Surrounded by hills covered with grapevines and olive trees is Florence, birthplace of Lorenzo il Magnifico.
Florence is a city rich in monuments and there are so many works of art in this stunning city that it would be impossible to mention them all. Even a short visit to Florence would need at least a few days stay.
Our first stop is the 11th and 12th century church of San Miniato al Monte, probably the most famous Romanesque church in Florence. From here we move on to Piazzale Michelangelo, with its spectacular views of the city and then to Santa Croce (church of the Holy Cross), church of great historical and artistic importance, famous for its many tombs. Began by Arnolfo di Cambio, it was not consecrated until 1443. In the Middle Ages, the square in front of the church was used for meetings, whilst in the Renaissance period tournaments and historical football matches were held there.
In Piazza Duomo, in the heart of the city, there are three of the most famous monuments in Florence : the Cathedral or Santa Maria del Fiore with Brunelleschi’s dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower which is 85 metres tall and the 5th century Baptistery, which Dante called ‘the beautiful St. John’. In this square, on Easter Sunday, the ‘Explosion of the Cart’ takes place, a traditional event dating back to the Middle Ages.
Piazza della Signoria has been the political centre of Florence since the Middle Ages. Here one finds Palazzo Vecchio, built by Arnolfo di Cambio in 1299, with its many sumptuous rooms and apartments filled with works of art.
The Ponte Vecchio, built in 1345, is the oldest bridge of the city. Built across the River Arno, it is flanked on both sides by characteristic shops which, since the end of the 16th century have been home to the goldsmiths. Above the bridge is the Vasari Corridor which links the Uffizi to the Pitti Palace.