Florence

Food in Florence - Florentine cuisine

Tuscan cuisine is simple and abundant with local produce, mild cheeses and grilled meats. Tuscans are also known for their appreciation of beans: white beans with sage and olive oil are a true delicacy. Beef steak Florentine, roasted or braised, wild boar, roe deer and hare and thick and hearty soups are typical dishes of Tuscan cuisine. Tuscany is also the home of Chianti wine.

The recipes in Florentine cuisine range from the original and traditional to newer specialties and innovations. Such a wide and occasionally unusual range of dishes is due to some fascinating historical and social stories. The range and variety of flavors, colors and customs offer a unique way of cooking that is vibrant and flexible.
At the heart of Florentine cooking lie four fundamental ingredients: Bread, extra-virgin olive oil, without a doubt the best oil for frying, grilled meat, Florentine steaks of beef, roasted or braised, as well as wild boar, roe deer and hare, and finally, delicious wine. Florentine restaurants serve all Italian specialties, not just those typical of Florence.
 

Florence sights - The world's greatest art treasures The museums, palaces and churches of Florence are some of the greatest art treasures in the world. The most popular and important sights in Florence are the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Uffizi Gallery, the Bargello and the Accademia. The churches of Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce are true art galleries and the Library of San Lorenzo is a great exhibition of the architectural genius of Michelangelo. Walk along some of the oldest streets in the city until you reach the Arno River, cross the Ponte Vecchio and experience the "newest" area of Florence, the Oltrarno. Be sure to make some time for the large and varied art collection in the Palazzo Pitti. If you are tired of visiting numerous museums and monuments, clear your head and spend a day in the Boboli Gardens or up the hills to the church of San Miniato al Monte, where you will be rewarded with an enchanting view of Florence.

Florence shopping - fashion as an art form
In Florence, fashion is a kind of art and part of the city's cultural heritage. Only in Florence can you find stores and boutiques of the most important Florentine designers: Ferragamo, Cavalli, Gucci, Prada, Enrico Coveri, Patrizia Pepe, Emilio Pucci, who represent Italian fashion in the world. The art of goldsmithing in Florence is known all over the world and still retains its original characteristics today.

The antique dealers are one of the treasures of Florence: every two years the International Antiques Biennale takes place. The best street for antiques is Via Maggio: some of the art objects in this street date back to the 16th century.

In addition to stores, Florence also has a wide range of open-air markets. The San Lorenzo market, located in the center of the city, is the preferred destination for tourists. At the flea market, near Piazza Santa Croce, you can find good deals on small antique items. On the last Sunday of every month, except July, the market extends to the neighboring streets.