| Page Views: 705 Last Visit to Florence: June, 2004 | City of the Renaissance by lamentforicarus - last update: Mar 27, 2005 |
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Coming from the sleepy coastal villages of the Cinque Terre, my first encounter with Florence was nearly overwhelming. From the Santa Maria Novella train station, eager taxi drivers competed for patrons, pushing and yelling and grabbing bags while blurting out instructions to confounded arrivals. Once away from the station, we pushed through the busy streets, choked with pedestrians and emissions from countless vespas. Passing the city's grand and gothic cathedral, the Santa Maria del Fiori, I could see the rivers of human traffic culminating into a sea of tired tourists lounging on marble steps and sharp businessmen weaving through the fray. Speeding away from the square, the frenetic masses of people and cars dissipated, giving way to quite back roads and quiescent courtyards. After checking into the hotel and dropping our backpacks, our exploration of Florence began. Its wealth of interesting markets, museums, churches, and chapels opened my eyes to the grandeur and spender of this city, not just as the birthplace of the Renaissance, but as a flourishing and vibrant cultural gem. |
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lamentforicarus' Florence Travel Tips
| Overview | Things to Do
Tips: 20 - Photos: 20 | | | | Restaurants | Hotels & Accommodations | | | | Nightlife | Off The Beaten Path | | | | Tourist Traps | Warnings Or Dangers | | | | Transportation | Local Customs | | | | Packing Lists | Shopping
Tips: 2 - Photos: 2 | | | Sports Travel
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1 | General Tips |
 lamentforicarus' Florence Travelogues | | | |
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 Comments for lamentforicarus about Florence | | | | |
CALSF Mon May 1, 2006 05:05 UTC
Brian, I am thinking of revisiting Florence and if possible some other parts of Tuscany. Yes, dream on... But I hope to make it a reality soon again. Your intro. photo taken from I believe the Piazzale Michelangelo brings back fond memories. |
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