The class and fashion of Florence

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The fashion of Florence – Bella Tuscany


For those that have been to Italy, you may get this – we have the loud, slightly grungy rawness of Rome and Napoli (the male?), but then we have the refined elegance – the ladies of Italy – places like Florence and Milan – which are just 'pretty', pretty with the elegant buildings and piazzas, but this is also where one can find some great fashion and style.
I had forgotten how small and beautiful Florence is, less cars and crowds (in May) and the entire city can be walked.
Vasari corridor leading into the Ponte Veechio

The Fashion.....
Don’t get me wrong, places like Rome have great shopping, but Florence is the place where must do window shopping is done as your stroll the streets, where the designer labels showcase their wares. And of course, buy if you can!

One shop I can recommend for beautiful and quality handbags is Donatello Firenze www.donatellofirenze.it

Some the 'window shopping' I did..







The Art.....
This is one place that you really do feel like you have stepped back in time and are walking though a history book with the Medici’s and Michelangelo so prominent.
The River Po, the museums, the avenues - it’s a joy. Had  a fantastic tour thought the Palazzo Pitti (Pitti Palace). The palace was bought by the Medici family in 1549 and became the chief residence of the ruling families of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. It is in the Renaissance style and holds an amazing collection of art. Famous pieces such as: Botticelli's "Primavera" and "The Birth of Venus"; Michelangelo's "Adoration of the Magi" ; and Titian to name a few.
Botticelli



Primavera
Titian

Michelangelo's Return of the Magi
Raffael's angels 

The Food......
Italy has amazing food and the Tuscan region is a hub of authentic seasonal treats.

Here a few suggestions of where to find in town:

Lorenzo de'Medici - This foodie hub is located in central Florence, not far from the Train Station.

 The ground floor is a delight of 'fast' food with more traditional lunch time meals to try. Here you will also find the local shopping for fresh produce, amazing meals, fruit and veg, cheeses - its a feast!

For lunch find your way to the front of a stall (it can get busy but worth the effort) and after selecting and collecting your meals, find a shared communal table. Its fun and a great way not only to try traditional food but meet with follow travellers or locals, to sit and share a meal with.
Upstairs is open for dinner and is a foodie heaven with stalls arranged around a central dining area. Each stall specialises in a food type - be it truffles, pasta, seafood, mozzarella or mushrooms! Meats and sweets are also available - you are spoilt for choice.
The market also offers a "La Scuola di Cucina http://www.cucinaldm.com/en cooking classes. If you have time and are interested in learning more about the great ingredients and cooking of the region.




and upstairs,
 White Truffle Fettuccine

 Bistecci with potatoes


- Another great local find for dinner and steak (which the Tuscan region is famous for) is:
Trattoria Marione - I can highly recommend and great reasonable prices.
The steak - there is only one way to order this - medium rare!
  Line to get in -its popular!!


            
             local cheeses & honey                               The steak!

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