Most Italians I have come across all agree that Florence is one of the best and most beloved cities in Italy—it’s even my Italian husband’s favorite (mine is Venice). Considering the historical significance, artistic marvels, and the rich culinary heritage, it’s no surprise that Firenze holds a special place in the hearts of Italians and is celebrated worldwide. Here’s why you need to visit Florence Italy:
What to know about Florence?
Located in the region of Tuscany, Florence is considered the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, a pivotal period in European history marked by flourishing art, literature, and scientific innovations. The city’s cultural legacy includes iconic works by renowned artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli, as well as literary masterpieces like Dante’s “Divine Comedy.”
During Dante’s time, Italy was fragmented into various regions, each with its own dialect. “The Divine Comedy” was written in a Tuscan dialect. By choosing Tuscan as the language of his epic, Dante helped unify the Italy linguistically, laying the groundwork for the modern Italian language. Thus, Florence has long been regarded as a symbol of Italian identity and unity.
What to see?
Visit Florence’s iconic Duomo
known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, climbing to the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome offers panoramic views of the city and a glimpse into the engineering marvels of the Renaissance era.
Explore the Uffizi Gallery
Possessing one of the most extensive collections of Renaissance art in the world, the Uffizi Gallery is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. Commissioned by the powerful Medici family in the 16th century, many of the extraordinary artworks are considered masterpieces of Western art. These include: Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Primavera, Da Vinci’s Annunciation, Raphael’s Madonna of the Goldfinch and The Tondo Doni by Michelangelo.
See Michelangelo’s “David” in the Accademia Gallery
Michelangelo’s David is one of the most famous sculptures in the world. Carved from a single block of marble, the statue stands over 17 feet tall and depicts the biblical hero David in a moment of triumph, poised and ready to confront the giant Goliath. Michelangelo’s meticulous attention to detail, from the intricate musculature of David’s body to the expressive intensity of his gaze, showcases his extraordinary talent and craftsmanship. David’s triumphant victory over Goliath symbolizes the triumph of righteousness over tyranny, making the sculpture a symbol of Florence’s republican ideals and defiance against tyranny.
Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio
A medieval bridge once home to butchers and tanners, the Ponte Vecchio holds a wealth of stories and legends, having survived centuries of change and upheaval. One popular legend involves the Vasari Corridor, a secret passage built into the bridge by the renowned Renaissance artist and architect, Giorgio Vasari. It is said that Vasari designed the corridor so the immensely powerful Medici rulers could move between their palaces discreetly, avoiding the bustling streets and conduct their affairs without being seen by the common people.
During World War II, the Ponte Vecchio miraculously remained unharmed while other bridges in Florence were destroyed. It is rumored that a German officer, Gerhard Wolf, disobeyed orders to destroy the bridge due to its cultural significance and historical value. Today, it serves as a beloved symbol of resilience.
What to eat?
The one thing that stood out to me, about the majority of dishes in Florence, was that they were often hearty meat dishes. The region’s rolling hills not only forms the perfect landscape for their countless vineyards but also for pastures of cattle, sheep, and pigs, resulting in a rich and diverse supply of meats. Additionally, Tuscan cuisine is rooted in peasant traditions, characterized by hearty, flavor-packed dishes made from Meat. Particularly beef and pork, have long been a staple of Tuscan cooking.
* My biggest recommendation is to visit the famed All’Antico Vinaio sandwich shop. There are several locations in cities around Italy but this gem is originally from Florence. Don’t be intimidated by the long line that can form, it tends to move pretty quick. This shop is one thing I truly miss about Italy, since we moved away.
Here are some examples of famed Florentine Dishes:
Bistecca alla Fiorentina: A thick, juicy T-bone steak, typically sourced from locally raised Chianina cattle. The steak is seasoned simply with salt, grilled over a wood fire, and served rare to preserve its natural flavors and tenderness.
Ribollita: A hearty and comforting Tuscan soup, ribollita is made with stale bread, cannellini beans, vegetables and herbs. The name “ribollita” means “reboiled” in Italian, referring to the tradition of simmering the soup multiple times to enhance its flavor and texture.
Pappa al Pomodoro: Another classic Tuscan soup, pappa al pomodoro is a dish made with tomatoes, stale bread, olive oil, garlic, and basil. The bread is soaked in the tomato broth until it reaches a thick, porridge-like consistency.
Crostini di Fegato: a popular appetizer consisting of thinly sliced toasted bread topped with a savory chicken liver pâté.
Lampredotto: For the adventurous eater, lampredotto is a traditional Florentine street food made from the fourth stomach of a cow, simmered in a savory broth flavored with herbs and spices. The gelatinous meat is thinly sliced and served on a crusty roll, often accompanied by salsa verde or spicy chili oil.
What to buy?
The first thing that comes to mind for me when I think of Florence is leather. Florence is renowned for its high-quality leather products, including bags, wallets, belts, and jackets. You will find sellers everywhere in the streets but I prefer the Mercato Nuovo, an outdoor market filled with stalls of artisanal leather crafted products for great prices. I purchased 3 genuine Italian leather purses and 2 small coin purses for about 150 Euros, some of them were gifts but so far everything has held up well.
Florence beckons travelers with its artistic masterpieces displayed in world-renowned galleries, its rich historical significance offering a glimpse into the grandeur of its medieval past, and its rustic culinary experience paired with fine wines from the surrounding vineyards. Get lost in this ancient city where every cobblestone street and hidden piazza tells a story of centuries past.
I lived in Italy for a year and half and I’m an American married to an Italian, for more Italy travel tips, check out my other posts on Italy.