The first fingertips of sunlight caress the statues in the Piazza della Signoria, in the last cool breath of morning; as the day begins in Florence, cradle of the Renaissance. Somewhere, the sound of a Vespa breaks the silence, and Florentines rouse themselves for another day as curators and inhabitants of this living museum of Art. The longer you spend in the Tuscan capital, the more you realise how art, and artistry permeates every aspect of Florentine life; from opera festivals to olive oil, Chianti to handmade shoes.

And when you consider that at some points in the summer, visitors to the city will outnumber residents twenty to one, you realise what a remarkable job the Florentines have done of preserving their identity.

When writing parts of Florence In Your Pocket I did feel a little as if we were 'letting light in on the magic', by pointing out - for example - some of the less touristed eating and drinking establishments. A regular of a wine bar I know even offered us money not to write about his favourite, sedate watering hole. So please, tread softly through the City of the Lily - you will find the rewards all the richer.     

Buona Lettura! - happy reading!


THE ENTIRE CONTENTS OF MY ONLINE INTRODUCTION TO FLORENCE CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT INYOURPOCKET, ALONG WITH A TRANSPORT SECTION, VISA INFORMATION AND SO ON. MY THANKS TO THEM FOR LETTING ME REPRODUCE THE WORK COMMISSIONED FOR FLORENCE IN YOUR POCKET