The boring bit first …. If driving, a must do is parking at the Villa Cotanza, it is the best option for anyone visiting Florence for just the day or if you are staying for several nights. You can park and catch a tram that takes you directly to the centre of Florence in less than half an hour. The trams depart every 3-4 minutes throughout the day. Camper vans can also park at the Villa Costanza where you can take advantage of the security and toilet facilities.
Once you get into Florence the skyline is dominated by the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore or simply known as The Duomo. It is the most striking and beautiful array of buildings I have ever seen. I would say a must see, however, you really can’t miss it as this awesome renaissance-era structure is in the centre of the city and all roads lead to this busy piazza.
Construction on the dome started at the end of the 13th century and took 2 centuries to be deemed finished! The exterior is covered in a mixture of pink, green and white marble. The interior has mosaic floors, painted ceilings and an abundance of art and statues. Entrance is free, however the queues are lengthy, you have to have the patience to wait your turn. There are several elements to the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (Our Lady of the Flower) the Cathedral, Baptistery, Dome, Giottos’s Bell Tower, Opera del Duomo Museum, and the Duomo Terraces.
Lose yourself among the labyrinth of narrow streets harbouring a mix of traditional and designer shops, restaurants, and cafes. You will discover buildings, structures, art, and statues everywhere, as you walk or alternatively you can hire a scooter or bike or even take a horse and cart.
A visit to the Arno River is certainly a must, this is where you will see the Ponte Vecchio (the old bridge), one of the most famous bridges in Europe. It was built in 1218 and was rebuilt in 1345 after being destroyed by floods. It is the only bridge to survive World War II with the Germans blowing up all other bridges whilst retreating, instead they blocked the Ponte Vecchio by demolishing the historic buildings either side.
Housed along the bridge are shops, initially these were all types including butchers, fishmongers, however, in 1593 it was decreed that only goldsmiths and jewellers were allowed to have their shops on the bridge. This is still the case today. Each shop has wooden shutters which creates a look like a suitcase or a wooden chest making an interesting sight. Although busy, it is well worth a stroll across and often musicians will play to a gathering audience.
Walk along the river side, especially at night, and you can look back at the Ponte Vecchio bridge which presents quite a view. Stunning as you see the interesting contours of bridge against the skyline and the array of lights reflecting across the river below.
Altogether a wonderful visit to Florence, with lots of culture, exquisite food, drinks and even a lovely American couple we met and spent the evening chatting to.
The less interesting bit! …… Having chosen a week the temperature was cooler, we rented an apartment with a garden and air conditioning as we had the dogs with us. Apart from the apartment being a little neglected and sparsely decorated it was centrally located making it easy for us to take the dogs out, when it was cooler in the mornings and at night, and leave them in the apartment in the day when the temperature was too hot for them.
Travel adventures 