Fops and dandies delight: our friends at Cosmos Holidays have provided us with a fashionable guide to ‘Firenze’…
From Michelangelo’s David, to the city-dwellers dressed head-to-toe in designer gear, Florentines never fail to look good. A lavish city, with artistic treasures and chic locals, Florence is a top destination for the stylish traveller. And with plenty of package holidays from Cosmos on offer, making the trip has never been easier.
Once Italy’s capital, Florence was a financial powerhouse during the Medieval and Renaissance eras. Its people lavished money on churches, public buildings and the arts, and grand families built fine mansions – to display greatness was, after all, to be great. The majestic Romanesque Baptistery, the Gothic Duomo, and the Renaissance basilicas are reminders of Florence’s power. The wealth of the Medici family remains present in the stunning art by Michelangelo, Leonardo and Donatello, to name a few. Their fine creations adorn the city, and can be viewed at the city’s formidable galleries – the Uffizi, Pitti and Accademia.
Florence boasts many beautiful attractions and plenty to do for visitors of all ages. Some of the popular attractions include the beautiful cathedral, the Baptistery, Ponte Vecchio and the art galleries – the Uffizi, the Accademia, and the Bargello included. Incredible art by Renaissance masters can also be seen at the churches of Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce where you can marvel at the glory in a tranquil, bustle-free environment. Similarly, the library of San Lorenzo is a magnificent exhibition of Michelangelo’s architectural genius.
A stroll in the old town will take you to the Arno River. Cross the Ponte Vecchio and experience Oltrarno, the newer area of Florence. Make sure to set aside time to see the extensive stunning art collection housed in the Pitti Palace. When you grow weary of museums and crowds, head outdoors to the beautiful Boboli Gardens, or the San Miniato al Monte church on the hill for enchanting views of the city.
No visit to Florence is complete without a trip to its chic designer boutiques. Home to the likes of Salvatore Ferragamo and Gucci, you should be prepared to splash some serious cash. By night, be mesmerised by the vision of locals at aperitivo time, whilst savouring one of Florence’s top-grade Chiantis dressed in your finest. Enjoy Tuscany’s exquisite coveted wines, including Montalcino’s Brunello and the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, at one of the city’s classic gourmet restaurants or stylish designer eateries. For a more traditional Tuscan meal, visit a family-run trattoria for a hearty tomato stew followed by prime steak.
You can find more information about Cosmos Holidays, including their cheap package holiday deals, by visiting www.cosmos.co.uk.