Please welcome guest blogger, Katerina, from the website Florence by Katerina.
Starting in Piazza del Duomo, I catch myself staring at the huge masterpiece set in the historic center. It sticks out like a beautiful jewel. I lose my ability to speak while my guide explains to us how Filippo Brunelleschi constructed it. I wonder how someone could have had this vision so unfathomable, beautiful and actually create it. Made the wheels in my head start to turn and shift to thinking that Florence is where all dreams come true.
My Disney World.
Let's stroll down Via dei Calzaioli to Piazza della Signoria, shall we? Taking one step slower than the next, zig-zagging through tourists, window-shopping to our desires(shoes, jewelry, shoes), stopping for some Gelato if we so choose to. What a way to start our first day in remarkable Florence!
During the Summer months the main streets of the historic center can be jam-packed with tour groups. As we all know, the economy isn't allowing many Americans to take their Florence vacation like they were planning but a few will still be traveling, over 4 million of us this year, says Rick Steves. The economy will not stop the travel junkies from giving up visiting where the Renaissance still thrives.
Returning to Florence... Piazza della Signoria explodes with people and culture as we reach the end of Via dei Calzaioli. Our eyes walk up the long tower that is the Palazzo Vecchio, where the Medici family created their empire. The matching blue sky brings heaven to us right down on earth. Soaking in culture, language and the busy atmosphere of the piazza around us. The Neptune fountain sits in the piazza, a popular meeting spot and backdrop for a photo.
A plaque with an inscription of what took place on May 23, 1498 on these cobblestones lays in the exact center. A memorial which a lot of people disregard. Girolamo Savonarola was burned at the stake, in true Salem witch style, for going against the Church of Rome. Savonarola was a preacher who was known for burning books and preaching about the practice of virtues. He was not trying to fight the Church of Rome rather he wanted to correct what was wrong with the Church. The Pope won and had him executed in Piazza della Signoria in front of his patrons and followers. Though sad and horrible, Savonarola's story is yet another reason I find this city enchanting. He never gave up on what he believed was right. He pursued his dreams, yet in those days people couldn't let him be even if they believed in something the norm did not.
The entrance of the Palazzo Vecchio has a very famous man standing guard, the David. Obviously, it is a fake one, the original is polished and gawked at in the Accademia near Piazza San Marco. This replica David was placed here in 1910 to replace the real David that was removed from Piazza della Signoria in 1873. Focusing our attention towards the river, the crossroads beckons us, in the Uffizi Gallery or a slight left heading towards Via dei Neri.
Which way feels right? I feel the momentum building. Onwards down the corridor of the Uffizi. Where statues of famous Florentines were placed like an army, standing at attention. Exuding the traditions and culture of Florence from each gaze. The Arno river approaches us on the other side. Crossing the street very cautiously as motorinos like to buzz up fast behind us. We find the popular spot of looking to the right at the Ponte Vecchio. Then turning left we can gaze up at Piazzale Michelangelo. So much to see. So much to absorb.
As the crowds start to gather around us, I feel it is time to find the most secluded piazza of Florence. Which gives me the gift of concentrating on my own thoughts without the distraction of daily life. Uprooting us from the hustle of the city, I want to bring you to my most favorite place in Florence. Located off Borgo Santi Apostoli, you will know when you have arrived. It opens into a small, quiet, deserted piazza with a touch of the modern world across from it. Piazza del Limbo is so incredibly special to me. My art and architecture teacher brought my fellow classmates and I to this very spot in 2002. Coming at a time when the church was unfortunately and typically closed, Vera said this church 'is one of the oldest in all of Florence', lived through the flood of 1966, and if ever I had a chance to visit it, I should. I followed her advice the next time I arrived in Florence in 2005, I made my way to the heart of the church that seemed to be a treasure I had finally uncovered.

How right she was!
It is a magical church that speaks to my soul each time I set foot inside. I have never had such a transformation and immediate feeling of contentment in any place until Santi Apostoli Church. I made it a ritual to visit the church as often as I could whenever I was in Florence. I lit candles, revisited some frescoes that have been restored, said prayers for loved ones, and felt rejuvenated each time I walked outside onto the cobblestones. I always had a new-found hope in myself and where my life was headed. Sant' Ambrogio is another area that carries my heart. I have met new friends in Piazza Sant' Ambrogio before. There is the Sant' Ambrogio market that is bustling always during the early mornings and weekends. Not as large as the San Lorenzo market but has just as big of a heart.
One gorgeous August day, Manon and I took a nice needed walk around Sant' Ambrogio. Manon became a fast friend while I was her roommate for only 3 weeks this past summer. Manon is from Montpellier and there was something about her that I was drawn to instantly. It could have been her same knowledge of Italian that assisted us both to improve our language skills, or the fact that she let me live in her room for one week more without hesitation. That day in the market we strolled through the fresh produce, smelling the flowers that were basking in the sun was incredibly special. Conversing about life and love, shopping and shoes.
We found ourselves hungry so we went to the first little lunch table we saw. Right inside the market, to escape the humid sun we sat and enjoyed an authentic, delicious lunch. San Niccolò is a quiet area on the Oltrarno that comes to life at night. With chic and trendy aperitifs at Zoe and Negroni to secluded little restaurants like BevoVino and Osteria Antica Mescita San Niccolò. The selections are endless. If you happen to make your way to the Oltrarno, BevoVino is one place that cannot be missed. Their simple, freshly made dishes are one of a kind, authentic Tuscan. The friendly staff makes the experience and an added bonus catch a glimpse of the jazz trio that plays every night as an ending to your romantic meal.
All these piazza's, streets in Florence really bring your back to what is truly Florentine culture. All the big landmarks, museums are well and good, but what about the little streets like Borgo Santi Apostoli, Via San Niccolò. Don't forget the blood of Florence runs through all the streets, alleys, and deadends. See if you can feel the heart beat of this magnificent city like I can. Step out of your comfort zone and get lost. Explore. Live. And talk to the locals. If I had a choice I would settle in an apartment on Borgo Santi Apostoli. The street, although connected to the very busy Via Por Santa Maria, it is surprisely quiet. Perhaps drawing from the solitude of Piazza del Limbo, softly honoring the sleeping babies put to rest below the church's stones.