FLORENCE IN A DAY

Eh, what? Florence in a day! Is one day in Florence enough, I hear you cry. Now I agree, Florence aka Firenze, the city of Renaissance art, mouth-watering cuisine, and gelato that evokes a passionate sigh, needs more than one day of your time.

But. If you’re umming and aahing on whether to include a day in Florence in your whirlwind tour of Italy or save it for a slower longer indulgence, let me tempt you with this taster itinerary. You can always (and really should) come back for more.

MORNING IN FLORENCE

Rise and shine. If you’re not normally an early riser, time to shake a leg and get up early to avoid the crowds. Great photos are to be had without someone’s arm, leg, or head inadvertently becoming the focal point.

If you’re a super early riser, you’ll also get to see the sun as it starts to peek over the rooftops and cast its magical warm glow over the historic wonder that is Firenze. However, you don’t need to flick flack out of bed at silly o’clock. I headed out around 07:30, that wasn’t too painful and just as rewarding.

Make sure you pop on your comfy walking shoes (unlike my schoolgirl error of flip-flops) as there are a lot of cobblestone streets. Grab your camera, water bottle, and andiamo!

So morning is for some of the wonders located within the historic centre. Step onto the Ponte Vecchio, literal translation, the “old bridge,” relishing the zen-like tranquility of minimal crowds and hustle and bustle, where rows of enchanting jewelry boutiques beckon.

Originally, the bridge hosted various shops, including butchers, fishmongers, and tanners. However, in the late 16th century, Grand Duke Ferdinand I decreed that only goldsmiths and jewellers could operate on the bridge to improve both its aesthetic appeal and avoid the pongy stench from the previous trades.

Then, in no particular order, whether it’s the whole shebang of three or a long lingering look at one or two, brace yourself to be intoxicated by:

THE DUOMO

The Duomo, aka the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Conceived in the 13th century through to the 15th century, boy was construction a lengthy process. Gothic design with Renaissance artistry? Tick and tick. This magnificent iconic structure combines both. Feast your eyes on the stunning dome, designed by Brunelleschi, comprising of a dome within a dome which was innovative both in design, and in the way it was constructed. A fresco, The Last Judgement, accredited to Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari, adorns and enhances the interior of the dome. Vasari, a man of many talents, painter, writer and architect, also designed the Uffizi Gallery.

GALLERIA DELL’ACCADEMIA

The Galleria dell’Accademia is home to the masterpiece that is Michaelangelo’s David. Fess up I’ve visited it multiple times and every time it makes me cry. I’m not quite sure what stirs such emotion. I know I’m not alone with the water works. Perhaps it’s the perfection, history, and embodiment of the Renaissance period that Michaelangelo’s sculpture represents. If you’re anything like me, have your tissues at the ready. Replicas of David can be found at Piazza della Signoria, at the entrance of the Palazzo Vecchio, and Piazzale Michaelangelo. The original statue, unveiled in the piazza in 1504, was moved to the Galleria dell’Accademia in 1873 to protect it from the elements.

THE UFFIZI

The Uffizi. Back on the subject of masterpieces, the Uffizi Gallery is home to some of the most famous works of art in the world, including Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Annunciation’ and Botticelli’s ‘The Birth of Venus’. It’s also one of the oldest art museums in the world. Commissioned in 1560 by Cosmo I de’Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, and completed in 1581, Uffizi literally translates to offices, in this case for Tuscany’s justical and administration presence. Over time the Medici family started using the upper floors for their private art collection until 1769 when the doors were officially open to the general public as an art gallery.

Heads up. Pre-book in advance to avoid disappointment! Tickets to: Duomo, Galleria dell’Accademia, and The Uffizi.

FYI – you can mix up your Florence in a day experience with evening visits during the summer time, although for special occasions, other periods of the year might also be up for grabs.

AFTERNOON IN FLORENCE

Right, you’ve been a morning culture vulture. Now it’s time to rest your weary feet and indulge in some Italian cuisine. Nom. Nom. Nom.

May I propose for your day in Florence an escape from the crowds by crossing the Arno River to the Oltrarno district. Here you’ll find a more laid-back vibe and fewer tourists. Oltrarno, which translates to ‘beyond the Arno’, is known for its artisan workshops with handcrafted goodies such as shoes, leather bags, furnishings, and sculptures.

Traditional Florentine cuisine can be had at the quaint cafes and traditional trattorias. where you can savour the likes of Bistecca alla Florentine (Florentine steak), Ribollita (Tuscan bread soup), and Cantucci (almond biscuits with Vin Santo.

After lunch take a stroll around the serene Gardino di Boboli, otherwise known as Boboli Gardens.  If you over indulged on pasta made by nonna, you could also find yourself partaking in a riposo. Zzzz’s.

EVENING IN FLORENCE

Remember that passionate sigh I mentioned? Well, now’s the time, though if you’ve already succumbed, who can blame you?

Gelato, as Italians will tell you, is most definitely not the same as ice cream. No. No. No. Due to its slower churning process and lower fat content, it has a silkier and denser texture, resulting in a more intense flavour. Hence the ummmm sigh. My favourite is Stracciatella, vanilla with slivers of dark chocolate running through. I reckon you’ve earned two scoops eh?

Spending an evening in Florence is a magical experience. Grab your gelato and head up to Piazzale Michelangelo for a panoramic sunset view of the city. From here, the iconic Duomo and Ponte Vecchio jostle for the spotlight in Florence’s skyline, perfectly framing a picture over the River Arno.

Stroll back down to the city centre exploring the cobblestone streets, evening markets, and boutique shops. And, of course, you must walk across the Ponte Vecchio once more to soak up the nighttime vibe. It’s also beautifully lit in the evening carrying on that magical theme.

Your night ends at a rooftop bar or with some people watching at Piazza della Signoria. A vibrant piazza with a blend of history, art, restaurants, and cafe outdoor dining. A popular place for both locals and tourists to eat, drink and socialise.

So there you have it, a day in Florence, done and dusted. Saluti! Tempted? Let me know in the comments! I’m sure 47 Travel Quotes to Inspire (And Induce Wanderlust) might also help make your mind up.