Product Description
<b>George Esperidis</b> – an art historian and passionate admirer of Italy – presents his guidebook to Florence and Pistoia as the first part of his Tuscan duology. The author invites you on an unforgettable journey through the ancient streets of Dante and Michelangelo, Da Vinci and Galileo, the Medici and Petrarch. With this guide, which serves as a complete replacement for a professional tour guide, you will immerse yourself in the spirit of Florence through its architecture, its literature, and, of course, the lives of those who made this city the cradle of the Italian Renaissance.<br><br><b>A Word of Caution! </b><br>This guide is crafted for those who wish to truly embrace the essence of Florence, to feel the illusion of time standing still on its winding streets, and to savor its paradoxes and dichotomies. This journey is long and thoughtful, as it should be for one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. If you're interested only in clothing shops, boutiques, malls, and nightclubs, this guide might not be for you.<br><br><b>Florence: The Mother of Cities </b><br>This guide contains all the necessary information to start your journey through Florence and Tuscany! What’s the best season to visit the city of Dante? What do you need to know to avoid any surprises? All the answers are in one book!<br><br><b>The Country of Meat, Wine, and Architectural Masterpieces</b><br>You’ll get a brief overview of Tuscany – a region centered around Florence, which fatefully became the birthplace of the “fathers” of the Italian Renaissance and its brightest representatives. Inside this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about Tuscany to embark on an unforgettable journey through it!<br><br><b>The City of Eternal Renaissance</b><br>Such grandeur didn’t appear out of thin air! This guide offers a simple and clear “historical map” – an interwoven tapestry of destinies, names, and empires that culminated in Florence, one of Europe’s most magnificent cities.<br><br><b>Florence: A Long-Awaited Encounter</b><br>This guidebook serves as a unique translator from the language of architecture and painting into plain English. A meticulously designed route by which to achieve the most personal and intimate acquaintance with the city is at your disposal. Intriguing details, unknown to most tour guides and left off information plaques, will bring to life vivid scenes from the past.<br><br><b>Practical Advice</b><br>Where should you stay? Where can you eat deliciously and affordably? How do you use public transportation? How do you rent a car? This guide answers all these practical questions, which inevitably arise when one is planning a trip. The author provides detailed practical information on hotels, restaurants, cafes, and other crucial elements of your unforgettable journey.<br><br><b>City of Troubles, Harsh Pistoia…</b><br>A city immortalized by poets, soaked in blood, a city of romance and fear, a place of stunning contrasts in the shadow of majestic Florence – Pistoia. Discover this small but fascinating town, often overlooked by most guidebooks on Florence and Tuscany, and enjoy the tranquility of its streets and squares after you’ve visited the ever-busy streets of Italy’s literary capital.<br><br>Let George Esperidis be your knowledgeable companion as you explore the rich tapestry of history, culture, and culinary delights offered by Florence and its sister city, Pistoia. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, this guidebook will be your key to unlocking the secrets of this legendary city.
