Discover Florence

The highlights of my trip:

Ponte Vecchio:

Ponte Vecchio at sunset.

The Ponte Vecchio or old bridge was the only bridge existed to cross the Arno river right until 1218. Its famously known as an everlasting symbol of Florence

During World War II it was the only bridge across the Arno that the Germans did not destroy. There have been shops on Ponte Vecchio since the 13th century, this was because the government decided to rent out shops in order to recoup money that was used to build the bridge. They started off as butchers but to keep the prestige of the bridge they were prohibited from selling there. Gold merchants immediately took over and until this day you will only find jewellery shops across the bridge.

During my stay I visited it four times, once in the early morning when tourists were still asleep, in the afternoon to explore the busy shops and lastly at sunset & night, for the last two just find any empty spot at the bridge, sit to enjoy the view with a good drink and company!

Piazzale Michelangelo:

Piazzale Michelangelo

Piazzale Michelangelo is a square with the most beautiful panoramic view of Florence.

It was named after Michelangelo Buonarotti, Florence’s legendary artist.

Though many may believe that it was designed by him, it was rather one of the many monuments designed by Florentine architect Giuseppe Poggi.

You can go by foot, bus or car. For me I walked from the Ponte Vecchio all the way up and enjoyed all the views on the way!

La Loggia del Piazzale Michelangelo

After reaching the top and taking panoramic photos of the Florentine skyline. We decied to take a small break and relax at the restaurant, we ordered peach ice tea (that became one of our favourite drinks in Italy) and it came along with some salted chips.

It only costed 5€!

Piazza Della Signoria:

Between the infamous Duomo & river Arno lays the centre of Florence's political power for centuries; Piazza Della Signoria.

This beautiful centre is the most famous square in Florence. Here you can see the magnificent fountain of Neptune, sculpted by Bartolomeo Ammannati and Giambologna in celebration for opening a new aqueduct, the fountain was designed in a way to represent Florence's dominion over the sea.

To the right of the fountain is The Loggia dei Lanzi, is an arched open-air gallery with many statues to admire and right behind it lays the gateway to Uffizi gallery.