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The Allures of Visiting Florence

Florence, what can really be said to express its beauty, well it’s hard to find something that has never been said before. It’s gained a reputation, a status which we can all relate to instantly. Whether it be the variant food choices, unique fashion traditions or the exquisite culture that allows itself to expand each year – it is not just a city to learn to love, it’s the city that you love to learn about.

 

First Impressions

It’s hard to find a starting point with this city, but as you get off your train you begin to understand the oppurtunities upon arrival. You know it, once you’re here. Black and white cover the banded walls as you step out of the train, and you are hit with your first sign of Florence. The Duomo di Milano situates itself as the city’s landmark, with its fifteenth century architecture allowing the history to speak for itself. The 135 spires tower over the surroundings, as you begin to feel the pure size of this city, you are suddenly hit with the realism of your ability to explore freely. A beautiful moment as you share this true spectacle with every other tourists eyes fixed on its presence.

The Duomo doesn’t just offer you the chance of some expert photography, climbing to the top of the tower allows you to see Florence as your blank canvas, you just have to fill in the important bits. Your view spreads into the neighbouring churches, palaces and the iconic arches that are truly unique. It truly opens up a new chapter in European architecture.

 

Shopping Central 

If that doesn’t take your fancy, a short walk from the rain station and you are able to step into a new world of fashion boutiques. Yes, it may drain your wallet (and hers) but the cobbled streets seem to never end, varying off into the cute lanes. Don’t be afraid, try something new, the patisserie offer you a slice of Italy’s cuisine with the flour topping that soft dough as it bubbles away over those hot stones. Treat yourself with many of Florence’s confectioners and chocolatiers lining up to lure you into their world of temptation.

 

Art

Who can ignore the art?  Da Vinci, Giotto, Botticelli, Massaccio – can you complain?

You are submerged into the historical ‘capital’ of art. It offers you something no gallery can offer, it’s seeing the beauty of the Italians, and getting into their heads to think what they really thought back in the 15th century and beyond. Every fountain, every statue – think about it. They haven’t just been put there, they offer an insight into each artists head. Alternatively, if your not a fan of architexture, think about it, you’re in Florence. Museums and churches fill the streets, offering a selection of art, from early 13th century right through to today’s new and exciting trends.

In honesty, you don’t need to make the effort to appreciate the works of these artists. The artistic heritage can be found on one of your many short walks. That is the best I ca advise, is the short walks – the gentle breeze sits perfectly on your neck as you take a rest in one of many of the small café bars. It’s contrast of new and old cultural heritage provides you with something new, something you can dip into, with the sunshine never failing.

 

Florence, you’ve heard the stereotypes but yes, this is why it has become such a big hype around the world. Take the time to visit, whether it be just a few days or two weeks, you will be able to soak up the cultural heritage in your early moments of your arrival – it shouldn’t be a budget breaker either, it’s easy enough to find cheap apartment in Florence and low cost airlines from from all over the UK.