"And so, I wandered along, heart open wide, marvelling, all the way to the Duomo like a typical foreigner seeking beauty" - In the Shadow of a Cypress by Michelle Johnston

Today I go on a grand adventure exploring the heart and soul of Florence. I share travel stories and thoughts on writers and artists and why Florence has always been a beacon for not only tourists seeking Italy but scholars, students, writers, artists, authors and explorers of Italy.

There are many tangents one can go, and so I ponder a few; the Medici Empire, the Grand Tour, Renaissance art, the birth of the Italophile, modern travel and how I ultimately feel about visiting Florence in the 21st century (after a lesson or two). This an introduction to the city, with musings on travel, art and culture, and the noble history of Florence - the beautiful and magnetic capital of Tuscany.

And yes, always Florence will steal our hearts, a place that every pilgrim seeking Italy will desire to know and visit. A place in Tuscany full of artistic treasures, historical landmarks with a rich cultural centre... perhaps I should stop now, or not.... endless beauty, marvellous art that one will want to return to again and again...

Enjoy this share,

Shownotes

A Writer in Italy Instagram

Substack - At My Table

Michelle’s Books

Musical Scores by Richard Johnston

A Writer in Italy is about travel and life. A place to share the beautiful travel journeys and the discoveries along the way.

Italy has many attractions - art, design, architecture, history and the wonderful food culture. Michelle shares her love of books on Italy and the places and regions that have inspired her along the way.

Michelle started 'A Writer in Italy Podcast’ to share personal stories and the love of books on Italy that would lead to beautiful conversations with people and like minded souls who share a deep love affair with Italian Culture and the country as a place of beauty and spiritual renewal.

Michelle Johnston lives in Australia with her family.

© 2026 A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and life
Music Composed by Richard Johnston © 2026

A Writer in Italy Podcast respectfully acknowledges that this work is created on the country of the Ngambri peoples and culture, and pays respects to their Elders, past and present.

A White Chalk Production

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