Florence Travel Diary
Florence, cradled by the scenic landscapes of Tuscany, is a living canvas where every cobblestone breathes the essence of the Renaissance. As you wander through its labyrinthine streets, the city unfolds like an open-air museum, revealing masterpieces by the likes of Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Brunelleschi at every turn. The iconic Duomo stands as a testament to architectural brilliance, its majestic dome dominating the skyline. Along the Arno River, the Ponte Vecchio bridges the centuries, adorned with charming jewelry shops. Florence is not merely a destination; it’s a sensory journey through time, where the aroma of Tuscan cuisine mingles with the echoes of artistic genius, creating an unparalleled tapestry of culture, history, and unparalleled beauty.
WHERE WE STAYED
Hotel Regency | Situated on the Piazza Massimo D’Azegilio, this was our favorite hotel in Italy. Pristinely Art Deco, we checked into a room with a neatly made canopied bed. The windows opened up to a tree-filled park central to the square. The hotel dining area opened onto a lush garden.
We enjoyed a leisurely lunch of charcuterie on the patio. A resident bird we named Enrico danced to the music piping out of the speakers and perched on nearby chairs looking for handouts. The lattes were the best I’ve ever tasted.
THE DUOMO
The next day we strolled to the Duomo. As we approached, a classical guitarist strummed Pachelbel’s Canon in D. Of all the places I’ve visited in my travels, the Duomo is certainly the most magnificent. The Taj Mahal, the Grand Canyon, the Southern Alps of New Zealand, all now seemed to pale in comparison. There is a presence at the Duomo, hundreds of years accumulated in one handsomely designed building that seemed to loom so largely and high that I felt practically overwhelmed. So much so that we had to break for a coffee to take in the experience.
The Duomo’s iconic dome seems to reach toward the heavens. As sunlight dances over the intricate façade, you can’t help but be captivated by the its architectural marvel. The ascent to the Duomo’s summit reveals panoramic views of the city’s terra-cotta rooftops and the majestic Tuscan landscape. Inside, the cathedral’s interior, adorned with frescoes and stained glass, narrates a tale of faith and artistic brilliance. The Duomo is not merely a cathedral; it is Florence’s soul, a beacon that guides both pilgrims and admirers through the timeless intersection of spirituality and Renaissance ingenuity. Each step echoes with history, making the journey to the Duomo a pilgrimage through the artistic and cultural heart of Florence.
On the way back to the hotel, we stopped for pizza and wandered the squares to take photographs of the immaculate architecture. We spent the evening parked in two club chairs of the Art Deco hotel lounge. My husband said he intended to propose in Florence, but the moment in Venice overtook him. And I can see why – Florence has an undeniably pristine beauty, clean and whitewashed as sun baked limestone. We vowed we would one day return.
