In Love with Florence

With its Renaissance masterpieces and centuries-old buildings, Florence is like a museum in itself. After all the Tuscan capital is the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance – nearly all writers and poets in Italian literature of the Golden Age are in some way tied to Florence. In fact, the opera was invented in Florence in the late 16th century. It is no wonder that from the 14th to 16th centuries Florence was politically, economically and culturally one of the most important cities in Europe, and the world for the matter.

However, there is so much more to Florence than the obvious tourist attractions like the Ponte Vecchio, the David and the Uffizi. While these are all great and necessary sites for first-time visitors, more experienced Florentines will want to dig a little deeper.

As soon as I arrive in Italy, my mouth begins to water with the mere thought of the Italian classics – pizza, pasta and gelato. Located in Oltrarno, Gusta Pizza is without a doubt one of the best pizzas in the world. Florence’s youth seem to dominate here and for good reason. The pizzas are made to order from the counter in this little corner shop whose ingredients are the epitome of fresh. I left my worries about carbs and counting calories at home. I’m in Italy and I justify my indulgence with the amount of calories I can burn roaming the city on foot and climbing the stairs of places like Giotto’s Bell Tower – 414 steps to the top. While most visitors will opt to climb the Duomo, I personally suggest climbing both but the views of the Duomo from the bell tower are incredible.

The warm summer air reminds me that it’s time to hydrate and by hydrate I mean drink wine – this is Italy after all. The La Terrazza Bar is just the place. The more popular choice is the Westin Excelsior, however, I’ve become partial to the more intimate setting at La Terrazza, located on the top floor of the medieval Consorti tower of the Hotel Continentale. Dusk is the perfect time as the sun begins to dip behind the horizon and the stars slowly appear. Something about the Tuscan air is calming and peaceful, even despite the fact that cars can be heard below whizzing by, reminding me that I am, in fact, in a city center.

An evening stroll along the Arno is the perfect way to pass the time until dinner. This is Europe and dinner is late – very late. A romantic setting can be found at Ristorante La Giostra. The cuisine at this popular spot tends to be more luxe comfort food than contemporary gourmet. The unassuming entrance is easy to miss but the small crowd gathered outside the arched, unsigned doorway is evidence of something special inside. Dishes incorporating seasonal mushrooms and truffles are particular specialties.

Somehow I continuously find myself in Oltrarno. Not only is it less touristy and home to the best pizza in Florence, it is also home to one of the best gelaterias in all of Italy, Gelateria La Carraia. Despite the fact that my Italian is anything but perfect and I settle for it being called mediocre, I do my best to ramble off my order. “Un cono con due gusti, per favore,” which translates to “a cone with two flavors, please.” With cone in hand, I make my way to the highest viewpoint in Florence, stopping along the way at Giardino delle Rose, a beautiful rose garden with views over the city. Continuing up the hill, I reach Piazzale Michelangelo and Michelangelo’s David, reminding myself of the better view awaiting me further ahead. After climbing the last set of stairs, I gaze upon San Miniato al Monte, a beautiful basilica with a geometrically patterned marble façade that is thought to have begun in about 1090. Here is one of the highest points in the city with sweeping views of Florence. I admire the city from afar. The Duomo seems so small yet still stands tall over the city in all it’s grandeur. The city seems to span forever but from afar seems so quiet and still.

Florence is a destination unlike any other. It welcomes you with open arms from near and afar. Florentines are friendly – eager to converse with passers by – evident of their satisfaction with life. After all, this is one of the best cities in the world and uncovering all that Florence has to offer could take a lifetime.