Discovering Florence for Valentines Weekend

  Your ItalyItalia travel guide for Florence ...Andrea Bonfiglio

My Florence ...
"If a city can boast of proudly holding the title 'Former Capital of Italy' it means that its importance has reached exceptional heights. If it can also boast of having hosted scientists, artists and writers whose genius have enhanced our civilisation, it means that this is a place of unrivalled excellence. Florence's international fame is tangible evidence that this key Tuscan city can offer tourists a varied and wonderful experience.

Visitors to Florence can spend their days in an enjoyable and lively fashion, including romantic walks along the banks of the majestic Arno, guided visits to some of the world's most important museums and monuments, and sampling local products such as wine, oil and speciality meat."

  Events in Florence

Florence Attractions

Ten things to do and see

1. A night walk along the Arno River
2. Taste a Florentine Steak
3. View the Pitti Art Collection
4. Assist at a historical football tournament
5. The Ponte Vecchio
6. The Piazza della Signoria
7. Gaze up at the Statue of David
8. The Uffizi Gallery
9. The Piazza Duomo
10. The Fortezza da Basso

The local events diary is always full. Amongst the traditional celebrations, the one which undoubtedly is most celebrated by the locals is undoubtedly that of the 'Rificolona', organised on the eve of the birth of Maria (September 7th). On this day local children walk through the streets carrying stick lanterns, to remember the past pilgrimages when peasants and people from the mountains celebrated the birth of the Madonna at the Basilica of Santissima Annunziata.

A more recent festival of note is that of the “Pitti Immagine”, an exhibition that brings to town the most important personalities of the fashion and show business world.

And finally, amongst the more historical recreational events, there is the so-called 'Tournament of Historical Football' which is a kind of cross between rugby and football that is played -- with notable competitiveness -- by teams dressed in traditional costume.

   Food and local delicacies of Florence

Fettunta con olio novello
A dish made of cheap ingredients to provide a backdrop for the new harvest of olive oil produced in November by the local mils. Simply a piece of stale bread, toasted and dressed with this delicious olive nectar.

Florentine Steak (Bistecca alla fiorentina)
A true delicacy. A slice of filleted beefsteak of at least four fingers thickness, cooked very rare on the grill.

Ribollita
A soup made of vegetables and bread; a mix of Savoy Cabbage, cabbage, carrots, beans, spring onions and celery, combined with stale Tuscan bread and dressed with extra virgin olive oil. It is prepared the day before it is consumed, giving this dish its name 'ribollita' - which means a second time.

  Andrea's Spotlight 

Lo stadio Artemio Franchi
A torrent of words has already been written about Florence's art and culture. However, it is important to note also that the people of this extraordinary city also have a deep passion for sport. An enjoyable experience in Florence might involve enjoying a Florentine football game. During the home games of the 'Violets', the Stadium Artemio Franchi is full of celebratory people singing the praises of their team, festooned with the club colours, particularly when playing against their traditional rivals, Torino.

   How to Reach Florence

Florence is in the north-east of Tuscany, a short distance from the provinces of Pistoia and Prato. It is 230 km from Rome and 250 km from Milan both easily reached by motorway or rail.

By Air: Florence's main airport is the Amerigo Vespucci (Peretola) which has a direct rail link to the centre. It is more usual for international travellers to fly to Pisa and then take the train to Florence (about an hour), particularly those visitors from the UK and Ireland taking advantage of budget airline prices. It is also possible to fly to Bologna, Rome or Milan and take the train to Florence.

By Train: The main station in Florence, Santa Maria Novella, is well connected to the centre by bus or it is about a 20 minute walk. It is easily reached from Pisa and Bologna. The new high speed line that links Rome to Milan also passes through Florence, taking around 2 hours to get to Florence from Milan or just 1.5 hours from Rome. For information on train times visit www.trenitalia.it

By Car: You can reach Florence from the A1 Autostrada del Sole motorway which runs north to south, or from the A11 Autostrada Firenze Mare which runs west to Pisa. There are also good dual carriageways that run along the coast between Livorno and Lazio (S11) and the Fi-Pi-Li (SS1), which connects Florence with Pisa and Livorno.

Other: The rail network across Tuscany is quite comprehensive and easy to use so you can get around quite easily without a car. Given the chaotic nature of the city and parking, visitors are advised to make use of city's excellent bus and tram networks. There is also nothing to stop you travelling around the centre by bicycle or on foot: a good way to fully enjoy the city's sights.