Florence: The Italian Renaissance’s Crown Jewel
Posted by SubmitEdge on Nov 8, 2008
Florence was at the heart of the Italian Renaissance and its incredible concentration of art, culture and architecture continues to lure tourists to the city in droves. The streets of the city centre are often narrow and dark but lead to magnificent open squares where you can sit and relax at a cafe or restaurant. The real charm of the city comes from its magnificent churches, monasteries, museums, galleries and palaces, which can be found at virtually every corner. With such a rich concentration of sites and so little time to see them all, here are a few that are unmissable.
The Uffizi Gallery
Uffizi is one of the oldest and most famous art galleries in the world, housed within the magnificent Palazzo degli Uffizi. The gallery has the best collection of Renaissance art in the world including Botticelli’s ‘The Birth of Venus’ and Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Annunciation’. There is often a queue of tourists to get in you should be prepared for a few hours wait. The gallery’s restaurant has a large balcony which overlooks the main piazza and offers fantastic views of the Palazzo Vecchio.
Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore
Florence’s beautiful cathedral is a symbol of the city. Its dome is an imposing sight across the city’s skyline and when it was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi in the 15th century it not only transformed the cathedral and the city of Florence but also elevated the status of the architect. The inside of the cathedral is equally impressive and it is an essential place to visit on any trip to Florence.
Ponte Vecchio
This is the oldest and most famous bridge over the River Arno and is popular for its fantastic photo opportunities from the bridge. Tourists and Florentines alike come here to admire the view and watch the sunset. The bridge is lined with stalls and small shops selling jewellery and tourist souvenirs and there it is always a hub of activity to be found here.
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