“Show and Tell”: Florence, Tuscany

Italy “Show and Tell” is a weekly series published on Sundays where invited guests share 6 of their favorite photos from their trip to Italy or life in Italy, along with a short description.

This week’s guest is the lovely Nita Gulati, a food junkie and a non-recovering travelholic living in Thailand. Always on a lookout for new experiences and exciting places to visit she blogs at Spilling the Beans. Follow Nita on Twitter at @Spilling_Beans.

6 Favorite Photos from Florence, Tuscany

Italy is a fascinating country and I have always been drawn to its culture, lifestyle and food. I first visited Italy in 2007 and was fortunate to be there again this past August to celebrate my birthday.

This time I got to visit a new town. This time I got to experience the special charm of Florence, where the Renaissance began, and a city renowned for its art and architecture. Here are some of my favorite captures from Tuscany’s capital.

1. One of Firenze’s landmarks is the picture-perfect Ponte Vecchio (The Old Bridge), under which the River Arno passes. I took this photo from another bridge, Ponte Santa Trinita. Notice the wine bottles in the right hand corner. Some folks really had a good time – Vino with a view!

Ponte Vecchio and Arno River

2. On the Ponte Vecchio, we came across this sculpture of Benvenuto Cellini looking majestic against the Florentine summer sky. Cellini was a 16th century goldsmith and sculptor whose most famous work is ‘Perseus with the head of Medusa’, a bronze sculpture in Piazza della Signoria.

Benvenuto Cellini on Ponte Vecchio

3. During one afternoon I visited the grand and luxurious Pitti Palace, now a museum that houses various artworks, paintings, porcelain and silver. It was built and owned by The Medici, a very influential family in Florence’s history. We also wanted to see the endpoint of the famous Vasari Corridor, a walkway built above the ground through buildings and houses to connect Palazzo Vecchio with Palazzo Pitti.

Palazzo Pitti

4. This was the pretty view as we walked towards Piazza del Duomo (square outside the Cathedral) one night; the white marble just shone so beautifully! Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, better known as the Duomo, is one of Italy’s largest cathedrals and its impressively huge dome is a symbol of Florence.

Duomo at night

5. Art is the essence of Florence, so visiting Uffizi gallery was definitely on the itinerary. While we were admiring all the exquisite paintings and sculptures, we noticed this young girl (perhaps an aspiring artist) standing in front of the Hercules and Nessus sculpture, so focused while she worked on her sketch – live inspiration right there!

Inspiration in the Uffizi

6. Who doesn’t love a good view? Piazzale Michelangelo was the ideal panoramic spot to look over Florence. I could see the Arno River, Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio, the Duomo, Ufizzi gallery and more. This was the perfect place to just take it all in and appreciate the wonderful city.

Panoramic Florence

Thank you Nita for being part of Italy “Show and Tell” and sharing these amazing photos of Florence.

Have you been to Florence? Share your experience and tips with us in the comments below.