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Tuscany
What can be said of FIRENZE? …the capital of Tuscany, city of the Renaissance, home to the largest collection of masterpieces, churches, and “outdoor” museums, cradle to the most loved artists and their works spanning the 12th to 18th century? And what of today? Classy and casual Florentines, Ferragamo, Prada, Armani, leather “like butter”, Florentine steak, Tuscan red wine and perhaps Italy’s best ice-cream… enough said.Today, the most important thing to do in Florence is done before arrival… check museum dates and times, make reservations in advance and if possible- purchase tickets in advance. This seems silly till you notice that, for example, the sculpture rich, small Bargello Museum is open “everyday”, but only in the morning, closed the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sunday and the 2nd and 4th Monday…and it changes by season, or occasional strike… The good news is there’s always another option. Suggestions: The patrons and geniuses of the Renaissance period believed the more beautiful the canvas or sculpture, the closer to God they would become. Therefore, less than a 3-day stay in Florence is a crime against aesthetics, humanity and all the higher powers. For a short visit, stay in the main area between the Duomo and The Ponte Vecchio (old bridge). For longer stays, or a less tourist-y feel, find your way among Florentines in the neighborhood of Santa Croce, or across a bridge Oltrarno (dialect for “beyond the Arno River”), Santo Spirito and San Frediano. Must see: the Uffizi Museum (greatest collection of the greatest artist in one place), Accademia (the David), the Bargello Museum, Giotto’s Bell tower (city view from the top) or Brunelleschi’s architectural masterpiece - the Duomos dome. If time allows: Palazzo Pitti, gothic Santa Croce and Santa Maria Novella. Use a guide at the Uffizi to fully appreciate the century spanning gradual transformation from Byzantine to Gothic to Early and High Renaissance to Mannerism. Dolce Vita can help with accomodations at 2 favorite hotels and a B&B as well as rental of a studio apartment for longer periods. Favorite ristoranti are too many to mention (o.k. - L’osteria di Giovanni, Osteria Caffe Italiano, Boccadama, Cantinetta Antinori, Cinghiale Bianco, Le Barrique…) Favorite snack-stops are the terrace bar top floor of the Rinascente Department store (view of city and Piazza della Republica), stand-up sandwich at I Fratellini, sit down at Cantinetta del Verrazzano, and picnic lunch on the grass of the majestic Boboli Gardens. Fantastic tour guides are Simone and Luca at www.florentia.org
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