|
Ponte Vecchio
The Old Bridge (as translated into English) is a beautiful place to
get a view of the River Arno and its surroundings. In the 1500s, several
rows of small houses, situated on each side of the bridge, became home
to over 40 goldsmiths practicing the traditional Florentine skills.
The band, the clip and the nib are engraved to honour Benvenuto Cellini,
probably the most adored Florentine goldsmith, whose statue can be found
at the centre of the bridge. This bridge has always been populated with
shops like those now, which look so precariously propped up over the
water.
Above the bridge, a private corridor (Corridio Vasariano) rests; the
corridor was built by Giorgio Vasari and links the Palazzo Vecchio and
Palazzo Pitti via the Uffizi. The corridor can be seen from the Uffizi
Gallery, while joining the Palazzo to the bridge. Members of the Medici
Family could move about between their various residences, while admiring
the paintings, but without having to step into the streets and mix with
the crowds. At one end of the bridge, there is the Mannelli Tower which
was built to protect the bridge. Vasari's private corridor had to be
built around the tower, as the Mannelli family refused to demolish it,
in order to give way to the corridor.
Baptistery
The foundation of this spectacular structure, standing in front of the
Duomo, is one of the oldest buildings in the city and dates as far back
as the 11th century. The octagonal-shaped building radiates a majestic
Italian-Romanesque style. The structure itself is magnificent and the
three sets of bronze doors, known as the "Gates of Paradise"
(first created by Andrea Pisano and later completed by Lorenzo Ghiberti),
are breathtaking and are often thought of as the dawn of the Renaissance
Period. The descriptive artwork and mosaics on the inside of the Baptistery
are of an even earlier origin and are divided into panels which depict
captivating scenes from both the Old and New Testaments. Entrance: circa
5.00 Euros.
Campanile
This tall and beautifully adorned tower stands directly next to the
Duomo. Work on the structure began in 1334 by Giotto and after his death
Andrea Pisano and Francesco Talenti completed the work. The different
tiers of marble illustrate various themes, including the creation of
mankind, the planets and the seven sacraments. Visitors can climb to
the top of the tower via the 414 steps which is not recommended for
the frail and fragile, but the spectacular views of the city make the
haul well worth it. Entrance: circa 5 Euros.
Piazza Della Signoria
This interesting L-shaped piazza has been the centre of political gatherings
and demonstrations since the Middle Ages. The area is like an outdoors
museum and is named after the Palazzo Della Signoria (eventually known
as Palazzo Vecchio). Among the many sculptures found here are the Fountain
of Neptune, a replica of Michelangelo's David and Donatello's wonderful
Marzocco.
Medici Chapels. Piazza Madonna degli Aldobrandini, Florence.
Tel: 055 238 8602
The Medici Chapels were designed and constructed for one sole purpose
- the celebration of the Medici Family. The chapels are connected to
the family's parish church, San Lorenzo. The first chapel is adorned
with marble and precious gems and the New Sacristy was designed by Michelangelo.
It contains the tombs of the Medicis, as well as Michelangelo's sculptures
Night and Day and Dawn and Dusk. Entrance: circa 6.00 Euros.
Museum of San Marco.
The museum of San Marco is located in the old Monastery of the Dominicans,
which was built in 1436 by Michelozzo. The museum is mainly dedicated
to the work of Fra Angelico but there are also dedications to San Antonio,
who was archbishop of Florence in 1445 and Savonarola. Here, you will
find Fra Angelico's Last Judgment and Ghirlandaio's famous Last Supper
on display. And also do not forget to view one of Michelozzo's master
accomplishments - the monastery's library. Bus routes: 1, 6, 11, 17.
Michelangelo's "David". Galleria dell'Accademia.
One of the world's most famous and loved sculptures; Michelangelo's
David depicts one of the greatest heroes recorded in Judeo-Christian
history. Michelangelo sculpted David with incredible attention to detail,
giving him a life-like quality, which has been rarely matched, but always
admired. Indeed, it is David's unique human-like attributes and relaxed
posture that remind people of his triumph. Researchers disagree as to
whether the sculpture depicts David before or after battle, but Michelangelo's
political purpose is still clear today: to inspire the burdened people
of the Florentine Republic to overcome oppression. This contemplative,
composed David is truly what Michelangelo intended him to be - an inspiration.
Neptune Fountain. Piazza della Signoria.
The fountain was designed and sculpted predominantly by Ammannati between
1563 and 1575, with assistance from others, such as Giambologna, Calmech,
and Fiammeri. A statue of Neptune sits in the centre of the fountain,
surrounded by several naiads and satyrs. Later in life, the artist condemned
his own work as an incitement to immoral thoughts and deeds.
Piazzale Michelangiolo. Viale Michelangelo.
This is the highlight point for many tourists visiting Florence - the
perfect place for taking wonderful photos. You are surrounded on three
sides with breathtaking views of the city and its wealth of art and
heritage. Here you will find magnificent replicas of Michelangelo's
David and the Medici chapel sculptures. Highly recommended and not to
be missed.
Florence historical sights
> Home
page
|
About
us