Florence

Popularly known as the seat of the Renaissance, Florence is romantic, perpetually vibrant and inherently mesmerising. The capital of the Tuscany region in Italy used to be one of the wealthiest cities of the medieval times and the luxuriance still shows, not only in the form of art and politics but also in the fact that fashion legends like Roberto Cavalli and Gucci were born here. Florence is one of the most celebrated places in the world and rightly so. The museums, art galleries and cathedrals are a class apart right from the Duomo to the Palazzo Vecchio, Basilica di Santa Croce to the Galleria dell’Accademia which is home to the most popular sculpture known to mankind—Michelangelo’s David. Critics have correctly pointed out that despite the minuscule size of the city, it is impossible to explore it in one go because there is just so much to see. The historic centre of Florence was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1982 and is replete with elements of Baroque, Neoclassical, Medieval and Modern architecture. The Arno River has been a constant source of sustainment for the city but that hasn’t stopped it from transforming into a bane if the floods are taken into account. Moreover, the culinary wonders of Florence (Tuscany to be more precise) have been a part of tales since time immemorial. Sample some Pizza Florentina, a portion of Trippa Alla Fiorentina or a plate of classic Ribollita in order to understand what I am hinting at. The wines are like nectar and will keep you asking for more.
As I walked along the river, mild and soothing tunes of the violin were wafting through the pleasant air. The golden street lights made the water sparkle in all its glory while the rest of the city stood silently and watched. The narrow lanes were calling me, it was like they spoke in a language I could comprehend and all I wanted to do was get lost into the unknown. This is Florence. It is an experience. It is like being in a state of trance. It is angelic and flawless, just like its unofficial emblem, David.