My love affair with Florence is long. I first visited Tuscany at age 15 and was immediately mesmerised by Florence′s beauty, its graceful buildings and open piazze which are museum-like, filled with elegant statues and bordered by cafes with locals lounging alfesco sipping cappuccini well into the late morning sunshine. There is a unique spirit the city holds, a certain ′dolce vita′ that washes over you and there, just like that, you′re hooked. Years on, my passion for the city remains ignited.
Notable Neighbourhoods
During the city′s Renaissance heyday, Florence was divided into four quartiere – Santa Croce, Santo Spirito, Santa Maria Novella and San Giovanni – which still make up the four teams for the annual Calcio Storico (historic soccer) matches played each June. These central neighbourhoods still retain a village-like charm, all of which are worth exploring.