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| EASY FLORENCE Firenze in estate è più facile Dopo il gran successo dell’edizione invernale, torna la promozione “Easy Florence”, dal 1° luglio al 31 agosto. Un trattamento speciale offerto dall’APT e dagli operatori turistici per vivere al meglio il soggiorno a Firenze, in mesi in cui è più facile visitare i luoghi d’arte più famosi senza estenuanti code, inoltre è un periodo ricco di eventi , interessanti mostre, e vari spettacoli, non solo a Firenze ma anche in tutto il territorio provinciale. “Easy Florence” è un’allettante promozione, consiste in una serie di opportunità e di agevolazioni, per rendere più facile la visita della città, e poter godere appieno di tutte le opportunità talvolta sconosciute, con ingressi gratuiti per alcuni musei, autobus a costo zero e riduzioni varie. Sono numerosi gli alberghi e i B&B che hanno aderito a questa offerta, di tutte le categorie, con tutti i comfort a disposizione, sia a Firenze che in provincia. Le strutture ricettive che aderiscono a questa conveniente promozione, applicano quattro tariffe diverse, a prezzi fissi e ogni struttura sceglie quale applicare indipendentemente dalla categoria cui appartiene: 59.00 euro / 79.00 euro / 99,00 euro / 149,00 euro (i prezzi si intendono a notte per una camera doppia con servizio di prima colazione). Un’occasione da non perdere per poter avere tante altre facilitazioni tra cui appunto biglietti gratuiti per la visita ai Quartieri monumentali come Palazzo Vecchio, nel cuore della città, e Palazzo Medici Riccardi; biglietti della durata di 24 ore per viaggiare gratis su tutti i bus urbani Ataf; riduzioni sul biglietto di ingresso della mostra di Galileo, che si terrà fino al 30 agosto presso Palazzo Strozzi; e tanti altri sconti come ad esempio il noleggio di biciclette, audioguide e sconti sulle visite guidate. Per poter usufruire di tutte queste facilitazioni è semplice: basta cercare la pagina Easy Florence nel sito www.firenzeturismo.it (riconoscibile dal banner Easy Florence che appare in basso nella home page, percorso diretto http://www.firenzeturismo.it/it/eventi-mainmenu-32/100-promozioni-speciali/1122-easy-florence.html), scegliere la struttura (in base alla tariffa proposta, a dove è situata ecc.) e contattarla direttamente per effettuare la prenotazione (sempre citando la promozione Easy Florence). Nelle pagine web è presente anche un elenco alfabetico degli alberghi e b&b aderenti, per facilitare la ricerca a chi conosce già una struttura e vuole verificare se ha aderito o meno alla promozione. Anche il voucher si scarica da internet e va portato con sé per avere diritto alle facilitazioni connesse alla promozione: i biglietti gratuiti sono forniti direttamente da un ufficio informazioni turistiche APT situato in pieno centro (Via Cavour 1 rosso) su esibizione del voucher timbrato dall’albergo (altrimenti non è valido) mentre gli sconti vengono applicati direttamente dalle biglietterie e uffici degli esercizi convenzionati sempre su esibizione del voucher timbrato. Agenzia per il Turismo Via A. Manzoni, 16 50121 Firenze - Italia tel. +39 055 2332233 www.firenzeturismo.it |
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| Florence Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see florence from hill florence from hill Meral Altinay Florence is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, as well as the world. Located in the heart of Tuscany, this is the Italy of stunning views, fields of sunflowers, miles of vineyards, rolling hills, and mountaintop castles. It is famous for flavor rich Florence restaurants and it is the Renaissance capital of the world -- its celebrated sons are Leonardo DaVinci, Dante Alighieri, Machiavelli, Fra Angelico, and Michelangelo. It is a destination filled with fascinating Florence activities that should not be missed. Dominating the Florence skyline is the number one attraction listed in just about every top Florence travel guide in circulation today -- the world famous Duomo (Cathedral Church) with the Brunelleschi cupola, as well as Giotto's Bell Tower and the bronze sculpted doors of the marble-clad Baptistry. The side streets of the historic town centre are often narrow and dark, with bustling sidewalks and intimidating crowds and traffic. But the place to start touring once you've left your first-rate Florence hotel for the day is the piazza, the square -- that wonderful Mediterranean oasis where you can spend hours sitting down, enjoying an espresso, and just people-watching. You'll likely start at the square in front of the train station and across from the bus station -- the places you arrive by airport bus or by train. Santa Maria Novella Church, run by the Dominicans, faces the square. To enter you'll have to go around the block walking beside the church to another, yes, square! It's Unità d'Italia Square. (Coffee and sweet shops are there.) You'll want to see inside the Church (admission charged). Gothic and Renaissance frescoes as well as Fra Lippi-designed stain glass windows are a feast for the eyes. If you head back toward the square in front of the train station and bear right along the large street (Via Panzani), you're on your way to the square at the Duomo. Small storefront Florence restaurants beckon. But check the menu to be sure you haven't struck upon a pricey bistro! A short walk, 10 to 15 minutes, will bring you along side the Duomo. The Baptistry is the building in front of the Cathedral. There are no lines -- just walk up and look. Then turn around and look up at the church facade and bell tower. The entrance line forms along the cathedral steps. The square is filled with shops, and further along the side streets are women's fashion stores. If you walk to the left of the Baptistry across the square you'll come to a small mall area along with more Florence restaurants and coffee bars. Among the other things you can't afford to miss are the Uffizi galleries, one of the best art museums in the world (tickets required), the Santo Spirito church, and the Old Bridge (Ponte Vecchio) with its must see shopping area -- another favorite Florence activity. The Academia with the original David is also not to be missed. To get a great overview of the city, head for Piazza Michelangelo in Oltrarno section of town (other side of River Arno) or farther up to the church of San Miniato. Lovers of art will want to visit the hillside town of Fiesole, just outside Florence (you can go by bus, 20 minutes from the central bus station mentioned above). Besides the Roman ruins, the Church of St. Dominic features the stunning frescoes of Fra Angelico. The surrounding areas of Florence have many things to offer to the visitor. You can explore this region for weeks -- even months, without getting bored. For this, Florence is the perfect starting point for day trips. Travel agents can book just about any Florence day trip for you. (Tip: An agency is on the far side of the Duomo Square.) One excellent day trip of note is that to Siena and San Gimignano. Top Ten Things to Do in Florence Duomo (Cathedral) – You can’t miss Duomo, even if you tried – the giant dome dominates the Florence skyline. Highlights include: Uccello’s mural to a 14th-century Captain, Brunelleschi’s dome (of course), and the remains of Santa Reparata. Piazza del Duomo, 17, +39 055 215380. http://www.duomofirenze.it Giardino di Boboli (Bobili Gardens) – Although Boboli is an excellent place to “relax” after a full day of Florence activities, there is still much to see here -- so pace yourself. Highlights include: a sculpture gallery called La Grotta Grande, the Isolotto (island), Limonaia (1785 gardening shed), and Bacchus Fountain. Piazza Pitti, 1, Ph: +39 055 2388786. http://www.firenzemusei.it/00_english/boboli/index.html Carpe Diem – This fine Italian restaurant serving up innovative cuisine features a spectacular terrace overlooking the city of Florence. It is one of the most popular restaurants in Florence during the hot summer months so get here early for lunch or dinner to avoid long waits. Via Giuseppe Mantellini 2b, Fiesole, +39 055 599595. Closed Monday Galleria dell’Accademia (Academy Gallery) – Plan to spend at least half of the day at Galleria dell’Accademia, which features sculptures by Michelangelo: the Prisoners, the St. Matthew, and the statue of David. Via Ricasoli 58-60, 50122 Firenze, Ph: +39 055 2388609. http://www.polomuseale.firenze.it/accademia Museo di Storia della Scienza (Institute and Museum of the History of Science) – Located in the 14th-century Palazzo Castellani, Museo di Storia della Scienza features several floors of galleries and the library of the Instituto di Storia della Scienza. Piazza dei Guidici, 1, Ph: +39 055 265311, 24 hour info. +39 055 293493. http://www.imss.fi.it Palazzo Pitti (Pitti Palace) – Built in 1457, Palazzo Pitti consists of four museums and an art collection that is considered one of the best collections in the world. Located in the Galleria Palatina, Renaissance and baroque works of art from the Medici collection can be found including masterpieces by Van Dyck (Henrietta Maria, Charles I), Titian (Portrait of a Gentleman, Mary Magdalene), and Raphael (Madonna of the Chair). Piazza Pitti, +39 055 2388611. http://www.palazzopitti.it Capella Brancacci (Brancacci Chapel) – This small chapel houses some of the most fascinating frescoes in Florence. Highlights include: Masaccio’s Tribute Money, Filippino Lippi’s St. Paul visits St. Peter in Prison, Masaccio’s Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise, and St. Peter Heals the Sick (Masaccio). Capella Brancacci is located at Santa Maria del Carmine, Piazza del Carmine, ph: +39 055 2382195. San Minato al Monte (St. Minias of the Mountain) – Located in walking distance from Central Florence is San Minato al Monte and an uphill climb you’ll never forget! High on a hill above Florence highlights such as the Cardinal of Portugal Chapel and Cappella del Crocifisso can be explored as well as beautiful architecture and design such as a marble façade, mosaics, an inlaid floor, and a wooden ceiling. San Minato al Monte is located off Viale Galileo Galilei and it’s free! +39 055 2342768. Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) – This unique bridge is like no other. Ponte Vecchio (972 A.D.), the oldest of Florence’s six bridges, is more like a street than a bridge as it “houses” a wide variety of interesting shops that seem to hang right over Arno River. The shops have been a part of this bridge since the 12th century. Sights and highlights include: beautiful views of the Arno River (several panoramic terraces), the Bust of Cellini, an assortment of gold and jewelry shops, and Corridoio Vasariano. Ponte Vecchio is free to explore 24/7/365 and it is in the pedestrian zone. Campanile (Bell Tower) – The Bell Tower of the Duomo (1334-1359) reaches 279 feet into the sky and it is just under 20 feet lower than the Duomo. The 414 steps leading to the top of Campanile are difficult to climb, but well worth the effort. The views from the top are absolutely amazing. Reliefs by Pisano and della Robbia are an attraction here as well. Piazza del Duomo, +39 055 271071. ___________Sights Edit This photo_1 Kim Rowland Florence is packed with hundreds of truly amazing sights and exciting Florence activities. From the Middle Ages onward the Florentines have been very busy constructing palazzi, churches, and convents. For more than 400 years it has been one of the leading cultural cities in Italy. In Florence - the City of Dante - the Italian language was born. With Petrarch and Boccaccio the study of literature found its main centre here. Humanism brought new philosophical ideas and a full appreciation of classicism. Machiavelli inaugurated the new political science; Guicciardini introduced modern historical prose; and Galileo and his school created and developed experimental science. As far back as Charlemagne, Florence has had a University, which today includes numerous faculties and a wide range of Institutes with a specialized Centre for foreigners. Academies and arts schools, scientific institutes such as the "Osservatono Astrofisico" at Arcetri, the Institute of Research in Electromagnetic Waves, and the Centre for Nuclear Medicine all contribute to the intense activity of the city in this particular field, as do the foreign universities and the various centres of Art History and popular culture. Among the many science museums of special interest are the Museum of History of Science, the Museum of Geology and Paleontology, the Museum of Botany, the Museum of Mineralogy, that of Anthropology and Ethnology, and of course the glorious "Specola". Vast collections of bibliographies are kept in the Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale and in other famous libraries, such as the Mediceo-Laurenziana, the Riccardiana and the Marucelliana. Many priceless documents are kept in the Archivio di Stato and the Archivio Comunale. Contributors May 23, 2008 change by mcburton March 09, 2007 change by rfujitani Display all or display just: Catacombs Churches Churches and Cathedrals Convents Fountains and statues Hotspots Landmarks Museums Palazzi Parks & Gardens Parks, Gardens and Zoos Squares Show best rated on top | Show in alphabetical order [Add Sight] Uffizi Gallery – Galleria degli Uffizi Edit This photo_1 photo by: Kim Rowland The Uffizi Gallery, founded in Florence in 1581, by the De Medici family, is one of the oldest museums in the world. Many important works of Italian and other schools, dating from between the fourteenth and eighteenth centuries, are kept here, including the largest existing collection of Tuscan Renaissance paintings. The Uffizi Palace was constructed in the mid-sixteenth century by the architect Giorgio Vasari (1511-1574) in the period when Cosimo de' Medici, first Grand Duke of Tuscany, was bureaucratically consolidating his recent takeover of power. Built in the form of a more.. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] email: info@uffizi.firenze.it address: Piazza Uffizi url: www.uffizi.firenze.it openings: Tue – Sun 8.15am – 7pm, closed on mondays, Lit. 12000 tel: +39 (0)55 - 2388699 Il Duomo, Santa Maria del Fiore Edit This Dome, nave and Campanile Dome, nave and Campanile photo by: Kim Rowland Arnolfo di Cambio who began construction in 1296 designed Santa Maria del Fiore, the Gothic cathedral erected over the ancient basilica of Santa Reparata. Brunelleschi completed it in 1436 with the elegant dome, the inside of which was entirely frescoed by Vasari and Zuccari. The final phase in the construction of the cathedral, that is the completion of the façade, dates from the mid-19th century. To the right of the cathedral rises the Bell Tower, or Campanile, designed by Giotto in 1334. The square tower is covered with red, green and white marble inlays, decorated more.. type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza Duomo tel: +39 (0)55 - 2302885 openingHours: CATHEDRAL: 10 am - 5 pm, Entrance free; DOME: 8.30 am - 7 pm, Sat. 8.30 am - 5.40 pm, Entrance € 6; BELL TOWER: 8.30 am - 7.30 pm, Entrance € 6 The Badia Fiorentina Edit This The city’s oldest monastery (978) is just a short distance from the Bargello museum. Here there is a masterpiece by Filippino Lippi. And nearby in the Palazzo Nonfinito is the rich Museum of Anthropology and Ethnology, while the Museo Casa di Dante (Dante’s house) is right behind the Badia. type: Convents World66 rating: [rate it] Piazzale Michelangelo Edit This Piazzale Michelangelo was built in 1869 to plans by Giuseppe Poggi; it offers a splendid panorama of the city. In the middle of this plaza stand bronze copies of Michelangelo’s "David" and the four statues on the tombs in the Medici Chapels. Just above Piazzale Michelangelo is the basilica of San Miniato al Monte. Its green and white marble façade is considered one of the finest examples of the Florentine Romanesque style. Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, it contains fine artworks such as the chapel of the "Crucifixion" by Michelozzo and the chapel of the more.. type: Squares World66 rating: [rate it] Piazza della Republica Edit This Piazza della Republica, Florence, Italy Piazza della Republica, Florence, Italy photo by: Ellie Trevarthen Build between 1890 and 1917, after the demolishing of the medieval Florentine town center. This square is at about the same location as the roman fortress once was. The statue of prosperity on the column is a copy of the one kept in the Palazzo della Casa di Risparmio. The square is surrounded by banks and by terraces. type: Squares World66 rating: [rate it] Piazza Signoria Edit This Looking out from the loggia into Piazza Signoria Looking out from the loggia into Piazza Signoria photo by: Kim Rowland A welcome refresher after spilling out of the chaos on Via Calzaiuoli, Piazza Signoria is home to the Palazzo Vecchio, the Uffizi, and a loggia housing some of the most beautiful and famous statues of the world, including Giambologna's "The Rape of the Sabines" and Cellini's "The Triumphant Perseus." A marker in the square decorates the spot where Savonarola was executed for heresy in 1498. type: Fountains and statues World66 rating: [rate it] Santo Spirito Edit This The church was designed by Brunelleschi and begun in 1444, it is one of the most beautiful examples of Renaissance architecture. The interior, in the shape of a Latin cross with three naves, is pure Brunelleschian style. The sacristy was built to plans by Giuliano da Sangallo. Next to the church is the Cenacle of Santo Spirito, where there is still a fragment of the "Last Supper" by Andrea Orcagna type: Churches World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza S. Spirito Cappelle Medicee Edit This type: Churches World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza M.d. Aldobran openings: Lit. 11000 tel: +39 (0)55 - 2388602 Galleria della Accademia Edit This This is one of many important museums in Florence, because it houses famous sculptures by Michelangelo, including the stunning and most well-known version of "David." There are also many paintings, collected by the Grand Duke Peter Leopold to help the young artists enrolled in the Accademia d’Arte, which is still next door to the gallery. No photos are allowed to be taken of anything inside the museum. type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via Ricasoli 58-60 openings: 9am-7pm, holidays: 9am - 2pm, closed Mondays, entrance EURO 9.50 tel: +39 (0)55 – 2388609 or 23885 Palazzo Davanzati Edit This This building dates from the mid-14th century. the antique dealer Elia Volpi purchased it in the early years of the 20th century and restored and furnished it, to recreate a period Florentine home. The many rooms, several of which are decorated with frescoes and fine coffered ceilings, contain carved and inlaid furniture, chests, benches, paintings, tapestry, sculptures, ceramics, items used every day and in the kitchens. It’s one of the finest examples of trecento palazzi in Florence, though the loggia is an addition of the 15th century. type: Palazzi World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via Porta Rossa 9 openingHours: 7 am to 7pm Convento di San Marco Edit This Michelozzo rebuilt and expanded this convent for Cosimo the Elder, and it still contains the splendid frescoes that Beato Angelico painted to decorate the monk’s cells. Inside there is also a beautiful library that Michelozzo designed in 1448; this, the first public library of the Renaissance, contains many fine illuminated manuscripts. The church of San Marco that stands alongside the convent was redesigned by Michelozzo. type: Convents World66 rating: [rate it] Santa Felicita Edit This Inside this church, in the Capponi chapel is Pontormo’s painting of the "Deposition" (1525-28) which is considered one of the masterpieces of Florentine Mannerism. type: Churches World66 rating: [rate it] Santa Trinita Edit This This church, built in the second half of the 11th century, was enlarged and modified according to the Gothic style in the early 14th century. The pietra forte façade was made to designs by Buontalenti towards the end of the 16th century. The major artworks inside the church are the Sassetti Chapel with the fresco cycle depicting "Scenes from the Life of St. Francis of Assisi" and the panel painting of the "Adoration of the Shepherds" by Domenico Ghirlandaio (1483-86). *D:Orsanmichele Originally this building, a loggia designed by Arnolfo di Cambio (1209), was a granary and more.. type: Churches World66 rating: [rate it] Cenacle of Ghirlandaio Edit This Domenico Ghirlandaio’s painting of the “Last Supper”, of which even the synopia is visible, graces the former refectory of the monastery adjacent to the Church of Ognissanti. type: Convents World66 rating: [rate it] Palazzo Pitti Edit This The Pitti Palace was begun during the second half of the fifteenth century by Luca Pitti, but was unfinished at his death in 1472. Tradition says that the palace was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi (1377-1446) and built by his pupil Luca Fancelli. The original construction on two floors above a ground floor with only five windows on each floor, was bought in 1550 by Cosimo I de' Medici's wife, Eleonora of Toledo and became the official residence of the grand ducal family. The palace was then enlarged and altered; from 1560 date the grandiose courtyard and the two lateral wings, more.. type: Catacombs World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza Pitti 1 tel: +39 (0)55 - 213 440 The district of Santo Spirito in Oltrarno Edit This This picturesque neighborhood populated by craftsmen, restorers and antique dealers, gets its name from the Church of Santo Spirito. The church is only one of the major sights, together with the Palazzo Pitti and the Piazzale Michelangelo. type: Squares World66 rating: [rate it] Santa Maria Novella Edit This Begun in 1246 for Dominican friars, the church was completed in 1360. Leon Battista Alberti who designed the upper part completed the white and green marble Gothic-Romanesque façade. Inside the church there are splendid masterpieces including "The Trinity" by Masaccio, frescoes by Filippino Lippi and Ghirlandaio in the Tornabuoni chapel, a Crucifix by Giotto and a wooden Crucifix by Brunelleschi. type: Churches World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza Santa Maria Novella openings: cloister: weekdays 9am-2pm, holidays 8am-lpm, closed Fri, entrance L 4.000 tel: +39 (0)55 - 282187 Brancacci Chapel and Museum (Sta. Maria del carmine) Edit This This chapel is famous throughout the world for its frescoes by Masaccio, a masterpiece of Renaissance painting; it is located in the 13th century church of Santa Maria del Carmine. Masolino was commissioned to do the frescoes and he began work in 1424 with the help of Masaccio. When Masaccio left Florence, Filippino Lippi completed the frescoes after 1480. type: Churches World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza del Carmine openings: weekdays 10am-5pm, holidays l-5pm, closed on Tue, entr. L. 6.000 (red. L. 3000) tel: +39 (0)55 - 2382195 Santa Croce Edit This This Franciscan basilica was begun in 1295 to plans by Arnolfo di Cambio. It contains countless artworks, including Giotto’s famous frescoes in the Peruzzi and Bardi chapels, and it is universally famous as the final resting place of several great Italians. The most important monuments include the tomb of Alfieri by Canova, the tomb of Leonardo Bruni by Rossellino and the tomb of Carlotta Bonaparte by Bartolini. The Basilica houses the tombs of Rossini, Machiavelli, Galileo, Michelangelo, Marconi, Dante, among others, type: Squares World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza Santa Croce San Lorenzo Edit This Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, consecrated the original church that stood on this site in 393. Cosimo the Elder had it enlarged and remodeled by Brunelleschi. Inside there are works by Rosso Fiorentino, Desiderio da Settignano, Donatello and Bronzino. The church is flanked by the splendid, square-shaped Old Sacristy by Brunelleschi and the New Sacristy, by Michelangelo (1524), that houses the Medici family tombs. Along with the Baroque Chapel of the Princes, the New Sacristy comprises the museum of the Medici Chapels. To the left of the church is the Laurentian Library, also designed more.. type: Churches World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza San Lorenzo Sights Edit This photo_1 Kim Rowland Florence is packed with hundreds of truly amazing sights and exciting Florence activities. From the Middle Ages onward the Florentines have been very busy constructing palazzi, churches, and convents. For more than 400 years it has been one of the leading cultural cities in Italy. In Florence - the City of Dante - the Italian language was born. With Petrarch and Boccaccio the study of literature found its main centre here. Humanism brought new philosophical ideas and a full appreciation of classicism. Machiavelli inaugurated the new political science; Guicciardini introduced modern historical prose; and Galileo and his school created and developed experimental science. As far back as Charlemagne, Florence has had a University, which today includes numerous faculties and a wide range of Institutes with a specialized Centre for foreigners. Academies and arts schools, scientific institutes such as the "Osservatono Astrofisico" at Arcetri, the Institute of Research in Electromagnetic Waves, and the Centre for Nuclear Medicine all contribute to the intense activity of the city in this particular field, as do the foreign universities and the various centres of Art History and popular culture. Among the many science museums of special interest are the Museum of History of Science, the Museum of Geology and Paleontology, the Museum of Botany, the Museum of Mineralogy, that of Anthropology and Ethnology, and of course the glorious "Specola". Vast collections of bibliographies are kept in the Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale and in other famous libraries, such as the Mediceo-Laurenziana, the Riccardiana and the Marucelliana. Many priceless documents are kept in the Archivio di Stato and the Archivio Comunale. Contributors May 23, 2008 change by mcburton March 09, 2007 change by rfujitani Display all or display just: Catacombs Churches Churches and Cathedrals Convents Fountains and statues Hotspots Landmarks Museums Palazzi Parks & Gardens Parks, Gardens and Zoos Squares Show best rated on top | Show in alphabetical order [Add Sight] Uffizi Gallery – Galleria degli Uffizi Edit This photo_1 photo by: Kim Rowland The Uffizi Gallery, founded in Florence in 1581, by the De Medici family, is one of the oldest museums in the world. Many important works of Italian and other schools, dating from between the fourteenth and eighteenth centuries, are kept here, including the largest existing collection of Tuscan Renaissance paintings. The Uffizi Palace was constructed in the mid-sixteenth century by the architect Giorgio Vasari (1511-1574) in the period when Cosimo de' Medici, first Grand Duke of Tuscany, was bureaucratically consolidating his recent takeover of power. Built in the form of a more.. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] email: info@uffizi.firenze.it address: Piazza Uffizi url: www.uffizi.firenze.it openings: Tue – Sun 8.15am – 7pm, closed on mondays, Lit. 12000 tel: +39 (0)55 - 2388699 Il Duomo, Santa Maria del Fiore Edit This Dome, nave and Campanile Dome, nave and Campanile photo by: Kim Rowland Arnolfo di Cambio who began construction in 1296 designed Santa Maria del Fiore, the Gothic cathedral erected over the ancient basilica of Santa Reparata. Brunelleschi completed it in 1436 with the elegant dome, the inside of which was entirely frescoed by Vasari and Zuccari. The final phase in the construction of the cathedral, that is the completion of the façade, dates from the mid-19th century. To the right of the cathedral rises the Bell Tower, or Campanile, designed by Giotto in 1334. The square tower is covered with red, green and white marble inlays, decorated more.. type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza Duomo tel: +39 (0)55 - 2302885 openingHours: CATHEDRAL: 10 am - 5 pm, Entrance free; DOME: 8.30 am - 7 pm, Sat. 8.30 am - 5.40 pm, Entrance € 6; BELL TOWER: 8.30 am - 7.30 pm, Entrance € 6 The Badia Fiorentina Edit This The city’s oldest monastery (978) is just a short distance from the Bargello museum. Here there is a masterpiece by Filippino Lippi. And nearby in the Palazzo Nonfinito is the rich Museum of Anthropology and Ethnology, while the Museo Casa di Dante (Dante’s house) is right behind the Badia. type: Convents World66 rating: [rate it] Piazzale Michelangelo Edit This Piazzale Michelangelo was built in 1869 to plans by Giuseppe Poggi; it offers a splendid panorama of the city. In the middle of this plaza stand bronze copies of Michelangelo’s "David" and the four statues on the tombs in the Medici Chapels. Just above Piazzale Michelangelo is the basilica of San Miniato al Monte. Its green and white marble façade is considered one of the finest examples of the Florentine Romanesque style. Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, it contains fine artworks such as the chapel of the "Crucifixion" by Michelozzo and the chapel of the more.. type: Squares World66 rating: [rate it] Piazza della Republica Edit This Piazza della Republica, Florence, Italy Piazza della Republica, Florence, Italy photo by: Ellie Trevarthen Build between 1890 and 1917, after the demolishing of the medieval Florentine town center. This square is at about the same location as the roman fortress once was. The statue of prosperity on the column is a copy of the one kept in the Palazzo della Casa di Risparmio. The square is surrounded by banks and by terraces. type: Squares World66 rating: [rate it] Piazza Signoria Edit This Looking out from the loggia into Piazza Signoria Looking out from the loggia into Piazza Signoria photo by: Kim Rowland A welcome refresher after spilling out of the chaos on Via Calzaiuoli, Piazza Signoria is home to the Palazzo Vecchio, the Uffizi, and a loggia housing some of the most beautiful and famous statues of the world, including Giambologna's "The Rape of the Sabines" and Cellini's "The Triumphant Perseus." A marker in the square decorates the spot where Savonarola was executed for heresy in 1498. type: Fountains and statues World66 rating: [rate it] Santo Spirito Edit This The church was designed by Brunelleschi and begun in 1444, it is one of the most beautiful examples of Renaissance architecture. The interior, in the shape of a Latin cross with three naves, is pure Brunelleschian style. The sacristy was built to plans by Giuliano da Sangallo. Next to the church is the Cenacle of Santo Spirito, where there is still a fragment of the "Last Supper" by Andrea Orcagna type: Churches World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza S. Spirito Cappelle Medicee Edit This type: Churches World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza M.d. Aldobran openings: Lit. 11000 tel: +39 (0)55 - 2388602 Galleria della Accademia Edit This This is one of many important museums in Florence, because it houses famous sculptures by Michelangelo, including the stunning and most well-known version of "David." There are also many paintings, collected by the Grand Duke Peter Leopold to help the young artists enrolled in the Accademia d’Arte, which is still next door to the gallery. No photos are allowed to be taken of anything inside the museum. type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via Ricasoli 58-60 openings: 9am-7pm, holidays: 9am - 2pm, closed Mondays, entrance EURO 9.50 tel: +39 (0)55 – 2388609 or 23885 Palazzo Davanzati Edit This This building dates from the mid-14th century. the antique dealer Elia Volpi purchased it in the early years of the 20th century and restored and furnished it, to recreate a period Florentine home. The many rooms, several of which are decorated with frescoes and fine coffered ceilings, contain carved and inlaid furniture, chests, benches, paintings, tapestry, sculptures, ceramics, items used every day and in the kitchens. It’s one of the finest examples of trecento palazzi in Florence, though the loggia is an addition of the 15th century. type: Palazzi World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via Porta Rossa 9 openingHours: 7 am to 7pm Convento di San Marco Edit This Michelozzo rebuilt and expanded this convent for Cosimo the Elder, and it still contains the splendid frescoes that Beato Angelico painted to decorate the monk’s cells. Inside there is also a beautiful library that Michelozzo designed in 1448; this, the first public library of the Renaissance, contains many fine illuminated manuscripts. The church of San Marco that stands alongside the convent was redesigned by Michelozzo. type: Convents World66 rating: [rate it] Santa Felicita Edit This Inside this church, in the Capponi chapel is Pontormo’s painting of the "Deposition" (1525-28) which is considered one of the masterpieces of Florentine Mannerism. type: Churches World66 rating: [rate it] Santa Trinita Edit This This church, built in the second half of the 11th century, was enlarged and modified according to the Gothic style in the early 14th century. The pietra forte façade was made to designs by Buontalenti towards the end of the 16th century. The major artworks inside the church are the Sassetti Chapel with the fresco cycle depicting "Scenes from the Life of St. Francis of Assisi" and the panel painting of the "Adoration of the Shepherds" by Domenico Ghirlandaio (1483-86). *D:Orsanmichele Originally this building, a loggia designed by Arnolfo di Cambio (1209), was a granary and more.. type: Churches World66 rating: [rate it] Cenacle of Ghirlandaio Edit This Domenico Ghirlandaio’s painting of the “Last Supper”, of which even the synopia is visible, graces the former refectory of the monastery adjacent to the Church of Ognissanti. type: Convents World66 rating: [rate it] Palazzo Pitti Edit This The Pitti Palace was begun during the second half of the fifteenth century by Luca Pitti, but was unfinished at his death in 1472. Tradition says that the palace was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi (1377-1446) and built by his pupil Luca Fancelli. The original construction on two floors above a ground floor with only five windows on each floor, was bought in 1550 by Cosimo I de' Medici's wife, Eleonora of Toledo and became the official residence of the grand ducal family. The palace was then enlarged and altered; from 1560 date the grandiose courtyard and the two lateral wings, more.. type: Catacombs World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza Pitti 1 tel: +39 (0)55 - 213 440 The district of Santo Spirito in Oltrarno Edit This This picturesque neighborhood populated by craftsmen, restorers and antique dealers, gets its name from the Church of Santo Spirito. The church is only one of the major sights, together with the Palazzo Pitti and the Piazzale Michelangelo. type: Squares World66 rating: [rate it] Santa Maria Novella Edit This Begun in 1246 for Dominican friars, the church was completed in 1360. Leon Battista Alberti who designed the upper part completed the white and green marble Gothic-Romanesque façade. Inside the church there are splendid masterpieces including "The Trinity" by Masaccio, frescoes by Filippino Lippi and Ghirlandaio in the Tornabuoni chapel, a Crucifix by Giotto and a wooden Crucifix by Brunelleschi. type: Churches World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza Santa Maria Novella openings: cloister: weekdays 9am-2pm, holidays 8am-lpm, closed Fri, entrance L 4.000 tel: +39 (0)55 - 282187 Brancacci Chapel and Museum (Sta. Maria del carmine) Edit This This chapel is famous throughout the world for its frescoes by Masaccio, a masterpiece of Renaissance painting; it is located in the 13th century church of Santa Maria del Carmine. Masolino was commissioned to do the frescoes and he began work in 1424 with the help of Masaccio. When Masaccio left Florence, Filippino Lippi completed the frescoes after 1480. type: Churches World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza del Carmine openings: weekdays 10am-5pm, holidays l-5pm, closed on Tue, entr. L. 6.000 (red. L. 3000) tel: +39 (0)55 - 2382195 Santa Croce Edit This This Franciscan basilica was begun in 1295 to plans by Arnolfo di Cambio. It contains countless artworks, including Giotto’s famous frescoes in the Peruzzi and Bardi chapels, and it is universally famous as the final resting place of several great Italians. The most important monuments include the tomb of Alfieri by Canova, the tomb of Leonardo Bruni by Rossellino and the tomb of Carlotta Bonaparte by Bartolini. The Basilica houses the tombs of Rossini, Machiavelli, Galileo, Michelangelo, Marconi, Dante, among others, type: Squares World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza Santa Croce San Lorenzo Edit This Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, consecrated the original church that stood on this site in 393. Cosimo the Elder had it enlarged and remodeled by Brunelleschi. Inside there are works by Rosso Fiorentino, Desiderio da Settignano, Donatello and Bronzino. The church is flanked by the splendid, square-shaped Old Sacristy by Brunelleschi and the New Sacristy, by Michelangelo (1524), that houses the Medici family tombs. Along with the Baroque Chapel of the Princes, the New Sacristy comprises the museum of the Medici Chapels. To the left of the church is the Laurentian Library, also designed more.. type: Churches World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza San Lorenzo Silver Museum Edit This type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: inside Pitti Palace openings: 9am- 2pm, entrance L. 8.000, closed 2nd/4th Sunday and 1st/3rd/5th Monday of month. tel: +39 (0)55 - 294279 Modern Art Gallery Edit This type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: inside Pitti Palace openings: 9am-2pm, entrance L. 4.000, closed 2nd/4th Sunday and 1st/3rd/5th Monday of month. tel: +39 (0)55 - 287096 Museo Bardini - Bardini Museum and Corsi Gallery Edit This This museum contains the fine collection of art objects bequeathed to the city by the antique dealer Stefano Bardini. The many masterpieces of painting and sculpture include works by Nicola Pisano, Tino da Camaino, Pollaiolo and Donatello. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza de' Mozzi l openings: weekdays 9am-2pm, holidays 8am-1pm, closed wed, entr. L 5.000 (red L 2.500) tel: +39 (0)55 - 2342427 Museo Firenze Com'era Edit This type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: 24 Via Oriuolo tel: +39 (0)55 - 2398483 Raccolta Arte Contemporanea Alberto della Regione Edit This type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: 5 Piazza Signoria tel: +39 (0)55 - 283078 Museo della Fondazione Horne Edit This This museum contains fine collections of artistic and crafted items dated from the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries donated to the city of Florence at the beginning of the 20th century by Herbert Percy Horne. This English antique dealer recreated a noble Renaissance residence in his home; one of the most interesting pieces is a "St. Stephen" attributed to Giotto. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via de ' Benci 6 openings: weekdays 9am-lpm - Closed on holidays, entrance L 6.000 (reduced L. 2.500) tel: +39 (0)55 - 244661 Potography history Museum Edit This type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: 16 Via della Vigna Nuova tel: +39 (0)55 - 213370 House of Dante Edit This type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via S. Margherita, 1 openings: daily 10am - 6pm, closed Tuesdays, entrance L. 5.000 (Red. L. 3.000) tel: +39 (0)55 - 283343 University Museums and Botanical Gardens Edit This The entrance to several of the University’s scientific museums are on Via La Pira: Geology and Paleontology, Mineralogy and Lithology and the Botanical Gardens, or "Giardino dei Semplici", founded by the Medici and then enriched under the Lorraine rule; the Botanical Museum, on the other hand, dates from the 19th century. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via Micheli, 3 openings: Mon, Wed – Fri 9 - 12pm, Sat. garden only, closed August 13th-17th, entrance free tel: +39 (0)55 - 2757402 Archeological Museum Edit This This collection, begun by the Medici and continued by the Lorraine, contains many important items related to Etruscan art and civilization such as the "Chimera of Arezzo", the "Orator" and the "Minerva of Arezzo", as well as several tombs that are in the garden. The Greek and Egyptian sections are also quite noteworthy, in fact, this is one of the major archeological museums in Italy. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via della Colonna, 36 openings: 9am-2pm (guided visits for groups), closed on Mondays, entrance L. 6.000 tel: +39 (0)55 - 23575 Museo dell’Opera del Duomo Edit This The Museo dell’Opera del Duomo houses artworks from Santa Maria del Fiore, the Baptistery and the Campanile, including sculptures that had been made for the cathedral façade. The most important works in the museum are by Michelangelo ("Pietà"), Donatello ("Mary Magdalen", "Cantoria"), Arnolfo di Cambio ("Boniface VIII"), Luca della Robbia ("Cantoria"). type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza Duomo, 9 openings: weekdays 9am-6pm (winter), 9am-7.30pm (summer), 9am-lpm (holidays), entr. L. 5.000, closed on Sun tel: +39 (0)55 - 2302885 Stibbert Museum Edit This The sixty rooms of the Museo Stibbert contain the collection of Federico Stibbert consisting of weapons and ancient armour, jewellery and furnishings. Of particular interest is the celebrated Cavalcade, made up of fourteen armed knights wearing sixteenth-century costumes. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via F. Stibbert 26 openings: weekdays 9am-lpm, holidays 9am-12.30pm, closed Thur, entr. L. 8.000 tel: +39 (0)55 - 486049 or 475520 Anthropology Museum Edit This type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via Proconsolo,12 openings: Thur., Fri. and Sat. & 3rd Sun. of the month: 9am-lpm, entr. free tel: +39 (0)55 - 2396449 House of Buonarroti Edit This type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via Ghibellina, 70 openings: 9.30am-1.30pm, closed Tuesdays, entrance L 8.000 (red. L. 6.000) tel: +30 (0)55 - 241752 Giardino di Boboli (Bobili Gardens) Edit This Although Boboli is an excellent place to “relax” after a full day of Florence activities, there is still much to see here, so pace yourself. Highlights include: a sculpture gallery called La Grotta Grande, the Isolotto (island), Limonaia (an elegant 1785 gardening shed), and Bacchus Fountain. Visitors to the gardens will also enjoy views of the hills from the 1776 Kaffeehause Café and the Giardino dei Cavallieri. Hours: November-February: 8:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; March: 8:15 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; April, May, September-October: 8:15 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.; June-August: 8:15 more.. type: Parks, Gardens and Zoos World66 rating: [rate it] email: giardino.boboli@polomuseale.firenze.it address: Piazza Pitti, 1 tel: +39 055 2388786 openingHours: November-February: 8:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; March: 8:15 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; April, May, September-October: 8:15 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.; June-August: 8:15 a.m.– 7:30 p.m. url: www.firenzemusei.it Petraia Garden Edit This type: Parks & Gardens World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via Petraia 38 openings: Lit.4000 tel: +39 (0)55 - 2651838 Castello Garden Edit This type: Parks & Gardens World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via Castello 44 openings: Lit.4000 tel: +39 (0)55 - 45791 Pandolfini Garden Edit This type: Parks & Gardens World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via Guardiavia 18 tel: +39 (0)55 - 265171 Park of Villa Ventaglio Edit This type: Parks & Gardens World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via Aldini, 12 openings: 9am - 5pm tel: +39 (0)55 - 5802837 Villa Demidoff Park Edit This type: Parks & Gardens World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via Bolognese - Pratolino openings: Open from May till September on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays - Hours 10am-8pm - Entrance L4.000 - Free on Fridays. tel: 477967 Mercato Centrale Edit This Walking through the leather market that surrounds Mercato Centrale Walking through the leather market that surrounds Mercato Centrale photo by: Kim Rowland Not far from the San Lorenzo complex is the Mercato Centrale, or central market, a fine example of late 19th century steel and glass architecture. lkj Venture inside to see the many interesting displays of fresh meats, veggies, fruits and pastas type: Squares World66 rating: [rate it] Duomo (Cathedral) Edit This You can’t miss Duomo, even if you tried – the giant dome dominates the Florence skyline. From just about any point in the city, you can see the Filippo Brunelleschi designed dome’s white ribs jutting out from the terra cotta tiles. Duomo highlights include: Uccello’s mural to a 14th-century Captain, Brunelleschi’s dome (of course), and the remains of Santa Reparata. To enjoy the dome to the fullest, climb the 463 steps to the top to explore Vasari’s frescoes of the Last Judgment and the dome’s interior. Once at the top, you will understand why everyone says the more.. type: Churches and Cathedrals World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +39 055 215380 url: www.duomofirenze.it address: Piazza del Duomo, 17 email: info@duomofirenze.it Galleria dell’Accademia (Academy Gallery) Edit This Plan to spend at least half of the day at Galleria dell’Accademia, which features sculptures by Michelangelo: the Prisoners, the St. Matthew, and the statue of David. Several additional rooms contain works by Florence artists of the mid-13th and late 16th centuries as well as a collection of sculptures in plaster by 19th-century sculptors Lorenzo Bartolini and Luigi Pampaloni. Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 8:15 a.m. – 6:50 p.m. type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +39 055 2388609 openingHours: Tuesday-Sunday, 8:15 a.m. – 6:50 p.m. url: www.polomuseale.firenze.it address: Via Ricasoli 58-60, 50122 Firenze email: GalleriaAccademia@polomuseale.firenze.it Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) Edit This This unique bridge is like no other. Ponte Vecchio (972 A.D.), the oldest of Florence’s six bridges, is more like a street than a bridge as it “houses” a wide variety of interesting shops that seem to hang right over Arno River. The shops have been a part of this bridge since the 12th century. Sights and highlights include: beautiful views of the Arno River (several panoramic terraces), the Bust of Cellini, an assortment of gold and jewelry shops, and Corridoio Vasariano. Ponte Vecchio is free to explore 24/7/365 and it is in the pedestrian zone. type: Landmarks World66 rating: [rate it] openingHours: 24/7/365 address: Florence Italy, over the Arno River _________History Edit This Founded by the Romans in the first century B.C., Florence began its rebirth after the decadence of the barbaric ages, in the Carolingian period, and reached the highest pinnacles of civilization between the 11th and 15th centuries, as a free city, basking in a happy stability amid Imperial and Papal authorities, overcoming the unfortunate internal dispute between Guelfs and Ghibellines. In the 15th century, it came under the rule of the Medici family, who later became the Grand Dukes of Tuscany. This in fact was the period when the city was at the height of its glory in art and culture, in politics and economic power. The Grand Duchy of the Medicis was succeeded in the 18th century by that of the House of Lorraine, when in 1860 Tuscany became part of the Kingdom of Italy of which Florence was the capital from 1865 to 1871. In this century, this city has once more taken up its role as an important centre for culture and the arts. ________Getting Around Edit This Traveling around the City of Florence from sight to sight and between the many Florence activities on the menu is fairly easy -- and convenient. A city bus (www.ataf.net) runs every 20 minutes from the main train station (Santa Maria Novella) to Amerigo Vespucci Airport ( www.aeroporto.firenze.it). There's a train service between the main station and Galileo Galilei Airport ( www.pisa-airport.com). Buses service the city centre and Fiesole in the hills north-east of town. Bus tickets can be bought at tobacconists or vending machines and must be validated as you get on the bus. Tickets are sold on a time basis - you can get one hour two hour and 24 hour tickets. Traffic is restricted in the city centre so it's best to park a little out of town and walk around - parking in the more central areas is very expensive. Taxis are outside Stazione di Santa Maria Novella or you can ring one. While taxis are super convenient from the airport to your Florence hotel and back, unscrupulous “taxi” companies and drivers frequently mislead tourists. The Florence travel guide about taxis should help you avoid getting taken by dishonest drivers and services. Florence Taxis By Lodging.IT Taxis in Florence are white and are readily available thoughout the city centre at taxi ranks, which you can find mostly at the main piazzas. Taxis are quite convenient because they have access to most streets that are otherwise closed to regular traffic. Taxis are considerably more costly than other forms of shared public transport, and be aware that there may be surcharges for luggage, or if you are traveling late at night. If you are traveling from the outskirts of Florence, it is better to call for a taxi, however bear in mind that the companies may charge from the time you make the call. Florence's major taxi company is Socota and on the website you can find out more information on fares, taxi ranks, and the phone numbers to easily reach them. So.Co.To Via di Novoli 44/c 50127 Florence (FI) Tel: +39 055 410133 Website: http://www.socota.it There are several other taxi firms in Florence: Taxi radio Co.Ta.Fi - 24 hour service Tel: +39 055 4499/ 4390 Via dello Steccuto, 12 Taxi Merci N. 3 - Goods Transport 17/R, Piazza della Repubblica 50123 Florence (FI) Tel: +39 055 2396230 Electric Scooter Taxis Tel: +39 055 434 143 If you experience any problems with taxis during your stay in Florence you can make an official complaint to the Municipal Police. Polizia Municipale Porta al Prato, 2 Florence Tel: +39 055 328 3552 OR Ufficio Taxi Piazza Artom, 18 Florence Tel: +39 055 328 3717 E-mail: uff.taxi@comune.firenze.it Contributors May 23, 2008 change by mcburton _______Getting There Edit This Florence, a city with a population of around half a million inhabitants, spreads on the banks of the Arno River, between the Adriatic and the Tyrrhenian seas, almost in the middle of the Italian peninsula. It is a city which bustles with industry and craft, commerce and culture, art and science, and Florence activities that have to be experienced to be believed. Florence is easily accessible from the most important places both in Italy and abroad. Visitors will arrive in Italy at Amerigo Vespucci Airport ( www.aeroporto.firenze.it) or Galileo Galilei Airport ( www.pisa-airport.com). While taxis are super convenient from either airport to your Florence hotel and back, unscrupulous “taxi” companies and drivers frequently mislead tourists. The Florence travel guide about taxis should help you avoid getting taken by dishonest drivers and services. Florence Taxis By Lodging.IT Taxis in Florence are white and are readily available thoughout the city centre at taxi ranks, which you can find mostly at the main piazzas. Taxis are quite convenient because they have access to most streets that are otherwise closed to regular traffic. Taxis are considerably more costly than other forms of shared public transport, and be aware that there may be surcharges for luggage, or if you are traveling late at night. If you are traveling from the outskirts of Florence, it is better to call for a taxi, however bear in mind that the companies may charge from the time you make the call. Florence's major taxi company is Socota and on the website you can find out more information on fares, taxi ranks, and the phone numbers to easily reach them. So.Co.To Via di Novoli 44/c 50127 Florence (FI) Tel: +39 055 410133 Website: http://www.socota.it There are several other taxi firms in Florence: Taxi radio Co.Ta.Fi - 24 hour service Tel: +39 055 4499/ 4390 Via dello Steccuto, 12 Taxi Merci N. 3 - Goods Transport 17/R, Piazza della Repubblica 50123 Florence (FI) Tel: +39 055 2396230 Electric Scooter Taxis Tel: +39 055 434 143 If you experience any problems with taxis during your stay in Florence you can make an official complaint to the Municipal Police. Polizia Municipale Porta al Prato, 2 Florence Tel: +39 055 328 3552 OR Ufficio Taxi Piazza Artom, 18 Florence Tel: +39 055 328 3717 E-mail: uff.taxi@comune.firenze.it Taxi radio Co.Ta.Fi - 24 hour service Tel:+39 055 4499/ 4390 Via dello Steccuto, 12 Taxi Merci N. 3 - Goods Transport 17/R, Piazza della Repubblica 50123 Florence (FI) Tel: +39 055 2396230 Electric Scooter Taxis Tel: +39 055 434 143 If you experience any problems with taxis during your stay in Florence you can make an official complaint to the Municipal Police. Polizia Municipale Porta al Prato, 2 Florence Tel: +39 055 328 3552 OR Ufficio Taxi Piazza Artom, 18 Florence Tel: +39 055 328 3717 E-mail: uff.taxi@comune.firenze.it ______A perfect day Edit This Upon arrival get a copy of Florence Concierge Information and Florence Today (Tourist Office) to see what’s happening during the week. Then walk to the Piazza del Duomo (Dome Square) to see the heart of Florence—the red white and green marble Duomo otherwise known as Santa Maria del Fiore. Before entering the cathedral take time to admire the bronze doors on the Baptistery (by Pisano and Ghiberti). Once inside climb the 463 steps to the top of Brunelleschi’s magnificent cupola. Even by modern standards this massive dome built in the 1400s is an impressive engineering feat; from up high you’ll get a truly magnificent 360-degree view of the city and countryside. As an added bonus the restorer’s scaffolding has finally come down in the cupola so that the glorious 16th-century frescoes that grace the walls can be clearly seen. You can also climb, to the top of the nearby campanile (bell tower) for a view of the Duomo. Continue on to the ancient Piazza della Signoria (to see a copy of David—the original is in the Accademia Gallery). Afterward take the tour of the Palazzo Vecchio but avoid the area’s restaurants—compared with restaurants elsewhere in the city the food is overpriced and often mediocre. The most celebrated and important art museum in the city is the Uffizi Gallery which has reopened since it was damaged by a car bomb in 1993 (fortunately only three paintings were destroyed). The collection includes Italian and European masterworks from the 13th to the 18th century—paintings by Botticelli Hugo van der Goes Titian Rubens Caravaggio Raphael and Rembrandt among others. Like other major museums throughout Europe it is best seen in a series of shorter visits rather than all at once. Just east of the Uffizi is the Church of Santa Croce which holds the graves of Galileo Machiavelli and Michelangelo. Cross the Arno on the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) which has spanned the river since 1345. The bridge still has shops and rooms jutting out over the sides a common feature in the Middle Ages although few examples remain today. End your walking tour on the other side of the river at the Piazzale Michelangelo; have an ice cream rest and enjoy the wonderful view of Florence. Other sites on that side of the Arno are the Boboli Gardens (with a magnificent view of the domes and tile rooftops across the river) and the Medicis’ Palazzo Pitti (with graceful Corinthian columns Roman statues and beautifully decorated rooms). Leave some time just to stroll through the city. Allow at least half a day each to visit the Palatine Gallery (17th-century art) and the Accademia Gallery (magnificent sculptures). On the way to the Accademia is the San Lorenzo district where you’ll find the boisterous Mercato Centrale with fresh produce and pasta surrounded by street stalls selling bags belts and shoes. The market sprawls all the way to the edge of the church of San Lorenzo and the Medici Chapels with their celebrated sculptures by Michelangelo. Ask for permission to enter the lavabo (washroom) located beneath the sacristy (only a few people can enter at a time) where there are stunning coal sketches on the walls done apparently by Michelangelo during his lunch breaks while working on the Medici tombs. Also on the way to the Accademia is one of Florence’s lesser-known treasures: the Museo di San Marco the former Dominican convent that contains the starkly sublime paintings and frescoes of Fra Angelico the 15th-century friar whose work seems to anticipate centuries of artistic styles to follow. Also worthy of a visit in Florence are Santa Maria del Carmine (excellent frescoes in the Brancacci Chapel) the museum of the Bargello (an impressive colection of medieval and Renaissance sculpture including Donatello’s Marzocco—the lion symbol of Florence) Santa Maria Novella (beautiful exterior) and the Museum of the History of Science (which houses Galileo’s telescope compass and middle finger). There is excellent shopping for ultrachic clothing and shoes and designer goods along the Via Tornabuoni. Contributors February 02, 2007 change by john m. __________Events & Festivals Edit This Throughout the year a series of events are held in Florence, which are varied enough to suit most demands. Foremost among these - in the city where modern melodrama was born, using the latest arts of choreography - musical events, beginning with the "Florence Musical May" and going on to Summer and Winter operatic seasons at the Teatro Comunale etc. The Florence Centre of Italian Fashion organises numerous trade events over the year. International exhibitions in contemporary art and in the particular aspects of antique art are organised, specially on the occasion of various centenaries. Some of the typical traditional events are Football in Costume, the Burst of the Cart, the Feast of St. John etc. ____Day Trips Edit This Florence Florence Don Giuseppe The Province of Florence has a vast and varied territory, rich in gently rolling hills and mountains, and streams and valleys, which extend from the Apennine chain as far as Valdelsa and from Mount Albano to Valdarno. The whole area, particularly the region all around its capital city, has been inhabited for centuries. In the early years of the 15th century, in a Eulogy about the city of Florence the historian and humanist Leonardo Bruni wrote: "few cities can boast such a large number of inhabitants as the countryside all around Florence". At that time, there were already so many boroughs, houses and mansions that to the eyes of a poet it appeared like the "marvelous sight" provided by the moon "when it is encircled by the stars. As in a coat of arms decorated with a wealth of artfully interlocked painted or carved circles, the areas into which this region is divided will remind us of self-contained, yet overlapping circles sprawling out in all directions and enclosing the central jewel represented by the city". The great concentration of art, culture, and unique Florence activities that fill Florence often puts its surroundings into second place, while they are actually a complement and frame for the city: Medieval villages, soft hills, monasteries and churches, cozy trattorias, shaded forests and green hills. Here, we have given just a few ideas of the many wonderful things and places to see, and the sensitive visitor will certainly be able to enrich this short group of itineraries. Contributors May 23, 2008 change by mcburton [Add Day Trip] Settignano Edit This Cemetary di Settignano Cemetary di Settignano photo by: Scott Michaels This is a small village that grew up on the hillside north east of Florence; it can be reached by bus or via a panoramic drive along the hills from Fiesole. Gabriele D’Annunzio lived here in the Villa la Capponcina; the gardens of the Villa Gamberaia are considered among the loveliest in Europe and offer unforgettable views of Florence type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Villa Demidoff Edit This The Villa Demidoff park is located at Pratolino, on the Via Bolognese. Little remains of the splendid villa that Buontalenti built for Francesco I de’ Medici in 1575. The park, that has been completely restored, is open from April to October, and it is a wonderful place to visit outside the city. Giambologna’s monumental statue of the "Appennines" (1579-89) is an outstanding example of Florentine Mannerism. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Forte di Belvedere Edit This type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via S. Leonardo openings: 9am-8pm. tel: +39 (0)55 - 2342425 Certosa del Galuzzo (Carthusian Monastery) Edit This Carthusian Monastery Carthusian Monastery photo by: Andrew Craggs Just 2 kilometers south of Florence rises the austere, fortress-like Certosa del Galluzzo. Founded by Niccolò Acciaiuoli in the 14th century to host young Florentines wanting to study the liberal arts, today it is inhabited by a group of Cistercian Benedictine monks. It contains several important artworks including five lunettes with "Scenes from the Passion", frescoed by Pontormo (1523-25). type: general World66 rating: [rate it] openings: 9-12am - 3-7pm Summer, - 9-12am - 3-5pm Winter - Closed on Mondays. tel: +39 (0)55 – 2049226 Fiesole Edit This Even the short 25-minute bus ride to this popular retreat for Florentines is filled with lovely sights and historic landmarks. Hop on Bus number 7, leaving from Piazza San Marco and you will be on your way to traveling past fountains, gardens, and statues throughout the hills surrounding the city. While Fiesole is considered a suburb of Florence, once here, you will feel like you’re more than just a few miles away from the bustle of the city. Highlights include Bandini Museum, the Roman Theater and Civic Museum, Cattedrale di San Romolo cathedral, and the Museum of the more.. World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +39 055 23320 url: www.firenzeturismo.it address: Florence Tourism Board: Via A. Manzoni, 16 Terme di Montecatini Edit This One of the Italy’s most popular spas is located roughly 19 miles northeast of Florence. Terme di Montecatini can be found in a peaceful Tuscan town where Florentines have visited for years to detox and relax in the spas curative waters. The spa is also a top choice for individuals interested in weight loss programs and others that are interested in treatments that beautify the body, such as mud baths. Highlights include: Tettuccio Spa and Stabilimenti Termali (modern thermal center), as well as a park that sits on top of several underground hot springs (Parco dei more.. World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +39 0572 7781 url: www.termemontecatiniweb.it address: Viale Verdi, 41 Pistoria - Italia email: info@termemontecatini.it Pisa Edit This You simply cannot leave Italy without seeing one of the world's most recognizable landmarks -- the Leaning Tower of Pisa. At a mere 47 miles from Florence, you can travel to Pisa by train for half a day, then travel back in time for dinner. Trains leave every 1-1/2 hours and the trip is only an hour long. +39 055 892021. You can also take a short flight to Pisa's Galileo Galilei airport (www.pisa-airport.com). Other Pisa sights include Camposanto (cemetery, 1278), the Baptistery (1143), the National of St. Matthew, ll Duomo (designed in 1063), Duomo Museum, and the more.. World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +39 050 929777 url: www.pisa.turismo.toscana.it address: Tourist Office: Galleria Gerace, 14 - Pisa email: aptpisa@pisa.turismo.toscana.it ________Nightlife and Entertainment Edit This Nightlife activities in Florence are plentiful and varied - but most of all, many of Florence's nightlife activities don't require "going out" at all! Visitors can have a cocktail on the terrace of their Florence hotel and admire the city lights or they can take a walk through a square or across Ponte Vecchio while enjoying some tasty gelato. Sure, going out is fun too, but it's always good to know that there are many other (less expensive) alternatives to clubbing until dawn. Now, if you prefer partying until dawn (and paying handsomely for it), you're in luck. Pretty people clubs such as La Dolce Vita ( www.dolcevitaflorence.com) and Meccano (via degli Olmi 1, +39 055 331 371) certainly have you covered. Florence also a large number of bars, Jazz cafes, and classical music performances to choose from as well. Get a membership (very easy) at Jazz Club Firenze ( www.jazzclubfirenze.com) to listen so some authentic Jazz, funk, blues or soul or head to trendy Harry's Bar ( www.harrysbarfirenze.it) for a few cocktails and some tasty American burgers. Whatever you decide to do, rest assured -- the Florence nightlife scene has something for you. Read through the listings below to find out about some of the best places for an evening out in Florence. Contributors May 23, 2008 change by mcburton Display all or display just: Bars & Pubs Casinos Disco & Dancing Pubs Wine bars Show best rated on top | Show in alphabetical order [Add Entertainment place] Tenax Edit This Biggest disco in town and one of the leading venues for new and established bands. Located in Peretola, take bus no. 29 or 30. Program: every tuesday: livemusic every thursday: college party - concerts start at 10.30pm (till midnight) - disco afterwards till 3am - free entrance for students till midnight - entrance fee 10 Euro with drink every friday: bizzarro - door selection - dress code: style & attitude - entrance fee 15 Euro with drink - reservation tel. 0368-7325391 every saturday: nobody's more.. type: Disco & Dancing World66 rating: [rate it] email: tenax@dada.it address: Via Pratese 47r, Quartiere di Peretola, Firenze url: www.dada.it tel: 0368-7325391 Tiratoio Edit This A large easy-going place with a couple of video jukeboxes and a wide range of food. type: Bars & Pubs World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza de Nerli Rex Edit This Located in the Santa Croce district - good music, varied clientele, serves snacks and cocktails. type: Bars & Pubs World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via Fiesolana 25r Caffe Mambo Edit This Mambo Caffè is located in the center of Florence, near Piazza Santa Croce. The Bar was started eleven years ago, changing its look and its furniture, renewing itself to offer to its customers the best. Every Thursday there is a surprise party. The Bar is open on holyday too. There in the Caffè Mambo you can find an Internet Point Service from 9,00am to 2,3am. Check out this place, it is worth visiting. type: Disco & Dancing World66 rating: [rate it] email: mambobar@dada.it address: Via Verdi, 47/49r, Florence openinghours: Open every day tel: +39 (0)55 - 24 78 994 Birbacco Edit This Birbacco Enjoy a good glass of wine or a fine fresh beer in this former warehouse with relaxed atmosphere. For a nice lunch, aperitivo or dinner. They also organise different tasting menu's! type: Wine bars World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +39.055.6810132 url: www.birbacco.it accessibility: easy by car (next to river Arno) address: Lungarno Francesco Ferrucci, 9r email: info@birbacco.it Chalet Fontana Edit This The right spot for a quiet drink in a beautiful atmosphere - pricey but worth it. type: Bars & Pubs World66 rating: [rate it] address: Viale Michelangelo Rifrullo Edit This Young clientele, caotic place very expensive price. type: Pubs World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via Dei Bardi, 18 tel: 055 8411123 Bar & Enoteca Fuori Porta Edit This They offer dozens of Italian and foreign wines, nice atnosphere. type: Bars & Pubs World66 rating: [rate it] email: info@fuoriporta.it address: Via Monte alle Croci, 10r, 50125 Firenze url: www.fuoriporta.it openinghours: 12.30 - 15.30 & 19.00 - 0.30, closed on sundays tel: +39 (0)55 - 23 42 483 Space Electronic Edit This Young foreigners frequent this place--expect Americans, English and Aussies aged 20-30. Those looking to hobnob with Italian locals won't find them here! Nonetheless, the music is familiar (except maybe for the occasional "Greased Lighting"), the atmosphere is trendy and you're guaranteed to have fun. Has 2 areas (which we found out later); one a dancefloor and the other around the bar. Not much of a club if you're looking to go wild. Parents are on the upper floors watching their children. type: Casinos World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via Palazzuolo 37 Dolce Vita Edit This Trendy hangout with small-scale art exhibitions. type: Bars & Pubs World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza del Carmine url: www.florence.ala.it Sottosopra Edit This Disco and bar with a warm and familiar atmosphere that, from 18.30 on, the heterogenous clientele of Sottosopra chooses to consume its aperitif. Sottosopra offers, since five years by now, the possibility of living the most amazing dance music nights by alternating musical kinds and DJs. Extended in two floors, Sottosopra hosts inside its typical (but at the same time happy and a litlle crazy) ambiance, all those who still want to meet people while dancing and talking in a young and restricted atmosphere. Anyway, to know it for real you havo no other choice than to try to more.. type: Disco & Dancing World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via de Seragli 48r, Firenze tel: +39 (0)55 - 282 340 _____Things to do Edit This Florence Florence Kim Reeve Complete and numerous facilities are available for sports enthusiasts and Florence activities that require some form of solo exercise. In addition to the stadiums for football and the race courses, there is the "velodrome" for cycle races; the city offers tennis courts and swimming pools, an 18-hole golf course at Ugolino, shooting ranges, bowling; places for canoeing waterpolo; riding schools and clubs; an Aero Club, skating rinks, etc. There are modem sports compounds at Coverciano, Bellariva Cascine, and at Campo di Marte. Contributors May 23, 2008 change by mcburton Display all or display just: Cycling Going to the Beach Golf Other Swimming Show best rated on top | Show in alphabetical order [Add Activity] Tuscany Cooking Classes Edit This Offers hands-on daily and weekly cooking classes with English-speaking Tuscan chefs in Florence. Or undertake a wine tasting or excursion, learning about famous Tuscan wines and exploring traditional and modern cellars in Chianti, Italy. www.tuscany-cooking-class.com type: Other World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +393356898344 url: www.tuscany-cooking-class.com address: Via Livornese 395, Lastra a Signa 50055 Italy email: susan@tuscany-cooking-class.com Good Tastes of Tuscany Edit This Offering hands-on daily and weekly cooking classes with English-speaking Tuscan chefs in Florence. Or undertake a wine tasting or excursion, learning about famous Tuscan wines and exploring traditional and modern cellars in Chianti, Italy. More information is available through the website, www.tuscany-cooking-class.com. type: Other World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +393356898344 url: www.tuscany-cooking-class.com address: Via Livornese 395, Lastra a Signa 50055 Italy email: susan@tuscany-cooking-class.com Climbing the Stairs of the Campanile (Bell Tower) Edit This The Bell Tower of the Duomo (1334-1359) reaches 279 feet into the sky and it’s just less than 20 feet lower than the Duomo. The 414 steps leading to the top of Campanile are difficult to climb, but well worth the effort. The views from the top are absolutely amazing. Reliefs by Pisano and della Robbia are an attraction here as well. type: Other World66 rating: [rate it] accessibility: Impossible tel: +39 055 271071 address: Piazza del Duomo I Bike Italy Tours Edit This A great way to enjoy the great outdoors in Italy is to take a bike tour. I Bike Italy Tours offers bike tours that will take you through vineyards and olive groves and past Florentine castles and hillside villa estates. Wine tastings and Florence restaurants are also on the menu during these elaborate tours. I Bike Italy has been offering single-day guided bike tours out of Florence, two-day guides bike tours from Florence to Siena, and single-day guided walking tours out of Florence since 1993. type: Cycling World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +39 347 6383976 url: www.ibikeitaly.com address: Florence, Italy email: tour_info@ibikeitaly.com Florence Golf Club Ugolino Edit This Founded in 1889, Florence Golf Club Ugolino is Italy's first golf club. Ugolino, named one of the 50 most beautiful golf courses in the world, is a natural golf course featuring 18 difficult holes (Par 72 - 5741 m) -- so not only will you be challenged here, but you will also enjoy some spectacular scenery and landscapes while you are here. type: Golf World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +39 055 2301009 url: www.golfugolino.it address: Strada Chiantigiana 3, Grassina email: info@golfugolino.it Giardino di Boboli (Bobili Gardens) Edit This Although Boboli is an excellent place to “relax” after a full day of Florence activities, there is still much to see here, so pace yourself. Highlights include: a sculpture gallery called La Grotta Grande, the Isolotto (island), Limonaia (an elegant 1785 gardening shed), and Bacchus Fountain. Visitors to the gardens will also enjoy views of the hills from the 1776 Kaffeehause Café and the Giardino dei Cavallieri. Hours: November February: 8:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; March: 8:15 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; April, May, September and October: 8:15 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.; June August: 8:15 more.. type: Other World66 rating: [rate it] address: Florence, Italy The Banks of Arno Beach Edit This It's not exactly the vast blue ocean, but the beach on the river bank of the Arno is a nice, although unusual place to relax in a complimentary deck chair (with ID), play beach volleyball or sunbathe within a stone's throw of the city centre. Arno "beach" is open during the summer months through September 2 each year. type: Going to the Beach World66 rating: [rate it] accessibility: Wheelchais Accessible tel: Florence Official Tourist Office: +39 055 23320 url: www.firenzeturismo.it address: Florence, Italy Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) Edit This This unique bridge is like no other. Ponte Vecchio (972 A.D.), the oldest of Florence’s six bridges, is more like a street than a bridge as it “houses” a wide variety of interesting shops that seem to hang right over Arno River. The shops have been a part of this bridge since the 12th century. Sights and highlights include: beautiful views of the Arno River (several panoramic terraces), the Bust of Cellini, an assortment of gold and jewelry shops, and Corridoio Vasariano. Ponte Vecchio is free to explore 24/7/365 and it is in the pedestrian zone. type: Other World66 rating: [rate it] address: Florence, Italy Le Cascine Park Edit This Located along the popular Arno River on the western side of the city, Le Cascine Park is one of the best places in Florence to take your morning run. Located along the Arno River on the western side of the city, this is Florence's largest urban park. Besides jogging and running, people also picnic here, relax in the grass, play basketball at the playground, bike, and roller blade. Attractions include famous fountains such as the Fonte di Narcisco, statues, and one of the biggest markets in town, which takes place on Tuesdays. Other amenities include a public swimming pool, more.. type: Swimming World66 rating: [rate it] address: Along the Arno River on the western side of Florence. |
| Florence Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Woman Artist Woman Artist Katherine Walton Florence is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, as well as the world. Located in the heart of Tuscany, this is the Italy of stunning views, fields of sunflowers, miles of vineyards, rolling hills, and mountaintop castles. It is famous for flavor rich Florence restaurants and it is the Renaissance capital of the world -- its celebrated sons are Leonardo DaVinci, Dante Alighieri, Machiavelli, Fra Angelico, and Michelangelo. It is a destination filled with fascinating Florence activities that should not be missed. Dominating the Florence skyline is the number one attraction listed in just about every top Florence travel guide in circulation today -- the world famous Duomo (Cathedral Church) with the Brunelleschi cupola, as well as Giotto's Bell Tower and the bronze sculpted doors of the marble-clad Baptistry. The side streets of the historic town centre are often narrow and dark, with bustling sidewalks and intimidating crowds and traffic. But the place to start touring once you've left your first-rate Florence hotel for the day is the piazza, the square -- that wonderful Mediterranean oasis where you can spend hours sitting down, enjoying an espresso, and just people-watching. You'll likely start at the square in front of the train station and across from the bus station -- the places you arrive by airport bus or by train. Santa Maria Novella Church, run by the Dominicans, faces the square. To enter you'll have to go around the block walking beside the church to another, yes, square! It's Unità d'Italia Square. (Coffee and sweet shops are there.) You'll want to see inside the Church (admission charged). Gothic and Renaissance frescoes as well as Fra Lippi-designed stain glass windows are a feast for the eyes. If you head back toward the square in front of the train station and bear right along the large street (Via Panzani), you're on your way to the square at the Duomo. Small storefront Florence restaurants beckon. But check the menu to be sure you haven't struck upon a pricey bistro! A short walk, 10 to 15 minutes, will bring you along side the Duomo. The Baptistry is the building in front of the Cathedral. There are no lines -- just walk up and look. Then turn around and look up at the church facade and bell tower. The entrance line forms along the cathedral steps. The square is filled with shops, and further along the side streets are women's fashion stores. If you walk to the left of the Baptistry across the square you'll come to a small mall area along with more Florence restaurants and coffee bars. Among the other things you can't afford to miss are the Uffizi galleries, one of the best art museums in the world (tickets required), the Santo Spirito church, and the Old Bridge (Ponte Vecchio) with its must see shopping area -- another favorite Florence activity. The Academia with the original David is also not to be missed. To get a great overview of the city, head for Piazza Michelangelo in Oltrarno section of town (other side of River Arno) or farther up to the church of San Miniato. Lovers of art will want to visit the hillside town of Fiesole, just outside Florence (you can go by bus, 20 minutes from the central bus station mentioned above). Besides the Roman ruins, the Church of St. Dominic features the stunning frescoes of Fra Angelico. The surrounding areas of Florence have many things to offer to the visitor. You can explore this region for weeks -- even months, without getting bored. For this, Florence is the perfect starting point for day trips. Travel agents can book just about any Florence day trip for you. (Tip: An agency is on the far side of the Duomo Square.) One excellent day trip of note is that to Siena and San Gimignano. Top Ten Things to Do in Florence Duomo (Cathedral) – You can’t miss Duomo, even if you tried – the giant dome dominates the Florence skyline. Highlights include: Uccello’s mural to a 14th-century Captain, Brunelleschi’s dome (of course), and the remains of Santa Reparata. Piazza del Duomo, 17, +39 055 215380. http://www.duomofirenze.it Giardino di Boboli (Bobili Gardens) – Although Boboli is an excellent place to “relax” after a full day of Florence activities, there is still much to see here -- so pace yourself. Highlights include: a sculpture gallery called La Grotta Grande, the Isolotto (island), Limonaia (1785 gardening shed), and Bacchus Fountain. Piazza Pitti, 1, Ph: +39 055 2388786. http://www.firenzemusei.it/00_english/boboli/index.html Carpe Diem – This fine Italian restaurant serving up innovative cuisine features a spectacular terrace overlooking the city of Florence. It is one of the most popular restaurants in Florence during the hot summer months so get here early for lunch or dinner to avoid long waits. Via Giuseppe Mantellini 2b, Fiesole, +39 055 599595. Closed Monday Galleria dell’Accademia (Academy Gallery) – Plan to spend at least half of the day at Galleria dell’Accademia, which features sculptures by Michelangelo: the Prisoners, the St. Matthew, and the statue of David. Via Ricasoli 58-60, 50122 Firenze, Ph: +39 055 2388609. http://www.polomuseale.firenze.it/accademia Museo di Storia della Scienza (Institute and Museum of the History of Science) – Located in the 14th-century Palazzo Castellani, Museo di Storia della Scienza features several floors of galleries and the library of the Instituto di Storia della Scienza. Piazza dei Guidici, 1, Ph: +39 055 265311, 24 hour info. +39 055 293493. http://www.imss.fi.it Palazzo Pitti (Pitti Palace) – Built in 1457, Palazzo Pitti consists of four museums and an art collection that is considered one of the best collections in the world. Located in the Galleria Palatina, Renaissance and baroque works of art from the Medici collection can be found including masterpieces by Van Dyck (Henrietta Maria, Charles I), Titian (Portrait of a Gentleman, Mary Magdalene), and Raphael (Madonna of the Chair). Piazza Pitti, +39 055 2388611. http://www.palazzopitti.it Capella Brancacci (Brancacci Chapel) – This small chapel houses some of the most fascinating frescoes in Florence. Highlights include: Masaccio’s Tribute Money, Filippino Lippi’s St. Paul visits St. Peter in Prison, Masaccio’s Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise, and St. Peter Heals the Sick (Masaccio). Capella Brancacci is located at Santa Maria del Carmine, Piazza del Carmine, ph: +39 055 2382195. San Minato al Monte (St. Minias of the Mountain) – Located in walking distance from Central Florence is San Minato al Monte and an uphill climb you’ll never forget! High on a hill above Florence highlights such as the Cardinal of Portugal Chapel and Cappella del Crocifisso can be explored as well as beautiful architecture and design such as a marble façade, mosaics, an inlaid floor, and a wooden ceiling. San Minato al Monte is located off Viale Galileo Galilei and it’s free! +39 055 2342768. Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) – This unique bridge is like no other. Ponte Vecchio (972 A.D.), the oldest of Florence’s six bridges, is more like a street than a bridge as it “houses” a wide variety of interesting shops that seem to hang right over Arno River. The shops have been a part of this bridge since the 12th century. Sights and highlights include: beautiful views of the Arno River (several panoramic terraces), the Bust of Cellini, an assortment of gold and jewelry shops, and Corridoio Vasariano. Ponte Vecchio is free to explore 24/7/365 and it is in the pedestrian zone. Campanile (Bell Tower) – The Bell Tower of the Duomo (1334-1359) reaches 279 feet into the sky and it is just under 20 feet lower than the Duomo. The 414 steps leading to the top of Campanile are difficult to climb, but well worth the effort. The views from the top are absolutely amazing. Reliefs by Pisano and della Robbia are an attraction here as well. Piazza del Duomo, +39 055 271071. __________Sights Edit This Dome, nave and Campanile Dome, nave and Campanile Kim Rowland Florence is packed with hundreds of truly amazing sights and exciting Florence activities. From the Middle Ages onward the Florentines have been very busy constructing palazzi, churches, and convents. For more than 400 years it has been one of the leading cultural cities in Italy. In Florence - the City of Dante - the Italian language was born. With Petrarch and Boccaccio the study of literature found its main centre here. Humanism brought new philosophical ideas and a full appreciation of classicism. Machiavelli inaugurated the new political science; Guicciardini introduced modern historical prose; and Galileo and his school created and developed experimental science. As far back as Charlemagne, Florence has had a University, which today includes numerous faculties and a wide range of Institutes with a specialized Centre for foreigners. Academies and arts schools, scientific institutes such as the "Osservatono Astrofisico" at Arcetri, the Institute of Research in Electromagnetic Waves, and the Centre for Nuclear Medicine all contribute to the intense activity of the city in this particular field, as do the foreign universities and the various centres of Art History and popular culture. Among the many science museums of special interest are the Museum of History of Science, the Museum of Geology and Paleontology, the Museum of Botany, the Museum of Mineralogy, that of Anthropology and Ethnology, and of course the glorious "Specola". Vast collections of bibliographies are kept in the Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale and in other famous libraries, such as the Mediceo-Laurenziana, the Riccardiana and the Marucelliana. Many priceless documents are kept in the Archivio di Stato and the Archivio Comunale. Contributors May 23, 2008 change by mcburton March 09, 2007 change by rfujitani Display all or display just: Catacombs Churches Churches and Cathedrals Convents Fountains and statues Hotspots Landmarks Museums Palazzi Parks & Gardens Parks, Gardens and Zoos Squares Show best rated on top | Show in alphabetical order [Add Sight] Uffizi Gallery – Galleria degli Uffizi Edit This photo_1 photo by: Kim Rowland The Uffizi Gallery, founded in Florence in 1581, by the De Medici family, is one of the oldest museums in the world. Many important works of Italian and other schools, dating from between the fourteenth and eighteenth centuries, are kept here, including the largest existing collection of Tuscan Renaissance paintings. The Uffizi Palace was constructed in the mid-sixteenth century by the architect Giorgio Vasari (1511-1574) in the period when Cosimo de' Medici, first Grand Duke of Tuscany, was bureaucratically consolidating his recent takeover of power. Built in the form of a more.. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] email: info@uffizi.firenze.it address: Piazza Uffizi url: www.uffizi.firenze.it openings: Tue – Sun 8.15am – 7pm, closed on mondays, Lit. 12000 tel: +39 (0)55 - 2388699 Il Duomo, Santa Maria del Fiore Edit This Dome, nave and Campanile Dome, nave and Campanile photo by: Kim Rowland Arnolfo di Cambio who began construction in 1296 designed Santa Maria del Fiore, the Gothic cathedral erected over the ancient basilica of Santa Reparata. Brunelleschi completed it in 1436 with the elegant dome, the inside of which was entirely frescoed by Vasari and Zuccari. The final phase in the construction of the cathedral, that is the completion of the façade, dates from the mid-19th century. To the right of the cathedral rises the Bell Tower, or Campanile, designed by Giotto in 1334. The square tower is covered with red, green and white marble inlays, decorated more.. type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza Duomo tel: +39 (0)55 - 2302885 openingHours: CATHEDRAL: 10 am - 5 pm, Entrance free; DOME: 8.30 am - 7 pm, Sat. 8.30 am - 5.40 pm, Entrance € 6; BELL TOWER: 8.30 am - 7.30 pm, Entrance € 6 The Badia Fiorentina Edit This The city’s oldest monastery (978) is just a short distance from the Bargello museum. Here there is a masterpiece by Filippino Lippi. And nearby in the Palazzo Nonfinito is the rich Museum of Anthropology and Ethnology, while the Museo Casa di Dante (Dante’s house) is right behind the Badia. type: Convents World66 rating: [rate it] Piazzale Michelangelo Edit This Piazzale Michelangelo was built in 1869 to plans by Giuseppe Poggi; it offers a splendid panorama of the city. In the middle of this plaza stand bronze copies of Michelangelo’s "David" and the four statues on the tombs in the Medici Chapels. Just above Piazzale Michelangelo is the basilica of San Miniato al Monte. Its green and white marble façade is considered one of the finest examples of the Florentine Romanesque style. Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, it contains fine artworks such as the chapel of the "Crucifixion" by Michelozzo and the chapel of the more.. type: Squares World66 rating: [rate it] Piazza della Republica Edit This Piazza della Republica, Florence, Italy Piazza della Republica, Florence, Italy photo by: Ellie Trevarthen Build between 1890 and 1917, after the demolishing of the medieval Florentine town center. This square is at about the same location as the roman fortress once was. The statue of prosperity on the column is a copy of the one kept in the Palazzo della Casa di Risparmio. The square is surrounded by banks and by terraces. type: Squares World66 rating: [rate it] Piazza Signoria Edit This Looking out from the loggia into Piazza Signoria Looking out from the loggia into Piazza Signoria photo by: Kim Rowland A welcome refresher after spilling out of the chaos on Via Calzaiuoli, Piazza Signoria is home to the Palazzo Vecchio, the Uffizi, and a loggia housing some of the most beautiful and famous statues of the world, including Giambologna's "The Rape of the Sabines" and Cellini's "The Triumphant Perseus." A marker in the square decorates the spot where Savonarola was executed for heresy in 1498. type: Fountains and statues World66 rating: [rate it] Santo Spirito Edit This The church was designed by Brunelleschi and begun in 1444, it is one of the most beautiful examples of Renaissance architecture. The interior, in the shape of a Latin cross with three naves, is pure Brunelleschian style. The sacristy was built to plans by Giuliano da Sangallo. Next to the church is the Cenacle of Santo Spirito, where there is still a fragment of the "Last Supper" by Andrea Orcagna type: Churches World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza S. Spirito Cappelle Medicee Edit This type: Churches World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza M.d. Aldobran openings: Lit. 11000 tel: +39 (0)55 - 2388602 Galleria della Accademia Edit This This is one of many important museums in Florence, because it houses famous sculptures by Michelangelo, including the stunning and most well-known version of "David." There are also many paintings, collected by the Grand Duke Peter Leopold to help the young artists enrolled in the Accademia d’Arte, which is still next door to the gallery. No photos are allowed to be taken of anything inside the museum. type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via Ricasoli 58-60 openings: 9am-7pm, holidays: 9am - 2pm, closed Mondays, entrance EURO 9.50 tel: +39 (0)55 – 2388609 or 23885 Palazzo Davanzati Edit This This building dates from the mid-14th century. the antique dealer Elia Volpi purchased it in the early years of the 20th century and restored and furnished it, to recreate a period Florentine home. The many rooms, several of which are decorated with frescoes and fine coffered ceilings, contain carved and inlaid furniture, chests, benches, paintings, tapestry, sculptures, ceramics, items used every day and in the kitchens. It’s one of the finest examples of trecento palazzi in Florence, though the loggia is an addition of the 15th century. type: Palazzi World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via Porta Rossa 9 openingHours: 7 am to 7pm Convento di San Marco Edit This Michelozzo rebuilt and expanded this convent for Cosimo the Elder, and it still contains the splendid frescoes that Beato Angelico painted to decorate the monk’s cells. Inside there is also a beautiful library that Michelozzo designed in 1448; this, the first public library of the Renaissance, contains many fine illuminated manuscripts. The church of San Marco that stands alongside the convent was redesigned by Michelozzo. type: Convents World66 rating: [rate it] Santa Felicita Edit This Inside this church, in the Capponi chapel is Pontormo’s painting of the "Deposition" (1525-28) which is considered one of the masterpieces of Florentine Mannerism. type: Churches World66 rating: [rate it] Santa Trinita Edit This This church, built in the second half of the 11th century, was enlarged and modified according to the Gothic style in the early 14th century. The pietra forte façade was made to designs by Buontalenti towards the end of the 16th century. The major artworks inside the church are the Sassetti Chapel with the fresco cycle depicting "Scenes from the Life of St. Francis of Assisi" and the panel painting of the "Adoration of the Shepherds" by Domenico Ghirlandaio (1483-86). *D:Orsanmichele Originally this building, a loggia designed by Arnolfo di Cambio (1209), was a granary and more.. type: Churches World66 rating: [rate it] Cenacle of Ghirlandaio Edit This Domenico Ghirlandaio’s painting of the “Last Supper”, of which even the synopia is visible, graces the former refectory of the monastery adjacent to the Church of Ognissanti. type: Convents World66 rating: [rate it] Palazzo Pitti Edit This The Pitti Palace was begun during the second half of the fifteenth century by Luca Pitti, but was unfinished at his death in 1472. Tradition says that the palace was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi (1377-1446) and built by his pupil Luca Fancelli. The original construction on two floors above a ground floor with only five windows on each floor, was bought in 1550 by Cosimo I de' Medici's wife, Eleonora of Toledo and became the official residence of the grand ducal family. The palace was then enlarged and altered; from 1560 date the grandiose courtyard and the two lateral wings, more.. type: Catacombs World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza Pitti 1 tel: +39 (0)55 - 213 440 The district of Santo Spirito in Oltrarno Edit This This picturesque neighborhood populated by craftsmen, restorers and antique dealers, gets its name from the Church of Santo Spirito. The church is only one of the major sights, together with the Palazzo Pitti and the Piazzale Michelangelo. type: Squares World66 rating: [rate it] Santa Maria Novella Edit This Begun in 1246 for Dominican friars, the church was completed in 1360. Leon Battista Alberti who designed the upper part completed the white and green marble Gothic-Romanesque façade. Inside the church there are splendid masterpieces including "The Trinity" by Masaccio, frescoes by Filippino Lippi and Ghirlandaio in the Tornabuoni chapel, a Crucifix by Giotto and a wooden Crucifix by Brunelleschi. type: Churches World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza Santa Maria Novella openings: cloister: weekdays 9am-2pm, holidays 8am-lpm, closed Fri, entrance L 4.000 tel: +39 (0)55 - 282187 Brancacci Chapel and Museum (Sta. Maria del carmine) Edit This This chapel is famous throughout the world for its frescoes by Masaccio, a masterpiece of Renaissance painting; it is located in the 13th century church of Santa Maria del Carmine. Masolino was commissioned to do the frescoes and he began work in 1424 with the help of Masaccio. When Masaccio left Florence, Filippino Lippi completed the frescoes after 1480. type: Churches World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza del Carmine openings: weekdays 10am-5pm, holidays l-5pm, closed on Tue, entr. L. 6.000 (red. L. 3000) tel: +39 (0)55 - 2382195 Santa Croce Edit This This Franciscan basilica was begun in 1295 to plans by Arnolfo di Cambio. It contains countless artworks, including Giotto’s famous frescoes in the Peruzzi and Bardi chapels, and it is universally famous as the final resting place of several great Italians. The most important monuments include the tomb of Alfieri by Canova, the tomb of Leonardo Bruni by Rossellino and the tomb of Carlotta Bonaparte by Bartolini. The Basilica houses the tombs of Rossini, Machiavelli, Galileo, Michelangelo, Marconi, Dante, among others, type: Squares World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza Santa Croce San Lorenzo Edit This Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, consecrated the original church that stood on this site in 393. Cosimo the Elder had it enlarged and remodeled by Brunelleschi. Inside there are works by Rosso Fiorentino, Desiderio da Settignano, Donatello and Bronzino. The church is flanked by the splendid, square-shaped Old Sacristy by Brunelleschi and the New Sacristy, by Michelangelo (1524), that houses the Medici family tombs. Along with the Baroque Chapel of the Princes, the New Sacristy comprises the museum of the Medici Chapels. To the left of the church is the Laurentian Library, also designed more.. type: Churches World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza San Lorenzo Santissima Annunziata Edit This Founded in 1250 and then expanded over the centuries, this is one of the most important churches in Florence. The Cloister of the Voti and the Cloister of the Morti contain frescoes by Andrea del Sarto, Rosso Fiorentino, Franciabigio and Pontormo. Inside the temple of the Annunziata, designed by Michelozzo, there is an image of the Virgin Mary that is considered miraculous. type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza SS. Annunziata Convent of Santa Maria Maddelena de’ Pazzi Edit This The Chapter Room of the convent is decorated with Perugino’s famous fresco of the "Crucifixion" (1493-96). type: Convents World66 rating: [rate it] Hospital of Innocents Edit This type: Convents World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza SS. Annunziata, 12 openings: weekdays 8.30am-2pm, holidays 8.30am-lpm, closed Wednesdays, entrance L. 3.000 tel: +30 (0)55 - 2477952 Convento dello Scalzo Edit This The Cloister "Dello Scalzo" is located in Via Cavour; it contains monochrome frescoes by Andrea del Sarto portraying "Scenes from the Life of St. John the Baptist" and two "Allegories of Virtue". type: Convents World66 rating: [rate it] Cenacle of Sant’Apollonia Edit This The entrance to the cenacle of Sant’Apollonia is on Via XXVII Aprile; on the back wall there is a "Last Supper" by Andrea del Castagno. type: Convents World66 rating: [rate it] Plazzo Pandolfini Edit This Still owned by the Pandolfini family, this palazzo was commissioned by Giannozzo Pandolfiny, Archbishop of Troia, in 1520, after a degign by Rafaël. type: Palazzi World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via San Gallo 74 Palazzo Rucellai Edit This Bernardo Rossellino built this palazzo between 1446 and 1458, for Giovanni Rucellai after designs by Leon Battista Alberti. Not like the Medici or Strozzi palazzi, this palazzo is basically a façade in front of some older buildings owned by the Rucellai family. The façade was never finished, one can still the intention of expanding it to the right. Today the Palazzo Rucellai houses the Museo di Storia della Fotografia Fratelli Alinari, dedicated to the history of photography. The loggia is also attributed to Alberti. type: Palazzi World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via dela Vigna Nuova 18 Palazzo Medici Riccardi Edit This This is the most typical example of privately commissioned Renaissance architecture. Cosimo the Elder commissioned Michelozzo to design a palace in 1444. Inside there is an elegant courtyard, a small Italian garden and the famous chapel with Benozzo Gozzoli’s fresco the "Procession of the Magi" (1459). type: Palazzi World66 rating: [rate it] Palazzo Vecchio Edit This This is the most important civil building in the city; construction, to plans by Arnolfo di Cambio, was begun in 1299. It was the seat of the Priori delle Arti, of the Signoria and the ducal residence; over the centuries it was remodelled several times. Michelozzo later modified the 14th century courtyard, graced with the fountain with the “putto”, a copy of Verrocchio’s original. Inside, it is worth seeing the Salone dei Cinquecento, the study of Francesco I, the room of the Elements and the Sala dei Gigli. type: Palazzi World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza Signoria openings: Lit. 11000 tel: +39 (0)55 - 2768325 Palazzo Strozzi Edit This Filippo Strozzi the Elder commissioned Benedetto da Maiano to build this palace. He began working in 1489 and was replaced by Cronaca who built the cornice and courtyard. Palazzo Strozzi is one of the finest expressions of Renaissance architecture. type: Palazzi World66 rating: [rate it] Museo Nazionale del Bargello Edit This This building dates from 1255, when it was built as the seat of the "Capitano del Popolo", the commander of the local militia. Later it became the seat of the "Podestà" and then of the Capitano di Giustizia (the magistrate) or "Bargello", from which it gets its name. Since 1859 it has been the home of the National Museum dedicated to sculpture and the minor arts. It contains masterpieces by Brunelleschi, Michelangelo, Cellini, Giambologna, and Donatello along with priceless ivories, enamels, jewels, tapestries and weapons. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via Proconsolo 4 openings: 9am-2pm - closed Mon. / Entrance L. 8.000 tel: +39 (0)55 – 2388606 Museo dell’Opera di Santa Croce Edit This The Museo dell’Opera contains renowned artworks such as the "Crucifix" by Cimabue, frescoes by Taddeo Gaddi and Andrea Orcagna and the graceful Pazzi Chapel designed by Brunelleschi. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza S. Croce, 16 openings: summer: 10am-12.30pm - 2.30-6.30pm / winter: 10am-12.30 pm - 3-5pm - Closed Wed, Entr. L 3.000 tel: +39 (0)55 - 244619 Museum of Santa Maria Novella Edit This The Museo di Santa Maria Novella is adjacent to the church. Here you can admire the splendid Green Cloister frescoed by Paolo Uccello and his school. In the Chapter Room, known as the "Cappellone degli Spagnoli" is a famous fresco by Bonaiuto. Just a short distance from the church is the Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, where perfumes, soaps and fragrances are made and sold in a Neogothic setting. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza Santa Maria Novella tel: +39 (0)55 - 282187 Carnielo Gallery Edit This type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza Savonarola 3 tel: +39 (0)55 - 2616539 Palatine Gallery Edit This type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: inside Pitti Palace openings: 9am- 7pm, closed on Mondays, entrance L 12.000 tel: +39 (0)55 - 2388611 Sinagogue and Jewish Museum of Florence Edit This type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via Farini, 4 openings: Sun & Thu 10am-lpm & 2-5pm, Fri 10am-lpm. Entrance L 5.000 tel: +39 (0)55 - 245252 Museo Marino Marini Edit This The deconsecrated church of S. Pancrazio houses the museum dedicated to Marino Marini, one of the foremost 20th century Italian sculptors. Near the museum, in the Rucellai Chapel is the extraordinary Temple of the Holy Sepulchre by Leon Battista Alberti. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza S. Pancrazio openings: 10am-5pm (Thu till 10pm), closed on Tuesdays and Sundays, entrance L.8.000 tel: +39 (0)55 - 219432 Museo di Storia della Scienza (Institute and Museum of the History of Science) Edit This Located in the 14th-century Palazzo Castellani, Museo di Storia della Scienza (Institute and Museum of the History of Science features several floors of galleries and the Library of the Instituto di Storia della Scienza. Points of interest include: 18th-century models of birth deformities, Galileo’s Telescope, Lorenzo della Volpaia’s Clock of the Planets (1593), Lopo Homem’s Map of the World, and Antonio Santucci’s Armillary Sphere (1573). type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] email: imss@imss.fi.it address: Piazza dei Guidici, 1 tel: +39 055 265311, 24 hour info. +39 055 293493 openingHours: Summer and Winter hours vary, so call the 24 hour information line before you go. url: www.imss.fi.it Museo Zoologico la Specola - La Specola Museum Edit This This museum contains a rich zoological collection of both existing and extinct animals, but above all it is famous for its collection of 18th century anatomical wax figures by Gaetano Zumbo: it is considered the finest in the world for beauty and quality. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via Romana, 17 openings: 9am-12am - Holidays 9am-lpm, closed from August 13th-17th, entrance L 6.000 tel: +39 (0)55 - 222451 Porcelain Museum Edit This type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: Boboli Gardens (Pitti Palace) openings: 9am-2pm, closed on Mondays. entrance L. 8.000 (Ticket also valid for Silver Museum) tel: +39 (0)55 - 213440 Silver Museum Edit This type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: inside Pitti Palace openings: 9am- 2pm, entrance L. 8.000, closed 2nd/4th Sunday and 1st/3rd/5th Monday of month. tel: +39 (0)55 - 294279 Modern Art Gallery Edit This type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: inside Pitti Palace openings: 9am-2pm, entrance L. 4.000, closed 2nd/4th Sunday and 1st/3rd/5th Monday of month. tel: +39 (0)55 - 287096 Museo Bardini - Bardini Museum and Corsi Gallery Edit This This museum contains the fine collection of art objects bequeathed to the city by the antique dealer Stefano Bardini. The many masterpieces of painting and sculpture include works by Nicola Pisano, Tino da Camaino, Pollaiolo and Donatello. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza de' Mozzi l openings: weekdays 9am-2pm, holidays 8am-1pm, closed wed, entr. L 5.000 (red L 2.500) tel: +39 (0)55 - 2342427 Museo Firenze Com'era Edit This type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: 24 Via Oriuolo tel: +39 (0)55 - 2398483 Raccolta Arte Contemporanea Alberto della Regione Edit This type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: 5 Piazza Signoria tel: +39 (0)55 - 283078 Museo della Fondazione Horne Edit This This museum contains fine collections of artistic and crafted items dated from the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries donated to the city of Florence at the beginning of the 20th century by Herbert Percy Horne. This English antique dealer recreated a noble Renaissance residence in his home; one of the most interesting pieces is a "St. Stephen" attributed to Giotto. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via de ' Benci 6 openings: weekdays 9am-lpm - Closed on holidays, entrance L 6.000 (reduced L. 2.500) tel: +39 (0)55 - 244661 Potography history Museum Edit This type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: 16 Via della Vigna Nuova tel: +39 (0)55 - 213370 House of Dante Edit This type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via S. Margherita, 1 openings: daily 10am - 6pm, closed Tuesdays, entrance L. 5.000 (Red. L. 3.000) tel: +39 (0)55 - 283343 University Museums and Botanical Gardens Edit This The entrance to several of the University’s scientific museums are on Via La Pira: Geology and Paleontology, Mineralogy and Lithology and the Botanical Gardens, or "Giardino dei Semplici", founded by the Medici and then enriched under the Lorraine rule; the Botanical Museum, on the other hand, dates from the 19th century. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via Micheli, 3 openings: Mon, Wed – Fri 9 - 12pm, Sat. garden only, closed August 13th-17th, entrance free tel: +39 (0)55 - 2757402 Archeological Museum Edit This This collection, begun by the Medici and continued by the Lorraine, contains many important items related to Etruscan art and civilization such as the "Chimera of Arezzo", the "Orator" and the "Minerva of Arezzo", as well as several tombs that are in the garden. The Greek and Egyptian sections are also quite noteworthy, in fact, this is one of the major archeological museums in Italy. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via della Colonna, 36 openings: 9am-2pm (guided visits for groups), closed on Mondays, entrance L. 6.000 tel: +39 (0)55 - 23575 Museo dell’Opera del Duomo Edit This The Museo dell’Opera del Duomo houses artworks from Santa Maria del Fiore, the Baptistery and the Campanile, including sculptures that had been made for the cathedral façade. The most important works in the museum are by Michelangelo ("Pietà"), Donatello ("Mary Magdalen", "Cantoria"), Arnolfo di Cambio ("Boniface VIII"), Luca della Robbia ("Cantoria"). type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza Duomo, 9 openings: weekdays 9am-6pm (winter), 9am-7.30pm (summer), 9am-lpm (holidays), entr. L. 5.000, closed on Sun tel: +39 (0)55 - 2302885 Stibbert Museum Edit This The sixty rooms of the Museo Stibbert contain the collection of Federico Stibbert consisting of weapons and ancient armour, jewellery and furnishings. Of particular interest is the celebrated Cavalcade, made up of fourteen armed knights wearing sixteenth-century costumes. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via F. Stibbert 26 openings: weekdays 9am-lpm, holidays 9am-12.30pm, closed Thur, entr. L. 8.000 tel: +39 (0)55 - 486049 or 475520 Anthropology Museum Edit This type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via Proconsolo,12 openings: Thur., Fri. and Sat. & 3rd Sun. of the month: 9am-lpm, entr. free tel: +39 (0)55 - 2396449 House of Buonarroti Edit This type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via Ghibellina, 70 openings: 9.30am-1.30pm, closed Tuesdays, entrance L 8.000 (red. L. 6.000) tel: +30 (0)55 - 241752 Giardino di Boboli (Bobili Gardens) Edit This Although Boboli is an excellent place to “relax” after a full day of Florence activities, there is still much to see here, so pace yourself. Highlights include: a sculpture gallery called La Grotta Grande, the Isolotto (island), Limonaia (an elegant 1785 gardening shed), and Bacchus Fountain. Visitors to the gardens will also enjoy views of the hills from the 1776 Kaffeehause Café and the Giardino dei Cavallieri. Hours: November-February: 8:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; March: 8:15 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; April, May, September-October: 8:15 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.; June-August: 8:15 more.. type: Parks, Gardens and Zoos World66 rating: [rate it] email: giardino.boboli@polomuseale.firenze.it address: Piazza Pitti, 1 tel: +39 055 2388786 openingHours: November-February: 8:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; March: 8:15 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; April, May, September-October: 8:15 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.; June-August: 8:15 a.m.– 7:30 p.m. url: www.firenzemusei.it Petraia Garden Edit This type: Parks & Gardens World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via Petraia 38 openings: Lit.4000 tel: +39 (0)55 - 2651838 Castello Garden Edit This type: Parks & Gardens World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via Castello 44 openings: Lit.4000 tel: +39 (0)55 - 45791 Pandolfini Garden Edit This type: Parks & Gardens World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via Guardiavia 18 tel: +39 (0)55 - 265171 Park of Villa Ventaglio Edit This type: Parks & Gardens World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via Aldini, 12 openings: 9am - 5pm tel: +39 (0)55 - 5802837 Villa Demidoff Park Edit This type: Parks & Gardens World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via Bolognese - Pratolino openings: Open from May till September on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays - Hours 10am-8pm - Entrance L4.000 - Free on Fridays. tel: 477967 Mercato Centrale Edit This Walking through the leather market that surrounds Mercato Centrale Walking through the leather market that surrounds Mercato Centrale photo by: Kim Rowland Not far from the San Lorenzo complex is the Mercato Centrale, or central market, a fine example of late 19th century steel and glass architecture. lkj Venture inside to see the many interesting displays of fresh meats, veggies, fruits and pastas type: Squares World66 rating: [rate it] Duomo (Cathedral) Edit This You can’t miss Duomo, even if you tried – the giant dome dominates the Florence skyline. From just about any point in the city, you can see the Filippo Brunelleschi designed dome’s white ribs jutting out from the terra cotta tiles. Duomo highlights include: Uccello’s mural to a 14th-century Captain, Brunelleschi’s dome (of course), and the remains of Santa Reparata. To enjoy the dome to the fullest, climb the 463 steps to the top to explore Vasari’s frescoes of the Last Judgment and the dome’s interior. Once at the top, you will understand why everyone says the more.. type: Churches and Cathedrals World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +39 055 215380 url: www.duomofirenze.it address: Piazza del Duomo, 17 email: info@duomofirenze.it Galleria dell’Accademia (Academy Gallery) Edit This Plan to spend at least half of the day at Galleria dell’Accademia, which features sculptures by Michelangelo: the Prisoners, the St. Matthew, and the statue of David. Several additional rooms contain works by Florence artists of the mid-13th and late 16th centuries as well as a collection of sculptures in plaster by 19th-century sculptors Lorenzo Bartolini and Luigi Pampaloni. Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 8:15 a.m. – 6:50 p.m. type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +39 055 2388609 openingHours: Tuesday-Sunday, 8:15 a.m. – 6:50 p.m. url: www.polomuseale.firenze.it address: Via Ricasoli 58-60, 50122 Firenze email: GalleriaAccademia@polomuseale.firenze.it Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) Edit This This unique bridge is like no other. Ponte Vecchio (972 A.D.), the oldest of Florence’s six bridges, is more like a street than a bridge as it “houses” a wide variety of interesting shops that seem to hang right over Arno River. The shops have been a part of this bridge since the 12th century. Sights and highlights include: beautiful views of the Arno River (several panoramic terraces), the Bust of Cellini, an assortment of gold and jewelry shops, and Corridoio Vasariano. Ponte Vecchio is free to explore 24/7/365 and it is in the pedestrian zone. type: Landmarks World66 rating: [rate it] openingHours: 24/7/365 address: Florence Italy, over the Arno River ____________History Edit This Founded by the Romans in the first century B.C., Florence began its rebirth after the decadence of the barbaric ages, in the Carolingian period, and reached the highest pinnacles of civilization between the 11th and 15th centuries, as a free city, basking in a happy stability amid Imperial and Papal authorities, overcoming the unfortunate internal dispute between Guelfs and Ghibellines. In the 15th century, it came under the rule of the Medici family, who later became the Grand Dukes of Tuscany. This in fact was the period when the city was at the height of its glory in art and culture, in politics and economic power. The Grand Duchy of the Medicis was succeeded in the 18th century by that of the House of Lorraine, when in 1860 Tuscany became part of the Kingdom of Italy of which Florence was the capital from 1865 to 1871. In this century, this city has once more taken up its role as an important centre for culture and the arts. __________Getting Around Edit This Traveling around the City of Florence from sight to sight and between the many Florence activities on the menu is fairly easy -- and convenient. A city bus (www.ataf.net) runs every 20 minutes from the main train station (Santa Maria Novella) to Amerigo Vespucci Airport ( www.aeroporto.firenze.it). There's a train service between the main station and Galileo Galilei Airport ( www.pisa-airport.com). Buses service the city centre and Fiesole in the hills north-east of town. Bus tickets can be bought at tobacconists or vending machines and must be validated as you get on the bus. Tickets are sold on a time basis - you can get one hour two hour and 24 hour tickets. Traffic is restricted in the city centre so it's best to park a little out of town and walk around - parking in the more central areas is very expensive. Taxis are outside Stazione di Santa Maria Novella or you can ring one. While taxis are super convenient from the airport to your Florence hotel and back, unscrupulous “taxi” companies and drivers frequently mislead tourists. The Florence travel guide about taxis should help you avoid getting taken by dishonest drivers and services. Florence Taxis By Lodging.IT Taxis in Florence are white and are readily available thoughout the city centre at taxi ranks, which you can find mostly at the main piazzas. Taxis are quite convenient because they have access to most streets that are otherwise closed to regular traffic. Taxis are considerably more costly than other forms of shared public transport, and be aware that there may be surcharges for luggage, or if you are traveling late at night. If you are traveling from the outskirts of Florence, it is better to call for a taxi, however bear in mind that the companies may charge from the time you make the call. Florence's major taxi company is Socota and on the website you can find out more information on fares, taxi ranks, and the phone numbers to easily reach them. So.Co.To Via di Novoli 44/c 50127 Florence (FI) Tel: +39 055 410133 Website: http://www.socota.it There are several other taxi firms in Florence: Taxi radio Co.Ta.Fi - 24 hour service Tel: +39 055 4499/ 4390 Via dello Steccuto, 12 Taxi Merci N. 3 - Goods Transport 17/R, Piazza della Repubblica 50123 Florence (FI) Tel: +39 055 2396230 Electric Scooter Taxis Tel: +39 055 434 143 If you experience any problems with taxis during your stay in Florence you can make an official complaint to the Municipal Police. Polizia Municipale Porta al Prato, 2 Florence Tel: +39 055 328 3552 OR Ufficio Taxi Piazza Artom, 18 Florence Tel: +39 055 328 3717 E-mail: uff.taxi@comune.firenze.it Contributors May 23, 2008 change by mcburton ________Getting There Edit This Florence, a city with a population of around half a million inhabitants, spreads on the banks of the Arno River, between the Adriatic and the Tyrrhenian seas, almost in the middle of the Italian peninsula. It is a city which bustles with industry and craft, commerce and culture, art and science, and Florence activities that have to be experienced to be believed. Florence is easily accessible from the most important places both in Italy and abroad. Visitors will arrive in Italy at Amerigo Vespucci Airport ( www.aeroporto.firenze.it) or Galileo Galilei Airport ( www.pisa-airport.com). While taxis are super convenient from either airport to your Florence hotel and back, unscrupulous “taxi” companies and drivers frequently mislead tourists. The Florence travel guide about taxis should help you avoid getting taken by dishonest drivers and services. Florence Taxis By Lodging.IT Taxis in Florence are white and are readily available thoughout the city centre at taxi ranks, which you can find mostly at the main piazzas. Taxis are quite convenient because they have access to most streets that are otherwise closed to regular traffic. Taxis are considerably more costly than other forms of shared public transport, and be aware that there may be surcharges for luggage, or if you are traveling late at night. If you are traveling from the outskirts of Florence, it is better to call for a taxi, however bear in mind that the companies may charge from the time you make the call. Florence's major taxi company is Socota and on the website you can find out more information on fares, taxi ranks, and the phone numbers to easily reach them. So.Co.To Via di Novoli 44/c 50127 Florence (FI) Tel: +39 055 410133 Website: http://www.socota.it There are several other taxi firms in Florence: Taxi radio Co.Ta.Fi - 24 hour service Tel: +39 055 4499/ 4390 Via dello Steccuto, 12 Taxi Merci N. 3 - Goods Transport 17/R, Piazza della Repubblica 50123 Florence (FI) Tel: +39 055 2396230 Electric Scooter Taxis Tel: +39 055 434 143 If you experience any problems with taxis during your stay in Florence you can make an official complaint to the Municipal Police. Polizia Municipale Porta al Prato, 2 Florence Tel: +39 055 328 3552 OR Ufficio Taxi Piazza Artom, 18 Florence Tel: +39 055 328 3717 E-mail: uff.taxi@comune.firenze.it Taxi radio Co.Ta.Fi - 24 hour service Tel:+39 055 4499/ 4390 Via dello Steccuto, 12 Taxi Merci N. 3 - Goods Transport 17/R, Piazza della Repubblica 50123 Florence (FI) Tel: +39 055 2396230 Electric Scooter Taxis Tel: +39 055 434 143 If you experience any problems with taxis during your stay in Florence you can make an official complaint to the Municipal Police. Polizia Municipale Porta al Prato, 2 Florence Tel: +39 055 328 3552 OR Ufficio Taxi Piazza Artom, 18 Florence Tel: +39 055 328 3717 E-mail: uff.taxi@comune.firenze.it Contributors May 23, 2008 change by mcburton _________A perfect day Edit This Upon arrival get a copy of Florence Concierge Information and Florence Today (Tourist Office) to see what’s happening during the week. Then walk to the Piazza del Duomo (Dome Square) to see the heart of Florence—the red white and green marble Duomo otherwise known as Santa Maria del Fiore. Before entering the cathedral take time to admire the bronze doors on the Baptistery (by Pisano and Ghiberti). Once inside climb the 463 steps to the top of Brunelleschi’s magnificent cupola. Even by modern standards this massive dome built in the 1400s is an impressive engineering feat; from up high you’ll get a truly magnificent 360-degree view of the city and countryside. As an added bonus the restorer’s scaffolding has finally come down in the cupola so that the glorious 16th-century frescoes that grace the walls can be clearly seen. You can also climb, to the top of the nearby campanile (bell tower) for a view of the Duomo. Continue on to the ancient Piazza della Signoria (to see a copy of David—the original is in the Accademia Gallery). Afterward take the tour of the Palazzo Vecchio but avoid the area’s restaurants—compared with restaurants elsewhere in the city the food is overpriced and often mediocre. The most celebrated and important art museum in the city is the Uffizi Gallery which has reopened since it was damaged by a car bomb in 1993 (fortunately only three paintings were destroyed). The collection includes Italian and European masterworks from the 13th to the 18th century—paintings by Botticelli Hugo van der Goes Titian Rubens Caravaggio Raphael and Rembrandt among others. Like other major museums throughout Europe it is best seen in a series of shorter visits rather than all at once. Just east of the Uffizi is the Church of Santa Croce which holds the graves of Galileo Machiavelli and Michelangelo. Cross the Arno on the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) which has spanned the river since 1345. The bridge still has shops and rooms jutting out over the sides a common feature in the Middle Ages although few examples remain today. End your walking tour on the other side of the river at the Piazzale Michelangelo; have an ice cream rest and enjoy the wonderful view of Florence. Other sites on that side of the Arno are the Boboli Gardens (with a magnificent view of the domes and tile rooftops across the river) and the Medicis’ Palazzo Pitti (with graceful Corinthian columns Roman statues and beautifully decorated rooms). Leave some time just to stroll through the city. Allow at least half a day each to visit the Palatine Gallery (17th-century art) and the Accademia Gallery (magnificent sculptures). On the way to the Accademia is the San Lorenzo district where you’ll find the boisterous Mercato Centrale with fresh produce and pasta surrounded by street stalls selling bags belts and shoes. The market sprawls all the way to the edge of the church of San Lorenzo and the Medici Chapels with their celebrated sculptures by Michelangelo. Ask for permission to enter the lavabo (washroom) located beneath the sacristy (only a few people can enter at a time) where there are stunning coal sketches on the walls done apparently by Michelangelo during his lunch breaks while working on the Medici tombs. Also on the way to the Accademia is one of Florence’s lesser-known treasures: the Museo di San Marco the former Dominican convent that contains the starkly sublime paintings and frescoes of Fra Angelico the 15th-century friar whose work seems to anticipate centuries of artistic styles to follow. Also worthy of a visit in Florence are Santa Maria del Carmine (excellent frescoes in the Brancacci Chapel) the museum of the Bargello (an impressive colection of medieval and Renaissance sculpture including Donatello’s Marzocco—the lion symbol of Florence) Santa Maria Novella (beautiful exterior) and the Museum of the History of Science (which houses Galileo’s telescope compass and middle finger). There is excellent shopping for ultrachic clothing and shoes and designer goods along the Via Tornabuoni. Contributors February 02, 2007 change by john m. ___________Events & Festivals Edit This Throughout the year a series of events are held in Florence, which are varied enough to suit most demands. Foremost among these - in the city where modern melodrama was born, using the latest arts of choreography - musical events, beginning with the "Florence Musical May" and going on to Summer and Winter operatic seasons at the Teatro Comunale etc. The Florence Centre of Italian Fashion organises numerous trade events over the year. International exhibitions in contemporary art and in the particular aspects of antique art are organised, specially on the occasion of various centenaries. Some of the typical traditional events are Football in Costume, the Burst of the Cart, the Feast of St. John etc. __________Nightlife and Entertainment Edit This Nightlife activities in Florence are plentiful and varied - but most of all, many of Florence's nightlife activities don't require "going out" at all! Visitors can have a cocktail on the terrace of their Florence hotel and admire the city lights or they can take a walk through a square or across Ponte Vecchio while enjoying some tasty gelato. Sure, going out is fun too, but it's always good to know that there are many other (less expensive) alternatives to clubbing until dawn. Now, if you prefer partying until dawn (and paying handsomely for it), you're in luck. Pretty people clubs such as La Dolce Vita ( www.dolcevitaflorence.com) and Meccano (via degli Olmi 1, +39 055 331 371) certainly have you covered. Florence also a large number of bars, Jazz cafes, and classical music performances to choose from as well. Get a membership (very easy) at Jazz Club Firenze ( www.jazzclubfirenze.com) to listen so some authentic Jazz, funk, blues or soul or head to trendy Harry's Bar ( www.harrysbarfirenze.it) for a few cocktails and some tasty American burgers. Whatever you decide to do, rest assured -- the Florence nightlife scene has something for you. Read through the listings below to find out about some of the best places for an evening out in Florence. Contributors May 23, 2008 change by mcburton Display all or display just: Bars & Pubs Casinos Disco & Dancing Pubs Wine bars Show best rated on top | Show in alphabetical order [Add Entertainment place] Tenax Edit This Biggest disco in town and one of the leading venues for new and established bands. Located in Peretola, take bus no. 29 or 30. Program: every tuesday: livemusic every thursday: college party - concerts start at 10.30pm (till midnight) - disco afterwards till 3am - free entrance for students till midnight - entrance fee 10 Euro with drink every friday: bizzarro - door selection - dress code: style & attitude - entrance fee 15 Euro with drink - reservation tel. 0368-7325391 every saturday: nobody's more.. type: Disco & Dancing World66 rating: [rate it] email: tenax@dada.it address: Via Pratese 47r, Quartiere di Peretola, Firenze url: www.dada.it tel: 0368-7325391 Tiratoio Edit This A large easy-going place with a couple of video jukeboxes and a wide range of food. type: Bars & Pubs World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza de Nerli Rex Edit This Located in the Santa Croce district - good music, varied clientele, serves snacks and cocktails. type: Bars & Pubs World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via Fiesolana 25r Caffe Mambo Edit This Mambo Caffè is located in the center of Florence, near Piazza Santa Croce. The Bar was started eleven years ago, changing its look and its furniture, renewing itself to offer to its customers the best. Every Thursday there is a surprise party. The Bar is open on holyday too. There in the Caffè Mambo you can find an Internet Point Service from 9,00am to 2,3am. Check out this place, it is worth visiting. type: Disco & Dancing World66 rating: [rate it] email: mambobar@dada.it address: Via Verdi, 47/49r, Florence openinghours: Open every day tel: +39 (0)55 - 24 78 994 Birbacco Edit This Birbacco Enjoy a good glass of wine or a fine fresh beer in this former warehouse with relaxed atmosphere. For a nice lunch, aperitivo or dinner. They also organise different tasting menu's! type: Wine bars World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +39.055.6810132 url: www.birbacco.it accessibility: easy by car (next to river Arno) address: Lungarno Francesco Ferrucci, 9r email: info@birbacco.it Chalet Fontana Edit This The right spot for a quiet drink in a beautiful atmosphere - pricey but worth it. type: Bars & Pubs World66 rating: [rate it] address: Viale Michelangelo Rifrullo Edit This Young clientele, caotic place very expensive price. type: Pubs World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via Dei Bardi, 18 tel: 055 8411123 Bar & Enoteca Fuori Porta Edit This They offer dozens of Italian and foreign wines, nice atnosphere. type: Bars & Pubs World66 rating: [rate it] email: info@fuoriporta.it address: Via Monte alle Croci, 10r, 50125 Firenze url: www.fuoriporta.it openinghours: 12.30 - 15.30 & 19.00 - 0.30, closed on sundays tel: +39 (0)55 - 23 42 483 Space Electronic Edit This Young foreigners frequent this place--expect Americans, English and Aussies aged 20-30. Those looking to hobnob with Italian locals won't find them here! Nonetheless, the music is familiar (except maybe for the occasional "Greased Lighting"), the atmosphere is trendy and you're guaranteed to have fun. Has 2 areas (which we found out later); one a dancefloor and the other around the bar. Not much of a club if you're looking to go wild. Parents are on the upper floors watching their children. type: Casinos World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via Palazzuolo 37 Dolce Vita Edit This Trendy hangout with small-scale art exhibitions. type: Bars & Pubs World66 rating: [rate it] address: Piazza del Carmine url: www.florence.ala.it Sottosopra Edit This Disco and bar with a warm and familiar atmosphere that, from 18.30 on, the heterogenous clientele of Sottosopra chooses to consume its aperitif. Sottosopra offers, since five years by now, the possibility of living the most amazing dance music nights by alternating musical kinds and DJs. Extended in two floors, Sottosopra hosts inside its typical (but at the same time happy and a litlle crazy) ambiance, all those who still want to meet people while dancing and talking in a young and restricted atmosphere. Anyway, to know it for real you havo no other choice than to try to more.. type: Disco & Dancing World66 rating: [rate it] address: Via de Seragli 48r, Firenze tel: +39 (0)55 - 282 340 ___________Things to do Edit This Florence Florence Kim Reeve Complete and numerous facilities are available for sports enthusiasts and Florence activities that require some form of solo exercise. In addition to the stadiums for football and the race courses, there is the "velodrome" for cycle races; the city offers tennis courts and swimming pools, an 18-hole golf course at Ugolino, shooting ranges, bowling; places for canoeing waterpolo; riding schools and clubs; an Aero Club, skating rinks, etc. There are modem sports compounds at Coverciano, Bellariva Cascine, and at Campo di Marte. Contributors May 23, 2008 change by mcburton Display all or display just: Cycling Going to the Beach Golf Other Swimming Show best rated on top | Show in alphabetical order [Add Activity] Tuscany Cooking Classes Edit This Offers hands-on daily and weekly cooking classes with English-speaking Tuscan chefs in Florence. Or undertake a wine tasting or excursion, learning about famous Tuscan wines and exploring traditional and modern cellars in Chianti, Italy. www.tuscany-cooking-class.com type: Other World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +393356898344 url: www.tuscany-cooking-class.com address: Via Livornese 395, Lastra a Signa 50055 Italy email: susan@tuscany-cooking-class.com Good Tastes of Tuscany Edit This Offering hands-on daily and weekly cooking classes with English-speaking Tuscan chefs in Florence. Or undertake a wine tasting or excursion, learning about famous Tuscan wines and exploring traditional and modern cellars in Chianti, Italy. More information is available through the website, www.tuscany-cooking-class.com. type: Other World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +393356898344 url: www.tuscany-cooking-class.com address: Via Livornese 395, Lastra a Signa 50055 Italy email: susan@tuscany-cooking-class.com Climbing the Stairs of the Campanile (Bell Tower) Edit This The Bell Tower of the Duomo (1334-1359) reaches 279 feet into the sky and it’s just less than 20 feet lower than the Duomo. The 414 steps leading to the top of Campanile are difficult to climb, but well worth the effort. The views from the top are absolutely amazing. Reliefs by Pisano and della Robbia are an attraction here as well. type: Other World66 rating: [rate it] accessibility: Impossible tel: +39 055 271071 address: Piazza del Duomo I Bike Italy Tours Edit This A great way to enjoy the great outdoors in Italy is to take a bike tour. I Bike Italy Tours offers bike tours that will take you through vineyards and olive groves and past Florentine castles and hillside villa estates. Wine tastings and Florence restaurants are also on the menu during these elaborate tours. I Bike Italy has been offering single-day guided bike tours out of Florence, two-day guides bike tours from Florence to Siena, and single-day guided walking tours out of Florence since 1993. type: Cycling World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +39 347 6383976 url: www.ibikeitaly.com address: Florence, Italy email: tour_info@ibikeitaly.com Florence Golf Club Ugolino Edit This Founded in 1889, Florence Golf Club Ugolino is Italy's first golf club. Ugolino, named one of the 50 most beautiful golf courses in the world, is a natural golf course featuring 18 difficult holes (Par 72 - 5741 m) -- so not only will you be challenged here, but you will also enjoy some spectacular scenery and landscapes while you are here. type: Golf World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +39 055 2301009 url: www.golfugolino.it address: Strada Chiantigiana 3, Grassina email: info@golfugolino.it Giardino di Boboli (Bobili Gardens) Edit This Although Boboli is an excellent place to “relax” after a full day of Florence activities, there is still much to see here, so pace yourself. Highlights include: a sculpture gallery called La Grotta Grande, the Isolotto (island), Limonaia (an elegant 1785 gardening shed), and Bacchus Fountain. Visitors to the gardens will also enjoy views of the hills from the 1776 Kaffeehause Café and the Giardino dei Cavallieri. Hours: November February: 8:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; March: 8:15 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; April, May, September and October: 8:15 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.; June August: 8:15 more.. type: Other World66 rating: [rate it] address: Florence, Italy The Banks of Arno Beach Edit This It's not exactly the vast blue ocean, but the beach on the river bank of the Arno is a nice, although unusual place to relax in a complimentary deck chair (with ID), play beach volleyball or sunbathe within a stone's throw of the city centre. Arno "beach" is open during the summer months through September 2 each year. type: Going to the Beach World66 rating: [rate it] accessibility: Wheelchais Accessible tel: Florence Official Tourist Office: +39 055 23320 url: www.firenzeturismo.it address: Florence, Italy Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) Edit This This unique bridge is like no other. Ponte Vecchio (972 A.D.), the oldest of Florence’s six bridges, is more like a street than a bridge as it “houses” a wide variety of interesting shops that seem to hang right over Arno River. The shops have been a part of this bridge since the 12th century. Sights and highlights include: beautiful views of the Arno River (several panoramic terraces), the Bust of Cellini, an assortment of gold and jewelry shops, and Corridoio Vasariano. Ponte Vecchio is free to explore 24/7/365 and it is in the pedestrian zone. type: Other World66 rating: [rate it] address: Florence, Italy Le Cascine Park Edit This Located along the popular Arno River on the western side of the city, Le Cascine Park is one of the best places in Florence to take your morning run. Located along the Arno River on the western side of the city, this is Florence's largest urban park. Besides jogging and running, people also picnic here, relax in the grass, play basketball at the playground, bike, and roller blade. Attractions include famous fountains such as the Fonte di Narcisco, statues, and one of the biggest markets in town, which takes place on Tuesdays. Other amenities include a public swimming pool, more.. type: Swimming World66 rating: [rate it] address: Along the Arno River on the western side of Florence. |
| Florence Province Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see photo Courtesy of: APT Firenze Si ringrazia la APT FIRENZE, proprietaria di gran parte del materiale pubblicato in queste pagine, per averlo messo a disposizione. The province of Florence has one major attraction: Florence, Firenze in Italian, the city of Art. No one should miss it. But this region has many other treasures waiting for the visitor. _______Fiorenzuola Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see The territory of the Commune of Firenzuola stretches from the high basin of the River Santerno and the border with the Region of Emilia Romagna in the North, to the Tuscan-Romagna Appennines and the Futa Pass as far as Monte Paganino in the South. The area of the Commune’s territory is. 272,06 sq. km (the eighth largest commune in Tuscany ) with a population of 4.719 inhabitants (as of 30/11/1998) and a distribution of around 17.3 inhabitants per sq. km. Construction of the main town started in the year 1332 according to the Florentine people’s wishes. However, the decision taken by the Florentine Republic to build a "terra nuova" goes back to 29 April 1306, in order to fight against the Ubaldini Family which dominated both part of the Mugello and the valley of the Santerno, creating a serious obstacle to the Republic’s expansion. Later, in 1371, when a sturdy city wall had been built, the Rock was built as the seat of the Podestà. The origins of the new land’s name were proposed by the historian Giovanni Villani as Firenzuola, or small Florence, and its coats of arms show half those of the Commune of Florence (the lily) and half those of the people (a red cross on a white background). In 1736, following the Treaty of Vienna, Firenzuola was chosen to be the seat of the delegates of European powers who decided that Tuscany should pass under the rule of the Lorraines of the House of Austria. In 1807 after Tuscany was occupied by French soldiers following Napoleonic conquests, the territory of Firenzuola was assigned to the Modigliana administrative district (Tuscan-Romagna area) and later returned to Tuscany during the reign of Grand-duke Ferdinand III; The artist Michelangelo (Agnolo) di Ser Bastiano Giovannini, known as the Firenzuola, was born in Florence in 1493 but to a Firenzuolan family, and thus his name was given; The Commune is made up of the following districts: Bordignano, Bruscoli, Caburaccia, Camaggiore, Casanuova, Castelvecchio, Castro San Martino, Coniale, Cornacchiaia, Covigliaio, Filigare, Frena, Giugnola, Le Valli, Montalbano, Monti, Moraduccio, Moscheta (Badia di), Piancaldoli, Pietramala, Rifredo, San Pellegrino, Traversa. The main town is at an altitude of 422 metres above sea level. The area has a good climate, particularly pleasant in Summer, which has helped the development of holiday facilities and residential tourism throughout the territory. The main river in the commune is the river Santerno, which rises in the Futa Pass and crosses the territory for around 28 Km until it reaches the Moraduccio area on the border with the Province of Bologna. The surrounding Communes are: San Benedetto Val di Sambro, Monghidoro, Monterenzio, Castel del Rio, Palazzuolo sul Senio, Borgo San Lorenzo, Scarperia, Barberino di Mugello, Castiglion dei Pepoli. _______Palazzuolo sul Senio Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see photo Palazzuolo sul Senio is real-life fairy tale in the heart of Tuscan Romagna. Truly suggested are enchanting excursions through the woods, on mountain bike or horseback, or relaxing rambles along nature trails that take place in streams, archaeological sites and unspoilt corners which offer ideal settings for country picnics. Palazzuolo sul Senio has been awarded with the title of "Italian Ideal Village" by Airone magazine and the EEC, becoming, furthermore, permanent seat of the annual prize-giving. During 2004 year it has obtained the environmental certification ISO 14001, which proves the perfect balance between man and nature. Palazzuolo organized every year an extensive programme of fairs, feasts and events that will enrich the stay of all who come here, to the place of harmony, for a vacation of nature and relaxation. Historical background The first traces of human habitation in the territory of Palazzuolo date back to the Upper Palaeolithic (12,000-10,000 BC) and are, presumably, the remains of seasonal encampments or hunting bivouacs. All over the municipal territory, there are conspicuous traces of settlements dating back to the Copper Age (3000-1800 BC) and to the Bronze Age (1800-900 BC). Around the 5th and 4th centuries BC, during the pre-Roman era, there appear to have been many settlements and many remains of the Roman colonisation have also surfaced (Le Ari, Ghizzana, Quadalto). During the High Middle Ages, the upper Senio valley was intensely inhabited. The most important evidence of this is the "crypt" discovered under the Church of S.Giovanni Decollato di Misileo. During the 9th-10th centuries the Pagani family, which possessed numerous castles, consolidated its hold on power. Among the most illustrious personages of the Pagani family was Maghinardo, cited by Dante in the "Divine Comedy" (Inferno XXVII, 50-51 and Purgatorio XIV, 118-19). He died so that most of his property was passed on to the Ubaldini family. In 1362 Gioacchino Ubaldini left all his property to the Republic of Florence. Palazzuolo and Firenzuola thus became the first nucleus of a "Tuscan Romagna" that would expand to reach the doors of Forlì, before being cut back to the High Mugello valleys with the reorganisation of 1929. In 1373, at Palazzuolo an "agricultural centre" and "market town", building work on the Vicar's Palace began. In 1373 Maghinardo Novello of the Ubalidini rebelled against the Republic and sought refuge in Frassino Castle, however he was captured by the Florentines, taken to Florence and decapitated. On 19 October 1506, Pope Giulio II, accompanied by Niccolò Macchiavelli, stayed at the Palazzo dei Capitani. With the ascent to power of the Medici, the Vicar, a representative of the Republic, was replaced by a Captain. The office of captain was abolished in 1772 and downgraded to that of podestà until 1837, when the grand duke Leopold II unified the jurisdiction under the Vicar of Marradi. During the "restoration" of April 1849 there are reports of disorders between the "codini" and "republican" factions. In August of the same year, Garibaldi, in flight following the defeat of the Roman Republic, passed through Palazzuolo accompanied by Canon Verità and Colonel Leggiero. During the Great War and in World War II, when the entire Senio valley was comprised within the "Gothic Line", there were episodes of reprisal and deportations. In the post-war period, a prevalently agricultural economy prompted the rural population to seek out better living conditions. During the 1950s there was a heavy outflow of people to the rural areas of Romagna region |
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Panoramica aerea del centro, con ben visibile Palazzo Vecchio Firenze (già Florentia e Fiorenza) è un comune di 368.059 abitanti (residenti al 01/01/05, dati ISTAT), capoluogo dell'omonima provincia e della regione Toscana. A questa popolazione si aggiungono gli oltre duecentomila residenti nel comprensorio extra-urbano, cosicché la popolazione di quella che potremmo definire l'area metropolitana fiorentina ammonta, quanto meno, a 550.000 abitanti, ma comprendendo anche la parte urbanizzata, senza soluzione di continuità, che la connette a Prato, forma, con questa città (fino a pochi anni or sono compresa nella propria Provincia), una conurbazione di quasi 900.000 abitanti. Attraversata dal fiume Arno (che il 4 novembre 1966 straripò causando l'alluvione di Firenze, disastro che comportò danni non quantificabili soprattutto a livello artistico, oltre alla morte di 35 persone), capitale d'Italia per un breve periodo dopo l'unificazione dell'Italia (1865-1871) e a lungo sotto il dominio della famiglia dei Medici (1434-1494, 1512-1527 e 1530-1737), Firenze era nell'Europa medievale un importante centro commerciale e finanziario. È considerata il luogo di nascita del Rinascimento ed è conosciuta in tutto il mondo per essere, per molti aspetti, una delle culle dell'arte e dell'architettura, con i suoi numerosi e ricchi musei (tra cui la Galleria degli Uffizi, la Galleria Palatina, il Bargello e i musei Palazzo Pitti). Il centro storico è stato dichiarato nel 1982 patrimonio dell'umanità dall'UNESCO.
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GeografiaPanoramica aerea del centro dal Giardino Bardini Firenze si trova in una posizione scenografica, al centro di un'ampia conca ad anfiteatro, circondata su tre lati dalle colline argillose di Careggi (a nord), Fiesole (a nord-est) Settignano (a est), Arcetri, Poggio Imperiale e Bellosguardo (a sud). La piana dove sorge la città è attraversata dall'Arno (la città stessa divide il suo corso fra Valdarno superiore e Valdarno inferiore) e da corsi d'acqua minori come il Mugnone, il Terzolle e il fiume Greve. E' il centro più importante della Toscana dal punto di vista commerciale e amministrativo.
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Contesto naturaleL'area metropolitana fiorentina è un ambiente fortemente antropizzato dove gli spazi naturali sono rari. Le zone collinari hanno da secoli una vocazione agricola e abitativa, con i boschi originari fortemente ridotti, specialmente nelle zone a sud e ad est della città. Nella piana sono presenti aree umide non urbanizzate nella zona ad ovest della città lungo il fiume Arno.
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Clima
Firenze ha un clima temperato continentale con estati calde e poco piovose e inverni freschi e umidi. Le temperature estive sono più alte di quelle della costa per la poca ventilazione dovuta alla posizione riparata della città.
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Storia
La storia conosciuta di Firenze comincia nel 59 a.C., con la fondazione di un villaggio ("Florentia") per ex-soldati romani. Sede di una diocesi a partire dal IV secolo, la città passò attraverso periodi di dominazione Bizantina, Ostrogota, Longobarda e Franca, durante i quali la popolazione a volte scese fino ad appena 1000 persone. A partire dal X secolo la città si sviluppò, e dal 1115 si rese un Comune autonomo. Nel XIII secolo fu divisa dalla lotta intestina tra i Ghibellini, sostenitori dell'imperatore del Sacro Romano Impero, e i Guelfi, a favore del Papato romano. Questi ultimi vinsero e si divisero internamente in "bianchi" e "neri". La conflittualità politica interna non impedì alla città di svilupparsi fino a diventare una delle più potenti e prospere in Europa, assistita dalla sua propria valuta in oro, il fiorino (introdotto nel 1252), dalla decadenza della sua rivale Pisa (sconfitta da Genova nel 1284 e conquistata da Firenze nel 1406), e dalla sua potenza mercantile risultante da una costituzione anti-aristocratica (1293). Firenze nel corso dei secoli regnò su tutta la Toscana, ad eccezione della Repubblica di Lucca, che rimase indipendente e sovrana fino al diciottesimo secolo (con l'arrivo in Italia di Napoleone Bonaparte. A fronte di una popolazione stimata di 80.000 persone prima della peste nera del 1348 (immediatamente dopo Venezia, e subito prima di Milano e Bologna, era la maggiore città italiana dell'epoca per popolazione), 25000 lavoravano nell'industria della lana. Nel 1345 Firenze fu teatro di un tentato sciopero da parte dei ciompi, che nel 1378 organizzarono una breve rivolta contro il dominio oligarchico della città. Dopo la repressione, la città cadde sotto il dominio della famiglia Albizi (1382-1434), acerrimi nemici ma anche precursori dei Medici. Il primo periodo del dominio dei Medici finì con il ritorno di un governo repubblicano, influenzato dagli insegnamenti del radicale priore Domenicano Girolamo Savonarola (che fu giustiziato nel 1498 e che prima di morire lasciò un trattato sul governo di Firenze), nelle cui parole si ritrovano spesso argomenti che saranno oggetto di controversie religiose dei secoli seguenti. Un altro personaggio di acutezza inusuale fu Niccolò Machiavelli, le cui indicazioni per il governo di Firenze da parte di una figura forte sono spesso lette come una legittimizzazione delle tortuosità e anche degli abusi dei politici. I fiorentini estromisero i Medici per una seconda volta e ristabilirono una repubblica il 16 maggio 1527. Rimessi al loro posto per due volte, col supporto sia dell'Imperatore che del Papa, i Medici diventarono nel 1537 duchi ereditari di Firenze, e nel 1569 granduchi di Toscana, regnando per due secoli. L'estinzione della dinastia dei Medici e l'ascensione nel 1737 di Francesco Stefano, duca di Lorena e marito di Maria Teresa d'Austria, portò all'inclusione della Toscana nei territori della corona austriaca. Il regno degli austriaci finì per mano della Francia e del regno di Sardegna e Piemonte nel 1859, e la Toscana diventò una provincia del Regno d'Italia unito nel 1861. Firenze prese il posto di Torino come capitale d'Italia nel 1865, ma l'ambito ruolo fu trasferito a Roma sei anni dopo, quando questa fu annessa al regno. Nel XIX secolo la popolazione di Firenze raddoppiò, e triplicò nel XX con la crescita del turismo, del commercio, dei servizi finanziari e dell'industria. Durante la Seconda guerra mondiale la città fu occupata per un anno dai Tedeschi (1943-1944). Il 4 novembre 1966 gran parte del centro fu alluvionato dall'Arno, danneggiando molti tesori d'arte.
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Firenze e il Rinascimento
Firenze è spesso indicata come la culla del rinascimento: la città è ovunque caratterizzata da quello straordinario sviluppo letterario, artistico e scientifico che ebbe luogo nel XIV-XVI secolo. Tra i fatti antecedenti questo periodo di splendore troviamo la crisi della Chiesa Cattolica (specialmente la controversia sul Papato di Avignone in Francia e lo Scisma d'Occidente) e i disastrosi effetti della peste nera, che portarono ad un riesame critico dei valori medioevali, risultando in una rivalutazione di quelli dell'antichità classica. Firenze beneficiò sia materialmente che culturalmente di questo grande cambiamento sociale.
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Monumenti
Nel cuore della città si trova la Fontana del Nettuno, un capolavoro di scultura del marmo posta allo sbocco di un acquedotto romano ancora funzionante. Il fiume Arno, che passa in mezzo alla parte vecchia della città, occupa un posto nella storia fiorentina alla pari con la gente che ci vive. Storicamente, la popolazione locale ha una relazione di odio-amore con l'Arno, il quale ha portato alternativamente i vantaggi del commercio, e i disastri delle alluvioni. Uno dei ponti, in particolare, è unico: il Ponte Vecchio, caratteristico per la moltitudine di piccoli negozi costruiti su di esso. Realizzato per la prima volta dagli Etruschi in tempi molto antichi, questo ponte è l'unico della città ad essere passato indenne attraverso la Seconda guerra mondiale. Il palazzo più famoso della città è Palazzo Vecchio, che è diventato un monumento alla famiglia de' Medici che dominò la città durante il XV secolo. Vicino ad si trova la Galleria degli Uffizi, uno dei musei d'arte più rinomati al mondo. Oltre agli Uffizi, Firenze conta altri musei che sarebbero l'attrazione artistica principale di quasi ogni altra grande città del mondo: il Bargello si concentra sulla scultura, e ospita molti capolavori di Donatello, Giambologna e Michelangelo. La collezione dell' Accademia ospita il David di Michelangelo e i suoi Prigioni (Schiavi). Sulla riva sinistra dell'Arno, (oltrarno per i fiorentini) si trova il grande Palazzo Pitti, decorato con la collezione privata dei Medici. Dietro al Palazzo si trova il Giardino di Boboli, elaboratamente decorato con molte interessanti sculture. La chiesa di Santa Croce contiene tra i molti, le tombe monumentali di Galileo, Michelangelo ed un cenotafio a Dante Alighieri (In realtà seppellito a Ravenna) e altre persone famose della storia fiorentina. La gemma architetturale di Firenze è la cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, conosciuta semplicemente come "il Duomo". La magnificente cupola fu progettata da Filippo Brunelleschi, e il vicino campanile da Giotto. Anche l'adiacente battistero è degno di nota, con le porte bronzee formate da formelle trilobate che premiarono il Gioberti, nel concorso del 1401 che vide come partecipanti anche Donatello e Brunelleschi. Da segnalare anche la chiesa di Santa Maria Novella e Orsanmichele ed il Museo di San Marco.
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PiazzePiazza della Repubblica Piazza Santa Maria Novella
Piazza del Duomo Piazza della Signoria
Piazza Santa Croce
Piazza della Santissima Annunziata
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PalazziPalazzo Vecchio
Palazzo Pitti
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Chiese celebri
Santa Maria del Fiore Chiesa di Santa Maria Novella Basilica di San Miniato Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo)
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Ponti
Ponte Vecchio
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Aree verdiGiardino dei Boboli Giardino delle Rose Cimetero degli Inglesi
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Cimiteri monumentali
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Cultura
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Teatri Storici
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Musei e GallerieStutua originale del David di Michelangelo, conservata all'interno della Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze
Cappelle Medicee in San Lorenzo
Museo dell'Opificio delle Pietre Dure
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Biblioteche Monumentali
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EconomiaFirenze ha un'economia diversificata attiva soprattutto nel settore terziario. Importante centro ferroviario e stradale (vi passano l'Autostrada del Sole e la Firenze Mare), la città è anche sede di attività industriali meccaniche e meccaniche specializzate (come le Officine Galileo o la Nuovo Pignone), chimiche, chimiche-farmaceutiche (la Eli Lilly per esempio), di lavorazione del cuoio, dell'abbigliamento (spesso nel comparto del lusso, come la Gucci e lo stabilimento di Prada), del mobile. Numerose sono le industrie tipografiche e editoriali (prima fra tutti la Giunti). Di antica tradizione e molto variegato è l'artigianato fiorentino, soprattutto nel settore mobiliero (ebanisteria e intaglio), della carta decorata, del bronzo e dell'oreficeria; tradizionale è la fabbricazione dei cappelli di paglia, oggi però una tradizione quasi scomparsa. Risorsa notevole della città è il turismo, con circa 35.000 posti letto alberghieri e 23.000 extralberghieri (campeggi, affittacamere e agriturismi). Le presenze (numero totale dei pernottamenti) nel totale degli esercizi alberghieri ed extra alberghieri arrivano a sfiorare i 10 milioni all'anno. Poco meno di un terzo dei turisti è rappresentato dagli italiani, mentre la restante parte è composta dagli stranieri, con le maggiori presenze di americani (20%) e tedeschi (13%), ai quali seguono distaccati i giapponesi (8%), gli inglesi (7,8%), i francesi (5,7%) e gli spagnoli (5%) (fonte Apt, 2001). Il turismo è di matrice per lo più culturale (gli Uffizi, maggiore museo cittadino, staccano qualcosa come più di un milione e quattrocentomila biglietti all'anno), ma il settore del turismo congressuale e fieristico (la fiera ha sede nella Fortezza da Basso ed il centro congresi è contiguo) ha conosciuto un enorme incremento con la ristrutturazione del centro congressi nei primi anni '90 (fra le fiere più importanti Pitti Uomo a gennaio e a giugno, Pitti Bimbo e la Btc, la Borsa del Turismo Congressuale). Nel settore dei servizi sono anche importanti il settore bancario (Banca Toscana, Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze) e assicurativo (La Fondiaria).
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CommercioLa città è un importante centro di commercio, con attività ad alta specializzazione e molto diversificate. La zona centrale, oltre alle attività legate al turismo e all'accoglienza, ospita molte attività commerciali sia tradizionali (negozi di artigianato e di produzioni tipiche) e legate alla storia cittadina (negozi e locali storici spesso a conduzione familiare attivi in vari settori). Gli ultimi decenni del XX secolo hanno visto però l'erosione degli spazi delle attività storiche in favore delle grandi catene internazionali attive soprattutto nel settore della moda che, insieme ai negozi legati alle marche più importanti del settore, hanno costituito nell'area sud-occidentale del centro (soprattutto via de' Tornabuoni, via della Vigna Nuova, via degli Strozzi) un distretto di commercio di lusso. La grande distribuzione è attiva per lo più nelle aree esterne al centro cittadino e, in periferia, concentra molte sue attività nell'area direzionale e industriale dell'Osmannoro, presso l'Aeroporto di Peretola.
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TrasportiFirenze si trova sulla principale direttrice dei collegamenti nord-sud d'Italia ed è per questo toccata dalle principali reti infrastrutturali e di trasporto.
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Trasporti UrbaniI trasporti urbani a Firenze sono costituiti da una serie di linee di autobus. ATAF (sito) è la società di gestione, che gestisce anche due linee turistiche con autobus a due piani scoperti. La prima linea tranviaria fra Scandicci e la Stazione di Santa Maria Novella è in costruzione, e altre due sono in progetto. È allo studio anche la possibilità di integrare la rete di autobus con la rete ferroviaria tramite l'utilizzo delle piccole stazioni cittadine.
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Strade e autostradeLa città è servita da due autostrade, l'A1 e l'A11, che la collegano alla costa toscana e al nord e al sud d'Italia. Inoltre, oltre alle strade statali e regionali che la uniscono al resto della Toscana e all'Emilia Romagna, la città è collegata con due superstrade rispettivamente a Siena e al Valdarno inferiore verso Pisa e Livorno.
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FerrovieStazione di Santa Maria Novella Trenitalia è l'unico gestore di trasporti ferroviari operante su Firenze. Le stazioni sul territorio comunale sono otto:
Con l'entrata in funzione del TAV la città sarà servita dalla dorsale principale Torino-Milano-Napoli ed attraversata con una linea sotterranea che toccherà la nuova stazione per l'alta velocità di Firenze Belfiore.
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Trasporto aereoLa città di Firenze è servita dall'Aeroporto Amerigo Vespucci, che si trova nel sobborgo di Peretola. Esistono però collegamenti anche con il maggiore scalo toscano, l'Aeroporto Galileo Galilei di Pisa.
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SportLe attività sportive praticate a Firenze sono diversificate e dotate di una certa varietà di strutture. La zona sportiva principale è quella del Campo di Marte, nella zona nord-orientale della città. Qui si trovano lo Stadio Artemio Franchi per il calcio, lo stadio di atletica, quello per il baseball, piscine e campi da tennis. La città ha anche tradizione nel canottaggio e nell'ippica (Ippodromo delle Cascine). In città sono presenti anche strutture per il golf, basket e scherma. Sulla scia dell'alluvione del 1966 in città nacque un comitato promotore per le olimpiadi del 1976 (Firenze 1976), a favore della candidatura del capoluogo toscano iniziarono quindi le costruzioni del palasport, inizialmente progettato come piscina olimpica e degli altri impianti che dovevano far parte del villaggio olimpico di campo di marte e coverciano. I giochi olimpici del 1976 furono poi assegnati a Montreal e gli impianti fiorentini furono terminati con ritardo mentre alcuni non vennero mai costruiti. Oggi il palasport porta il nome di Nelson Mandela, cittadino onorario di Firenze. In città si svolgono annualmente diverse manifestazioni sportive fra le quali la Maratona di Firenze.
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CiclismoFirenze è stata più volte arrivo di tappa del Giro d'Italia:
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CalcioLa A.C.F. Fiorentina (già Associazione Calcio Fiorentina) è la principale società calcistica di Firenze. Nel suo palmarès, oltre a due successi in campo internazionale (Coppa delle Coppe, Mitropa Cup), vi è la conquista di due scudetti (uno nella stagione 1955-1956 e l'altro in quella 1968-1969) di sei Coppe Italia e di una Supercoppa Italiana. A Firenze si trova il Centro Tecnico della Nazionale di calcio italiana di Coverciano, con annesso museo.
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PallanuotoLa squadra cittadina è la Rari Nantes Florentia, vincitrice di molti titoli italiani.
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Eventi e manifestazioniFirenze è un importante centro congressuale e fieristico. Molte manifestazioni si tengono nel centro espositivo della Fortezza da Basso, come Pitti Immagine e la Mostra internazionale dell'artigianato. Durante l'anno sono numerose le manifestazioni culturali, la più importante delle quali è il Maggio musicale fiorentino.
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FolkloreIl maggiore evento folkloristico che si svolge in città è il calcio in costume, che si svolge nel mese di giugno in Piazza Santa Croce.
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IstruzioneFirenze è un antico centro universitario e sede di rinomate istituzioni educative e di ricerca. Molte università non italiane hanno una sede o un legame con la città, specialmente per quel riguarda studi storici e artistici.
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Strutture sanitarieA Firenze sono presenti numerosi centri sanitari pubblici e privati. Tra gli ospedali ci sono l'Arcispedale di Santa Maria Nuova, il più importante nel centro della città, il Policlinico di Careggi, azienda sanitaria universitaria nella parte nord della città, il Nuovo Ospedale San Giovanni di Dio, situato al confine con Scandicci, il CTO e l'Ospedale pediatrico Meyer.
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MediaFirenze è sede di numerose attività nel settore della comunicazione e dei media. Oltre alla sede regionale della RAI, la città ospita diverse stazioni televisive e radiofoniche locali. Nella carta stampata la presenza principale è quella del quotidiano La Nazione.
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Amministrazione comunale
Sindaco:
Leonardo Domenici dal 12-13/06/2004
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QuartieriIl comune di Firenze è diviso in cinque quartieri, che a loro volta individuano entità minori, come le frazioni. Specialmente nel centro della città, alcune suddivisioni sono comuni a più quartieri. La città ha anche una suddivisione storica in quattro quartieri che si scontrano annualmente nella manifestazione del Calcio in costume. I quartieri del Calcio Storico Fiorentino sono Santa Maria Novella, San Giovanni, Santa Croce e Santo Spirito.
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Politica
L'amministrazione di Firenze è legata alla storia della sinistra italiana. Nel secondo dopoguerra si sono susseguiti sindaci appartenenti alla Democrazia Cristiana e altri comunisti o socialisti.
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GemellaggiLa Città di Firenze è gemellata con numerose città.
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DemografiaCome molte altre città in Italia la popolazione di pensionati è di molto superiore a quella dei minori di 14 anni ed in costante invecchiamento. Si riportano i dati nel particolare aggiornati a maggio 2006 (fonte:Ufficio comunale di statistica).
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Struttura di età
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Famiglie
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Profilo etnicoLa popolazione di Firenze è per circa il 91.5% di origine italiana. La popolazione straniera ammonta a 33.603 individui di cui:
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Evoluzione demograficaAbitanti censiti
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Personalità legate a Firenze
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CuriositàDi Firenze non ce n'è una sola, ma 32 di cui 30 solo negli Stati Uniti con il nome di Florence ed una in Colombia.
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Firenze in altre lingue
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Bibliografia
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Voci correlate
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Collegamenti estern
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Generali
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Turismo
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Cultura
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Altro
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| Grazie a
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| ________________________IRIS
TICKET: monobiglietto multifunzione Il biglietto unico con cui viaggiare nelle province di Firenze e Prato
Per favorire i turisti che soggiornano nelle province di Firenze e Prato ed
incentivare l’utilizzo dei mezzi di trasporto pubblico, le Province di
Firenze e Prato, in collaborazione con le Apt, hanno attivato una
convenzione con TRENITALIA, A.T.A.F., S.I.T.A., C.A.P., F.LLI ALTERINI
AUTOSERVIZI, C.O.P.I.T., AUTOLINEE PUCCIONI, RENIERI BUS, A.L.A.,
FLORENTIABUS, LI.NEA, AUTOSERVIZI MARRADI, AUTOLINEE F.LLI LAZZI, F.LLI
MAGHERINI, per la creazione di un ticket che permetta la circolazione in
tutta la rete provinciale e sconti per le visite culturali.
_______________Arnolfo di Cambio, Annunciazione,
Londra, Victoria & Albert Museum ___________________XXIV
Biennale della Mostra Mercato Internazionale dell'Antiquariato ****Piazza della Republica La Chiesa venne disegnata dal Brunelleschi nel 1444,il più bel esempio di Architettura Rinascimentale.Vicino alla Chiesa troviamo il cenacolo di Santo Spirito.
****Santa Maria Novella ****Brancacci Chapel and
Museum (Sta. Maria del carmine) ****Santa Croce ****Il Duomo, Santa Maria
del Fiore ****Santa Felicita ****Santa Trinita ****Cenacle of Ghirlandaio
****Convento di San Marco ****Palazzo Pitti ****Palazzo Medici Riccardi ****Palazzo Vecchio ****Palazzo Davanzati ****Palazzo Strozzi Museo dell’Opera di Santa Croce ****Museum of Santa Maria
Novella ****Palatine Gallery ****Sinagogue and Jewish
Museum of Florence ****Museo Marino Marini ****Uffizi
Gallery – Galleria degli Uffizi
****Istituto e Museo di
Storia della Scienza - History of Science Institute and Museum ****Museo Zoologico la
Specola - La Specola Museum ****Porcelain Museum ****Modern Art Gallery ****Museo Bardini -
Bardini Museum and Corsi Gallery ****Museo Firenze Com'era ****Raccolta Arte
Contemporanea Alberto della Regione ****Museo della Fondazione
Horne ****Potography history
Museum ****Casa di Dante ***Hotel Delle Nazioni ****Lorenzo Il Magnifico ****Hotel Leopolda ****Hotel Alex ****Soggiorno Gloria ****Raffaello ****Fleming Vivahotel ****Ambasciatori ****Grand Hotel
Mediterraneo ****Aurora ****Pagnini ****Hotel Berna ****San Gallo Palace ****Rifrullo ****Dolce Vita ***Tiratoio ***Rex ***Chalet Fontana ****angels ****Tenax ****Gothica Night |
