Florence

Florence is a city where within 100 yards you can gaze at some of the greatest art anywhere. You can walk streets where the likes of Dante, Giotto, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci, Brunelleschi, Galileo, Verdi, Puccini, and many others once walked.

Florence was one of the first cities to emerge from the dark ages. Florence had become a major trading center. This trade and the class of tradesmen would become the reason Florence would become the Cradle of the Renaissance. Trading, manufacturing, and refining of textiles brought wealth to the city, and in 1252 the first gold coin, the fiorino d'oro (gold florin) was minted. It became the stable currency in Europe. One particular banking family, the Medici, would become an integral part of the growth of Florence as a European power. They would commission many of the chapels, artwork and buildings that make Florence an open-air museum today. The last of the Medici family died in the 1700's. They gave all of their priceless art to the city of Florence. 70% of the art you see today once belonged to the Medici family.

Florence takes credit for the rebirth in the art during this period. This is no small claim. Combining art, science, and humanist scholarship into a visual revolution that often seemed like pure sorcery to their contemporaries, a handful of Florentine geniuses taught the Western eye a new way of seeing. Perspective seems a simple enough trick to us now, but its discovery determined everything that followed, not only in art, but in science and philosophy as well.

Because Florence is a relatively small city it is easy to see many of its most important sights in a short time. Most of its art treasures are located in its historical center. There are several of the most important museums in Europe in Florence. The Uffizi museum contains works by Botticelli, Leonardo Da Vince, Michelangelo and more. The Uffizi building itself is a work of art. It served as the offices (uffizi in Italian) for the Medici empire. It is located on the Piazza Signoria, the most important square in Florence. The Palazzo Vecchio (Old town hall) is the focal point and has a rich history. Michelangelo's famous sculpture of "David" originally stood here. (The one now is a copy) You can see the original in the Accademia museum, another wonderful collection of art.

There are many churches and chapels throughout Florence that are magnificent. Of course, the Duomo (cathedral) is the one most equate with Florence and the Renaissance. Santa Maria del Fiore is one of the largest churches on earth. It took 150 years to completely finish. The exterior is massive covered in red, white and green marble facing. It was designed in the Gothic style but no spire was ever built and it was left with a gaping hole for years. The enormous dome, seeming far too large for the building it caps and visible for miles around, is the very symbol of Florence. Designed by the great Brunelleschi in 1420, it was the first monumental dome erected since the Roman era, over 100 years, and pioneered a construction principle later used in such domes as St. Peter's in Rome and the US. Capital building.

The Baptistry in front of the Duomo is actually the older building. In the middle ages you could not enter a church until you were baptized, so most baptistries are much older than their adjoining churches. This Baptistry was one thought to be of Roman construction. Its most famous feature is the set of three exterior Bronze doors which date from the 14th century. The north door in particular is especially important. Gilberti won a competition to design this door which some say is the first real work of the Renaissance. Dubbed the "gates of paradise" by Michelangelo, this door's panels depict ten scenes from the Old Testament.

The Piazza Republica was the site of the ancient Roman forum. Only the column in the center is original. Florence like most cities in Italy have Roman influence. Many medieval streets spread out from this important piazza. Buildings from many periods line these cobblestone streets. Medieval buildings are characterized by crenellations and cornices. Many also have rings to tether horses and ornate iron grates for torches.

The Ponte Vecchio (the old bridge) which dates from the 11th century is another Florence landmark. It was originally filled with butcher shops, but today houses gold and silver shops. It is always crowded with tourists hoping to find a bargain. The views of the Arno river from the bridge are spectacular. This was the only bridge not destroyed by the Nazis at the end of WWII. The commanding officer could not stand to destroy such an important historical landmark.

Florence is a timeless city and continues to dazzle its visitors. Some of the most important Italian designers have flagship boutiques here. There are several large leather markets with great bargains on bags and luggage. Many visitors spend the whole time here as "mad shoppers".

Whether you enjoy historical sights, art, architecture, shopping, religious sights, or good food, Florence will not disappoint. It is the perfect place to start your tour of Tuscany.