If you’re planning a trip to the beautiful city of Florence you’re probably already aware of its most popular attractions and the historical significance of many of the stunning sights it has to offer. However, there are also a few little known facts about Florence that could help enrich your experience of visiting the area, making it all the more enjoyable and unique.
The Ponte Vecchio was nearly destroyed
While many of the city’s bridges were bombed over the course of WW2, the Ponte Vecchio was allegedly saved because Hitler deemed it too beautiful destroy. After visiting the city in 1938 he is said to have ordered the bride to be preserved during the 1944 bombings as he loved it’s unique appearance. The bridge is truly one of the most remarkable sights the city has to offer. If you’re looking for a 4 star hotel in Florence, close to this and many more incredible landmarks then the stunning Hotel Brunellschi is in the perfect spot.
There’s a window that’s always open
If you find your way to the Palazzo Budini-Gattai then you can experience one of the spookiest spots in the city. If you look closely at the red brick building, you’ll notice the window in the top right hand corner is always slightly open. Legend has it a woman waited at that window for her husband to return from war in the 16th century. When he failed to come home, she continued waiting at the window until her death. A series of unexplainable noises and paranormal activity began in the room when the window was eventually closed. Residents quickly reopened it and it has remained that way for 500 years.
The upside down balcony
Another one of Florence’s best kept secrets is the upside down balcony on Borgo Ognissanti as, unless you’re aware of its significance, it’s quite difficult to spot. Rumour has it, in the 16th century, the building’s owner went to Alessandro de Medici, the duke of Florence with plans to build a large balcony on the palazzo. The duke however, had recently decreed that only small balcony’s could be built to better suit the city’s small streets. On seeing the plans, the duke is said to have rejected the design by scoffing that the owner may as well build it upside down. The owner decided to take his word’s literally and inverted every single architectural element of the balcony which still stands to this day.