Things to do in Florence, Italy

Florence's architecture can only be seen here. The Duomo encompasses the city with its magnificent height and grandeur. The equally tall Campanile of the Duomo rings its bell throughout the day, one of the famous sounds of Florence. The buildings (palazzi) that still flourish in Florence are one of the many joys and studies of many visitors. The Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) is the only bridge that wasn't destroyed by the Nazi's in World War II. This type of architecture was born only in Florence. How did they get those frescoes on the ceiling? How did they shape that palazzo? So many questions on how this amazing city became and still remains one of the most ancient and glorious cities in Italy.

Art flows through each street and alleyway in Florence. Museums are filled with plenty of sculptures, paintings, drawings created by the famous artists of the Renaissance period. Michelangelo roams the halls of the Accademia and Uffizi with his most viewed works, like the David. Botticelli entices viewers with his Primavera and Da Vinci expresses his masterpieces in many places. The Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Pitti, Accademia, Bargello promote the well-known pieces of art that thrives in the culture and the...  

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Florence's architecture can only be seen here. The Duomo encompasses the city with its magnificent height and grandeur. The equally tall Campanile of the Duomo rings its bell throughout the day, one of the famous sounds of Florence. The buildings (palazzi) that still flourish in Florence are one of the many joys and studies of many visitors. The Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) is the only bridge that wasn't destroyed by the Nazi's in World War II. This type of architecture was born only in Florence. How did they get those frescoes on the ceiling? How did they shape that palazzo? So many questions on how this amazing city became and still remains one of the most ancient and glorious cities in Italy.

Art flows through each street and alleyway in Florence. Museums are filled with plenty of sculptures, paintings, drawings created by the famous artists of the Renaissance period. Michelangelo roams the halls of the Accademia and Uffizi with his most viewed works, like the David. Botticelli entices viewers with his Primavera and Da Vinci expresses his masterpieces in many places. The Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Pitti, Accademia, Bargello promote the well-known pieces of art that thrives in the culture and the life of Florence.

Italian language was born in Florence. Although the Florentine dialect now is spoken in a completely different way than Italian. The standard Italian language has a poetic and literary origin, thanks to Dante. What became the first formalized Italian language was founded in the early 14th century by the writings of Tuscan writer Dante Alighieri, which he wrote in Florentine dialect. His epic poems known as the Divine Comedy, were read throughout Italy and his dialect became the standard Italian that all educated Italians could understand. Dante is still credited with creating the Italian language into the standard spoken Italian. Alas, the Florentine dialect became the basis of the official language of Italy.

A warm plate of pappardelle alla lepre (jackrabbit) or pappardelle con ragù di cingiale (wild boar) are dishes you can only be served in and around Tuscany. These animals are hunted in the countryside surrounding Florence. As pasta can't be without a hearty glass of wine, Florence is filled with many different wines to taste, to buy and to drink all night long. Wine is most likely cheaper than water from where you come from. Wine here is easy to find, to buy and especially easy to drink amongst friends and family.

Via Tornabuoni is the most expensive street in Florence. Why? There are fashions houses such as Prada, Gucci, Tiffany's, Tod's, Roberto Cavalli and many others. Shopping is never-ending in Florence with shoe shops, dress shops and leather shops. Leather is made in Florence especially and in the Santa Croce zone there are many shops to purchase your favorite leather piece.

Florence is one of the most beloved cities in the world, and for good reason. In the early 15th century, Florence gave birth to the Renaissance — the famous cultural revolution that paid homage to the spirit of ancient Greece. Luckily, evidence of the city's artistic and architectural power is gloriously preserved today. Yet, as tourists inevitably discover, Florence is not immediately accessible or even inviting — many streets are dark and cramped and the facades somewhat imposing. But don't be discouraged. Within the museums, cathedrals, and galleries lie some of the greatest treasures in the world. Begin wherever you like, but make sure you visit Brunelleschi's Duomo, Palazzo Medici-Riccardi, Santa Maria Novella, Boboli Gardens, Piazzale Michelangelo, the Bargello Museum and, of course, the Uffizi — the finest gallery in Italy.

Florence is one of the most beloved cities in the world, and for good reason. In the early 15th century, Florence gave birth to the Renaissance — the famous cultural revolution that paid homage to the spirit of ancient Greece. Luckily, evidence of the city's artistic and architectural power is gloriously preserved today. Yet, as tourists inevitably discover, Florence is not immediately accessible or even inviting — many streets are dark and cramped and the facades somewhat imposing. But don't be discouraged. Within the museums, cathedrals, and galleries lie some of the greatest treasures in the world. Begin wherever you like, but make sure you visit Brunelleschi's Duomo, Palazzo Medici-Riccardi, Santa Maria Novella, Boboli Gardens, Piazzale Michelangelo, the Bargello Museum and, of course, the Uffizi — the finest gallery in Italy.