Florence, the capital city of Tuscany, is situated in central Italy and was formerly the capital of the Kingdom of Italy between the years 1865 and 1871.
The classic city is known as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and a major center of medieval European trade and finance. Throughout the Renaissance period, the powerful and famous Medici family ruled Florence. As a result, Florence has developed a wealth of fine art and architecture. The Arno River, which flows through the old city center, has been home to many artists, poets, and politicians throughout Florentine history. Also, I happened to live across the River Arno for almost a year!
Commune di Firenze has been divided into five districts today, each boasting independent services and a certain level of local independence. Centro Storico, the historic center at Piazza Della Signoria, via Santa Maria Novella, is located in the heart of the Renaissance city with the famous Duomo Cathedral. Campo di Marte, the second district in the city, is to the northeast of the center and includes most of the local sports centers. The third is Gavinanna Galluzzo which lies south of the center and has many green spaces. Isoloto Legnaia is the fourth district in Florence, located southwest of the city center. Besides having the best gelato in town, it is the most ethnically diverse and welcoming area in the city. Lastly, Rifredi stands to the northwest of the center, home to the massive Cascine Park.
Are you planning to travel to Florence? A day trip does not adequately capture the splendor of the cradle of the Renaissance in Florence. However, it remains up to you to decide what to see and do during your stay in the City-State.
ART & MUSEUM IN FLORENCE
Palazzo Pitti was the Grand Ducal residence of the Medici family and the symbol of royal power over Tuscany. Today, Pitti Palace is lavishly decorated into museums housing the Medici’s private art collection. The Uffizi Gallery occupies the entire first and second floors of the palace, one of the finest art galleries in the world with outstanding exhibits. Behind the Palazzo Pitti is the splendid Giardino di Boboli, a magnificent outdoor museum with an elaborate landscape and many interesting sculptures. One of the most iconic works of art on the hillside above the Amphitheatre is the Fountain of Neptune, the terminus of a still-functioning Roman aqueduct. The main feature is a large basin with a central bronze statue of Neptune by Stoldo Lorenzi.
There is a saying that people who love art will never forget Florence. David and his Servants, one of Michelangelo’s finest masterpieces, are the center of attention at the Accademia dell’Arte del Disegno (aka Accademia). A visit to the Galleria dell’Accademia, full of Michelangelo’s creations, will make any Renaissance art lover giddy with delight. Then there is also the Bargello Museo, a museum that focuses specifically on sculptures and contains many priceless works of art created by sculptors such as Donatello, Giambologna, and Michelangelo. Florence has many other awe-inspiring museums, including the Leonardo Da Vinci Museum, that did not cut this list. Soon, I will prepare a separate list of museums of preserved ancient art!
CATHEDRALS IN FLORENCE
While Florence has many cathedrals, these few are the most important ones to visit. Basilica di San Lorenzo, the most famous palace and the largest church in the city, was built by the Medici family in the 15th century and became a symbol of power for Florence. The cathedral is famous for being the first Renaissance building, being built by Brunelleschi, for having both architecture and art by Michelangelo, having the final works by Donatello, and above all for having the tombs of the Medicis with some of the best Michelangelo sculptures in Florence.
Santa Maria del Fiore, popularly known as the “Duomo,” dominates the Florentine skyline and is the central point of attraction. Its magnificent dome was built by Filippo Brunelleschi, with a nearby Campanile Tower by Giotto and the Baptistery buildings. Third, the Santa Croce church, celebrated by the Romantic poet Ugo Foscolo in his poem Sepolcri, contains the monumental tombs of Galileo, Michelangelo, Dante, and many other notables. Churches such as Santa Maria Novella and Orsanmichele are also noteworthy.
HISTORICAL LANDMARKS
While the cathedral dome provides a 360-degree view of Florence, only the terrace at Piazzale Michelangelo allows the full appreciation of how Brunelleschi’s dome dominates the city. With its large car park, kiosks, and souvenir stands, the entire area is free to visit. On the other hand, the ancient Ponte Vecchio is a sight to behold for architecture enthusiasts, whose most striking feature is the multitude of shops built on it. The ancient Etruscans designed the Ponte Vecchio, which remains the only bridge in Florence that has survived intact. The iconic bridge of Florence is a top tourist attraction today, thanks to its balcony bars, jewelry stores, street vendors, and lively atmosphere. Also, the Vasari Corridor is part of a museum and a house for paintings. Don’t miss the Palazzo Vecchio! The palace is a historical landmark, whether you get to visit the museum inside or not.
FOOD & DRINKS
Spend an afternoon exploring the shops of Piazza Santo Spirito, a popular hub of local Florentine life, and dining in restaurants that pay homage to the region. As soon as you swipe a hunk of crusty bread across a pool of local olive oil, you will understand how sublime Tuscan food can be. There is something for everyone in this city, from gourmet sandwich joints to wine bars serving clever nibbles to street food stalls. However, one must try authentic regional classics such as the vegetarian Ribollita and the famous meat dish Bistecca al Fiorentina. Wine is what you should drink whenever you are in Italy, and what’s better than Tuscan wine? Also, you might want to try this restaurant called Borgo San Jacopo, which sits right next to the Arno River with a stunning view. Pici Pasta with wild boar sauce and spaghetti with potatoes are excellent choices!
NEIGHBOURING CITIES
Since Florence is located centrally in Tuscany, you can easily travel to any other province via car, bus, or train. You can visit a few nearby cities such as Pisa, Scandici, Fiesole, Prato, and Bologna which offer historical monuments and art museums conveniently accessible from Florence, within only an hour or less from the city.