Firenze

"To see the sun sink down, drowned on his pink and purple and golden floods, and overwhelm Florence with tides of colour that make all the sharp lines dim and faint and turn the solid city to a city of dreams, is a sight to stir the coldest nature."

- Mark Twain

Florence, or Firenze in the local tongue, was indeed a soul stirrer. The entire city made one feel romantic; the small narrow streets, the broad river sparkling with perfect reflections, the majesty of the Duomo. I think of all the places we visited, I loved Florence the most.

• 

  000006110014

• 

  000006110018

• 

  000006110015

• 

  000006110013

The new year began with morning stroll up a long flight of stairs to the Piazzale Michelangelo and then up to the Church of San Miniato. Here we received the breathtaking view of Florence with felicity. The Duomo stuck out like a thumb.

• 

  000006110020

• 

  000006110024

• 

  000006110021

• 

  000006110006

Returning to the city centre, we grabbed a quick sandwich from a small but very busy hole-in-the-wall sandwich shop, and continued our walk around the city. We stood for a long while at the foot of the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Cathedral of St Mary of the Flower), in awe of its colossal size and delicate facade.

The coral, green and white marble facade reflected the evening sun in a becoming fashion that spoke of a tasteful yet unassuming grandeur.

By night, Florence was no less exciting, with people still out and about and the smell of a delectable dish wafting out of every street side osteria. The Duomo had a different glow to it, reflecting the cool and dim streetlights inferior to it.

It was unfortunate that we only had 2 days in Florence, but I suppose that means I will seek sooner to return.