Florence, the enchantress!

I arrived in Florence with absolutely no expectations. It was the last stop on my trip, and I had just visited three other Italian cities that had completely captivated me with their beauty and fascinating histories, so I figured there wasn't much that could compare. Well, I really had no idea what awaited me…

I was familiar with the history of the Medici, this extremely powerful family that played a major role in the development of the city of Florence during the Renaissance. The Medici family had a crucial impact on politics, religion, and the economy, and invested heavily in the arts and architecture, allowing the capital of Tuscany to prosper and rise to the rank of one of the most important cities in Italy.

What I didn't know was the impact the Florentine monuments would have on me. Florence is a much smaller city than Rome, for example; its historic center can be explored on foot in just a few hours. It was during my first stroll through the old town that I stumbled upon the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. I've seen the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the Great Wall of China in Beijing, and Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris—all magnificent human constructions that take your breath away with their sheer scale—but I had never seen a monument as dazzlingly beautiful as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, located right in the heart of Florence's historic center. The details of the facade, the blue and white, the lacework adorning the dome, the designs around the round windows, the artwork at the top of the main porch, the mosaics, the frescoes, the artworks inside the cathedral...everything about this monument moved me on a different level. It was at that moment that I understood why Florence was also called “La Bella”.

Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is a thousand-year-old city of exceptional richness. Its architectural masterpieces make it one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. In addition to the breathtaking Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, if you wish to experience all that Florence has to offer, start by visiting the replica of Michelangelo's famous David, located at the entrance to the Palazzo Vecchio. Step inside what is now the city hall to admire the courtyards adorned with remarkable frescoes, the vaults decorated with grotesque art, and the azure walls covered in golden lilies. Next, head to the Basilica of Santa Croce, the largest Franciscan church in the world. Then, stroll along the Ponte Vecchio to discover authentic jewelry shops and enjoy a magnificent view of the Arno River. If you'd like to see Florence from a broader perspective, you can head to the Belvedere to admire all the architectural gems that rise up across the city. Or you could just as easily enjoy a picturesque aperitif on the rooftop of the Westin or Continental hotels.

And finally, you absolutely mustn't miss out on Florentine gastronomy. I can't stress this enough: one of the best ways to truly grasp the culture of a place you're visiting is to discover its culinary history. And in Florence, the Mercato Central is the place to go for a dose of culture. A two-story building housing all the riches of Tuscan cuisine awaits you. Stroll among the colorful stalls and fill yourself with tantalizing sights and aromas, enough to awaken all your senses and leave with a heart full of emotion!