Many years ago, I had been to Florence once. Afterwards, in the winter of 2013, I flew to Milan and decided to make a day trip to Florence again. The Florence I’d remembered from the first time was very short a trip, memories muddled like a dream that didn’t quite happen.
Come second time, like a second chance, I was to fall for this city dearly, taking in its streets thoroughly, scrutinize the elaborate details on the facade of the 4th largest cathedral in the world – Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, walk leisurely along the Ponte Vecchio bridge and admire its gleaming gold shops of today instead of the butchers of the past; see the Florence sunset in a different set of hues compared to my first’s. Florence is an old city, with its stories and history. You’re surrounded by intricate architectural creations, sculptures moulded like perfect versions of humans, artists/buskers who paint themselves to resemble sculptures. The occasional gypsy woman appears beside the tourist, a hand outstretched for money. Florence has the talented Renaissance artists long dead and alive, the artisans who work their skills today, the Florentines, and the curious tourists, intrigued.
Florence is a mystery, it flirts with your senses, and I can’t seem to elegantly articulate my actual feelings for it.
It was easy to spend a day in Florence, the sunset providing a wonderful finale for my day trip.
I love Florence, and will gladly take a train from Milan just to spend 12 hours in this city for a 2nd, 3rd time, anytime.
How about you? Is there a city that captivates you no matter how many times you’ve been?
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14 comments
Oh Florence! I’ve been there once, it must have been almost 10 years ago. I loved it then, I’m sure I would love it again. The only thing that has kept me away for the last few years are the crowds I’m trying to avoid as much as possible.
As for captivating my imagination no matter how many times I’ve visited, it’s not just one city, it’s Italy as a whole! 🙂 When planing a trip, mostly I end up in Italy.
My first time to Florence was about same time as you — 9 years ago, hehe! I loved it more the 2nd time! The crowds in Florence are ok to me, it’s not that crowded at this Piazzale, or maybe because it was winter, I’m not sure.
Italy is very charming indeed! =D I can’t wait to go back to Rome again!
Beautiful photos. You’ve really captured the charm of this city so well! I hope to make it to Florence before long…
Thank you Nadine! Please go if you have a chance! There are still areas I haven’t ventured to, will look forward to my 3rd time in the future! =)
I love the photos! What I like the most about Italian cities are those magical narrow streets. I haven’t been to Florence yet, but I’ve been to Rome this summer and I’m totally in love with it. I think I would have the same feeling about Florence 🙂
Thanks, Milena! Florence’s charm is more subtle yet very stunning, hope you will see it for yourself one day 🙂 I visited Rome the same trip that I went Florence for my first time. Rome felt very special as well! I love the fountains at different places!
Stunning place! I need to get back to Italy and see more of it. Never got to Florence, sadly. But I really feel like I should take a few months to explore the entire country…obviously including Florence!!
I feel the same too about other parts of Italy! Still too many places to explore, sigh! Good to dream first and plan though! =D
Such beautiful photos! I love how your theme allows them to sit fullwidth! Hmmm how to get rid of my side bar so mine will do that too!
Thanks Tara! I think it really depends on your site theme and your objectives =)
Thanks for your wonderful photos!
As an art historian, I should have been to Florence, but I never made it so far. I really loved looking at your pictures!
You have such an interesting job, Eva! =)) Thank you so much for the sweet praise, perhaps one day you’ll see this city with your own eyes! =D
Beautiful photos makes me want to visit Florence!
Jess | Enjoy the Adventure
Thanks Jess! I hope you achieve your wish soon! =D