In May, I'm going to see my girlfriend in Florence for three weeks. I plan to propose marriage but have never been there before (engaged or Italy!). Any suggestions on where/how to do this? P.S. I do not speak Italian, but she does.

I would go up to the Piazza Michelangelo at night (when all the tourists have disappeared), for the classic view of Florence. All the city is lit up beneath you - magical. It's so romantic that it persuaded me to snog a very average italian. It obviously works for the locals, so I'm sure it would work for you!

I am sure she will want to show you around Florence, maybe she will point out her favorite place she likes to watch the sunrise/set over the river? Or as the two of you are there, you will both enjoy a moment somewhere together and you can return to propose or go for it then? <BR> <BR>Best of Luck!

Florence is such a magnificent, breathtaking, romantic city that you could propose ANYWHERE and she'll collapse with joy! My suggestion is that you carry that ring around with you for a few days and when you hit that perfect moment in the perfect spot (which you will find), go for it!

Fiesole overlooking Florence. If she is a poetry lover, the flat where Robert & Elizabeth Barrett Browning lived while in Florence--what better lovers to emulate.

Hi Jim, <BR>Linda's suggestion of Fiesole is right on the mark--the view of Florence is simply astounding, but you must have a good, clear day. If you would feel more comfortable indoors, there is a charming, but not outrageously expensive restaurant near the Piazza della Signoria called Il Cavillino, and I think it would be an appropriately romantic setting if you would like to propose over/after/before dinner. Most of the staff is fluent in English, and could help you arrange for special dishes, drinks, etc. <BR>Best Wishes for a Wonderful Life Together, <BR>Kathy

I thought this was supposed to be a "family" web site. Are we allowed to say "snog" here? <BR>

duh learn how to say will you marry me in italian...anywhere in florence is nice.....

My friend just told me that her husband proposed to her in the sistine chapel. As they were staring up at the ceiling, he said "hold on a sec" and then knelt down on one knee and asked her to marry him. She said it was unbelievably romantic and unexpected, and everyone else stood back and whispered "look, he's proposing!" and then shared their congratulations. So I like the idea of a church, because they are beautiful and calm, and if you are at all religious that could also lend meaning to your proposal. I think that would be far more memorable than a restaurant, but I also like the idea of Piazza Michelangelgo or Fiesole. Good luck!

I vote for the Ponte Vecchio, but then I'm an opera buff (O Mio Babbino Caro) and all that....

Others may disagree, but I also recommend that regardless of where you propose, you bring a camera (for afterwards, not during the moment!). Your proposal will be one of the happiest and most memorable moments of your lives, and you will treasure the picture of your first moments as an engaged couple forever. We treasure ours, and I am getting teary just thinking about it! How wonderful for you - do let us know where you chose!

I agree w/ Melissa...you'll have to carry the ring around with you until you find yourselves in "the right spot." <BR>November, 2000, I had carried the ring in my pocket for 7 DAYS before I got the nerve to make the proposal (it was a London/Paris trip). I had made plans to propose in a specific spot on a specific day, but when we got there (Pont Neuf), the mood wasn't right. She was griping about being hungry or something, so I just kept walking. 3 days later, after a few glasses of liquid courage, I decided that the time was right, and am glad I waited. <BR>As far as Florence goes, I would try to find a good spot along the Arno (Ponte Vecchio is pretty "bustling" for an intimate moment) or a quiet art-filled piazza . <BR>My advice is this: be flexible...you may be reaching in your pocket for the ring as she says, "I have to pee." <BR>Best of luck. I hope she says yes. <BR>j.