One of the world’s most beautiful cities over-run by tourists for centuries, Florence is the cradle of culture, art and architecture of Italy, where there is no shortage of Renaissance art treasures, world-famous museums, churches and palaces, not to mention the city’s wonderful food, great shopping scene and tons of activities that will leave you with nothing but memories to remember forever. Italy’s capital in 1865, Florence is today the modern regional capital of Tuscany, and is situated near the Arno River. It is also the birthplace of such famous people as Michelangelo (1475-1564), Dante Alighieri (1265-1321-09-13) and Giovanni Boccaccio (1313-06-16 – 1375-12-21). There is so much to see and experience in Florence that, unless you stay for a few weeks, you are unlikely to digest more than a modest portion.
The Historic Center of Florence
Declared as World Ancestry Site by UNESCO in 1982, the Historic Center of Florence appeals to millions of visitors each year. Enclosed by a circle of avenues traced out on the medieval city walls, the Historic Center of Florence assembles the most important cultural goods of Florence and is a perfect getaway for walking. The Cathedral with the magnificent dome built by the famous architect Brunelleschi, is usually among the first places visited by tourists, while the center also features, several beautiful piazzas and majestic Renaissance-style palaces and museums, waiting to be explored. Here are some of the must-see attractions that make up the historic core of Florence.
The Cathedral of Florence
Named in honor of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Cathedral of Florence or Duomo is a vast Gothic structure built on the site of the 7th century church of Santa Reparata at the end of the 13th century by Arnolfo di Cambio. 46 meters high, the octagonal dome was added in the 15th century, while the striped multi-colored marble facade was completed in late 1800. Climbing to the top of the dome to enjoy splendid views over the city of Florence is now one of the highlights of a visit to the Duomo. The interior of the Cathedral is a spectacle of sculptures, frescoes and marble floors, which has to be seen to be believed. The Dome’s enticing paintings form the widest, cyclical mural painting with sacred subjects and this is truly breathtaking. Of great beauty is also the exterior of the church, as all its parts offer differences in styles, demonstrating the change of tastes during the time from its foundation to its completion.
The Uffizi Gallery
There is always a line up to get into the Uffizi Gallery, and for good reason, as it’s one of the oldest and most famous museums in the world, housing a comprehensive and voluminous collection of more than 100,000 Florentine paintings from late Gothic through the Renaissance and mannerist periods, as well as masterpieces from other parts of Italy and 4 centuries’ worth of works from leading artists in Germany, Holland and Spain. Some of the treasures on display include: Titan’s ‘Venus of Urbino,’ Botticelli’s ‘Birth of Venus,’ along with other masterpieces by artists like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Filippo Lippi, Fra Angelico and Raphael. Moreover, the museum also exhibits ancient Roman and 16th century sculpture in its frescoed corridors.
The Palazzo Pitti
A large awe-inspiring Renaissance palace that was once the property of the famous wealthy banker Luca Pitti, the Palazzo Pitti dates back to the 15th century and is found only a short distance from the Ponte Vecchio. After the Medici family bought the palace in 1549, it became the main residence of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, over the centuries also becoming a large treasure trove of paintings, jewelry, plates and other valuable objects. Since 1919, the palace has been open to public as one of the largest galleries in the city and hosts Italian art from the second half of the 19th century, mainly represented by Macchiaoli works and from the start of the start of the 20th century.
When you grow weary of museums and monuments Florence has on offer, make sure to visit the picturesque Boboli Gardens, created in the 16th century by the Medici family, comprised of vegetation, a fountain and caves, with the most revered characteristic without doubt the ‘Buontalenti’ cave – an important Tuscan feature of the 16th century and example of fiction and reality, nature and art.
Florence is also one of the famous honeymoon destinations in Italy with many options for those looking for a once-in-a-life experience.
