As promised, this post will cover everything that is NOT Rome, Italy. Italy is huge and boot-like, so there are a lot of potential destinations to cover. No more wasting time…let’s start with Florence!
FLORENCE:
Florence, or Firenze, lies on the Arno River in the Tuscan province, and is famous for being the epicenter of the Renaissance. It is especially famous for its art and architecture produced during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and housed many great artists. Much of the art has been preserved and can be viewed now, which I think is excellent. Anyone who is an art lover knows how essential Florence is, and typically has an intense desire to visit.
Some of the most important sites in Florence are: Michelangelo’s David, Palazzo Vecchio, The Dome of Brunelleschi, the Church of Santa Maria Novella, and the Piazza della Signoria.
Many of these names will be very familiar to anyone who has taken an art history class. (I had flashes of dread and memorization just typing this entry.) Art lovers aren’t the only ones who will enjoy what Florence has to offer, however.
DAVID:
Michelangelo’s David is famous for being perfect. No, really…I’m dead serious. The David is a testament to the sheer perfection of the human form, and a celebration of Michelangelo’s skill at carving such beauty out of a hunk of marble. It was marveled when it was first sculpted in the early 1500′s and still draws adoring attention today. Its current location is in the Uffizi Gallery where visitors may view David to their hearts content. Oh, and I know he’s pretty, but no touching.
SAN LORENZO MARKET:
If you get bored of all the beauty and history Florence has to offer and just want to blow as many euros as possible, head over to the San Lorenzo Market. I’ve heard lots of people gush about what they can get there and at what price. San Lorenzo Market is known for thier collection of well-priced leather goods, in case you were looking for a brand new bag while abroad. I’m sure the market will be a welcome break from expensive goods. With such names like Gucci, Ferragamo and Cavalli coming out of Florence, a bargin might be hard to come by.
VENICE, ITALY:
The City of Water, The City of Bridges, The City of Light….the City is sinking so hurry up and go see it! Venice might be one of the most famous cities in the world due to its beauty, attitude, and the fact that it may disappear. But we don’t need to talk about that, let’s just focus on how amazing it is, and what we can do once we get there.
Some of the most important sites in Venice are: the canals, St. Mark’s Basilica, The Bridge of Sighs, Rialto Bridge, Hall of the Inquisitors, Doge’s Palace(and everything inside) and the Venice Carnival.
ST. MARK’S BASILICA:
Simply put, it is an architectural masterpiece. It was completed over several centuries (which is just ridiculous, if you really think about it) and is a mixture of Byzantine, Roman and Venetian styles. If you are in Venice and don’t go see it…well, let’s just say we won’t be friends anymore.
There is so much more I could say about Venice, but it’s hard to. There is just so much to see and do, depending on the time of year you visit. The same goes for the whole country of Italy. There is beautiful countryside to see, as well as major cities. Based on your interest and comfort level, choose the region of Italy you want to visit and GO.
If you are serious about going to Itay go to THIS site for help. ItalyGuides is run by actual Italians, so they know what they’re talking about. The site can help you plan where to go and when, and you can also book tickets directly on the website.
I hope the information I have provided has been helpful and interesting for those who are considering a trip to Italy. The best way to see a country, however, is to simply go. Once you get there, ask a local what their favorite place in town is, and then try it out!
NEXT UP: POLAND
