A massive old cemetery located in and around the Abbey…read more based on the initial stones that I ran into, they were hundreds and hundreds of years old, but quickly became apparent. This is an active cemetery. So out of respect I departed rather than wander around

A lovely church located in the heart of Florence. Amazing works of art but the church lacks the…read moregrandeur of other locations. A very nice place to pray and reflect. Very interesting history of construction and reconstruction. Worth a visit.

Santa Maria Maggiore may just be the most forgettable church in Florence. Most tourists will just…read morewalk by this church. We visited because I was interested in the hidden secret (below). It is, after all, one of Florence's oldest churches (some say the oldest). The church has an unfinished exterior. We enjoyed the peace and quiet during our visit. There is a hidden secret on the outside of the church. It is about a "petrified woman" known as "Berta," whose head comes out in a disquieting way from the stones of the walls of the church. You really have to look for it on the Via Cerretani. The story goes that on September 16, 1327, Cecco d'Ascoli, a doctor, astrologer and teacher, was being led to execution after predicting that the future queen of Naples would be 'inclined to lust'--an accurate prophecy as it turned out: (Joanna I had four husbands, one of whom she killed, and she was suffocated to death in her own bed.) As Ascoli was being marched to the bonfire on which he would be burned, crowds poured out into the street to shout and jeer at the poor man. When he passed in front of the church, he begged the crowd for a little water for his parched throat. Berta, watching from a window in the bell tower, shouted cruelly, 'He's a wizard! If he drinks he shall not burn!' Ascoli, in response to the woman's meanness, cursed her, saying, 'And you shall never again lift up your head from that place!' To this day, her petrified head can be seen on the wall of the tower, waiting to be freed from the curse.

Most people might not be aware, but Brazil participated on the side of the Allies during World War…read moreII. Interesting, because their former colonial masters in Portugal sat out the war following a declaration of neutrality. In 1944, 25,000 soldiers of the Brazilian Expeditionary Force fought against German and Italian troops in Italy. In their final push, the Brazilians advanced as far as Turin and on May 2 they joined up with French troops at the border in Susa. This cemetery in Pistoia was the initial burial place of most of the Brazilians who died in the war. The cemetery once contained the remains of 463 Brazilian soldiers, most of whom lost their lives in the Italian Spring Offensive in 1945. But 15 years after the war's end, the cemetery was closed, and their remains were removed and officially re-interred in Brazil, at the new "Monumento Nacional aos Mortos da Segunda Guerra Mundial." This current war cemetery is located on Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro. After the remains were transferred, the body of a soldier was found remaining in the cemetery. The Brazilian Government chose to leave it there and create a new Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In 1967 the cemetery reopened with the inauguration of a new monument. It is a quiet and respectful place. Well cared for, a groundskeeper was trimming the grass when we visited. There is street parking nearby. [Review 17063 overall - 252 in Italy - 579 of 2022.]

Mercato del Porcellino is best known in Firenze for two things - firstly, there is a statue of a…read morepig that sits at the edge of the market in a fountain that is apparently good luck to rub and toss a coin in (hence the name of the market). Secondly, it's home to a large cluster of street vendors selling mostly leather goods along with a few other items. We thought it would be a good idea to explore this during our time in Firenze since we were looking for some gifts to bring home. In terms of content, what's being sold at Porcellino is really no different than what you see from vendors throughout the city - lots of leather goods such as bags, wallets, folios, belts, and catchalls. I also noticed a selection of scarves and other small accessories. What makes Procellino stand out is the sheer concentration of the vendors in one space, so you can take the time to explore one right after the other. Also, because they're so close the smell of the leather is really concentrated - I was taking deep sniffs as I was walking around the market. I ended up buying two belts, and my brother ended up getting a few gifts for the upcoming holidays. Prices aren't bad, you can pay face value/what they offer, but also be prepared to haggle and be charged different prices whether you pay with card or cash. Overall, it's definitely worth a stop while you're in Firenze - you never know what you may find - also pet the pig.

We liked this market. Majority of the vendors offered leather goods or "Italia"/"Florence" merch. I…read morefound the prices to be very reasonable, especially for what seemed like high quality leather goods. We were on somewhat of a time crunch due to being on a shore excursion, but I could have spent a long time here.

I read about this in a blog post on cute stores in Florence. It's a tiny bookmaking shop and had to…read morestop by! They make leather journals and books and sell paper and pens and leatherbound books. What a great small business and artisan to support!

Found this place due to an online blog and I had to stop in and shop…read more The store is easy to find and get to via public transportation (from the main train station take bus D) and get off at Bardi, and a short walk and you are there. It is close to the Ponte Vecchio bridge and other popular tourist spots. The shop is quaint, the products are beautifully handcrafted, and the owner is incredibly friendly and helpful.

Stumbled upon this delightful shop while wandering around Florence this afternoon. The products…read moresold here are of incredible quality and absolutely beautiful. The staff was incredibly kind and gracious and I felt very welcomed. It was especially great to watch patrons getting their leather products custom stamped. I'd definitely recommend this shop to anyone looking for a uniquely Florentine gift for someone. Also, although a previous reviewer said they didn't take credit cards, they did while I visited today!

Really nice books. Pricey and don't take credit cards but really nice staff. They embellish…read moreinitials on books for free.