UCityGuides.com Travel News Blog » Florence

TOP 10 MOST ROMANTIC CITIES IN THE WORLD

UCityGuides.com Editor — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 11:18:11 +0000

The most romantic month of the year is here, the time when everyone starts thinking about Valentine’s Day or a romantic getaway.
Whether for Valentine’s or for a honeymoon at any other time, we have created the list of the world’s 10 most romantic cities in the world.
Of course there are the predictable destinations always associated with love and romance, but also others you may have overlooked.
Think of strolls down tree-lined boulevards, picturesque neighborhoods, fairytale architecture, magical views, horse-drawn carriages or trips down a canal, passionate dancing, and sensory pleasures. Think any of these seductive cities: THE 10 MOST ROMANTIC CITIES IN THE WORLD

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THE WORLD’S 10 MOST BEAUTIFUL CITIES

UCityGuides.com Editor — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:02:47 +0000

Whether stunningly sited or blending extraordinary architecture with magnificent scenery, the world’s most beautiful cities are captivating. While globalization has stripped many great metropolises of their aesthetic authenticity and bought much of their soul, there are still many cities that remain true to themselves, clinging to their cultural, architectural, and natural heritage.
UCityGuides.com has made a list of the 10 cities that have best managed to survive through time as exceptional places filled with remarkable beauty, soul, and distinctive natural scenery, and while beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, you’ll agree that these are indeed the most beautiful cities on the planet:

TOP 10 MOST BEAUTIFUL CITIES IN THE WORLD

YET ANOTHER PEDESTRIAN-FRIENDLY CITY: FLORENCE BANS CARS FROM ITS MAIN SQUARE

UCityGuides.com Editor — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:43:02 +0000

If New York can do it, everyone can. As recently reported by UCityGuides, New York is banning cars from its two most visited squares and now so is Florence. The city’s mayor has given the central piazza where the landmark Duomo stands to pedestrians only, and starting on the 25th of this month you won’t find any cars or public transport blocking your way there. To celebrate this more pedestrian-friendly environment, the city will host an open-sir concert on that day.
Another benefit of a car-free zone is that the Duomo’s marble will be cleaner for longer periods of time, without the grime caused by the constant traffic. The mayor also points out that this will improve the local quality of life and recalls the Greek concept of agora, a public square that is the center of a city’s civic life.
When riding the trains through Italy we often hear that a “treno pulito è più bello” (“a clean train is more beautiful”), so allows us to suggest a slogan to inspire other Italin cities to follow in Florence’s footsteps: “una piazza pulita è più bella.”
UCityGuides is a strong supporter of pedestrian-friendly cities or city centers, having nominated Copenhagen’s Strøget for one of the 7 Urban Wonders of the World, and look forward to hearing about other cities freeing up some space for people and cleaner, more pleasant environments.

-See the complete Florence city guide.
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THE BEAUTIES OF FLORENCE THROUGH THE EYES OF MASSIMO LISTRI IN PALAZZO PITTI

UCityGuides.com Editor — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:03:12 +0000

In addition to its countless Renaissance works, the lavish Palazzo Pitti in Florence is currently presenting a very temporary exhibition showing the rarely-seen interiors of the city’s opulent palaces. That is done through Massimo Listri’s photography that beautifully captures each extraordinary space and takes viewers closer to some hidden artistic spots. Until the 18th of this month you’ll be able to better understand the allure of the still-under-renovation Palazzo Martelli, Palazzo Davanzati, or the Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana, in perfectly-captured shots with three-dimensional quality. Listri is an artist in architectural imagery and this exhibition put together by ForGallery offers visitors an opportunity to see behind the walls of some of Florence’s biggest cultural treasures through his artistic eyes.

FLORENCE’S FIRST U_STAR HOTEL: THE NEW IL SALVIATINO HOTEL

UCityGuides.com Editor — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:03:41 +0000

One of the most romantic hotels in Florence is officially opening next month, a romantic retreat overlooking the center of the city from a panoramic hill. Il Salviatino Hotel is a 15th century palazzo surrounded by parkland, offering 61 rooms designed with opulent period furnishings and details, and is found 7km outside the city. The exact location is the town of Fiesole but you’ll feel you’re standing above Florence when looking out to the spectacular views of the city from the hotel. You’re just moments away from Michelangelo’s art and the spirit of the Renaissance but you’ll probably also want to spend some time at the hotel treating yourself to a rejuvenating spa treatment or relaxing at the landscaped gardens.
Some of the rooms also have their own private garden and views of the Duomo, while original artwork decorate your private space indoors together with plasma screens and music stations with iPod docks. You’ll also get a mixed traditional and contemporary taste of Tuscany in everything from the 100% Tuscan linen in your room, to the cuisine at the restaurant which serves inventive dishes made from traditional recipes. And because some guests can’t always be fully secluded, free Wi-Fi access is provided throughout the space to allow you to keep yourself connected to the world.
This is the first hotel in Florence to have been awarded a U_Star, and UCityGuides.com now offers you the opportunity to book a perfect stay at this enchanting retreat that provides the aristocratic Florence feel together with contemporary refinement, as illustrated by the photos below.

WHAT’S NEW IN THE NEW FLORENCE

UCityGuides.com Editor — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:13:26 +0000

When you take a break from its classic attractions and explore Florence’s contemporary side, you discover that the city is going through a modern Renaissance. Innovative artists and young entrepreneurs are placing Florence in the 21st century, and now you can see something besides Old Masters in an art tour of the city. Start with a visit to F.O.R., the city’s latest gallery where instead of paintings there are displays of cutting-edge contemporary photography by established and emerging photographers. You’ll see works by Umberto Gasche and Massimo Listri, but also look out for new, still-unknown names as the space discovers new talents.

Other contemporary art exhibits can be found at Villa Bardini, a restored 17th century building also known for its attractive gardens. It’s been hosting temporary exhibitions since it reopened in 2007, and its MoBa restaurant and lounge is one of the city’s latest hip hangouts. Chef Umberto Montano’s seafood served in an elegant contemporary space is the attraction, as are the drinks on the terrace overlooking the city.

Also already a major hotspot is the just-opened Q.B. Quantobasta, a multi-concept space that’s a restaurant, a wine bar, and cocktail lounge. It features a sleek interior design, and you can order Tuscan dishes to be accompanied by a variety of wines that you’ll see listed on over 50 pages.

Also opening its doors practically as you read this is Osteria Tornabuoni, found on the ground floor of Palazzo Tornabuoni. The specialty is Tuscan cuisine using only Tuscan ingredients, meaning a careful selection of cheeses from around Tuscany and an exclusively Tuscan wine list. The decor is also home-grown, the creation of Florentine designer Michele Bonan who chose to combine antiques and crystal chandeliers with modern pieces, further showing that Florence is now a harmonious mix of classic and contemporary elegance.