Kembara PLUS - 2014 Jan Feb

FEATURES
Within walking distance is the Ponte Vecchio or Old
Bridge, spanning the Arno River at its narrowest point.
It is noted for still having shops built along it, as was
once common. Butchers initially occupied the shops but
the powerful Medici Grand Dukes in the 16th century
prohibited them to continue selling there to enforce the
prestige of the bridge. Since then, the tenants have been
jewelers, art dealers and souvenir sellers.
Florence:
Disneyland of the
Renaissance
Known as the cradle of the
Renaissance, Florence is a
culture-rich city in the heart
of Tuscany, Italy. Its skyline
is punctuated by the iconic
rooftops of historic buildings.
In fact, Florence contains a
quarter of the planet’s UNESCO
world heritage sites, which can
be overwhelming for first-time
visitors!
Over the centuries, it has been home
to Renaissance masters Leonardo
da Vinci, Giotto, Michelangelo,
Dante and Brunelleschi, who have
left their legacy in a trove of art
and architecture that is world
renowned.
It is this rich legacy that inspires
art-lovers to visit, and museums
and galleries are everywhere.
Reminders of Michelangelo’s
famous statue of David are also
imprinted on tourist merchandise,
sometimes done tongue-in-cheek!
Florence’s pride must surely be the
cathedral, The Duomo (Piazza del
Duomo), whose teracotta-andwhite
dome dominates the city’s
skyline. The building’s ornate facade
is decorated in pink, white and
green marble. By night, it looks like
a huge stage prop, or paper etching!
Michelangelo’s famous Statue of David stands
guard over the city
Another must see is the Santa Maria Novella pharmacy
where the city’s best scents are made. Started in the 16th
century by Dominican friars, this is more like a museum
than a perfume shop since it stocks an awesome range
of perfumes, herbal elixirs and soaps based on, of all
things, vinegar!
As Florence has entered the top 50 fashion capitals of
the world and is home to Gucci, Ferragamo, Cavalli and
Puci, a visit to this city would not be complete without
taking at least one luxury item home. For factory outlet
bargains, The Mall is the most famous shopping outlet in
Tuscany and one of the first ones to open in the region.
Here, you can go shopping at Gucci, Ferragamo, Cavalli,
Armani, Valentino and Tod’s for the Italian houses. Among
the international fashion designers, there is Alexander
McQueen, Burberry, Stella McCartney and Yves Saint
Laurent and much more. At Space, only clothing and
accessories by Prada and its other labels such as Miu
Miu are found. The Space is open only to those with
numbers that you get when you walk in - since there
are only about 100 given out per day, you want to make
sure to get there early in the day.
Alternatively, you can just visit the Museo Gucci in the
heart of Florence. Housed in a 14th-century building
in the Piazza della Signoria, the museum is designed to
honor the company’s leather goods legacy. There is also
an internet-friendly café and a bookshop housed in the
building.
Getting there:
Fly MAS to Amsterdam and from there, catch
the many daily connecting flights to Florence.
Best time to travel:
October/November (fewer tourists!)
Note:
Florence airport check-in staff strictly enforces the
20kg baggage allowance and 12kg carry-ons so
make sure your bags are not overweight.
Gold leaf carefully placed on handmade scented candles
The refurbished grand salon of the Santa Maria Novella perfumery
Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) with shops selling jewellery along it
3 KEMBARA PLUS ONLINE DISEMBER 2013
4 KEMBARA PLUS ONLINE JANUARI/FEBRUARI 2014