Page 89 - BBC History - September 2017

Standing under Brunelleschi’s ADVICE FOR

Duomo is an awe-inspiring TRAVELLERS
moment not to be missed

BEST TIME TO GO
Florence is always gorgeous
but can be unbearably hot in
the summer months of July
and August. To experience
something really special,
visit around Easter or
Epiphany and join in the
church services.
GETTING THERE
There are regular direct
flights from London to
Florence with BA, Vueling
and CityJet. To go very
cheaply, you can fly into Pisa
and take a short train journey
(also allowing you to spend
some time in Pisa as well).
WHAT TO PACK
Comfortable walking shoes,
light clothing that covers you
in the sun and the churches.
And don’t forget a camera.

WHAT TO BRING BACK
Italian delicacies from
Mercato Centrale. A hand-
made journal or sketchbook
from the Il Torchio workshop.
A bottle of Frescobaldi wine.

READERS’ VIEWS
Don’t miss San Marco
monastery. It is full of
Beato Angelico’s paintings
@PatriziaFgn

The Duomo is breathtaking,
also the statue of David is a
must-see. I was in awe!
Just around the corner is the drink. You can get a taste of all faint and turn the solid city @katemedwards
Ponte Vecchio, the medieval that Tuscany has to offer at the into a city of dreams, is a sight
Visit Piazza Santo Spirito...
bridge still busy with shops and Mercato Centrale, packed with to stir the coldest nature, and
one of the most beautiful
with a gorgeous view of the Arno stalls overflowing with meat, make a sympathetic one drunk
and tranquil squares in
river. If you like views, from the olives and cheese. Head to the with ecstasy.”
the world
Piazzale Michelangelo you can area around the Basilica di Santo @yesIcan121
see the whole of the city, as well Spirito for dinner, where you’ll Joanne Paul is a lecturer in early
as a bronze replica of Michelan- find exceptional pizza, coffee modern history at the University of
gelo’s David – the original can be and gelato. Sussex with a special interest in the
found at the Accademia Gallery. We all need a little passion in Renaissance. Her most recent book
No trip to Italy is complete our lives, and a visit to Florence is Thomas More (Polity, 2016)
without sampling its food and is good for the soul. As Mark
Twain once wrote: “To see the
sun sink down, drowned in his Read more of Joanne’s experiences
Been there…
GETTY IMAGES Have you visited Florence, floods, and overwhelm Florence Next month: Peter Cozzens
pink and purple and golden
at historyextra.com/!orence
Italy? Do you have a top tip for
with tides of colour that make
readers? Contact us via
explores Cody, Wyoming
all the sharp lines dim and
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BBC History Magazine 89