Florence

Florence Awaits: Your Ultimate Italian Escape

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Florence Uncovered: Trattorias, Wine Bars, Day Trips & Quirky Local Secrets (Fact-Checked & Fun)

FLORENCE FOOD & WINE SPOTLIGHT: TRATTORIAS & WINE BARS

Classic Trattorias with Soul
“In Florence, dinner isn’t served — it’s celebrated.”

- Antico Ristoro di Cambi (Oltrarno)
Via S. Onofrio 1r | +39 055 217134 | Avg €25 | Wine €8
Must-try: Ribollita (Tuscan veggie stew) & Bistecca alla Fiorentina (massive T-bone steak)
Closed Sundays — plan accordingly!

- La Casalinga (Between Pitti Palace & Santa Maria del Carmine)
Via del Michelozzo 9r | +39 055 218624 | Avg €20
Bustling, no-frills, authentic. Go early — it’s always packed!

- Salumeria Vini Trattoria (Historic center)
Via Ghibellina 27 | +39 055 679 390
Florence’s best bargain meal — but closed Sat & Sun!

Wine Bars & Standing Sips
“In Florence, wine isn’t just a drink — it’s a ritual.”

- Le Volpi e L’Uva (Piazza de’ Rossi 1)
Riccardo & Emilio curate perfect pairings: local wine + artisanal salami & pecorino. Cozy, intimate, unforgettable.

- Vini (Via dei Cimatori 38)
Opened in 1875 — one of Florence’s last true vino al banco (standing wine bars).
Just lean on the pavement, sip Chianti Classico, and watch the world go by. No seats. No pretense. Pure Florentine.

- GustaVino (Modern twist)
Via della Condotta, 37/R | +39 055 2399 806 | Avg €30
Sleek, contemporary, great for wine flights + small plates. Perfect post-shopping recharge.

ESCAPE THE CITY: FLORENCE’S COOLEST DAY TRIPS

“When Florence sizzles, the hills whisper.”

Fiesole: The Poet’s Hilltop Escape
- Take Bus 7 from Santa Maria Novella station 30 mins to panoramic bliss.
- See: Roman Theatre (1st century BC!), San Francesco Church, Etruscan walls.
- Byron, Shelley, and Boccaccio all waxed lyrical about these views.
- Second Sunday of the month Don’t miss Fiesole’s charming antique market!

Chianti Wine Country (Just South of Florence)
- Rent a car or motorbike for maximum freedom — twisty roads, vineyards, castles.
- Must-sees: Greve in Chianti, Castellina, Radda, Badia a Coltibuono.
- No car Trains/buses go to Siena (1hr), San Gimignano, Arezzo, Lucca, Pisa.
Pro tip: Dedicate 2 days to Siena — it’s worth it.

Picnic Perfection: Hills of Careggi, Settignano & Beyond
- Olive groves + vineyard views = ideal picnic spots.
- Grab bread, pecorino, salami, and a bottle from Mercato Centrale find shade under cypress trees.

WHERE TO STAY: FROM HOSTELS TO HILLSIDE VILLAS

Budget & Mid-Range in the City
- Hostels: Veneto (behind the Duomo), Soggiorno Prestipino (near train station), Armonia, International Student House, Camping Michelangelo (yes, a campground with epic views!).
- B&Bs & Guesthouses:
Beatrice Hotel, Hotel Guelfa, Il Ghiro, Tourist House, Cinque Sensi, Leopolda, Nella, Giappone, Collodi, Palazzo Lucchesi, Alamanni, Gemini Studios.

Tuscan Countryside Retreats
- Borghetto di San Filippo – thermal springs + rustic charm.
- Hotel Borgo Sant’Ippolito – countryside elegance.
- Villa dei Bosconi – private villa vibes with pool & vineyard views.

QUIRKY TIPS & FUN FACTS

Fact Check: Yes, Vini on Via dei Cimatori really opened in 1875, confirmed by Florence City Archives. One of the last standing wine counters!

Wine Wisdom: In Florence, “un quarto” = 0.25L of house wine. Often under €5. Don’t be shy to ask!

Steak Secret: Bistecca alla Fiorentina is traditionally cooked rare, if you ask for well-done, locals may gently sigh (but still serve you).

Bus Hack: Bus 7 to Fiesole doesn’t always show up on Google Maps. Look for the orange ATAF signs near the train station.

Literary Nook: Fiesole inspired E.M. Forster’s A Room with a View, visit Villa San Girolamo, where part of the novel is set.

Cheese Alert: Pecorino Toscano DOP is the local sheep’s cheese, milder than Roman pecorino. Perfect with honey or pears.

FINAL TIP:
Florence in summer Escape midday heat with a countryside picnic or wine bar siesta. Return to the city at golden hour, when the Duomo glows and the crowds thin.

Florence isn’t just art and architecture, it’s ribollita steam rising, wine poured on cobblestones, and hilltop breezes whispering stories older than the Medici.
Go beyond the postcard. Taste it. Sip it. Wander it.

Buon viaggio!

American Cemetery In Florence

#Florence - #American #WarHeroes Cemetery #travel #italy #FrizeMedia

American Cemetery Florence Italy

Explore the serene and tranquil beauty of Florence, a city that seamlessly combines its rich historical past with its vibrant cultural present. As you wander through the enchanting streets, take a moment to pay homage to the brave American soldiers who found eternal rest in the captivating cemetery of Florence. This incredible journey through Italy will immerse you in the city's cultural heritage, allowing you to uncover inspiring stories of bravery and selflessness.

Florence, renowned for its awe-inspiring architecture and artistic wonders, offers a distinctive and unparalleled experience for travelers seeking to delve into the past. From the iconic Duomo to the magnificent Uffizi Gallery, every corner of this city has a narrative to share. Envision yourself strolling along the shores of the Arno River, surrounded by picturesque landscapes that have served as a muse for countless artists throughout history.

While exploring Florence, you will have the chance to witness firsthand the captivating allure that has charmed visitors for centuries. Lose yourself in the narrow alleys adorned with cobblestones in the Oltrarno neighborhood, where skilled craftsmen continue to practice traditional arts that have been handed down through generations. Take a leisurely stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, Florence's oldest bridge, and marvel at the dazzling jewelry boutiques that grace its sides.

To truly comprehend the significance of the American cemetery in Florence, it is vital to reflect on the sacrifices made by these valiant individuals. The cemetery stands as a poignant reminder of the price of freedom and a testament to the enduring bond between Italy and the United States. With its immaculately maintained grounds and serene ambiance, the cemetery provides a space for contemplation and paying tribute to the memory of those who gave their lives.

While exploring Florence, take the time to visit other historical landmarks that bear witness to the city's rich heritage. Admire the towering Palazzo Vecchio, the seat of power during the Renaissance era, and step inside the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore to marvel at its magnificent dome, ingeniously crafted by Filippo Brunelleschi.

Rely on FrizeMedia to be your reliable companion on this unforgettable adventure. With our expertise and local knowledge, we will ensure that your trip to Florence is filled with indelible moments and enriching experiences. Book your trip now and embark on a journey that will create cherished memories to last a lifetime.

Florence is the heart of the art located in the middle of Tuscany. It has represented for centuries the cradle of art, in all its forms and expressions. This enormous and priceless heritage has attracted people from all over the world, making Florence one of the most popular tourist destinations. This has not always been the case though, at least for some years. Thousands of soldiers were sent to Europe, and Italy, during the Second World War and Florence became a land to conquer and then to defend.

Museums, churches, cathedrals, piazzas and other beauties of Florence were no longer the aim of those who came from far away. Sadly, many would not make their way back home and thanks to their lives, Florence, Italy and Europe could find again its previous freedom. For those who want to pay homage to these lost but not forgotten lives, they can visit the Florence American Cemetery, located on the west side of Via Cassia, about 10 km south of Florence.

The Rome-Milan motorway passes nearby and its Certosa-Florence exit is about 3 km from the cemetery. The "SITA" bus station provides a frequent bus service along Via Cassia. The bus stop is conveniently located just outside the cemetery gate. The site covers seventy acres and is duly kept in perfect order, with a variety of beautiful trees and bushes around immaculate lawns, on the west side of the Greve River.

Between the two entrance buildings, a bridge leads to the burial area where the headstones of 4.402 American military are arrayed in symmetrical curved rows upon the hillside. Most of them died in the fighting that occurred after the capture of Rome in 1944, including casualties of the heavy fighting in the Apennines shortly before the end of the war. Above the burial area on three broad terraces stands the memorial marked by a tall pylon surmounted by a large sculptured figure depicting the spirit of peace.

The memorial has two open atria joined by the Tablets of the Missing upon which are inscribed the names of 1.409 Americans who gave their lives in the service of their country and who rest in unknown graves. The architects of the cemetery and monument were McKim, Mead and White. The landscape architects were Clarke and Rapuano. The cemetery is open to visitors all year round. In Summer (16th April- 30th September) from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm, every day, and in Winter (1st October - 15th April) from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm, again every day.

How many US soldiers are buried in Europe?
There are 13 American cemeteries and 3 monuments in Europe. According to the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC), there are 89,033 soldiers honored in the 13 cemeteries. 73,177 are buried; 15,856 are listed as missing. There are 3 monuments maintained by the commission—one in England and 2 in Normandy, France.

Are there US soldiers buried in France?
Lorraine American Cemetery | American Battle Monuments Commission
The Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial in France covers 113.5 acres and contains the largest number of graves of U.S military dead of World War II in Europe, a total of 10,481.

Where are American soldiers buried in Europe?
Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery
The Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in France is the largest American military cemetery in Europe with 14,246 graves, dwarfing World War II's Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial's 9,387 graves by 4,859.

How many US soldiers died in Italy?
Italian Campaign
Among these were more than 150,000 U.S. troops (92,000 wounded, more than 60,000 killed or missing); roughly 145,000 troops of the British Commonwealth (nearly 100,000 wounded, 45,000 killed or missing); almost 31,000 Free French (almost 24,000 wounded, 7,000 killed or missing).

Where is the largest US military cemetery in Europe?
Overview. Within the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery and Memorial in France, which covers 130.5 acres, rest the largest number of U.S military dead in Europe, a total of 14,246. Most of those buried here lost their lives during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive of World War I.

Are there American soldiers buried in Italy?
Sicily-Rome American Cemetery | American Battle Monuments
The Sicily-Rome American Cemetery lies in Nettuno, 38 miles south of Rome, near the renowned Anzio beachhead. This World War II burial ground rises in a gentle slope from a broad pool with an island, among groups of Italian cypress trees. Nearly 7900 American servicemembers and civilians are buried here.

How do I get to the American cemetery in Florence?
Florence American Cemetery | American Battle Monuments Commission
Florence American Cemetery is located on the West side of Via Cassia, about 7.5 miles south of Florence. The A-1 Autostrada passes near the cemetery. Take the Firenze-Impruneta exit from the A-1 Autostrada and drive approximately two miles southbound to the cemetery.

How many Americans are buried at the Florence American Cemetery?
4,399
The Florence American Cemetery and Memorial can be found in Impruneta, 12 kilometers south of Florence, in Italy. The site covers 70 acres and contains the graves of 4,399 of American soldiers killed during the Second World War. Most of them fell in the fighting that ensued after the capture of Rome in June 1944.