Florence, a City for Lovers

Florence is a city for lovers. Romance permeates the city like a fog, sifting down into quiet tables in tiny cafes, shaded courtyards in piazzas, and silent corners of marvelous cathedrals. Florence is known for its astounding works of Renaissance art, its magnificent cathedral, the Duomo, and its famous citizens such as Michelangelo, Galileo, and Macchiavelli. Visiting Florence is a delight for the romantic soul, and as couples wander the streets taking in the most wonderful sights, lifetime memories are made.

Accommodations that aid romance are readily available in Florence. Lodging runs the gamut from an inexpensive pensione to a suite in a luxury hotel and everything in-between. I once stayed in a fairly inexpensive hotel room overlooking the Duomo; we took amazing photos of the dome from the third-story windows. The room came with a huge old-fashioned bathtub, and the bathroom was ringed with shuttered windows. It was heaven lying in the bathtub with the shutters open, gazing up at the Duomo and enjoying the stars and night air. The room had a small balcony, and we met an elderly gentleman who had lived in a small penthouse on the roof for many years. He had a walled garden with huge pots of geraniums and several cats; the cats hopped up on the wall each night and went out over the roofs of Florence, coming back to their morning saucers of milk at dawn. Although we spoke only English and the gentlemen spoke only Italian, we were able to share stories each day we were there.

The river Arno lazily winds through Florence, and walks along the river are romance personified. Several bridges cross the river, the most well-known being the Ponte Vecchio, which is lined with shops selling jewelry, leather goods, and more. The Uffizi, a marvelous horseshoe-shaped museum that was a former Medici palace, is on the river, and contains the beautiful Botticelli works "The Birth of Venus" and "Primavera," huge canvases that can be studied for hours. There are 45 rooms of treasures at the Uffizi, and there are paintings that date back to the 13th century. Paintings by Caravaggio, Michelangelo, Titian, Bellini, and da Vinci are in the Uffizi; many Italian artists are represented as well as foreign painters and sculptors. The amazing museum, one of the oldest in the world, has been open for more than 400 years.

A walk up the Via del Proconsolo takes a couple from the Uffizi to the Duomo, one of the world's largest churches. It is difficult to get a realistic view of the Duomo, since it is so enormous and is situated in the middle of the city, surrounded closely by many other buildings. Seen from a distance, the pink and multi-colored marble Duomo dominates the skyline of Florence, and overlooks are usually crowded, but worth the trip. The giant cathedral dates back to the 13th century but was not finished until more than 200 years later. The unfinished building lingered, waiting for its dome, until a contest was held in 1418 for designs for a cupola that would work. Brunelleschi won the contest, beating out Ghiberti, who had edged out Brunelleschi in an earlier contest to design the doors for the Baptistery. The magnificent gold doors, known as the "Gates of Paradise" ever since Michelangelo declared them to be so, are on the north side of the Baptistery, which is beside the Duomo. The Duomo itself is a building that is as amazing inside as it is outside, with stained glass, beautiful floors, and mosaics; many of the best treasures are, however, in the museum behind the church. For adventurous couples in good shape, climbing to the top of the cupola is allowed; the circular stairs take visitors between the layers of the double shells of the dome up to great panoramic views of Florence.

Romance can bloom while listening to some of the excellent street performers in Florence; while some are less than skilled, the right song can inspire love in the hearts of couples already in love with Florence. Impromptu concerts take place on the steps of the Duomo, strolling violinists serenade lovers along the banks of the Arno, and lovers can often hear strains of passionate Italian songs wafting through the night. The Via del Prosonsolo and piazzas are usually filled with performers of all sorts at night, and of course, high quality musical performances are frequently held in concert halls and other venues around Florence.

Piazza Santa Croce is another romantic spot for couples. The basilica there contains the tombs of Michelangelo, Macchiavelli and Galileo, and there are 276 tombstones on the floor of the church. Dante's tomb is also there, although not his actual body. Getting to know these famous Florentines before visiting the church is a good idea; read biographies or some of their works as a couple to fully appreciate these heroic Renaissance guys. Outside the basilica, the square is lined with shops and cafes of all kinds; there's a leather factory that allows tours and purchases, of course, of their fine goods.

On the other side of the Ponte Vecchio, couples can find peaceful green spots in the Boboli Gardens. Over 100 acres of beautiful gardens, fountains, ponds, a grotto, an amphitheater, and what seems like miles of paths and stairs are found in the gardens, and couples can find secluded spots to steal a kiss or meditate on the beauty of nature. Lovely and unusual statuary is everywhere, and there's a coffeehouse on the grounds. The gardens were created during Renaissance times by the Medici family; the Pitti Palace, their home at that time, is nearby. Whether couples sit in the knights' garden enjoying the view, escape the sun in the row of cypress trees, or enjoy a latte together in the coffeehouse, the Boboli Gardens is a romantic place to spend a day.

Other romantic sights in Florence include the Galleria dell'Accademia, where Michelangelo's magnificent statue of David is found, the Palazzo Vecchio, which conjures up thoughts of Florentine's Renaissance military might, and the Piazza della Signoria, the heart of Florence, with its Neptune fountain, copies of Michelangelo's David, and lots of shops and sidewalk cafes. Couples can people-watch, meet Florentines, have a bite to eat, and enjoy the social life found in this popular square.

Seeing Florence is an incredibly romantic experience, and Florence is a popular destination for honeymooners. Just being in this seductive city makes falling in love or strengthening existing bonds easy. Memories of spending time together as a couple in the beautiful city will last a lifetime, although returning will always be on the mind after visiting the lovely Firenze.