Florence, Italy

Firenze, Italy is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Florence is famous for its history and especially its importance in the Middle Ages and during the Renaissance. Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance and was the center of medieval fiance making it one of the wealthiest cities of its time.

The River Arno, which cuts through the heart of the city, has as much character in Florentine history as many of the people who lived there.

The River Arno, which cuts through the old part of the city, is as much a character in Florentine history as many of the people who lived there.

We spent New Year's Eve here and the crowds kept getting bigger and bigger.

Florence is reached every day by crowds of visitors who, in the attempt of seeing the city in only few days, are often overwhelmed by the huge amount of beauty and culture that the simple walking around its ancient streets.

The Italians know how to entertain. What a way to bring in the New Year 2012!

Santa Croce - Florence, Italy

The Basilica is the largest Franciscan church in the world. It has 16 chapels and many decorates with frescoes by Giotto and his pupils. Legend says that Santa Croce was founded by Saint Francis himself.

This is the place of some of the most illustrious Italians, such as Michaelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli and Rossini, thus known as the Temple of Italian Glories.

Here lies Michelangelo's tomb. Michelangelo was an Italian sculptor, painter, architect, poet and engineer. Some of his famous artwork was the sculpture of David and his ceiling paintings on the Sistine Chapel.

The Statue of Liberty, whose official name is Liberty Enlightening the World, illuminates New York but has a precursor in Santa Croce. The Florentine statue represents liberty of poetry and thus freedom of art and creativity. In her left hand she holds a lyre and a crown of laurel and in her right hand are the remnants of a broken chain, the symbol of defeated tyranny. She differs from her stern American cousin in her more feminine form and the gentle grace of her pose.

Bioagriturismo Poggio ai Lupi - Chianni, Italy

Near Chianni we rented a lovely farm. Surrounding the farm-house there are olive groves, vineyards, an orchard, pastures and crops, which are home to the rare Amiatina donkey. There is over 50 acres of woodland, which also belong to the farm and are criss-crossed by the recently-restored ancient tracks of the charcoal burners, which lead to the yards where they used to make coal. We made Tuscan dishes with the farm’s products. This farm also produces organic extra-virgin olive oil, white and red wine, honey, jams, tomato purees, mushrooms, tomatoes and artichokes in oil, spices. All I can say is yum.....

Siena, Italy

Step into the middle ages when you arrive in Siena. This Tuscan hill town has many magnificent buildings, built in the 1200s, full of astonishing artworks. The sloping red-brick Piazza del Campo is one of the biggest squares we have seen and has a dramatic Gothic look to some of the buildings. We spent hours shopping and this is the town my husband swears has the best pizza in all of Italy.

The center square

My Italian girl!