Founded around 60 BC, Florence is considered by many to be an open-air museum. It is the capital of the region of Tuscany, has a population of around half a million inhabitants and spreads along both banks of the Arno. Firenze, as it is known to the locals, is also known as the Cradle of the Renaissance and for something completely different - the birthplace of gelato and Pinocchio!!

The historical centre is small and easily walkable and is where we spent a lot of our time. Beware the piazzas are packed with people and it can be hard to just spend time admiring the architecture or monuments without getting jostled.

Visit Piazza della Signoria to see the sculptures on display. The Florentines considered Hercules the founder of their city and he is close to the hearts of the people thus he has a prominent position in the piazza. One favourite for many was Cellini's bronze Perseus holding high the severed head of Medusa as he stands over her dead body. Quite famous in Greek mythology apparently!!

Piazza del Duomo and the Duomo Complex. Many structures make up this gigantic complex, including the famous Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore with its famous dome, the Campanile, the Baptistery, and the Museo dell' Opera del Duomo. This plaza is literally the heart of the historic centre of Florence.

The Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore ) (commonly referred to as the Duomo) was begun at the end of the 13th century, and the dome, which dominates the exterior, was added in the 15th century. The exterior is covered in a decorative mix of pink, white and green marble. The dome, despite its enormous size, was built with no scaffolding at all. And the man that designed it was a goldsmith by trade! The Duomo's relatively barren interior can be a bit of a disappointment after seeing its festive exterior, but most of the art was removed to the Duomo Museum after the 1966 flood. Still, entry into the Duomo is free, so if you need a break from the weather or crowds you can wander around inside.

The main attraction of the Baptistery is actually on the outside. The set of doors that faces the front of the Duomo was designed by Ghiberti in the early 1400s, and a young Michelangelo thought they were so beautiful that they could be the Gates of Paradise. The original panels are now kept in the Duomo Museum, but the replicas on the Baptistery are still gorgeous and still attract quite a crowd.

Campanile Tower (Giotto's Bell Tower). It is considered one of the most beautiful spires of Italy thanks to its harmonious colouringand its sculptural decorations. The tower is made of white, green and red marble, very similar to the Cathedral and is regarded as one of the finest examples of Florentine Gothic architecture. Construction began in 1334. The lower floor of the tower is decorated with 54 bas-reliefs and the top part of the belfry has numerous alcoves adorned with statues of saints and prophets. The slender structure is square with a 15 metre base and is 84.7 metres tall. The Campanile has seven bells. The largest of which is called Santa Reparata, in honour of the saint to which the original church was dedicated. The others are called: Misericordia, Apostolica , the Assunta, the Mater Dei, the Annunziata and the Immacolata, all these names are in some way tied to the Blessed Mother, and the dedication of the church named: Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore.

The Arno River flows in the Italian region of Tuscany and is the most important river in central Italy after the Tevere (the Tiber). It is 241 kilometres long and covers ​​8228 square kilometres. It crosses and neatly divides Florence into two parts. The Arno is strongly tied to the history of the city: it has been the source of employment as well as an entertainment venue during festivals and sporting events. The Arno passes below many bridges in Florence each with their own stories and characteristics. The names of the bridges from the southern part of Florence are: Ponte San Niccolò, Ponte alle Grazie, the picturesque Ponte Vecchio with its Vasari Corridor, Ponte Santa Trinita, Ponte alla Carraia, Ponte Vespucci, Ponte alla Vittoria, and finally Ponte dell'Indiano.

Ponte Vecchio, the oldest of the bridges across the River Arno, may seem a tourist market these days, but it's been lined by shops ever since it was rebuilt in 1345, after its wooden predecessor was washed away in a flood. Initially, there were all types of shops, including butchers and fishmongers and, later, tanners, whose "industrial waste" caused a pretty rank stench in the area. In 1593, Ferdinand I decreed that only goldsmiths and jewellers be allowed to have their shops on the bridge in order to improve the wellbeing of all, including their own as they walked over the bridge. During World War II it was the only bridge across the Arno that the fleeing Germans did not destroy. Instead they blocked access by demolishing the medieval buildings on each side.

Piazzale Michelangelo is a large square atop a hill and is the place to go if you want panoramic views of Florence and the Arno River. It may be a classic tourist stop, but it never fails to capture the heart and imagination of those who visit. You can walk up or catch a bus (only cost about 1.5 Euros). We elected to catch the bus up to the top of the hill and then to walk back down linto the city. It is a great walk and you go through some really nice parks.

Unfortunately my abiding memory of this city is going to be the fact I fell victim to the scourge of the 21st century - the pickpocket. Despite separating everything and using one of those you beaut anti-theft, anti-slash, RDIF safe travel bags some enterprising person still managed to get one of my wallets while we were on a train. Goodbye travel money.....

This happened despite us stopping by the Loggia of the New Market near Ponte Vecchio to rub the nose of Porcellino for a bit of luck!! The famous Fontana del Porcellino mostly served a practical function for the market as it was the source of fresh water but it has also been a decorative one. The bronze statue's popular name 'Porcellino' (piglet) is technically incorrect as the statue actually depicts a boar. The fountain is a copy of Pietro Tacca's work from 1633.

But I refuse to let this ruin my holiday. I may have to curb my spending but I am going to continue to enjoy my trip. I just hope whoever stole my money actually needed it and was not just plain greedy!!