Where to find Great Architecture, Florence

Favorite thing: There are many religious buildings around Florence, the main ones being:

The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore)
Church of Santa Croce
Church of Santa Maria Novella
Basilica of San Lorenzo with its Cappelle dei Medici
Church of Santa Spirito

There is a lot of great art on show in all these buildings - S. Croce is particuluarly interesting as it houses the Tomb of Michelangelo. There is also an interesting story about Galileo, but you'll have to go to find out!

Fondest memory: The calm cloisters next to Santa Croce and the incredible facade of the Duomo are worth visiting.

Favorite thing: Florence is often known as "The birthplace of the Renaissance". It is home to numerous churches, public buildings, and houses constructed with Romanesque or Gothic architecture. The construction of the famous Duomo marks the beginning of Renaissance architecture.
The most of the historic sights are located in the city centre within walking distance to the Duomo.

Favorite thing: Santa Maria del Fiore, the Gothic cathedral erected over the ancient basilica of Santa Reparata, was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio who began construction in 1296.
Brunelleschi completed it in 1436 with the elegant dome, the inside of which was entirely frescoed by Vasari and Zuccari. The final phase in the construction of the cathedral, that is the completion of the facade, dates from the mid 19th century.
To the right of the cathedral rises the Bell Tower, or Campanile, designed by Giotto in 1334. The square tower is covered with red, green and white marble inlays, decorated with panels and carvings, and made graceful by double- and triple-windows.

Favorite thing: The green and white marble Baptistery of Saint John (1128) is a masterpiece of Florentine Romanesque architecture. The interior of the dome is decorated with mosaics. The splendid bronze doors (including the Door of Paradise) were made by Andrea Pisano and Lorenzo Ghiberti.

Favorite thing: The Duomo-
Even without studying it in Art History books, just the size of this mammoth cathedral is awe-inspiring. Brunesleschi did himself, and the city of Florence proud, with the massive dome that crowns the main cathedral.

Favorite thing: Walking around in Spring is a wonderful experience....The place is like an open museum and a lot of young artists have that look of being inspired at once !
A very good place to buy nice leather goods.

Fondest memory: Such a safe place to move around and get lost in alleys and paths .

Favorite thing: Absolutely visit one of the most beautiful if not the most beautiful architecture in Italy - the
DUOMO & BRUNELLESCHI'S DOME: Dedicated to S. Maria del Fiore, the Cathedral was consecrated in 1436 after a 140 years reconstruction period.

The Duomo new facade is in 19th century Gothic style & its architect is Emilio de Fabris. Built with 3 types of marbles: Carrara white, Prato green & Maremma pink, work ended in 1887.

Favorite thing: Visit the BAPTISTERY OF S. GIOVANNI: Built in 4th-5th centuries with its current form dates to 11th-13th centuries. The green & white marble exterior is marvellous! Simple & graceful! I love it!

Favorite thing: have a look at the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge). According to an ancient custom, it is bordered by houses.

Fondest memory: According to the legend, the poet Dante Alighieri met his loving girl, Beatrice, at the corner of the Ponte Vecchio.
Eventhough, she was younger than him and she married an other man, he was in love for her during his whole life.

Favorite thing: see the Duomo built in Florentin style (it seems a meringue cake decorated with coloured sugar). As usual, the cathedral, the batistry and the belfry are separate.

Fondest memory: Try a difficult photograph : the batistry doors. Unsufficient distance to have all scuptures. You step back and somebody takes your place. The photo becomes impossible.