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FLORENCE....If it isn't Europe's cultural capital officially, Florence should be. The Renaissance and modern age that spread through most of Europe in the 15th century had its birth in Tuscany. The people of Florence developed civilization, democracy, art, literature, science and architecture while the rest of the Europe was in still in the dark. And, that rich cultural heritage is visible everywhere. The Renaissance was inspired by the ideals of Classical Greece and Rome. With the support of wealthy patrons, artists created works inspired by mythology. Landscapes, portraits, everyday life, and nudes were back with a bang. Renaissance artists studied human anatomy to portray the body as accurately as possible.

MARTIN

Gelato
Tuscan Charm

Naturally, Florence is a mecca for tourists. And, it is wise to book tickets in advance to avoid long lines. However, I was extremely lucky on my off season visit. There weren't long lines. There weren't huge crowds. But, I saw little under the Tuscan sun. It rained almost every day. There was a reason they called it "off season".

Rain or no rain, there are so many things that need to be visited while in Florence. That list includes the Uffizi Gallery, the Piazza della Signoria, Santa Croce Church, the Ponte Vecchio, the Piazza della Repubblica, the Duomo, the Bargello National Museum, the Piazzale Michelangelo, and David at the Galleria dell'Accademia. It's a lot of walking so be sure to stop frequently for gelato, Italian cuisine, and the thickest (and most delicious) hot chocolate on the planet.

MARTIN

Hot Chocolate and Cappuccino
Italian Cusine!!
Copyright 2010 by Phillip Martin All rights reserved.