Florence - for lovers of art and shopping

Visit Santa Groce Basilica to see the resting place of Michaelangelo and Galileo. Spend some time in the leather factory outlets, where if it doesn't fit, they'll alter it.

Quick Tips:

Bartering is acceptable, and feigning disinterest actually does work. My wife had absolutely no intention of buying a leather coat, but when the price was reduced from over 500 euros down to 250 euros, it was out with my plastic (she still swears it was a bargain).

Best Way To Get Around:

There is a good public transport system in Florence, and for the obligatory shopping expedition, walking works (my wife would, of course, recommend taking along a husband to carry the purchases and look after the plastic).

The Hotel Raffaello is just a few minutes from the Rifredi railway station. The hotel is surrounded by offices, banks, shops, supermarkets, and restaurants.

When reading through reviews of this hotel on our return, it sounded like a good rival for Fawlty Towers. However, we found the room to be large, comfortable, and well-insulated from the outside noise. We looked out over what appeared to be a reasonably busy street, but the noise did not bother us in the room. I would recommend adhering to the lift limits. I walked up the stairs to our room, and my wife waited for the lift. A quick head count revealed that they were over the limit, and sure enough, the lift stopped between floors. It gave me a good chance for a long, relaxing shower (he he).

When we were there, the air temperature in the rooms was comfortable, and the beds, though firm, were not uncomfortable. As reported by someone else on the Internet, the air-conditioning "broke down" some time during the night. Again, it didn't cause any problem beyond being aware that it had happened. The room temperature was still quite comfortable.

Breakfast was a continental one, with a limited range of cereals, but it was more than adequate for our needs. The evening meal was typically Italian (pasta, veal, and ice cream). The price ranges from 113 to 190 euros, which is a little on the pricey side by Australian hotel standards (for comparable facilities).

In short, the hotel, whilst not up to standards expected in Australia, was nonetheless comfortable and well-located. I sometimes wonder if the people who are critical of hotels in cities like Florence have unrealistic expectations.

It was a church like many we had seen, but it was the burial site of Michaelangelo and Galileo. For this alone, it is worth a visit. Unfortunately, our guide was a "sprinter", and we were whisked out of the church before we could visit all the funeral monuments and tombstones. The chapel walls are completely covered in Frescoesby Giotti. The stained-glass windows are also worth a look. I know that like me, you may have seen the inside of more churches in a few days than you have seen in a lifetime, but the artwork here is truly worth the effort!

You do need to make sure that you allow plenty of time to do the artwork justice, though it is a bit like the Louvre -- too much to take in at one time! If I visited again, I would get rid of the guide!

The quality of the leather goods at Peruzzi Spa was second to none. Prices were a little on the high side, but not unreasonably so, given the superb quality. I found a beautifully soft, brown leather jacket which, sadly, still stayed with them! My wife spent the money on a full-length black leather coat!

This factory outlet was able to make alterations to garments that did not quite fit "off the rack". Very tempting, if I could be sure that I could control the spreading girth! Other items, such as wallets, belts, and gift items were priced more within our range (after the coat purchase!). I now have a very nice wallet made from supple leather. Nice to be able to say you have some designer-label Italian fashion accesories! On the next visit to Florence, it was my turn to get a leather coat!

There are also a number of other quality leather outlets around the Piazza Sanat Groce. You should be able to find something that you want at a price you can afford. Items purchased may also attract a tax refund. Check when purchasing. You will need to fill out the appropriate paperwork.

Quite an ornamental facade -- perhaps a little garish for my taste -- but this is, after all, Italy! The dome of the cathedral, or duomo, is the greatest landmark in Florence. You cannot miss it, as it is visible from the moment you leave the station. It dominates the city skyline.

The dome, built by Brunelleschi, was the largest dome of its time built without a scaffolding. There are 463 steps to the top (I didn't actually count them, but that is the number mentioned!), and the climb provides the opportunity to see how the inner shell provides a platform for the timbers that support the outer shell.

The remains of a 4th-century church demolished in 1296 can be seen in the crypt. The baptistry is also thought to date from the 4th century.

This is another church that really does reward the visitor. I know there are other things to see in Italy besides churches, but this one is also worth a visit.

The square was laid out in the 13th and 14th century and has been the heart of Florence's political and social life since then. Citizens were once summoned to meetings here, and on the day we visited, the Piazza was full of people relaxing amongst the many statues.

Michaelangelo's statue of David stood here until it was moved in 1873 (to protect it from the elements; of course, it is now "pay for view!"). A replica of the statue sits in the original position, but alas, it was covered in scaffolding when we visited (most of Europe in 2004 seemed to be covered in scaffolding -- was it the year of the scaffold?!).

Still, while walking from Piazza Santa Groce to Duomo, it is worth reflecting on the wealth of art in this Piazza.