Florence

Like many Italian cities, Florence was built on the remains of an Etruscan and a Roman settlement. Florence, or Firenze in Italian, experienced its glory days during the Renaissance under the rule of the Medici family. The Medici family started as bankers and grew their empire to become one of the wealthiest families in Europe. Their ambition took them to fill the highest seats of power as Popes, Dukes, and even Queens. During that time, Florence became a center of culture, art, and economic prosperity, leading to most of the beautiful architecture that now adorns the city.

The first of the main sights in Florence is the Duomo (officially named Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore). The imposing cathedral is built in a typical Gothic Tuscan style with white, pink and green marble. The dome was designed by Brunelleschi in an innovative design that allows you to pass between the layers of the ceiling to reach the viewpoint on top of the church. However, for the best view of Florence, hike up to Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset. The Medici families original palace, Palazzo Vecchio, is now the City Hall. Inside you can see artwork by famous Renaissance paintings. The piazza in front of the palace shows copies of sculptures from the Galleria de Academici. To see the originals, for instance, the Davide by Michelangelo, pay a visit to the museum. To be able to pass from the Palazzo Vecchio to the new palace, Palazzo Pitti, unbothered by the commoners, the Medici family constructed along walk bridge. The bridge passes through the Galleria degli Uffizi. This Galleria is one of the most important museums in the world and houses priceless artworks, such as the Botticelli’s Birth of Venus. The museum is so popular that tickets have to booked weeks or months in advance. From the Galleria, the walk bridge continues over the Ponte Vecchio. The Ponte Vecchio is aptly named (Old Bridge) as it dates back to Roman times. The bridge is exceptionally beautiful and covered in jewelry shops. The bridge originally housed butchers, but they were replaced by jewellers by the Medici’s who didn’t appreciate the smell. You can follow the path of the walk bridge all the way to Palazzo Pitti. The palace is now a museum where you can see how the wealthy Medici family used to live. Behind the palace lie the extensive and exquisite palace gardens: Giardino di Boboli.

Over time, Florence has become one of Italy’s main tourist destinations. As a result, more and more tourists flock to this beautiful city every year. Especially during the summer months, the historic center overflows with visitors from all around the world, resulting in long cues and crowded streets. Since the locals themselves largely abandon the city in favor of the beach, particularly in August, summer is not a good time to experience the authentic side of Florence. Instead, opt for early spring or late autumn to visit Florence. Avoid eating at restaurants and shopping close to the big sights and squares, instead, venture a bit further, for instance in Santo Spirito. Florence is easy to reach from its airport or by bus or train from Pisa and Bologna. It is also a great base to explore the beautiful Tuscan countryside.