Florence is an art historian’s dream. The Galleria dell'Accademia bursts with works by Michelangelo, who is entombed within the frescoed walls of the Basilica di Santa Croce. Budding photographers can snap pics of the Ponte Vecchio bridge, and serious shoppers can spend a blissful afternoon wandering the shops of Piazza Santo Spirito. Tuscan cuisine pays homage to the region’s bounty. Swipe a hunk of crusty bread across a pool of local olive oil and you’ll be instantly transported to your happiest place.
Restaurants in Florence
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Florence's principal palace was begun in 1299 and built as the seat of the Signoria, the fathers of the city's republican government.
The beautiful Palazzo Vecchio offers us mysteries, riddles, secret passages and a trip back into history to three eras. Palazzo Vecchio offers to us Roman ruins, a Medieval fortress and amazing Renaissance chambers and paintings. A microcosm where art and history have been indissolubly bound for centuries. Its significance and beauty is immeasurable. And its history is extremely interesting. Palazzo Vecchio is the main symbol of civil power for the city of Florence, whose original project is attributed to Arnolfo di Cambio. Construction on the solid fortress began in 1299 above the ruins of the destroyed Uberti Ghibelline towers, testimony of the final victory of the Guelph faction. From the very beginning, the main section of Palazzo Vecchio was destined to host the city council which was composed of chief members the Guilds of Florence (the Priori) who governed the Republic of Florence. In 1342, the Duke of Athens, Walter VI of Brienne, enlarged Palazzo della Signoria towards Via della Ninna, giving it the appearance of a fortress and even adding a secret staircase for nightly exits. The Salone dei Cinquecento (Hall of the Five Hundred) was built from 1494 during the Republic of Fra’ (friar) by Girolamo Savonarola. The Hall is the largest and most important room in terms of artistic and historical value inside the palace. Paneled ceilings and large wall frescoes, golden decorations and imposing sculptures leave us breathless. When the court of Medici was transferred to Palazzo Vecchio (from Palazzo Medici-Riccardi), it was transformed into a fascinating labyrinth of institutional chambers, apartments, terraces and courtyards. All of the rooms (the so-called Quartieri Monumentali) are magnificently decorated by artists such as Michelangelo, Giorgio Vasari and Donatello. It is fascinating that Pier Soderini, who was named gonfaloniere for life, selected the two greatest Florentine artists of the time, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarroti, for the construction of two large murals to decorate the walls of the room, with battle scenes depicting victories of the Republic. Leonardo began to paint the Battle of Anghiari, while Michelangelo used another part of the wall for the Battle of Cascina. The two geniuses of the Renaissance would have had the opportunity to work for a certain period of time face to face, but none of their work had ever been completed.
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A splendid example of Florentine baroque, this palace houses one of the most beautiful and extensive private art collections in Italy, featuring Italian paintings and sculptures by Signorelli, Botticelli, Bellini, Pontormo and Girodano.
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Since its beginning during the Middle Ages, the Piazza della Signoria has been the political heart of the city.
The Piazza della Signoria is the main political center of the former Florence Republic, and today one of the two most famous squares in Florence. It is surrounded by sights such as Palazzo Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery, Loggia dei Lanzi, which houses a statue of Perseus holding Medusa's head in his hand, and several city palaces like the Palace of the Tribunale della Mercanzia (1359) (now the Bureau of Agriculture), and the Palazzo Uguccioni (1550, with a facade attributed to Raphael). The Piazza della Signoria was the scene of great triumphs, such as the return of the Medici in 1530 as well as the Bonfire of the Vanities instigated by Savonarola, who was then himself burned at the stake here in 1498 after he was denounced by the Inquisition as a heretic. A marble circle inscription on the piazza shows the location where he was burned. There is also a monument to the Duke of Florence, Cosimo I.(Giambologna's equestrian statue of Duke Cosimo I (1595) is an elegant portrait of the man who brought all of Tuscany under Medici military rule), the Neptune Fountain, and a magnificent sculpture of Michelangelo's David (which is become one of the most recognized works of Renaissance sculpture, a symbol of strength and youthful beauty), which is actually a copy, while the original is kept in the Academy (Galleria dell'Accademia), Bandinelli's sculptures of Hercules and Cacus (1534) to the right of the David was appropriated by the Medici to show their physical power after their return from exile. The square is named after the Palazzo della Signoria, which is another name for the Palazzo Vecchio, the 'old palace', which is also the city hall. The construction of the palace began at the end of the 13th century, and was adorned with the shape of a real fortress with a prominent tower, which wanted to show the importance and power of the then Republic. In the past, the bell inside the tower called for citizens to gather when threatened by fire, flood or enemy attack. The feeling is wonderful when we look at these wonderful palaces, sculptures and when we know the history of this beautiful square.
4.5 based on 189 reviews
A 14th century church is best known for its collection of frescoes by famous artists such as Ghirlandaio, Aretino and Monaco..
This is a beautiful very old church with some great frescos. The most famous are probably in the Sassetti Chapel and were done by Domenico Ghirlandaio. We stopped by twice to walk slowly through the church and admire them.
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Walking in the Borgo Santi Apostoli is a beautiful experience ... parallel to the Arno, walking between the Ponte Vecchio and Ponte Santa Trinita ... it's a neighborhood of narrow cobblestone streets, arches, brilliant shadows, and little shops that seem to serve the locals, not tourists. Before you get all the way to the fashionista shops on Via della Tournabuoni, you'll find the beautifully tiny Piazza del Limbo from a different time. And there in that small place is one of the oldest buildings in Florence -- this Romanesque church is quite compact and equally serene. A wonderful place to visit an ancient sacred place. We build memories of the church every time we are in Florence
4.5 based on 2,109 reviews
This outdoor museum space is a peaceful place to rest your weary feet after a long day of sight seeing. Admire some of Florence's most iconic original sculptures from Cellini's "Perseus" to Giambologna's "Rape of the Sabines."
This area has several masterpieces with Cellini's Perseus to Rape of Sabines. Luca, our tour guide, stated this area has been there since Renaissance. Many artist at that time along with tourist would be able to study the art up close. Flanking this is the Uffzi, Pallazo Vecchio, and Uffzi museum. If you want an up close photo of a masterpiece this is the place to go.
4.5 based on 1,096 reviews
Located at Piazza della Signoria, the Fountain of Neptune is a large, beautiful, and impressive sight to see in Florence. Although it was a very crowded area, we loved seeing this true work of art.
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Another statue by Giambologna, who made the one for the Fountain of Neptune, this one depicts the Rape of the Sabine Women. It is planned that it might be substituted by a copy, due to the fact that atmospheric agents are degrading the original quickly.
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