We took a break from our stay in Panzano in Chianti, and caught the bus with an overnight bag and headed to Florence for a couple of days.

It was only an hour on the local bus with commuters and school children.

These are some of our memories.

Booked into a comfortable suite at the Tornabuoni Suites Collection Residenza D’Epoca, on the via de Tornabuoni, in the trendy fashion district. It sported the biggest front door ever seen. Honey, who shrunk my partner?

Look who I spied outside the Prada store. Corgis + Prada go together perfectly.

Florence is a beautiful city famously known as the birthplace of Renaissance culture, art, architecture and monuments and an easy city to wander the streets and appreciate the history and art which is displayed everywhere.

Ponte Vecchio

Of course, we had to see the Ponte Vecchio and in the end walked back and forth across a few times, past the many jewellery shops.

A little bit of history- the Ponte Vecchio was the only bridge across the Arno until 1218. It had to be rebuilt after a flood in 1345 and was the only bridge across the Arno that the Germans didn’t destroy in World War II.

There have always been shops on the Ponte Vecchio, ever since the 13th century. Initially, there were all types of shops from butchers to fishmongers, but it was the tanners who caused a terrible stench causing Ferdinand I (in 1593) to do something about it. He decreed that only goldsmiths and jewelers be allowed to have their shops on the bridge so that when he walked across the bridge, he wouldn’t be affronted by smells and unsightly shops, but by glittering jewels and pleasantry.

The Arno River has played an important role in the history of Florence and sports many iconic bridges that also played a role in architectural bridge building advancements over the centuries.

Statues at one end of the Ponte Santa Trinita.

Palazzo Vecchio

The Palazzo Vecchio is now the town hall of Florence. It overlooks the Piazza della Signoria, which holds a copy of Michelangelo’s David statue. The detail in the fresco was beautiful to see.

The Florence Duomo, The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, was an impressive sight. Difficult to get a true impression with a small camera, so opted for a small section of this massive building. The line to go in snaked around three quarters of the building which squashed any ideas for us to go inside.

Street life

We were well placed to walk to some of the most famous destinations, but our most enjoyable time was spent exploring the lesser known attributes of this city, like street art, and meeting some of its local artisans.

There was Aaron who gave up his career as a Tai Kwon Do Instructor and Academy owner to help out his parents in their leather shop during Covid, cancelling his much longed for trip to Japan early March 2020. His parents have now retired and his new career as a passionate leatherworker/designer, alongside his wife in the shop, is going gangbusters. He’s a very talented designer and a handbag and matching belt are coming home with me.

Florence is the city of leather, so a pair of lamb skin gloves is a must.

Then, there was Silvia who didn’t lose her creative edge during Covid, simply relocated out of the city, only to return and re-set up her stall near the Ponte Vecchio where she had been in the same position for years prior to lockdowns. Choosing a watercolour as a small memory to fit in our luggage was difficult.

Street walking has its surprises, and we came across a fabulous selection of street art hidden in alleyways behind the busy thoroughfares, randomly lighting up a dingey corner.

The food

Is plentiful and delicious. See the difference in our faces for our alfresco dining experience on a busy thoroughfare. The horse had an unexpected call of nature at a most inappropriate moment…… However, my seafood risotto was one of the nicest meals on the trip, and Jeff’s wild boar pasta lived up to his much anticipated expectations.

The next day, I ordered lasagna. So good, and Jeff’s lamb ragout was pretty outstanding too. We chose an indoor restaurant eating experience this time.

These are some of the sights that took my eye.

Always time for coffee. They have such pretty cups in Florence.

We came across a collectable shop that specialised in old wallpaper. And, if you’re ever needing a new arm for your doll, they’ve got you covered. Not sure how the jumper leads fit in with that story……..

A relief map of Italy kept Jeff busy for quite some time. If only it fitted in our luggage as he had visions of spending hours and hours teaching the grandchildren all about Italy and its rugged terrain. They are safe, for now.

Cat bag anyone?

Then, it was time to head back to Panzano in Chianti, shopping done, sights ticked off the list and another fabulous city visit to add to our memories.

Arrivederci Florence!

Catherine & Jeff xx