OVERVIEW
Found in central Italy, Florence is the capital of the Tuscany region. A major cultural and industrial center, Firenze is also one of the most popular tourist locations in Italy.
LANDMARKS
An incredibly historical city, Florence is considered the birthplace of Renaissance and boasts numerous cultural, artistic and architectural landmarks.
The Florence Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, ordinarily called the Duomo of Florence) is the city’s main church. Found in the Piazza del Duomo, the complex includes both the Baptistery and Giotto’s bell-tower.
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the oldest and most renowned art museums in the world. Boasting art works from some of the greatest names in art (think Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Giotto and Raffaello), the museum is one the most high-trafficked tourist attractions in the entire city.
ASTORIA
The city’s town hall, called Palazzo Vecchio, is found in the Piazza della Signoria and boasts a copy of Michelangelo’s David at its entrance.
The Ponte Vecchio (literally, Old Bridge), is a bridge that runs over the Arno River and still has a slew of shops built upon it. Two other bridges, Ponte Santa Trinita and Ponte alle Grazie, are also nearby.
The Basilica of the Holy Cross (Basilica di Santa Croce) is a church found in the Piazza di Santa Croce and is also known as the Temple of the Italian Glories because it happens to be the burial place of many renowned Italian personalities (Galileo, Machiavelli and Rossini, among others).
Also a great wine-growing region, Tuscany’s cuisine is defined by simple cooking of fresh and local ingredients, paying particular attention to meat-centered dishes.
A town in the province of Florence, Fiesole is one of the most well regarded areas in the city. Perched above the city, the town boasts one-of-kind views and a slew of beautiful historical sights. These include the remnants of Etruscan walls, Roman baths, a Roman theatre and the cathedral of Fiesole.
ART
A highly regarded and respected art scene has always defined Florence. Between the Uffizi Gallery, the Archeological Museum and the Museum of the History of Science, not to mention the buildings that are found throughout the city, some of the most spectacular art works in the world call Florence home.
DINING
Just like the rest of the country, Florence boasts some of the most flavorful and exciting food in the whole world. Also a great wine-growing region, Tuscany’s cuisine is defined by simple cooking of fresh and local ingredients, paying particular attention to meat-centered dishes.
TRANSPORTATION
The easiest and most efficient way to get around town is through the ATAF and Li-nea buses. If traveling outside of the city (and also between stations positioned across town), the best way to travel is through Trenitalia. Santa Maria Novella is the main train station.
MUST-TRY RESTAURANTS IN THE AREA
Acqua Al 2: Via della Vigna Vecchia 40r, 055284170
Borgo Antico: Piazza Santo Spirito 6r, 055241773
Capocaccia: Lungarno Corsini 12r, 055210751
Enoteca Pinchiorri: Via Ghibellina 87, 055242757
Il Santo Bevitore: Via di Santo Spirito 64/66, 055211264