The breathtaking city of Florence, the capitol of Italy’s Tuscany region, is one of the leading historical spots in the country. Situated on the banks of the Arno River, Florence is nestled among groves of olive trees and the charming Italian vineyards that make this one of the loveliest areas in all of Italy. This ancient city is full of magnificent historical sites, such as the Basilica di Santa Croce, the Piazza della Stazione, and the Santa Maria de Fiore, among many many others. There are many other sites to see, restaurants to eat at, and shopping opportunities. You can find plenty to do both in the day and at night. If you want to stay updated with upcoming events in Florence, be sure to bookmark the blog of Florence Hotel, Italy.
Two of the must-see attractions in the city are the Piazza della Signoria and the Palazzo Vecchio. The Piazza della Signoria is the larger area and is situated at the center of Florence’s beautiful historic district. Be sure to attend the open air sculpture exhibit which is completely free to view. In the Loggia della Signoria are a number of historically significant sculptures, such as a replica of Michelangelo’s Statue of David. Being the political center since back in the middle ages, the Piazza, Florence’s town hall is located here, as well as the medieval building the Palazzo Vecchio, containing private apartments, as well as elaborately decorated rooms that are open to the public.
You might have a difficult time deciding where to start with all these options available to you! An enduring tourist favorite is the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Construction was begun in the year 1296 and it was not completed and consecrated until 1436! This ornate Gothic cathedral is called a “duomo” in Italy and is definitely a “must see”! The enormous cathedral can hold more than 20,000 people, and features Brunelleschi’s Dome, which is regarded as a masterpiece. You can even climb up those 463 steps and view the city from the top. With its exterior walls of white, green and pink marble, the cathedral also boasts a number of magnificently decorated doors and a wide variety of statues that are on public display.
There is the Baptistery of John the Baptist, Campinile, or bell tower, and the Galleria degli Uffizi, just to name a few of the many places you should not miss. In order to get the most out of your stay in Florence, and be able to see as much as possible, then you should really buy a Florence City pass. The city pass not only provides admission, but also allows you to move ahead of the long lines of tourists that inevitably form outside all the amazing sites and attractions in Florence. You can easily book complete and uninterrupted tours of the Accademia Galleri and Uffizi galleries online for a relatively low price, usually just under one hundred dollars. Of course, there are many other fascinating places to see in Florence.
You may want to consider renting a vacation property for your trip, so that you can relax and enjoy your stay to the fullest. Your own rooms will come complete with a kitchen, allowing you to shop for food in Florence and try your hand at Italian cooking. Another benefit of this is that it gives you the opportunity to get out and meet the local people while you shop in the local markets.