Buzz
More than three years after its release, the bestselling mystery thriller 'Inferno' by Dan Brown has hit the big screen and premiered in numerous countries worldwide, including Vietnam, since October 14.
Exploring 'Inferno' while touring Florence
Oscar-winning star Tom Hanks reprises his role as symbologist Robert Langdon. As he attempts to decipher a terrifying secret threatening the lives of millions, Robert Langdon traverses from Florence to Venice and on to Istanbul, but this time, our focus is solely on uncovering the mysteries of Florence.
Florence (or Firenze, in Italian) has long been a hot spot for tourism, annually attracting over ten million domestic and international visitors. It wasn't just thrust into the limelight after Dan Brown released his mystery thriller 'Inferno' in May 2013. Being the birthplace of Dante, the author of the Divine Comedy with its three sections depicting hell, purgatory, and heaven, served as inspiration for Dan Brown's 'Inferno.' Florence is also home to Michelangelo's masterpiece, the statue of David, exhibited at the Accademia Gallery on Via Ricasoli.
Please note, the David statue that all tourists can admire, situated in front of the Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace) with its neat square architecture and prominent campanile (bell tower) soaring high, is merely a 'replica.' Palazzo Vecchio now serves as the City Hall of Florence. Standing in front of the palace, at the Piazza della Signoria, alongside David who famously defeated the giant Goliath, are numerous other unique sculptures. Most depict gods, adorned in modest attire but exuding immense beauty.
In Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance adorned with masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, not only boasts the ancient Ponte Vecchio bridge spanning the Arno River since 1345, lined with jewelry shops, gold rings, and antique stores on both sides; the Uffizi Gallery, hailed as the oldest art museum in the Western world; the Boboli Gardens adorned with countless Roman sculptures; the Palazzo Pitti... As you stroll, capture photos along the riverbank and shop for souvenirs on Ponte Vecchio bridge, know that this is the only bridge untouched by German troops when they withdrew from Italy during World War II.
And most prominently stands the Duomo, a grand Roman Catholic cathedral towering over 115m with red terracotta tiled domes on the square of the same name, Piazza del Duomo. Like many other Catholic cathedrals in Rome, Venice, Milan, Florence's Duomo (dedicated to Santa Maria del Fiore, Saint Mary of the Flowers) is also a fairytale architectural masterpiece, taking 200 years to complete in 1436. It is Florence's largest church and the fourth-largest in all of Europe.
Many tourists aspire to ascend to the terrace of the cathedral to overlook the city. But do note, you'll have to climb all 463 stone steps to get there. Aching knees, weary legs, racing heartbeats in your chest, and gasping for breath are what you'll endure.
Almost every tourist attraction in Florence has been included by Dan Brown in his book 'Inferno.' Additionally, for those who enjoy combining travel with shopping, Florence is the place to be. It's home to the headquarters of Gucci and the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum, two of Italy's world-renowned fashion labels. Those with a sweet tooth will also be delighted as Florence is considered the birthplace of gelato, Italy's signature ice cream, for nearly 500 years now. Residents here have a habit of strolling, cooling off, and relaxing through the streets in the evenings, seemingly all with gelato in hand. For the perfect artisanal gelato experience, seek out Il Gelato Vivoli, near the Santa Croce district, at 7 Vie Isola delle Stinche street.
And when visiting Florence and the surrounding areas of the Tuscany province, tourists can indulge in the pleasure of sampling the world-famous Italian wine. That's none other than Chianti red wine (pronounced kee-ahn-tee). Perhaps the most mentioned and remembered Italian wine, which has captivated millions of connoisseurs worldwide. Since 2012, the quality standards of Chianti wine have been elevated, forming the authentic Chianti Classico wine triangle. At the base is Chianti Classico Annata; in the middle is Chianti Classico Riserva, and at the top, the pinnacle is Chianti Classico Gran Selezione (Grand Selection!).
Visiting Florence in the autumn of 2016, you're sure to have the opportunity to taste your first selection of Chianti Classico. And you know, you don't have to be a discerning eater to the point of enjoying dishes like liver... like Dr. Hannibal Lecter in the crime novels of American author Thomas Harris (which have also been adapted into major films including Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal starring Anthony Hopkins in the lead role) to fully appreciate the flavor of a Chianti Classico bottle. Who needs meat when Chianti paired with one or two of the over 650 varieties of food collectively called pasta, spaghetti, made only with flour and eggs, created by the Italians is enough to have days of 'la dolce vita' (the sweet life) already.
Having followed the adventures of symbologist Robert Langdon portrayed by Tom Hanks on the big screen at the Louvre Museum, Paris (in the film The Da Vinci Code, 2006), then at the Vatican City, St. Peter's Basilica, Rome (in the film Angels & Demons, 2009), you'll surely enjoy trailing after him as he ventures to Florence, Venice, Istanbul (in the film Inferno, October 2016).
But upon visiting the cradle of the Renaissance, you'll realize there's no 'inferno' there; on the contrary, Florence is a earthly paradise with renowned artworks, rich fragrances, perfect pasta, and delicious gelato. One can't help but feel a pang of sorrow for Dante (the great poet, theologian from Italy, author of two masterpieces La Divina Commedia (The Divine Comedy) and La Vita Nuova (The New Life), a distinguished son of Florence but was exiled from the city, reluctantly becoming a wandering traveler across many places only to pass away at the age of 56 in 1321 in Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna province.
By Nguyen Dung/Business Saigon
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Reference: Travel handbook Mytour
MytourOctober 21, 2016
