Florence

The birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Florence is a cultural powerhouse and holds a special place in the hearts of the millions who visit it yearly. The amount of history, specifically related to the arts, is more than we could ever hope to summarize here. However, there are plenty of blogs which do a fine job in representing the past and present of Florence - our judges have compiled a list of ten or the best, providing valuable information and content of use to travellers whether they're just passing through or staying for a little longer.

• Dining in Florence

  http://www.dininginflorence.com/

  As well as its incredible artistic heritage, Florence is also famed for its great cuisine. If you're at a loss as to where to start your culinary odyssey or simply want to discover somewhere new, Dining in Florence is the perfect site for you.

• Living in Florence

  http://www.melindagallo.com/blog/

  elinda is an American expat who has been living in Florence for quite some time now. She's a prolific writer and really captures the essence of Florence through her whimsical posts - definitely one to watch

• The Florentine

  http://www.theflorentine.net/

  The Florentine is a widely circulated publication aimed at English-speaking tourists and residents. If you can't get your hands on a print edition, the online portal is the next best thing (and, like the paper itself, is an amazing free resource).

• Firenze.net

  http://english.firenze.net/

  The ultimate guide to accommodation and entertainment within Florence's city limits, serving travellers in eight different languages.

• The Florence Newspaper

  http://www.florencenewspaper.it/

  The Florence Newspaper brings scores of visitors news direct from the city. In addition to reporting the latest developments, the site can also be used to keep tabs on Florence's upcoming events.

• Olio di Olivia eSogni di Vino

  http://blog.katerinafiore.com/

  Katie became so enchanted with Florence on her first visit that she eventually moved there, and since 2008 has been brilliantly conveying her passion for the city through her blog.

• Kursaal & Ausonia

  http://www.kursonia.com/florence-blog.html

  he Kursaal & Ausonia blog features some of the most educational and entertaining reading we've come across in a long time. Seminal reading for anyone looking to learn more about Florence

• Florence-Journal

  http://www.florence-journal.com/

  The Florence-Journal forms an excellent guide to the city, but its real strength is helping people settle in for longer periods. Incredibly useful information abounds.

• Florence Wine Merchants

  http://www.florencewinemerchants.com/

  Given the breadth and depth of the subject, we could have populated our award-winner's list solely with Florentine wine sites, but that was deemed a little too excessive! Instead, we present here the best blog on the subject, which is essential reading for anyone who enjoys a glass of Tuscany's finest.

• Visit Florence

  http://www.visitflorence.com/

  he Visit Florence site and blog is not only beautifully presented but immensely useful in helping tourists get the best out of the city