, which sits atop the central Hotel Calimala (hotelcalimala.com), a must-visit. While digging into delicious Mediterranean dishes, you can enjoy a reprieve from the city and take in the panoramic views. As a cheaper option, Osteria de’ Peccatori (osteriadepeccatori.com) menu is a “best of” Italian food list. There, you can enjoy a full five-course Italian meal – or simply an Aperitivo.
Meanwhile, if you want to take your visit to Tuscany to the next level, check out these day trips to some of the region’s hidden gems...
Fiesole: A mere 20-minute drive from Florence, this small scenic town oozes comfort and charm. Much less touristheavy than Florence, Fiesole feels intimate, and there are plenty of major sights. The short-but-steep walk to the San Fransesco Monastery is well worth the exertion – the summit boasts an incredible view of Florence below. Also worth checking
Pictured left: The Ponte Vecchio bridge, food (below) at Hotel Calimala, and Bardini Gardens
out are the remains of the Roman Theatre, still present amongst flourishing greenery. Fiesole is easy to reach from Florence: take a cab up the hill, or join a bike tour and see all the sights on your trek up. Fiesole provides a nice change of pace to the bustling energy of Florence. For more info check out fiesoleforyou.it
Lucca: What Fiesole is to Florence, Lucca is to Pisa. While seeing the famous Leaning Tower is a moment that truly says, “I am in Italy”, nearby Lucca is equally filled with historical landmarks. It’s also very well preserved – the Renaissance walls encircling the city are still intact, as are the churches and piazzas. The tree-lined cobblestone streets are perfect for walking, or biking to and from the historical sights. There are two stunning medieval cathedrals in Lucca: St. Martin Cathedral and San Michele Basilica.
The facades are awe-inspiring enough, but the interiors are jaw-dropping. Pictures won’t suffice, visiting in person is the only way to truly appreciate them. The Guinigi Tower provides a 360-degree view of the city. Though quite a commitment to climb (it reaches 45 metres with a total of 232 steps), the view from the small garden atop the tower is well worth it. There’s a direct train from Florence to Lucca, and then it’s a 30-minute train ride to Pisa – creating the perfect day trip to two beautiful Tuscan cities. Find out more at turismo.lucca.it
Pistoia: One of Italy’s many medieval towns, Pistoia has numerous unique elements, making it a worthy addition to any Tuscan vacation. One of the most visited spots in Pistoia is the Romanesque Cathedral, while Piazza della Sala is a stunning area in the historic city centre, with a terrific daily food market. Pistoia also has a second world to discover underneath its streets; in Pistoia Sotterranea, visitors can take an underground tour, starting with the remnants of a medieval hospital. Find more info on visitpistoia.eu
ViareggioI: This coastal Tuscan town, mostly known for its Carnival, has ample beaches for sunbathing and relaxation, as well as monuments and museums for cultural enrichment. The three most popular beaches are Plage Maurizio, Bagno Marechiaro and Spiaggia Della Lecciona. Here, you will find family-friendly shores, seaside resorts and nature reserves. In addition to enjoying the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Matilde tower, built in 1534, is a popular landmark.
Viareggio also has a cycling park, Pineta Di Ponente, while its Carnival is an unmissable occasion, with incredible floats and costumes. Viareggio can be just as worthy of a trip, though, any day. Grab a bottle of wine, sit by the beach and simply enjoy this beautiful town. Find out more at visittuscany.com
