I have been to Florence 4-times during last 20 years (last visit in December 2018). My opinion, or better said relationship with this world-famous site, because it is an emotional feast to be in Florence, is changing with my ageing. Originally, I was annoyed by masses of tourists and focused only on the particular landmarks, and as a result of this, Siena would be a winner in the stereotyped competition between these two Tuscany WHSs. Later on, I realized that despite Florence is relatively small town, I definitely cannot say that I visited and enjoyed everything what Florence can offer. At the latest stages, when I walked around the massive body of the Cathedral - I mean the eastern parts, or when I watched the Arne river from the top floor of Uffizi on a gloomy December morning at the right moment of the transition from fog to gentle sunlight, or when I ascended to S Miniato al Monte for Holy Mass, it was clear to me that I am lost forever...

Besides the obvious highlight such as the Cathedral with baptistry and campanile, Piazza della Signoria, S Croce, S Maria Novella, I am always enchanted by frescoes by Fra Angelico in the convent of S Marco, the appearance of S Miniato al Monte (I am happy it was included to the core zone during 2021 WHC session), the facade of Palazzo Rucellai, all the bridges of river Arno, etc.

During my last visit in December 2018, I went to obvious targets of tourist masses: the Uffizi, Bargello and Accademia galleries, and I was a bit surprised by NO queue to Accademia, thus, all my visits were bearable and I really enjoyed that (PHOTO - Davids in Bargello and in Accademia). I also went to Capella Brancacci with its famous frescoes by Masaccio (booking well in advance highly recommended). My impressions: (i) going to Accademia only for seeing the statue of David is a nonsense in my opinion and the copy in front of Palazzo Vecchio is fully sufficient for me as a common visitor; (ii) going to Uffizi is worth-doing even if one would ignore all the famous paintings inside, and I really enjoyed my walk in the corridors of the 2nd floor with all the fantastic views and atmosphere; (iii) the frescoes by Masaccio in otherwise unassuming S Maria del Carmine were very nice and worth the price of ticket, but I did not understand other visitors who stared to their tablets and cameras but did not explored the original paintings during the time-limited tour...

And what I am planning for my next visit? I have never been to Pitti palace, Boboli gardens, and the complex around S Lorenzo... and of course, I would like to see Medici Villas and gardens around the Florence center, which are included to the separate WHS, but it would be more logical to be a part of the Florence WHS.