Florence

Perpetually featured on the travel routes of international visitors and equally adored by Italians, Florence is among the most exquisite art cities in the Belpaese .

The historic centre is adorned with monuments, churches, and historic buildings: the iconic Duomo with its magnificent Brunelleschi’s dome – a Renaissance masterpiece – the Baptistery of San Giovanni, the Uffizi Gallery – home to an exquisite collection of art – and Piazza della Signoria, overseen by a replica of the beautiful David (the original is housed in the Galleria dell’Accademia) and finally, Ponte Vecchio, hosting artisan shops that overlook the Arno River. Such places are of such extraordinary beauty that they have been known to induce Stendhal Syndrome, named after the French writer who was profoundly moved by the grandeur of the Basilica of Santa Croce.

An open-air museum that extends to the opposite bank of the Arno, an area known as the ‘diladdarno’ by the locals. Here, you can find a more authentic and picturesque Florence. Cross the Ponte Vecchio, and you’ll first encounter Palazzo Pitti, a symbol of the Medici’s power and now home to five museums, including the Imperial and Royal Apartments. Designed by Brunelleschi, it sits at the foot of the Boboli hill, which lends its name to the beautiful Boboli Gardens. These were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013 and serve as a perfect oasis for relaxing among green spaces, admiring a vast collection of sculptures and works of art. Thanks to its layout, the gardens also offer a stunning view of the city.

To capture the most breathtaking panorama of Florence, walk down the banks of the Arno to Piazzale Michelangelo. This massive panoramic terrace, established in 1869 when the city was the capital of Italy, is dedicated to the celebrated Renaissance artist. It showcases a replica of David (the third one) at the centre of the square. From the stone railing that surrounds it, the gaze sweeps across the architectural wonders of Florence embraced by its river – a truly spectacular sight, especially at sunset.