Florence (Firenze)

The Arno River divides the splendid city of Florence into two halves. Most of the major attractions lie north of the river, while the area south of the river is fantastic for shopping and dining. Eight bridges span the Arno, the most famous of which is the Ponte Vecchio, which is lined with jewelry stores. The Etruscans constructed it in ancient times, and it is the only bridge to survive World War II intact. The Duomo (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore) is Florence’s defining piece of architecture. It is one of the world’s largest churches. The Baptistery (Battistero San Giovanni) is the oldest structure in Florence.

 

Historically, the Medici family dominated the local politics for three centuries, and their love for and patronage of the arts allowed Florence to flourish as the creative nucleus of the Renaissance. Over 350 major artists either lived or worked in Florence, leaving the city with a treasure trove of important art works. 

 

At the heart of the city is the Fountain of Neptune in the Piazza della Signoria. Michelangelo’s 17-foot tall David stood here for centuries until it was moved indoors to the Galleria dell’Accademia. You can view it there along with many other significant paintings and sculptures. Also located off the piazza is the Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi), which houses Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation, as well as works by Raphael, Caravaggio, and many more Renaissance artists.

 

Other important sites in Florence include the Medici Chapels (Cappelle dei Medici), the Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens, and the Palazzo Vecchio.