Florence

City Life

When the French writer Stendhal first visited Florence in the 19th century, he saw so many exquisite works of art that he began to feel dizzy. To this day, there’s a medical condition – Stendhal Syndrome – that some people experience when take in the various museums of Florence. We hope you don’t become that euphoric, but we’ll bet you’ll nevertheless find the art and architecture of this Renaissance city to be very exciting. Before you head to see the statue of Michelangelo’s David, go straight to the duomo. Just 500 steps up and you’ll find yourself in the 1436 cupola, where the entire city is laid out before you. Next door is the bell tower, designed by Giotto himself. Another house of worship, Santa Croce, is the site of the final resting place for luminaries such as Dante, Galileo, and Michelangelo. By then you’ll want to proceed to the Uffizi Gallery, the greatest of many splendid museums in Florence. Be sure to save time for the Academia and the Bargello. Cross the Ponte Vecchio and take in the luxury shopping and the outdoor cafes. Either watch the world go by or meet new friends in your adopted city. Either way, you’ll never forget strolling behind the Pitti Palace and the Piazzale Michelangelo.