2025 Events

Florence

Ronnie

13 Sep 2025 • 5 min read

Florence, is known as the “Cradle of the Renaissance” and holds about half of Italy’s most important works of art, making it a hotspot for culture and history. The city was founded by Julius Caesar in 59 BC as Florentia (even though there was an earlier Etruscan settlement in the area), a haven for retired veterans. Florence was the first city in Europe to pave its streets, saw the invention of the piano in 1698, and once served as Italy’s capital between 1865 and 1871. The city’s iconic Duomo has the largest brick dome in the world, and its medieval walls and towers still stand along the Arno River.

Arrival & Exploring

Saturday, Sept 13

We arrived from Venice by train around 4pm and quickly found our lodging, only a five-minute walk from the station. Another excellent location thanks to Kelley. Close to the station plus easy walking to the main attractions. We set out on foot and quickly found the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio bridge.

Florence feels far more spacious than Venice, with wide streets and enormous plazas that create an open atmosphere instead of Venice’s tight, winding alleys. The crowds here seem lighter, though that might be due to all the extra room... there’s simply less of that claustrophobic crush. Around our lodging, big retail shops and plenty of international spots, including noodle shops, open market and Asian restaurants, set a cosmopolitan tone. Talking with fellow travelers or overhearing their plans, it’s clear most are following similar city routes, all exploring the top sights just like us.

Had a great afternoon snack across the bridge, then a classic dinner later near our lodging.

Museum & Tour

Sun, Sept 14

After an excellent breakfast at La Ménagère, we headed to the Interactive Leonardo da Vinci Museum, which features dozens of hands-on exhibits showcasing his inventions and artwork. His accomplishments are remarkable, made even more impressive by the fact that he excelled not only in mathematics but also in creativity.

Afterwards, we met a tour guide, Chiara, for a two hour walking tour. We really should start doing these as soon as we arrive in a new city. We learned so much about Florence, it was really interesting!