Florence, or as it was originally named Florentia (meaning: to flourish) began as an establishment by Julius Caesar in 59BC for his veteran soldiers. Things got rolling in the small town built within a fertile valley & it soon turned into an important trading city. Once the Medici family, whose trade was banking for the Pope, arrived in Florence, they quickly rose to power. As you might image, anything that could happen, did. Florence was as exciting as an episode of The Hills. But, unlike the girls of Laguna Beach or the socialites of LA, the Medici Family had serious taste. Lorenzo Medici spent his time, not at clubs like LAX, but commissioning great works of art by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, & Botticelli.
The Birth of Venus by Botticelli
So where is Florence today? It is still inspiring lovers of true beauty & artists. It's got design and style that'll make you want to never leave...However, it's when you spend some real time in this historic town that you begin to feel the impact of tourism, particularly in the summertime. But, still this is a must-travel destination.
Attractions
The Duomo
Santa Maria del Fiore (also known ) is the cathedral of Florence, Italy, and is noted for its distinctive dome. Its name ("Saint Mary of the Flower")
refers to the lily, the symbol of Florence. The cathedral complex
includes the Duomo, the baptistery and the campanile (bell tower).
Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery in Florence houses the richest and most important
art collection in the world. The building, located in the Piazza della
Signoria close to the banks of the River Arno, was designed in the 16th
century by the painter and architect Giorgio Vasari to house Florence's
government offices (uffizi), and was bequeathed to the gallery as the
Medici art collection in 1737, on the condition that it should never
leave the city.
The museum is a showcase for the Renaissance movement, one of the
greatest periods in the history of art, and focuses more specifically
on the Florentine School. Some of the extraordinary masterpieces
exhibited in the 45 rooms and corridors include Botticelli's Birth of
Venus and Primavera and Leonardo da Vinci's Annunciation, as well as
frescoes by Giotto, Titian, Tintoretto and Raphael. Later periods in
painting are represented by Caravaggio, Van Dyck and Rembrandt and
there are also many antiques, sculptures, drawings and prints on
display.
PIAZZA DELLA SIGNORIA
Center of the political and social life of the city for centuries, it
is without a doubt the most beautiful square of Florence, built upon
the ruins of the Ghibelline homes, of the 13th century. The square's
name actually derives from the palace where already in the 14th century
the government of the Republic (Signoria) resided. This structure,
still today the seat of the Comune and the offices of the Major,
dominates the entire square which is "crowned"with beautiful statues
and appears to the visitor a genuine open-air museum. The piazza has
been the stage of innumerable historic events: from the riots of the
1300's to the solemn cerimonies and proclamations of the Medici; from
the execution of those who had conspired against Lorenzo and Giuliano
in 1478 to the assassination of Savonarola. After being tortured on the
rack for weeks in the palace, this Dominican monk was hung and burned
along with two other brothers on the 23rd of may, 1948. One can read
about this dramatic incident in the round, marble plaque in the
pavement in front of the Neptune fountain. The nearness of this square
to the museums and principal monuments of the city have made it a
meeting place for all. At the end of an intense and tiring day, one can
sit a table at one of the outdoor caf�s and enjoy the "show" at sunset:
the stones of the Palazzo Vecchio become honey-coloured and seem to
give off a soft glow while the statues are already in the shadows.
Pointe Vecchio
This old bridge is famous for its hanging shops & jewelry stores. Good luck on finding something cheap, that it isn't! However, every visitor to Florence has to see Point Vecchio. Take the bridge and cross the river. There is an amazing gellato shop there that sits across from a water fountain, a lion's head, that has drinkable water. If you drink from the fountain, you'll feel like a Roman for a moment!
Okay, there is tons more to do in Florence. Pick up the Knopf Mapguides.
I have used these travel guides across Europe & they are the best at helping you to discover the fine things in life! Here is the Amazon link!
Shopping History in Florence
Florence is really the city in which you buy anything leather. Leather journals, handbags, belts, watch bands-I mean everything! It's also not hard to find. Take a walk down certain streets & there you'll find an outdoor market filled with tons of stuff.
There is also amazing window shopping to be had, too. That happens on every street!
Will anyone forget that Gucci began in Florence, Italy? Actually, who remembers stuff like that when there is a Gucci at practically every mall in America & major city across the world! The House of Gucci did start in Florence in 1901. It was a saddlery shop in Florence, Italy where Gucci sold
genuine, handcrafted leather goods. The success of the Florence shop led to the opening of a luggage
store in Via Condotti, Rome, in 1938, which attracted international fanfare. In 1947, a famous Gucci
icon was born - the leather bag with bamboo handle.
The 1960's brought Gucci into the global
spotlight with its signature "GG" monogram logo and drew the attention of celebrities such as Grace
Kelly, Peter Sellers and Audrey Hepburn who helped make Gucci synonymous with Hollywood chic.
America's most-beloved first lady, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, did her part for Gucci by being
photographed with the Gucci shoulder bag. Afterward this handbag was renamed the "Jackie O".
Celebrities today still love Gucci, but I know I don't have to tell you that!
Cameron Diaz in LA & sporting a current Gucci Handbag
Thanks to its celebrity status, the name Gucci became synonymous with high-end fashion and
Italian made luxury. And the "GG" monogram bag, fashioned from the highest quality calf leather and
twill fabric became a symbol of chic couture.
Staying in Florence
There are tons of options, but I want to focus on Hotel Savoy, Florence.
7 Piazza della Repubblica
Florence,&; Italy
Tel: 39 055 27351
reservations.savoy@roccofortehotels.com
Rescued from decay in the late '90s by Sir Rocco Forte, the Savoy is a
stylish, upbeat hotel and one of the city's most popular, attracting
both a business and leisure clientele plus a fair share of celebs. Olga
Polizzi, Rocco's designing sister, has created a characteristically
stylish and calm ambience using notes of dark wood, splashes of loud
pattern and color, and some striking modern art against neutral beige
and cream. None of the 102 rooms are huge, but they are comfortable and
well-equipped; most of them have walk-in closets. The best overlook the
bustling Piazza della Repubblica from the upper floors; two of the
suites have Turkish baths. Kids are well looked after here, too, with
special touches like junior-size bathrobes and dedicated toiletries.
The informal L'Incontro Bar & Restaurant, with tables out in the
busy piazza, serves modern Tuscan food (pasta with artichokes and
scorpion fish), and is great for people-watching.
Okay, this is the walk-in closet that leads to the bathroom. I mean--Hello! I want this closet!
Yeah! Florence has got amazing modern & tradition. It's got something for every girl & her style!
