Guide to holidays in Florence, Italy

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Florence

Overview

Florence also known as Firenze is the capital of the region of Tuscany in Italy. The city is a cultural, artistic and architectural gem. Florence was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Its museums, palaces, and churches house some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world. The most popular and important sites in Florence include the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Uffizi, the Bargello, and the Accademia.

Location Information

Florence is located in the region of Tuscany in Italy. Florence has two airports the main being Aeroporto di Firenze it is also known as Amerigo Vespucci airport. The other airport Galileo Galilei International Airport is located closer to Pisa.

Amerigo Vespucci international airport has good connections to the center of the city, which can be reached in about fifteen minutes by taxi or bus. The Ataf-Sita "Vola in Bus" service costs €5.00 one way, and makes the circuit between the airport and the central train station every half an hour from 5:30AM to 8PM.

The main station is Firenze Santa Maria Novella. Other small stations are Firenze Campo Marte (near Florence Stadium) and Firenze Rifredi. Fast express trains from around Europe and Italy’s main cities connect to Florence, Many local trains to smaller towns run from Florence these trains are usually much slower.

City Information

1. The Galleria degli Uffizi

The Uffizi is very popular as it has one of the most impressive collections of fine Renaissance art in the world. The Uffizi is one of the busiest attractions in Florence. In the Uffizi Gallery, visitors can see first-hand the mastery of Botticelli, da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and many other Italian masters.

2. The Duomo - The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore

The Duomo's (church's) dome was designed by Brunelleschi and is one of the most visited pieces of Italian architecture. Brunelleschi was given the job of designing the dome after a competition held in 1419 by the Arte della Lana. With the help of Donatello, Brunellschi was awarded the task.

3. The Baptistery

Next to the Duomo, the Baptistery of John the Baptist is one of Florence’s oldest and most important buildings. Dedicated to the city’s patron saint, St John, the Baptistery contains beautiful mosaics and the marble Zodiac pavement.

4. Giotto’s Bell Tower

Joining the Duomo and Baptistery around Piazza del Duomo is Giotto’s Campinile, or Bell Tower. The tower was built in the 14th century, you can climb the 414 stairs to the top. Standing at 85 metres high the Bell Tower is actually the work of three different architects. The Campinile is a good place to start a days sightseeing around the Piazza della Signoria.

5. Piazza della Signoria

Close to the Uffizi, the Piazza Della Signoria is a square that is home to a free sculpture garden featuring reproductions of many Renaissance masterpieces. The square is a gathering place for locals and tourists alike and has been for centuries. Lined with bars and restaurants Piazza della Signoria is the ideal place to enjoy a drink and people watching.

6. The Palazzo Vecchio

The Palazzo Vecchio is the town hall of Florence. It is a huge Romanesque, fortress-palace and is among the most impressive town halls of Tuscany.

7. Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio means Old Bridge, it stands at the narrowest point of the River Arno and connects the southern and northern sides of Florence. The bridge has always been a place of trading, originally by butchers and tanners, but since the 16th century Ponte Vecchio has been home to Florence’s famous goldsmiths, and their tiny shops still line the bridge today.

8. The Accademia

Home to Michelangelo's David, the Accademia is a popular tourist spot and can get quite busy. Leave your camera at the hotel, because no pictures are allowed inside. Call ahead for a reservation and save yourself an hour wait in line for one of the most amazing Italy tours.

9. Palazzo Pitti

On the southern bank of the Arno, Pitti Palace houses the art collection of the former Medici family. Also, the included Boboli Gardens make an idealistic and beautiful walk behind the palazzo.

10. Centro Storico

Florence is a World Heritage Site and contains hundreds of churches, squares, piazzas and palaces. The old town area around the Duomo is a maze of high-sided buildings. A walking tour offers the chance to recover from the overload of art in one of its many restaurants and cafes, Florence also has a number of street markets selling leather goods, jewellery, antiques and art. Porcellino, or Mercato Nuovo, actually dates back to the 16th century.

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