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Firenze lies at the foot of the Appennines, in the large plain cut by the Arno river, and is considered as the heart of Italy. The first settlement was founded here during the 8th century BC, but little is known of these so-called Vilanovan culture. In 59 BC, the Roman city was founded here with the characteristic square ground plan of the castrum. In its early stages, the town passed from hand to hand, Ostrogoths, Byzantines, Goths, Lombards and Franks ruled here before, in 1183, the city became a free Commune. Soon after the first clashes between Guelphs and Ghibellines have started here, lasting for many following years. The Florence's roots were Guelph and in 1226 they defeated their bitter rivals, once and for all. After these wars, an upsurge in the arts and literature started here and Florence became the new cradle for Italian and European culture. This were the times of Dante, Giotto, Arnolfo di Cambio, and powerful families Pitti, Frescobaldi, Strozzi and finaly the Medici.
The river of Arno gave the life to the city, it is his heart and soul. The whole old core of the city lies along its both banks connected with several bridges, among which Ponte Vecchio is the wide world most famous. Leave a Comment
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It's not usual to have a continental breakfast in Italy, they prefer a fast breakfast with a caffe at the bar. I can definitely recommend the caffelatte instead and especially the croissant-crema. That's a perfect sweet starter for a good day in Florence. Leave a Comment
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There are many gelateries in Florence, some have very creamy ice, some have hundreds of flavours, some are just for tourists. The most famous one is the Vivoli, Via Isola delle Stinche. Very delicious as well is the Frullatoria's ice-cream, Via dei Bardi. Leave a Comment
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Besides Michelangelo, Brunelleschi and da Vinci, Giorgio Vasari was one of the most famous and talented artists of Florence in the middle ages. He lived in the 16th century and some of his brilliant works are the rebuilding of the Palazzo Veccio and the construction of the Uffizi Gallery building. Moreover he painted the Duomo’s cupola, a highlight which you can admire best on the way up on it. Leave a Comment
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If you would like to see the interior of Palazzo Pitti, you better spend one whole day and take the combiticket. It costs 10 Euro and gives you access to all museums inside. Some of it are the Appartamente Reali, the Museo delle Carrozze or the Galeria Palatina. We had a ticket for 6 Euro to see one museum in the Palazzo, the Boboli Garden and the Museum of Porcelain, which is in a small building up on the hill. Leave a Comment
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San Lorenzois the city's second most important church but also a great place to browse for bargains and people watch.
The San Lorenzo market fills the area around the Church of San Lorenzo. Many stalls sell mid-price leather jackets, shoes, ties, handbags, luggage, t-shirts and cheap clothing.
The competition for buyers means you may be able to haggle over prices, but be warned that stall holders are hard-nosed.
I bought a small credit card size dark brown leather wallet for about €7.
It's great to be reminded where I got it from each time I use it! Leave a Comment
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Payphones in Florence, and most of Italy for that matter, are almost completely worked with calling cards, not coins. The card that can be used are either the insertable cards (normally for local calls) or the access dial cards (normally for overseas calls). To purchase these cards, just go to a Tabbacci Store, marked with a big, black " T ", and ask either for a "Carta internazionale" or "Carta Italia," depending on where you are calling. Leave a Comment
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This square is one of the most important in Florenze very close to the city centre. Piazza della Repubblica (1883-96) has a great triumphal arch leading to Via Strozzi, Palazzo Strozzi and then to Via Tornabuoni the "elegant" street of Florence. Leave a Comment
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Piazzale Michelangelo is a very large square laid out in 1865. It is situated on a hill on the south bank of the Arno river.
From there you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Florence. You can spot the main sights of the town and also some remnants of the ancient walls.
You can go to Piazzale Michelangelo by bus (take n. 13 outside the main train station) or by foot. Leave a Comment
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If you are planning on seeing the Uffizi or any of the main museums during high season, you could be in for a long wait. There is a way to circumvent these lines, and that is by ordering your tickets online. While you still will have to wait a bit, it is FAR less than being in the normal line.
You only need to do this in the high season!! All other times of the year, there is barely a line visible at any point of the day.
Here is a link to a gallery Uffizi Ticket site:
http://www.florenceart.it/cgi-bin/book.pl?act=open&museum=uffizi Leave a Comment
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Borgo Ss. Apostoli 25, Florence - Art Hotel Museo (Viale Della Republica 289.)
Viale della Repubblica 289, Florence - Ungherese
Via GB Amici 8, Florence - Davanzati
Via Porta Rossa n° 5, Florence - Gianna's
Via Santa Reparata 69, Florence - Florentia Rossini
Via Rossini 11, Florence
Local Merchants in Florence
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