Florence, or Firenze as the local say, is a historic Italian city tucked in in between Pisa, Bologna and the state of San Marino in central Italy. The city originated during the Roman Empire, but had it's peak from the 14th to the 16th century, where it acted as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, and was considered one of the most important cultural cities in Europe.
Today, the mark left by the peak of Florence is still widely visible throughout the city. From art to architecture visiting this cultural heritage is going to take more than a few days.
#1 Gallery of the Academy of Florence
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| "David" by Michelangelo at the Gallery of the Academy of Florence, Italy |
The Gallery of the Academy of Florence is the most popular renaissance museum in Florence. The most iconic piece on display is without a doubt Michelangelo's David. The details on this artwork are indescribable, so I urge you to go have a look with your own two eyes.
There are two ways to visit this state of the art (so to speak) museum of Florence. Outside the museum there's two lines leading to the main entrance. One is for people with pre-booked tickets, the other is a waiting line for people without tickets. I went down to the museum early morning before the opened and lined up for about 30 minutes - but suit yourself.
#2 Basilica di San Lorenzo
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| Basilica di San Lorenzo in Florence, Italy |
Today
Basilica di San Lorenzo might not be the most prominent cathedral in Florence, but when it was built back in 393 it surely was. The cathdral has been expanded many times during the centuries and is still one of the largest in Florence. Both
Donatello and
Michelangelo did works here during the
Italian Renaissance.
#3 Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore
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| Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower in Florence, Italy |
Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore or more commonly spoken of as Florence Cathedral, situates in the very heart of the city. Building began in 1296 and ended in 1436 and today the whole area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist magnet. If you want to enter the dome of the cathedral booking in advance is necessary.
#4 Basilica di Santa di Croce di Firenze
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| Santa Croce Cathedral in Florence, Italy |
The Santa Croce Cathedral is often referred to as the Temple of the Italian Glories, due to the many well-known people burried here. Among them are Michelangelo, Galileo, Rossini along side a memorial to Dante, who's sacrophagues is actually empty.
#5 Palazzo Vecchio
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| Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, Italy |
Palazzo Vecchio (
Old Palace) is the town hall of Florence overlooking the
Piazza della Signoria, which has a copy of
Michelangelo's statue of
David and the
Loggia dei Lanzi, which holds many more unique art scultures. The
Palazzo Vecchio is also the main symbol of civil power in Florence.
#6 Ponte Vecchio
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| Ponte Vecchio over Arno River in Florence, Italy |
Up until 1218 Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) was the only bridge across the Arno in Florence. The bridge is quite unique with it's exterior buildings hanging above the river.
#7 Fontana Del Porcellino
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| Fontana del Porcellino in Florence, Italy |
Visitors to Il Porcellino often puts a coin in the mouth of the boar. The water flowing from its jaws will make the coin fall as an act of good luck. Afterwards the visitor rubs the snout of the boar to ensure a return to Florence - a tradition which has been around for atleast 250 years and has kept the snout neatly polished throught the those centuries.
#8 Sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo
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| Sunset seen from Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence, Italy |
The
Piazzale Michelangelo is a quite new addition to the touristic spots of Florence. Besides hordes of tourists you'll find vendors alongside yet another replica of
Michelangelo's David this time made in bronze. There's a fantasic panoramic view towards the city centre to the north west, while the sunset to the west is absolutely astonishing.
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