The Grand Tour of Italy - Florence - Only for paupers

Florence

Round and about in Florence

Ponte Vecchio

We’ve been to Italy a few times but my previous knowledge of Florence was limited to the Magic Roundabout. I’d booked a Hotel near the station but was a bit worried it was too cheap. The Hotel Elite at 40 Euros per night turned out to be fine and was our comfortable home for the next two nights. One of the advantages of staying at cheaper accommodation is that the restaurants or Trattorias they recommend are at the value end of the price range. For lunch we went to the Restaurant of the 100 paupers - Ostaria dei Centopoveri in the Via Palazzuola. Apparently back in time the church used to provide meals for 100 poor people. We had to pay 10 Euros each but it was brilliant. They have a 10 Euro ‘set meal’ at lunchtime. I had fresh spaghetti with tomato and then a main of mixed meats on a skewer. Wine, mineral water and coffee were also included. Suitably fed we headed off to the main tourist area. There are so many shops in Florence, it's best to go there late in the evening when they are closed and TW cannot be tempted. Ponte Vecchio, the Iconic Bridge is a case in point, it’s lined with Jewellery shops and Goldsmiths! Despite such temptations we had a good wander around and spent little, although a beer and a tea in that area cost 14 Euros! In the evening we went to another lovely Trattoria, Il Contadino, also in the Via Palazzuola. For 13 Euros I had Minestrone Soup, not with pasta but with bread, followed by Swordfish, really nice. TW had a Raviolli starter with Swordfish to follow. Wine and mineral water were included. Traditional Florentine food is quite simple and, in the right place, excellent value.

The local buses are useful, you can buy a 90 mins. ticket for 1Euro25. We made up our own tour jumping on and off the buses. We returned to the Centopoveri for our Anniversary evening meal. We had Fiorentina Beef which is a local speciality. The set meal cost us 28 Euros each and was excellent.

Beggars belief

The Duomo

I think I have incurred a few gypsy curses. Tourists have to run the gauntlet of some fearsome individuals as they enter and leave the Renaissance Churches and other sights. One particular creature sitting on the entrance steps of a famous church would frighten the Medusa. She held out a paper cup hoping I would put something in it – not likely. There are also begging men who lie on the pavement with their heads to the stones and their backsides in the air. They look as they are watching telly through the cracks in the stones. Their hands are upturned to receive offerings from the tourists. I suppose some people must give them money?

We didn’t go into many of the attractions, too costly and too crowded, but Florence is a great place to wander around, the locals are very friendly and hospitable.

Next stop Venice.