A-Z Challenge ~ Florence, Italy #atozchallenge
A few years ago, we were lucky enough to do some traveling in Italy. Starting in Venice, we traveled our way down to Rome, stopping many places on the way. However, my favorite place of all was Florence or Firenze as they say over there.
Being in Italy was something special, as I am about half quarters Italian. If you want me to break it down, I think ¼ is from my mother’s maternal parents, which are from a small provence outside of Naples. The other ¼ is from my father’s paternal parents, which are from Sicily. I’m also ¼ Scottish and the last ¼ is a mix of Greek, French, and I don’t know what else. 🙂 So, now that you know my blood lines, I’ll get on with Florence.
I have this love of Dante Alighieri and when I found out we were stopping in his birthplace, I was so excited. So, let’s star with the view of Ponte Vecchio we captured from the David statue.
Ponte Vecchio Florence, Italy
Statue of David at Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence, Firenze, Italy
Dante was not hard to find, as there was tons of references to him all around the city. Below is, supposedly, his first home, which is now a museum.
Dante Alighieri’s 1st home and now Museum.
Here is a statue of Dante outside the Santa Croce Church.
Statue of Dante Alighieri
When you travel to foreign places without a local to show you around, it’s difficult to know where the best restaurants and best hotels are location. However, in Florence we had the best hotel and meal from all of the places in Italy we went. Walking around the small town, we felt so comfortable and at home. It was such a strange sensation, but one that felt right.
I could have sat in the Piazza della Signoria all day people watching and inspecting the statues. This plaza houses some of the most incredible statues I’ve ever seen all in one place. I’ll share a couple of pictures. I don’t want to bore you all.
The Fountain of Neptune by Bartolomeo Ammannati
Piazza della Signoria
I definitely would like to return to Florence one day. I imagine myself sitting in a corner of that plaza people watching and writing.
What’s your favorite place to travel?
Like you, I’ve been to Florence, Rome and Pisa and loved it all (I was actually work-based in Florence for about 3 months so got to see a lot of it the tourists don’t see) and it was fascinating 😀
I’m jealous. 3 months is Florence … wow! 🙂 When I go back, I’d love to see all the secret non-touristy stuff.
Thanks for stopping by! 😉
Stopping by on the 7th day of the #Challenge. I have been to Florence on a garden tour in Tuscany. Traveling there changed my life in many ways and i wish I could go back. I haven’t incorporated the experience into any of my writing so far as I have with England. Loved your photos. Know you are going to make new blogging friends. If you have time or interest, I am writing about gardening and related topics this month. Stop by.
I’m not amazed at how many people love Florence. It is such a special place.
I love gardening. I’m not very good at it yet, but I do try. So, I’ll definitely stop by. 🙂 Thanks for visiting me.
I don’t think anyone could ever get bored of looking at Florence. That’s a stunning pic of the Ponte Vecchio. Glad you had such a great time and thanks for sharing your memories. 🙂
Jemima
#TeamDamyanti
Blogging from Alpha to Zulu in April
I’m glad you can appreciate it. 🙂 It was a beautiful view.
Thanks for stopping by.
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