Escape in Florence – Travel advices

  Florence is Renaissance birth place and in the same time one of the famous sight of Europe.

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  Every year, thousand of tourists from all over the world walk on historic center’s narrow streets visiting “palazzi” (palaces) from XVth century. 

  Thinking forward to a new vacation,we invite you to know some of these cultural treasures:

  - Piazza del Duoma and Piazza della Signoria

  The area between “Piazza del Duomo” and “Piazza della Signoria” is the historic center core. From centuries, “Piazza del Duomo” was the center of the religious life in Florence. Dome building started in 1296, and the result prove of the religious fervor and of the inhabitants’ wealth. 

  “Via Calzzoni’ connects “Piazza del Duomo” with “Piazza della Signoria” and is the government center since XIIIth century. 

  “Piazza della Signoria” is bordered by Renaissance sculptures.

  - “Battistero”

  In font of the Dome is placed the octagonal baptistery, one of the oldest and the most loved building of the city. The latest excavation prove that its foundations dating from IV – V centuries.You can admire here the mosaics inside the dome and the famous doors of golden bronze, work of Lorenzo Ghiberti (1378 - 1455). These pieces are very good copies because the originals are kept in “Museo dell’ Opera del Duomo”.

  Visiting program: Monday – Saturday, 12:00 – 19:00; Sunday 8:30 – 19:30

  - “Duomo” (Dome)

  “Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore” is dominated by a cupola representing a reference point in the architecture history. The Dome building started in 1296 under the leading of the sculpture and architecture maestro Arnolfo di Cambio and took 140 years. The gothic architecture is predominant and the façade based on gothic Tuscany models, was added in 1870. Inside, the cathedral is cold and austere but you can admire the frescoes painted by Paolo Uccello (1397-1475), Andrea del Castagno (around 1419-1457), Vasari and the cupola, a masterpiece of Brunelleschi (1377-1446).

  You can visit, too, the roman, medieval and antiques relics excavated under the cathedral. If you decide to climb the 463 steps to the Dome top you will enjoy a wonderful panorama.

  Dome visiting program: Monday – Friday: 10:00 – 17:00; Saturday: 10:00 – 16:45 Sunday 15:30 – 16:45, the firs Saturday of the month: 10:00 – 15:30. 

  - “Galleria degli Uffizi” 

  The building was made for the administrative offices of Medici family that, once, led the city. After, the fabulous art collection of Medici, was exposed in a gallery at the upper floor. It was opened for visitors in XVIIth century and it was the first public modern gallery in the world. It contains the most important Italian collections of paintings of XIII – XVI centuries.

 If you include it on your vacation agenda, make an early booking, in order to avoid the crowd.

  - Mercato Nuovo (New Market) 

  The open air loggia was finished in 1551. In addition to its stunning souvenirs stands the main attraction is the copy of bronze statue Porcellino of Pietro Tacca. They say that if one touch its snout and throw a coin in the fountain, you will come back in Florence.

  - Museo dell’Opera del Duomo (cathedral Museum) hosts wonderful sculptures of 

Donatello and Lucca della Robia

  - Palazzo Vecchio, called too Palazzo della Signoria, the hall, strong as a fortress, 

was built starting with 1299and was took by Medici together with all Florence. The inside is very attractive due to its frescoes.

  - Assembly San Marco, San Lorenzo, Santa Maria Novella, Santa Croce

  San Marco was the district that Medici called their home. Many things reminding their power could be seen in Cappelle Medicee and in San Lorenzzo. In this area you can visit many churches and museums. In Accademia there is David by Michelangelo, the most famous in world.

  Santa Maria Novella is a museum famous for its frescoes made by Paolo Uccello and Andreea di Buonaiuto.

 Santa Croce is a famous church started in 1294. During the time it became the pantheon of the monumental grave of Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli and other celebrities of Renaissance.  

  - Oltrarno

  Oltrarno, meaning “beyond Arno”, is placed on the southern side of Arno river abounding in craft shops.

  Here you could visit the huge Palazzo Pitti, a prove of the Medici family power. You will find here many wonderful Renaissance churches, very good restaurants and high quality shoes shops. 

  The above mentioned are only few marks of the cultural offer in Florence.

  As you can see Florence is a special vacation destination for the art lovers and in the same time for a romantic escape in a place full of history. The vacation time is never enough for visit everything. Do not waste your holiday time, make an early booking of a villa, an apartment, a luxury villa or any other kind of accommodation you need by the mean of our associates site. Clarify any issue you have during your travel preparation by asking them questions in order to obtain the accommodation you want and to enjoy a wonderful vacation time - check villas in Italy from Online vacation bookings to rent villa as you desire for your ideal escape.