People ask me what my favorite 'Must-see" in Firenze is. Is it the Uffizi? Il Duomo? David at the Accademia? Santa Croce? Piazzale Michelangelo? Boboli Gardens? All great choices! The list goes on and on with all the richness that Florence has to offer...the art, the history, the architecture, the food, the wine, the churches. You might think that I'd have a difficult time choosing...but I don't. The answer might surprise you because my absolute favorite...'What if I only had one day to be in Firenze' "Must-See" is.....(drumroll here) The Arno River. Yes, the Arno! I love her like a close friend and confidant.
I've walked along her in the daylight, when the sun is setting, in the early evening, and my most favorite time - in the middle of the night, when no one is out and I have her all to myself. (see a snippet of one of my walks in the video) It is my walking meditation as I breathe in beauty, strength, confidence, and as I welcome in wisdom, courage and synchronicity. The Arno brings me back to myself every time.
What would Firenze look like without the Arno River? I can’t even imagine! At any given time of the day, the reflections of the city dance along the river, and provide a canvas for the most breathtaking views, blending so perfectly that it’s sometimes difficult to discern where the earth ends and the sky begins.
I have walked the Arno and her bridges hundreds, maybe even thousands of times. Even when I'm in NYC I take the walk in my mind's eye. It is one of THE most special places for me. And if someone gave me the chance to fly in and out of Firenze for a day, the first place I would run to is...The Arno.
What is your favorite "Must-See?" I'd love it if you shared in the Comments section. Grazie! Ciao! Buon Weekend & Big Love, PatriciaG
Here's that snippet of the video I promised.