Visit Florence - Italy

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A city that breathes art, culture, beauty, flavors and aromas; this is Florence! Cradle of the Renaissance, the city could not be different. The architecture and sculptures scattered throughout show that Florence is, in fact, an open-air museum. Walking through the narrow streets, we realize the legacy that the centuries have left for the city: a rare concern with beauty. It seems that every inch of the city was planned－and with great care.

Grandiose monuments leave jaws dropped: the imposing Duomo, with its green, white and pink marbles, impresses. The dome, seen from various angles of the city, is there to show that Florence is undoubtedly one of the most important and beautiful cities in Italy. In the famous museums, works that move: Michelangelo's David is breathtaking, such perfection. The Ponte Vecchio, the city's postcard, gives the romantic atmosphere of Florence: despite the grandeur of the work, the tiny windows give the city a melancholy air.

Imagine all this surrounded by the green fields of Tuscany, with flowery and colorful gardens. Florence itself is a work of art. Even a dinner is an event: for the Florentines, it is necessary to stop everything and taste the dishes, of excellent quality, by the way. Florence shouldn't be visited, it should be appreciated－preferably calmly! It has options for all tastes: for museum lovers, those who really like shopping, those who enjoy good restaurants, those who prefer to admire gardens, and so on.

Brief history of Florence:

Despite evidence that the city has existed since prehistoric times, officially it was built during the Roman Empire, serving as a sort of colony for Emperor Julius Caesar. There are still marks from that period in the city, such as the Piazza della Repubblica, built in Roman style. The first bridge built in the city was the Ponte Vecchio, in the 1st century AD.

Florence was even devastated by barbarian invasions and, during the Byzantine period, around 405, the city was the target of dispute between the Goths and Byzantines, due to its privileged location. It was later dominated by the Lombards. Already in the 8th century, a feudal system was established and Florence became a county of the Holy Roman Empire.

In the 13th century, Florence was already the most important city in Tuscany, with 30,000 inhabitants. A time of peace and economic growth helped in the development of the commune, and several important monuments were built at this time, such as the imposing Duomo. However, the city continued to be the scene of dispute, this time between Ghibellinos and Guelphs.

With the arrival of the powerful Medici family, the city gained some momentum. The Renaissance era began, which marked the history of Italian－and world art. Culture, science, literature and human activities were placed in the foreground and, from there, a gigantic amount of very important works emerged. Brunelleschi, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci are just a few of the Tuscans who revolutionized world history. And, today, we can see all these reflections in beautiful Florence!

There is no shortage of options for all types of tourists in Florence. In addition to the famous Duomo Complex (for more information, read the Piazza del Duomo section), the city has a number of very old and very beautiful churches, such as the Basilica di Santa Croce and the Basilica di San Lorenzo. For those who like to see the movement calmly and enjoy the city without haste, the numerous squares with very charming restaurants and cafes are good options. Just sit back and enjoy the weather. Piazza della Repubblica and Piazza della Signoria are ideal for this.

Those who love plants and gardens will be delighted with the Boboli Garden (pictured), in Palazzo Pitti, and with Piazzale Michelangelo, with its many flowers and a breathtaking view of Florence. Do you like street markets? You are in the right place! Florence has several very special markets, such as the Flea Market and the Mercato della Paglia. Want to visit museums? Florence has some of the top museums in the world (for more information, read the Museums section)! Have you noticed that Florence is for all tastes, right?

It may be cliché, but every bit of Florence feels like an open-air museum. The city, which has magnificent architecture, has hotels spread out in several neighborhoods, with a wide range of accommodation. Before choosing a hotel, it is good to think about whether you prefer quieter or busier locations; more or less away from the main tourist attractions; more expensive or cheaper. Below, you can see a list of the main neighborhoods where to stay:

historic center

The historic center is where it all happens: just step outside the hotel and you're faced with thousands of tourists, vendors and jaw-dropping monuments. If you like being close to the action and walking around the city a little, this is the ideal place, as you won't have to walk very long distances and you will have thousands of restaurants and attractions very close by. For those who want beautiful views of the city, it is worth considering staying close to Piazza del Duomo or Ponte Vecchio. If the idea is to travel a lot in Tuscany by train, consider a hotel close to Santa Maria Novella station, the main station in the region.

oltrarno

The neighborhood, very close to the Arno River and Palazzo Pitti, is more residential and less touristy. It brings together Fiorentines who like to sit in bars and talk about football and cars. Walking through the streets of Oltrarno can make you feel a little more at home, since seeing people with cameras around their necks is not very common there. In the region, there are hotels for all budgets: from the most luxurious to the simplest. The Oltrarno is a good option for those who want to stay close to the historic center (10 minutes on foot) without having to face a crowd of tourists right outside the hotel.

Porta Al Prato

The neighborhood is named after the Porta Al Prato, a gate that gives access to the city and which, in the Middle Ages, served as a protection for Florence. Super residential, the region can be a tranquility for those who want to enjoy Florence in a less touristy and more relaxing way. Porta Al Prato is about a 15-minute walk from the historic center and is well served by buses, as well as housing the Firenze Porta Al Prato train station.

Field of Mars

Away from the historic center (about 2 kilometers), the region is an alternative for those who do not want to be close to the hustle and bustle of the city. In addition, the Firenze Campo di Marte train station connects the region to the historic center－you can get off at Santa Maria Novella station in just five minutes.

Piazzale Michelangelo

The main viewpoint of the city, Piazzale Michelangelo, being higher up, offers an incredible view of Florence. There are old mansions that now function as very pleasant and charming hotels. The region is connected to the historic center by bus, but it is possible to walk－in 10 minutes, you will be at Ponte Vecchio. But the price to be paid for tranquility and stunning views can be high: rates there are usually more expensive than those in the historic center.

Have fun!

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