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The historic city centre (centro storico) is most representative of Florence. The layout of the district follows a road system created by the Romans (known as the ‘cardo' and ‘decumano' system). In the centro storico, you will see the enormous, imposing structure of the Duomo, with its Brunelleschian cupola, a beautiful dome that adds splendor to the city skyline. The city has also preserved its medieval network of streets, lined with regular, geometric Renaissance palaces such as Palazzo Strozzi and Palazzo Medici-Riccardi, which once belonged to Florence's powerful, oligarchic families.
General Information:
Florence is divided into five districts and the centre is divided into four sections (San Giovanni, Santa Croce, Santa Maria Novella and Santo Spirito Oltrarno). Most of the action in Florence took place between Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, the city’s civic heart. Here, in the historic centre, Dante – forefather of the Italian language – first glimpsed his muse, Beatrice. Here, the Florentine Republic rose and fell. And here, Savonarola’s Bonfire of the Vanities blazed. Florence, for all her timeless charm, is no stranger to destruction. In 1944, all her bridges, save the Ponte Vecchio, were bombed by the Germans in an attempt to stall the advance of the allies. In 1966, the banks of the River Arno burst, flooding the city with her muddied waters and devastating homes and artwork. That said, the only violence most tourists are likely to witness is during the medieval football match on June 24 – Florence’s patron saint day – when petty wrangles can spill onto the pitch.
Where to go:
In the palatial surroundings of the Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi) Florence hosts one of the finest and most important collections of fine art anywhere in the world. This former palace of the famous Medici clan first opened its doors to the public over four hundred years ago, making it amongst the oldest museums in the world. The Botticelli room for instance contains one of the best known paintings in the world: the 'Birth of Venus' painted in 1483, and much used and abused by Monty Python, as well as the painter's other triumph, the 'Primavera' or 'Allegory of Spring' dating from the same period. Other featured artists include Leonardo da Vinci, although his room contains only one finished piece that's by him alone, Michelangelo, Rembrandt and Titian whose reclining, honey-skinned 'Venus of Urbino' is effortlessly sensual.
Getting Around:
City bus runs every 20 minutes from the main train station (Santa Maria Novella) to Amerigo Vespucci airport. There's a train service between the main station and Galileo Galilei airport.
Buses service the city centre and Fiesole in the hills north-east of town. Bus tickets can be bought at tobacconists or vending machines and must be validated as you get on the bus. Tickets are sold on a time basis - you can get one hour two hour and 24 hour tickets.
Attractions:
The Duomo Cathedral, finished in 1434, is Florence's most important landmark and the world's fourth-largest church. Its dome, which towers 300 feet above the city, keeps visitors oriented. Meander through the narrow back alleys heading toward Piazza della Signoria and the Ponte Vecchio. The buildings have not changed much since the Middle Ages. It's easy to find your way, so don't just follow the typical tourist route along Via dei Calzaiuoli. After 30 minutes of wandering, you will arrive at the Piazza della Signoria, the town's other major square, with its statues, cafes, and the massive architecture of the Palazzo Vecchio looming above, the center of political power for 700 years. Looking like a giant castle, the Palazzo Vecchio is open as a museum.
Art and Culture:
Florence keeps most, but not all, of its treasures behind closed doors. The city, which sits on the banks of the River Arno in the north of Italy, is like a huge museum that just happens to be home to over 450,000 people. Its origins and name date back to the Roman era but its heyday was in the 15th century when an upsurge of interest in all things classical gave birth to the Italian Renaissance and its luminaries including Michelangelo, Brunelleschi, Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael.
Activities:
Complete and numerous facilities are available for sport enthusiasts. In addition to the stadiums for football and the race courses, there is the "velodrome" for cycle races; the city offers tennis courts and swimming pools, an 18-hole golf course at Ugolino, shooting ranges, bowling; places for canoeing waterpolo; riding schools and clubs; an Aero Club, skating rinks, etc. There are modem sports compound at Coverciano, Bellariva Cascine and at Campo di Marte.
Comments:
Uffizi Gallery: This gallery contains the finest collection of Italian Renaissance art, with masterpieces by Leonardo, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Bellini, Mantegna, Raphael and more, making it one of the top museums in the world. It's a must for the art lover, and a major reason why people come to Florence. You can walk through in 90 minutes. The problem lies in getting in because this is the town's No. 1 attraction, and there is usually a wait of one to two hours. Beat the line by calling a few weeks ahead for reservations, or time your visit for after 3 p.m.
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