Florence: A Shrine to the Renaissance

Everyone loves Rome. After all, it is home of the most prosperous empire, the focal point

of Catholicism, the place where all roads lead. Everyone loves Venice and its waterlogged

charm. Venice, by default, should be my favourite city in Italy; my bloodline traces back to the

citys centre like its weaving canals. But Venice isnt my favourite city- dont let cousin Gianni

hear me say that! My favourite city in Italy lies in the rolling hills of Tuscany, nestled between

olive groves and vineyards. Have you figured it out yet? Ill give you a hint. Follow me to the

citys centre- dont get lost amongst the throngs of tourists! No no, Im to your left. Look in front

of us: the cathedral stands out against the bright blue sky, its stark white visage adorned with

red and green marble highlights, making the entire building look like a painting. Its fitting that

the citys focal point looks like a work of art; this was the birthplace to one of the most famous

movements in art history. Your face lights up with realization. Yes, its true, we are indeed in the

beautiful city of Florence.

The church is called la Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, but isnt that a mouthful.

Most people just call it il duomo, The dome. This is because the cathedral boasts the largest

brick dome ever constructed. And I dont mean that it boasts passively; the sheer size of the

church demands your attention, commandeering your mind with its grandiosity and its beauty.

The colours pop off the building, the deep greens, brilliant whites and rusty reds reminiscent of

the Italian flag. But I think the best part about this church is its bell tower. In my opinion, the

belfry doesnt get enough attention; even when the suns at its zenith the tower lies in the

Cathedrals shadow, but from its summit is the greatest view in all of Italy. The view from the top

of the tower is similar to that from the top of a lighthouse: the city becomes a sea of orange

rooftops, the mountains in the distance like a foreign shore, the domed roof of the nearby

cathedral like a large, strange barge. Only the allure of scenery this beautiful could give me the

strength to conquer those four-hundred steep steps in the cramped, humid stairway.
 The mere memory of climbing those steps under Florences blazing sun has me working

up a sweat- and an appetite for the best respite from the Italian heat. No, its not water, its

gelato, an Italian ice cream. Even the worst flavour of gelato puts Ben and Jerrys to shame.

Luckily a mere 50 metres from the base of the belfry theres a Gelateria called Grom, the

Kawartha Dairy of Italy. A large cono of that will make you feel refreshed and ready to see all

this city has to offer.

And boy, does Florence have a lot to offer. Florence has something for everyone: for the

artists it offers you the Uffizi gallery, the statue of David, and its churches. For the history buffs it

offers the tomb of Michelangelo and the story of the Medici family. For the romantics it offers

Ponte Vecchio, a beautiful old bridge crossing the river Arno, where lovers go to declare their

ever-lasting passion. For the fashionistas Florence hosts a bustling leather market, where open-

air stalls line the streets displaying their brightly coloured stock, making you feel like youre

passing through a parade. The air here is heavy with the smell of leather, and it carries the

crescendo of voices as people haggle with the vendors. Finally, for the foodies Florence offers

hundreds of restaurants who specialize in Florentine cuisine, but I would recommend Caff

Giubbe Rosse; the food is great, its close to the Duomo, and its in a building almost 1000 years

old. Be sure to try the Bistecca alla Fiorentina, steaks the size of a plate, so delicious even a

vegetarians mouth would water at the sight.

Theres no city like Florence; no place that is such an epicentre of art, history, and

cuisine. 700 years ago the citizens here changed the way all of Europe thought, lived, and

loved, and Florence has this effect on people today. Who knows? Maybe travelling to Florence

will spark your own personal renaissance.