The Tuscan capital where life is good
Florence was established in 59 BC near the Arno River. The capital of Tuscany has 385,000 inhabitants. It is located 50m above the sea in the northern Apennine plain. It has 5 main districts near the center: - the Oltrarno - Santa Croce - Santa Maria Novella - Duomo - San Lorenzo Cradle of the Renaissance, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in particular for its town centre. Florence is also a very rich artistic heritage: Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo, Botticelli... So we're going to have a nice trip to this extraordinary and peaceful city... Take your cameras. First of all a small plan of the circuit that I propose to you
How to come to Florence? - By plane: directly to Florence or (from Pisa airport located about 100 kilometers away). You can go to Florence train station which is only 10 km away either by bus in 30 minutes or by taxi for 20 euros or even rent a car (be careful there are many parking bans in Florence...see this link for secure parking) - By train from Venice, Milan or Rome (the station is close to the city center) - By car, but as I told you, it is difficult to park in Florence (link to safe parking lots)
Where to stay in Florence? - Rent an apartment - In camping: there is one 3km from Florence the "hu Firenze camping in town" - Hotels, there are many for all prices...See this link
What Transportation in Florence? - There is a well-developed bus or tram service in Florence. You can buy your tickets individually or buy a "Pass" card - Bike renting or guided bike tour
Visit Florence? - In peace with "Florence pass"
Now is the time to conquer the city and discover this extraordinary city. The circuit that I propose to you is about 3 kilometers long. Let's start with an emblematic bridge "Ponte Vecchio" (point A on the map). This bridge is the most famous and the oldest in Florence, it was completed in 1345. Formerly the blacksmiths, tanners, and butchers occupied the shops, today it is the jewelers who have "gables on the streets". Lined up next to each other, they offer you many gold jewellery, often causing real traffic jams for pedestrians strolling in front of the windows.
After crossing Ponte Vecchio, continue straight on via Por Santa Maria for about 150m. You have arrived at the Mercato del Porcellino covered market, which dates from the 16th century. On your left you will find the Porcellino fountain (point B), its original dates from 1633, this bronze is the work of the sculptor Pietro Tacca. (the original is in the Uffizi Gallery) Visitors put a coin in his mouth to have luck and ensure a return to Florence one day... don't forget to rub his snout :)
Once this is done, go back about ten steps and turn left towards Piazza Della Signoria (point C). In Roman times, thermal baths were present on this square. Today this square is very lively, especially on summer nights when artists come to show their talents. You can also discover "the loggia" with these statues reminiscent of the great myths of the city, the "fountain of Neptune" or a magnificent equestrian statue in front of the Palazzo Vecchio. This palace is now both the administrative center of the city and a museum where you will find, among other things, part of the Medici art collection.
Take your skip-the-line ticket to visit Palazzo Vecchio to skip the wait
Let's continue our journey by taking Via Dei Gondi towards Piazza Di Santa Crocce and its basilica (point D) In the Middle Ages parties were held in this square, jousting or tournaments... nowadays it is covered with sand in summer and surrounded by stands to host the matches of "Calcio Storico Fiorentino" a traditional game. The Basilica itself is made up of 16 chapels. It is home to celebrities such as Galileo, Miche-Ange or Machiavelli...
Get a ticket in advance to avoid the queues
Now head further north towards the Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore (Duomo) (Point E) Located in Piazza Del Duomo, it was built from the 13th century. It is composed of several impressive elements such as Brunelleschi's Dome or Giotto's Campanile. You can also discover the Baptistery of San Giovanni opposite the Cathedral. The entrance to the Dome is free but it is forbidden to enter bare shoulders or in sandals or with glasses and headgear Enjoy a guided tour to learn the history of this emblematic place in Florence
After so many wonders, let's head towards Piazza Della República (point F) taking Via Roma. Piazza Della República is one of the most beautiful squares in Florence, where you can discover an imposing arch and the "column of abundance". Take advantage of the many cafes and restaurants to rest from this walk before seeing the rest.
Let's leave Piazza Del República to find the Arno River and the Ponte Santa Trinita (point G) which faces the Ponte Vecchio. This bridge dates from the 16th century, at these ends, 4 statues represent the 4 seasons. Come at sunset to admire the view of the Ponte Vecchio...You should take beautiful photos.
Let's end our Florentine getaway with a visit to the Palazzio Pitti (point H). This Palace is a collection of museums. Take a skip-the-line ticket to avoid waiting. You will find the "Galerie Palatine" (works by Raphael, TiTien, Rubens...). But also a modern art gallery, costumes, silverware, or porcelain. Then take a short tour of the "Boboli Gardens" at the back of the palace.
Why not finish by taking bus line number 12 or 13 to "Piazzale Michelangelo" to admire this city from the promontory.
Our trip ends there, I hope to have made you want to discover this Italian city. I wish you a good trip and beautiful souvenir photos