Florence for Beginners

I have known people who have actually advised me to avoid going to Florence altogether. And not for the reasons you might think; the crowds, the cost, the chaos. No, I have been warned not to go to Florence because there is just too much to see there, it overloads you, it is all simply too much.

I would warn you if I could but I can’t so I won’t.

And why won’t I warn you? Because it would be useless, that’s why. You see, even though Florence is all of those things mentioned above, it is also one of those places that is unavoidable, as well. You can’t travel to Italy and not visit Florence. Well, you certainly shouldn’t admit it to anyone if you have.

Florence is the most important center for Renaissance architecture and art in Italy and therefore, the world. The famous, 700 year old Duomo cathedral and neighboring Baptistery with those famous Brunelleschi doors are as magnificent to behold as the world famous Florentine paintings, sculptures, Medici palaces and gardens are breathtakingly beautiful to gaze at.

Among these amazing sights are included the Basilica of Santa Croce (see the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo), the Piazza San Lorenzo, the Ponte Vecchio and the Pitti Palace. The museums in Florence are among the most well-known and well-loved in the entire world and include the Gelleria degli Uffizi, the Bargello Museum and the Galleria dell’Accademia (Michelangelo’s David).

Florence is the quintessential city for anyone who wants to know what Renaissance Italy “was all about”. And yet, with all of this emphasis upon its grand and glorious past, Florence is also a very modern city, as well. It bustles with exclusive boutiques and lively cafÃ?©s and mixes its past and present “selves” effortlessly. Its Renaissance past makes an easy transition to a modern love of the more contemporary arts. Theater, dance and cinema are very popular here and performances of practically any kind imaginable are available for visitors and residents all year round.

It is an important university “town”, as well. Florence is filled with young people and students from all over the world, and is also understandably a particularly popular place to study, among other things, art. There are numerous programs available here for students of art from all over the world. And it’s no wonder why; the UNESCO estimates that roughly 60% of the world’s most important artwork can be found in Italy, and most of it’s here, of course.

And speaking of art, the Italian language is an art in and of itself. Florence also happens to be one of the most popular places in Italy to study Italian, as well. The Florentines are among the friendliest people you can imagine and welcome their visitors with pride, making this city a natural choice to develop and practice the Italian language.

Another benefit for the Florentine visitor is the city’s ideal location. Located on the northern edge of Italy’s beloved Tuscany region, there is certainly no better place to start your exploration of this romantic area than from here. Tuscany’s beautiful landscape is known the world over and there are dozens of nearby hill town destinations, vineyards and monasteries all waiting for your visit, and all within short reach of Florence; one particularly popular destination being Pisa and its famous tower, of course, just a short drive away.

Keep in mind that the narrow lanes of Florence are absolutely packed with tourists in July and August. Spring or autumn might be a more convenient time to visit, but even the winter months are fine here, even though you will be needing some warmer clothes and must reckon with rain.

And once you arrive, don’t miss the chance to try a few of those famous Florentine culinary specialties. Tuscan food is famous for being simple. And although the combinations may certainly be simple, the ingredients used here couldn’t be more fresh. Some of the more famous dishes are bruschetta and crostini, wonderful toasted breads with delicious toppings. And don’t miss the opportunity of trying that fabulous and famous bistecca alla fiorentina, a monstrous and monstrously delicious Tuscan T-bone steak.