Top Attractions - Italy

Attractions - Rome

Florence, Italy

Set in a valley on the banks of the Arno, ringed by olive groves and vineyards, the city of Florence is home to some of the most outstanding art collections in the world. For three centuries, Florence was the European centre of modern civilization and paved the way for a cultural movement which later became known as the Renaissance. Instantly captivating, the city attracts thousands of tourists each year.

Begin your exploration of Florence in the Piazza della Signoria. The heart of the city’s political life for centuries, the area around this piazza is home to some of Florence’s most beautiful buildings. The Palazzo Vecchio, built by Arnolfo di Cambio between 1298 and 1314, is the long-established seat of Florentine government. Its Torre d’Arnolfo boasts breathtaking crenellations and stands 94m high. Ammannati’s immense Fountain of Neptune lies next door to the Palazzo Vecchio. The Loggia della Signoria was built in the 14th century as a platform for public ceremonies and later became a showcase for sculptures. Benevenuto Cellini’s wonderful statue of Perseus with the head of Medusa lies to the left of the loggia while Giambologna’s Rape of the Sabine Women lies to the right.

The Galleria degli Uffizi has to be one of the most outstanding art galleries on the planet. Housed in the Palazzo degli Uffizi, it boasts the world’s best collection of Italian and Florentine art. Wander through endless rooms filled with treasures by Giotto, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Van Dyck, Durer and Tintoretto. After you emerge, dazzled by art and beauty, stroll down the fashionable Via de’Tornabuoni, home to high-class shops and renaissance mansions. Don’t miss the Museo del Bargello which houses the country’s best collection of Tuscan Renaissance sculpture. The Galleria dell’Accademia is home to Michelangelo’s famous masterpiece, David. Truly breathtaking, this immense sculpture was carved from a single block of marble. Stroll over the 14th century Ponto Vecchio, a bridge that has been home to jewellery sellers since Medici times. Other impressive buildings to check out include the Palazzo Medici-Riccardi, the Palazzo Pitti and the Chiesa di San Miniato al Monte.

Take a break in Florence’s most beautiful square – the Piazza della SS Annunziata. Walk in the Renaissance gardens of the Palazzo Pitti. Sip an espresso in the fashionable cafés of the Piazza della Repubblica, once the site of a Roman forum. Sample delicious Tuscan cuisine in the Oltrarno area and around the Piazza del Mercato Centrale. Head for the bars of the Sant Antonio area or take in an opera at the Teatro Verdi. Bargain hunters will be delighted with the open-air market near Piaza del Mercato Centrale where clothing, jewellery and leather goods in particular are sold at keen prices. The biggest problem you’ll have in Florence will be trying to drag yourself away from it.

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