Florence – The Capital of Tuscany
Florence or “the heart of Tuscany,” is a favourite city for many travellers from all over the world, especially those who love the art and history. The city is a cradle of the great Renaissance era, the birthplace or an important part of the life of Dante Alighieri, Boccaccio, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Giotto, Leonardo da Vinci, Donatello, Rafaello and hundreds of unsurpassed artists of all arts.
When you get there, whether you are a connoisseur of art, fashion, good views or good food, here are a few things you definitely can not miss to see and do. Florence is very beautiful in the spring when its hills are dazzled in magnificent shades of green. Its picturesque location on the two shores of the Arno River, the original bridges, the towering towers and bell towers, the ancient houses and palaces, the cobbles of the old fortress walls, all wrapped in the amazing greenery of cypress trees, chestnuts, Mediterranean shrubs and many, many flowers makes Florence an extremely beautiful city. And around Florence are the most iconic Tuscan wineries scattered among the hills and idyllic small towns with preserved medieval architecture and a unique atmosphere!
Palazzo Pitti
Palazzo Pitti is a huge palace built in the 15th century by the Florentine banker Luca Pitti. It is located on the southern side of the Arno River. For many years the castle has been the residence of the Florentine rulers, and in 1919 it became a state-owned property and turned into a museum. Today, Palazzo Pitti is one of the largest museum complexes in Florence. It combines the Palatina Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art, the Silver Museum, the Porcelain Museum, the Carriage Museum and the Costume Gallery.
Boboli Gardens
Located behind Palazzo Pitti, the Boboli Gardens were built in the 16th century by the famous Medici family. In this beautiful Italian gardens you can see many statues, fountains and exquisite Roman antiques. The Biboli Gardens have undergone several stages of completion and expansion through the years. Today’s look they acquired in the 17th century. The Boboli Gardens have a distinct Renaissance look. Through the years, Boboli Gardens become the largest Florence garden where theater performances took place.
Piazzale Michelangelo
The beautiful two-level square terrace is an attractive centre for the locals and for all tourists. In honour of Michelangelo here is a statue of David. The view from here is really incredible. From here you will see the Duomo, Giotto’s Campanile, Santa Croce, Palazzo Vecchio, Basilica di San Lorenzo, Ponte Vecchio and many other magnificent buildings.
Basilica di San Lorenzo
Basilica di San Lorenzo is one of the oldest churches in Florence and has served as a tomb for the members of the Medici family. With it, they wanted to show their welfare and power, which is why it is exceptionally decorated. The facade of the church has never been completed, giving it a beautiful rustic look. The interior of the church is full of Renaissance and neoclassical style.
Piazza Della Signoria
Piazza della Signoria is the largest city square in Florence. It is the real heart of Florence. Here you will find some of the most important and remarkable buildings in the city, such as Palazzo Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery, Loggia dei Lanzi. There are a lot of statues of famous sculptors, including a copy of Michelangelo’s statue David.
Galleria dell’Accademia
It is one of the most famous galleries in Florence. Located next to The Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze, it holds the original statue of the Michelangelo – “David”, whose copy is placed on Piazza della Signoria. Besides the world-famous masterpiece, visitors can also see other works by the great artist Michelangelo.
Palazzo Vecchio
One of the most famous buildings in Florence is Palazzo Vecchio. The old palace proudly and majestically stands on Piazza della Signoria. It was built in the 14th century and today admires the guests of the city. One of the most beautiful rooms in it is the Hall of Lilies and the Room of the Elements, which definitely must be seen. The lobby is decorated with the Florence emblems that cover the walls and despite the gentle sound of the name, it actually emits the sense of power and supremacy. With its massive walls and jagged towers, it looks more like a fortress rather than the palace. An impression is made by the coats of arms on his facade, which symbolizes different episodes of the history of the city.
Galleria degli Uffizi
Galleria degli Uffizi is a world-renowned art museum, sheltering some of the greatest works of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. It is considered to be one of the most important art museums. It was built to serve as an administrative building in Florence. Later, the building became the home of some of the greatest works of art of the most famous Italian artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Giotto, Raffaello, Titian, Michelangelo, Botticelli, etc. Today, the gallery is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world.
Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio is one of the popular places in Italy. Being one of the symbols of Florence it is the oldest of the six bridges over the Arno River. Today Ponte Vecchio has become a favourite place for the city’s guests. Here you will always find street artists and musicians who entertain the tourists. Along the bridge, there are many Goldsmith studios, whose showcases shine jewellery with incredible craftsmanship and grace.
Santa Maria del Fiore
Santa Maria del Fiore is the fifth largest cathedral in the world. It features Giotto’s Campanile and its impressive dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi.
Santa Croce
The wonderful church – an exemplary blend of Italian Gothic and Renaissance, which we see today in Florence, was built in the distant 1294 by Arnolfo di Cambio. Santa Croce is the last home of many famous people – Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, Niccolo Machiavelli, Gioachino Rossini, Lorenzo Ghiberti and others.
Florence is such a unique combination of history, art, culture, science, beauty and, above all, the freedom of the human spirit. If you have not been there yet – do not miss. In Florence, there is certainly something for everyone.
