Florence- A Little Renaissance Town

So you thought Rome was a pretty charming town? Well you are in for a surprise when it comes to Florence. Known as Firenze in Italian, Florence, in my opinion turned out to be better in every way!

I can easily say that I fell in love with this little quaint town in the first few hours of my visit. It was a cherry on my very own Italian cake!

Santa Maria Novella Church

This Tuscan capital has everything you can ask for. Whether its the beautiful and white Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore or Duomo, innumerable museums, endless markets for shopping or the magnificent bridges, Michelangelo's David, Ponte Vecchio or palaces and gardens. The town is home to the history of Renaissance and science- Machiavelli, Vassari, Galileo, Dante, Michelangelo and many others. 

Loggia dei Lanzi

Fountain of Neptune

Some must visit things to do in Florence:

- Palazzo Vecchio- the Town Hall of Florence, it is a significant structure of its history. The Palazzo Vecchio is also an impressive museum that houses the famous Dante mask (for more information read Dan Brown's Inferno)

- Uffizi Gallery- if you want to see the best collection of sculptors and paintings this is the place to be in. It is a heaven for art lovers. Make sure you carry either a book or take a guided tour.

- Piazalle Michelangelo- its succinct to say that gives the best panoramic view of the town and must not be missed.

- Pitti Palace- Also known as Palazzo Pitti, this beautiful palace adjacent to the river Arno was originally the home of Luca Pitti, a banker.

- Baboli Gardens- beautiful gardens of the Pitti Palace with amazing Roman structures.

Pitti Palace

- Accademia Gallery- this museum houses the famous statue of David!

- Casa di Dante Museum- an interesting building turned museum with lot of information about the late poet.

Casa di Dante Museum

- San Lorenzo Market- for shopping of brilliant leather products this is the place to be.

Fleur-de-lis- A symbol of Florence

Nothing is complete in Florence without climbing the 463 steps to the Duomo and finding yourself amongst a brilliant view of the red roofed structures. 

View from the top of Duomo

Piazalle Michelangelo