the dome
by tompt
When in Florence you can´t miss the Dome. It is dominating the skyline since centuries.
It stands tall adjacent to the Baptistery and the Companile. No other building is higher than the Duomo which was first designed in 1294 by Arnolfo di Cambio who died in 1302 leaving the design to other architects who finished designing Arnolfo's dream but could not figure out how to build such a long dome (142 feet from the ground). Fillippo Brunelleschi came to the rescue and managed to construct the Dome.
The exterior is covered in marble walls which are a mixture of white ( Carrara), green (Prato), and red( Maremma). The interior is bare and cold. The Duome can hold 10 000 people in one preaching. On the west wall, there are three stained glass windows designed by Ghiberti and a huge clock which was decorated with four heads of prophets by Paolo Uccelo in 1443. On the left aisle are a pair of memorials of mercenary commanders (condottieri).
The biggest work of the Duomo is the fresco of the 'Last Judgement' by Vasari. These are painted on the entire roof . Climbing the 463 steps to the top of the Dome, is a very tiring, but rewarding task. Being close to the big, big painting of the last judgement overwelms one. And after getting higher the views over Florence are great! While climbing you can see how exactly the dome was constructed.
Climbing the dome costed €6 in febr. 2003, but is worth every cent.
All day drinking? well, in moderation.
by MissThing606
It seems the Florentines start drinking a lot earlier than we do! One sunday morning around 10.30 am we stopped at a Tabacchi for a sanwich and cofee to find one of the customers enjoying champagne with their espresso!
Another day, we had a and early lunch (more like brunch!) at the Mercato Centrale. After we'd given our orders the lady asked us if we wanted wine too. We checked out watches and it was 11.45! Ah well, we were on holiday....!
One thing is for sure though, drunkenness is frowned on by the locals. After speaking to a few locals it seems that this is something the tourists bring with them. Certainly when, you go to bars you'll notice that people go out to chat, meet people and have fun, not get wasted.
The Russian Church
by AgentJX
Florence has such a wide selection of churches; however, one of the most unique is the Russian church located East of the main train station near the new and old arch. The onion domes seem somewhat out of place in Florence, but may that is what makes it so appealing.
Lounge upstairs or dance party downstairs!
by pamelaxo about Astor caffé ( bar )
I lived for over a month around the corner from this bar and there were many a nights we went there before hitting the clubs for some drinks (and even some dancing). The bartenders are friendly and generous with the complimentary drinks after you order a round or two and some conversation. Drink - 8 euro, shots - 4 euro. Peanuts and chips served. Open until around 3:30am. The downstairs bar has hip-hop/mainstream music playing with some couches and tables. Dress nice, no where in Italy isn't trendy, c'monnn.
1KG of T-bone Steak
by roobus1 about Il Toscano
This restaurant was recommended to us by the receptionist at our hotel. I was sceptical at first (as I always am) but had to eat humble pie as the food was fantastic. It has what has been described as "Very Tuscan Fare" and I have to admit that if this is the case, Tuscan food is amongst the best cuisine I have ever been fortunate enough to try. The house especiality (as is the case with a lot of restaurants here) is a 1KG T-Bone steak, grilled medium rare and served sliced with lemon juice. It costs on average about 36 euros (this seemed pretty standard around town) but is worth every cent. juice, tender and tasty and served in a restaurant which is very "Tuscan" in decor. I cannot recommend it enough ! 1 KG Tuscan Steak
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Piazza del Limbo, in Florence
David statue at the Accademia
Stanislao Becchi plaque
Ponte a Santa Trinita
