Florence
Florence is the Renaissance capital of Italy and the center of Tuscany, locating in the northern part of the country. The city has appr. 380,000 residents.
Florence was established in 80 BC by the Roman Empire as a settlement for veteran soldiers.
The city was economically and culturally one of the most important cities in Europe and the world from the 14th to 16th centuries, and it was the birthplace of the continental Renaissance.
Florence is known for its churches and stunning architecture having Neo-Classical and Baroque hues among the Renaissance entirety.
Recreation
Inferno Tour is inspired by Dan Brown’s latest novel Inferno. Thermic Impruneta Spa offers luxurious treatments.
Shopping
Enoteca Mondovino (via S. Agostino 27-29) That store sells decent wine and liquor. Pitti Vintage – Italian & European Vintage Clothing & Accessories (Borgo degli Albizi 72r.) Various kinds of neat and classy clothing. The San Lorenzo Markets (via dell’Ariento) Three streets north of the Duomo are a cheap-priced market place, which offers many good souvenirs. Scarves, clothes, bags, and decorations among many other peculiar things.
Something to explore
Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore
This beautiful Gothic cathedral at the Piazza del Duomo is the main church of Florence and a real eye-catcher of skyline of that historic city. Its construction begun in 1296 and completed in 1436. The cathedral complex includes the Baptistery and Giotto’s Campanile. These three buildings are part of the historic centre of Florence, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Opening hours
Piazza Signoria
This piazza is known for many cozy cafés and Renaissance statues, including a copy of Michaelangelo’s David. On the one side of this square lies the Florence Town Hall, also known as Palazzo Vecchio.
Giotto’s Campanile
This Gothic bell tower stands adjacent the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Baptistry of St. John. Tower’s construction begun in 1334 and it was complete in 1359, after work of the three architect geniuses, Giotto di Bondone, Andrea Pisano and Francesco Talenti. The top, with the majestic wiev over the Florence and the surrounding hills, can be reached by climbing 414 steps.
Santa Maria Novella
This charming Dominican church, across the main railway station, is the first great basilica in Florence. Churches founding stone were laid in 1279 and its concecration year is 1420. It has 7 chapels and interior’s stained-glass windows date from the 14th and 15th century. Santa Maria Novella is famous for its magnificent frescos, such as 15th-century Madonna and Child by Filippino Lippi in the Filippo Strozzi Chapel.
Boboli Gardens
This park represents mid-16th-century garden style with nympheums and temples. The park is 11 acres wide and consists an amphitheater, the Egyptian Boboli Obelisc, and several sculptures dating from the 16th through the 18th centuries. Situated behind the Pitti Palace, the park is part of one of the most idyllic district.
How to get around in Florence
The Firenze Card allows its holder access to circa 30 museums and free use of the public transport system.
The ATAF operates city’s public transportation with buses and trams. The journey planner and ticket prices are here.
How to get in Florence
The Amerigo Vespucci international airport serves the region. List of its airlines is here.
The city’s main railway station is Firenze Santa Maria Novella. Trenitalia operates trains between Florence and main Italian cities. Timetables and ticket prices of the Trenitalia are here, all European train networks here.
Highway A-1 connects Florence to Bologna, Milan and the North.
Top 5 in Florence
- Shopping at the San Lorenzo Markets
- Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore
- Baptistry of St. John
- Impruneta Spa
- Palazzo Vecchio
Text: Timo Hellman
Photos: With the CC licence / Asiir, Radomil, Zolli, Freepenguin, Sailko, Gryffindor
