One of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy is the city of Florence: the birthplace of famous Renaissance artists, founded in 59 BC. The era of prosperity of the city falls on the 14th-16th centuries. Such big names as Michelangelo, Leonardo, Botticelli, Brunelleschi, Donatello are associated with this city. The city is located on the banks of the Arno River, and has a good junction.
Sights of Florence
Florence will be interesting for everyone: for couples in love, whose wedding at Villa Balbianello turned into a romantic trip through the most beautiful cities of Italy, and for connoisseurs of high art.
There are many art galleries, various artifacts, more than 170 museums, and many monuments of Renaissance and Renaissance architecture, palaces of amazing size and temples. Surprisingly, all the main attractions are located not far from each other, and it is best to walk around the city on foot. To save your time, you can take a bike tour around the city.
It is best to start your journey in Florence right from the Santa Maria Novella train station. Just a few hundred meters away you will see:
- beautiful marble cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore;
- Giotto ‘s bell tower;
- The basilicas of San Lorenzo with the tombs of members of the Medici Dynasty.
- and a little further – the Signoria Square.
Turning south, towards the Arno River, you will see the Oltrarno district, the pompous and largest Pitti Palace, the Boboli Gardens adjacent to it, as well as the beautiful observation deck of Michelangelo Square.
Other palaces of Florence
- The Old Palazzo Vecchio;
- Bargello;
- Strozzi;
- Medici-Riccardi.
Special attention should be paid to the huge Uffizi Art Gallery, which preserves masterpieces of the Renaissance.
These are paintings by Leonardo, Michelangelo and Botticelli. No less interesting and important for world culture is the gallery of the Academy of Sculpture. Be sure to also take a walk along the Old Bridge and look into the Vasari Corridor, visit the monument to Dante, and taste local wines.
If you have free time, visit:
- old arch bridge of Santa Trinita;
- botanical Garden of Giardino delle Iris;
- the Bargello Tower;
- fountain “Neptune”
Streets in Florence
Many streets of Florence are very narrow, and at the same time colorful.
Cozy restaurants, cafes, pubs and trendy shops, small sewing workshops are located on every corner. Nightlife is in full swing in the districts: Santo Spirito, San Niccolo, Oltrarno. And you can buy various sweets and handmade products from local creators on the Republic Square.
There are a lot of counters lined up here, from which a very pleasant aroma can be heard. Eyes run away from fresh sweet pastries and bakery products (Tuscan bread, pita bread, tortillas), pork products (prosciutto, mortadella) and small copies of monuments of world architecture made of beeswax and favorite Italian cheeses: pecorino, Parmesan.
