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Florence's Ponte Vecchio at sunset
Photo © Ramiro Castro Xiques
Photo © Ramiro Castro Xiques

Romantic Florence: 5 ideas for falling in love

A day to spend hand in hand, embraced by art, beauty and love

Florence: cradle of the Renaissance, a unique treasure trove like nowhere else in the world and home to some of the greatest artists of the past. A historic center declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you encounter history with every step you take and around every corner.

However, Florence is also a romantic city with a beauty that provides a backdrop for love stories, while giving couples the chance to experience magical moments.

Here are 5 ideas for a romantic day, with Florence acting as Cupid.

Contents
  • 1.
    An elegant breakfast
  • 2.
    A passionate walk
  • 3.
    A fragrant afternoon
  • 4.
    A breathtaking sunset
  • 5.
    A night at the opera
1.

An elegant breakfast

The interior of Caffè Gilli in Florence
Caffè Gilli in Florence - Credit: Caffè Gilli - pagina FB
A romantic day in Florence really has to start at the tables of one of the city's historic cafés, amid perfectly preserved period furnishings, anecdotes, historical events and artistic movements. Take your time, surrounded by Art Nouveau details and wooden paneling, between a sip of coffee and a cookie.
1.

A passionate walk

The façade of Palazzo Bianca Cappello in Florence
Palazzo Bianca Cappello - Credit: Sailko / WikiCommons

Florence is dotted with clues and evidence of the great love stories of the past that took place around the city's streets and buildings.
A walk through the narrow streets of the city center will lead you to the small Church of Santa Margherita dei Cerchi, where you can relive the excitement of Dante and Beatrice's first meeting. More than one Florentine location was the scene of the most famous love story of the Renaissance: the love, at first clandestine, between Francesco I dei Medici and Bianca Cappello. Lastly, can you spot the bull's head carved on the Dome of the Cathedral? Now try to imagine the reason for this curious presence.

1.

A fragrant afternoon

The Giardino delle Rose, Florence
The Rose Garden

About 400 varieties of roses and an incredible view of the entire historic center of Florence. Just below Piazzale Michelangelo you will find one of the most romantic corners in the city: the Giardino delle Rose (Rose Garden). Come and spend a few hours in this little paradise, among the scents of the flowers and the sculptures by Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon.

1.

A breathtaking sunset

Ponte Vecchio at sunset
Ponte Vecchio at sunset - Credit: Sansa55 via CanvaPro

A day like this has to include a sunset! One of those romantic sunsets that ignite the skies of Florence and warm the hearts of those lucky enough to be at Piazzale Michelangelo, at the Orti del Parsano, on Ponte alle Grazie, or in another place that offers a privileged view of the city and this unforgettable sight.

1.

A night at the opera

Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino - Credit: © Camilla Riccò/TerraProject/Contrasto

Put on your best clothes and head to the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, a modern, multifunctional and captivating building with a façade that shines in the darkness. Get comfortable in one of the 1890 seats in the main hall; the music will take care of the rest.

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