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Florence is a beautiful, compact city situated deep in
the Italian peninsula about 1.5 hours north of Rome (by train). Florence
is most famous for the art and the artists of the Italian Renaissance
and was also briefly the capital of Italy during the unification in
1859. Before the birth of the Italian Renaissance in this city, it was
one of the main banking areas in both Italy and Europe and today still
has a thriving industry. It is a major destination for tourists wishing
for a cultural vacation and is visited by more than five million tourists
each year. The city lies on a plain along the banks of the River Arno
and is surrounded by the Chianti Mountains, famous for the wine which
is made there. The historical centre is adorned with numerous ancient
and medieval buildings, art galleries and museums and of course the
famous and beautiful Duomo (Cathedral). Like many large cities, traffic
has become a problem, but to overcome this much of the historic centre
of Florence, especially along the right bank, has now been pedestrianised.
A good way to get around the city would be to rent a scooter or even
a bicycle, however it is also possible to discover the tranquillity
and hidden gems of Florence on foot. We hope you enjoy your stay and
come back soon!
Galleria dell'Accademia. Via Ricasoli 58 - 60, Florence. Tel:
055 238 8609.
In 1563, this building housed the first school purely established to
specialise in the teachings and methods of art and sculpture. The collection
of artwork was introduced in 1784 to serve as examples for students
to follow. Today, the works of art are a fascination amongst the thousands
of locals and foreign tourists who constantly come here. Michelangelo's
famous David is located here, as are the Quattro and Prigioni sculptures
- a must when visiting Florence. Entrance: circa 6 Euros.
Galleria degli Uffizi. Via della Ninna 5, 50121 Florence. Tel:
055 294 883.
Open: Tuesday to Sunday 8.15am to 7.00pm. Closed: every Monday, January
1st, May 1st, December 25th. Entrance: 8.00 Euros or 4.00 Euros for
European citizens over 18 and under 25 (with valid ID)
Building of the beautiful Uffizi Palazzo began in 1560, when the Duke
Cosimo I dei Medici wanted to build a splendid seat for the offices
(hence the name uffizi) of the 13 magistrates of the State of Florence.
The Duke commissioned the project to Giorgio Vasari, who was already
painter and architect for the Medici court. The construction was not
complete until 1581, after the Duke' death. The building houses a vast
array of paintings, furniture, busts and statues on full display. There
is a wonderful view of the River Arno from the windows and a beautiful
exterior café to take a break in. Galleria degli Uffizi is a
must when visiting Florence and we recommend you give yourself a few
hours in order to observe the exquisite works of art. Please note that
ticket sales end 45 minutes before closing time.
Palazzo Pitti, Galleria d'Arte Moderna. Piazza Pitti. Tel: 055
238 8616.
This is one of the largest palaces in Florence and was built in 1458
by the Pitti family on a project given to Brunelleschi. The building
has been enlarged over time and was finally completed to its current
form in 1783. For a long time it was the home of the Granduchi and during
the period when Florence was the capital of Italy, it was actually the
headquarters of the Government.
Museo Archeologico. Via della Colonna 38, Florence. Tel: 055
235 75.
This is an atypical museum in Florence featuring fascinating Etruscan,
Egyptian and Greek art. The displays provide a wealth of information
concerning the importance and evolution of these works with regards
to their respective cultures. Tombs (with mummies), hieroglyphics and
statues make up the assortment of Egyptian art. An attractive sample
of Greek pottery is on display on the second floor and there are interesting
pieces from the little-known Etruscan people, which include decorated
urns, sculptures and jewellery. Entrance: circa 4 Euros.
Florence Cathedral, the Dome. Piazza S. Giovanni.
Linee Bus: 1, 17, 33. Entrance: free. Closed: during mass (only
some areas - Sunday from 9.00am to midday, during the week from 5.00pm
to 7.00pm)
The Duomo of Florence (Cathedral) is one of the most important Gothic
buildings in Italy and is probably the major tourist attraction in Florence.
Work started on the exquisite building in 1296 by Arnolfo di Cambio
and was prematurely stopped due to his death in 1310. Many other architects
worked on the cathedral, such as Talenti and Brunelleschi, who built
the famous cupola between 1420 and 1436. The facade was designed by
De Fabris and finally completed in 1887.
Brancacci Chapel Church of Santa Maria Del Carmine. P.za del
Carmine. Tel: 055 238 2195. Closed: Tuesdays.
This church is well known for the cycle of frescoes painted on the three
walls at various stages by Masolino, Masaccio and Filippino Lippi. These
frescoed scenes represent certain episodes of St. Peter's life and the
Original Sin.
Firenze Expo And Congress
A recent joint-stock company runs the three main exhibition and congress
facilities which Florence has to offer: the Fortezza da Basso is a Medicean
fortress, built in 1536 by Giuliano di Sangallo, the Palazzo Congressi,
a villa built by the Strozzi family, perfectly restored and houses ancient
furniture and ornaments, as well as the Palazzo Affari, a modern hall,
built by architect Spadolini in 1974.
Palazzo Bargello. Via del Proconsolo 4, Florence Tel: 055 238
8606.
This building has had several important purposes since 1250, when it
was the Palazzo del Popolo (The People's Palace). In the 16th century,
the Medici proposed the building be the location of the chief of police
and changed its name to the current one. Then in 1865 it was given the
status of a museum, where great works of art are displayed, representing
numerous artists including a Scandinavian chess set by Giambologna,
Donatello's San Giorgio and Michelangelo's Bacco. It is here that visitors
will find the panels created by Ghiberti and Brunelleschi, which they
designed while competing to complete the Baptistery's north doors. Entrance:
circa 4 Euros.
Florence cultural life
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