Walking through Art. Florence

This week we arrive in a superb location in the beautiful Italy, Florence! A romantic place, whose air reminds you of great times!

Florence, is the capital of the Italian region of Tuscany and the province of Florence. It is situated on the Arno River and is known for its history and importance in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, especially for its arts and architecture.

More than half of the most popular works of art in the world are in Italy and more than half of them are found in Florence. It is impressive that over a quarter of the most appreciated works of art around the world are in this city. So there are plenty of reasons to visit it. It’s like an open-air museum, all the way you can feel the air full of history. In addition, Florence is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world and art, historical and cultural heritage and today retains major impact in the world. In 1982 was declared by UNESCO as World Heritage.

The De Medici family has ruled the city for three centuries. At a time when the wars were in great power, De Medici were among the first to have other interests, figuring out the potential of art. They had plenty of money, the most important bank in Europe at that time, so they created a culture of art in Florence that have hosted, supported and paid a “certain” Brunelleschi, Michelangelo and Botticelli. The rest is history.

Each bit of asphalt is beaten by the millions of tourists who come to see artworks annually, feel the air and the atmosphere of the place where personalities such as Dante, Boccaccio, Leonardo da Vinci, Amerigo Vespucci, Botticelli, Niccolò Machiavelli, Brunelleschi, Michelangelo, Donatello, Galileo Galilei, Catherine de Medici, Antonio Meucci, Guccio Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Roberto Cavalli, Florence Nightingale and Emilio Pucci lived.
According to a study conducted in 2007, it seems that this city has been nominated as one of the most desirable tourist destinations in the world!

Florence is considered the Italian capital of art and is the last preserved Renaissance city in the world.
A special place that offers you plenty to visit, researched, seen, in depth: Michelangelo’s “Laurenziana” Library; Ponte Vecchio; University (1321), Academy of Arts, Famous Museums (especially Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Pitti, Bargello National Museum, Archeology Museum); National Library; Circulation Center; Gondi Palace; Medici Palace; Church of Santa Maria Novella; Santa Trinità Church; Cathedral of Santa Croce; Church of San Lorenzo; Michelangelo Square, where is a copy of David Michelangelo’s statue, etc.

It seems overwhelming, but this is the beauty of this place, it gives you the opportunity to come back and to discover something else. We have only been able to visit some of them, so we have many reasons to go back there.

1. Ponte Vecchio
It is the famous bridge that any tourist arriving in Florence wishes to cross it. The bridge crosses the narrowest Arno River. It dates back to the Roman age and has undergone numerous consolidations following the floods of various periods of its long existence. Since 1345, more than 43 stores have been built here to be hired by retailers and manufactures.
The statue of Cellini on Ponte Vecchio is also a very frequented place for tourists.

2.The Florence House (Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore)

It is the fourth largest in Europe and is famous for its dome. The entrance is free in the cathedral and to reach the dome is paid 8 Eur and climb 463 steps between the two walls of the dome. The construction began in 1296 and was only finished in 1380 and the dome in 1436. The facade as we see it we were today only finished in the middle of the century. XIX. The façade of the cathedral is covered with Carrara marble (white) of Prato (red), Siena (green).
An impressive building, which I am no longer tempted to look at!

3.Palazzio Vecchio
It has a beautiful architecture and its crenellated tower enlivens the square. It has been the headquarters of the public administration since the 13th century. The staircases of the palace are flanked by Donatello’s two statues. Marzocco is a powerful lion with the heraldic shield of the city, the shepherd being the consecrated emblem of the Florentine Republic and Judith with the sign of “being your example to men” was removed from Florence after the death of Lorenzo the Great. People found the statue and brought it back as a symbol of victory over tyranny.

4.Palazzo Pitti
It is a short distance from Ponte Vecchio. The palace is open daily for visitation, except Mondays, from 8.15 to 18.45. The impressive building of about 36 m high is remarkable. Dostoevsky lived in an old building in front of the palace. The palace sheltered the Pitti family only a century since the palace was taken over by the Medici family. The original 2-storey building was acquired in 1550 by Eleonora de Toledo, wife of Grand Duke Cosimo I de Medici, transforming it into the official residence of the family. Pitti Palace is the second Ufizzi Gallery as the value of artworks and museums.

5.Piazza della Signoria
It’s a kind of Florence. It has been the center of political life since the 14th century. It was the heart that heavily attacked the installation of the Medici family in 1530, but also the place of execution of the ultra-religious Savonarola burnt on the Inquisition. The palace is marked by Palazzo Vecchio and the fabulous sculptures that embellish it. One of these sculptures is the famous sculpture of Michelangelo, the statue of the biblical hero, Daivd! Of course this is a replica, the original is, from 1873, exhibited at the Galleria dell’Accademia. If you want to see this masterpiece of rebirth, created between 1501-1504, feel free to visit the Galleria dell’Accademia.

6. Piazza della Repubblica
Here was the city’s forum, which then became the old city ghetto, but it was shattered when the redevelopment works started when Florence became the capital of Italy. This Market was the meeting place of many artists and writers!

7.Piazzale Michelangelo
It is a public square with views, which allows for a famous panorama of the entire city, near its historical center. It is the perfect place for a perfect sunset.
Piazzale Michelangelo was conceived in the second half of the nineteenth century as a tribute to this great Renaissance artist who has left his mark on Florence.

8.Uffizi galleries
It appears in the top 10 museums and galleries made by National Geographic. Why is it so special? Hosts famous works of great masters. Michelangelo, Da Vinci, or Botticelli are just some of the artists who have paintings here.

9. Food is so tasty in Italy! I just love it. And there are so many amazing places where you can enjoy it.

10. Streets of Florence they all have a story. Just get lost on them and discover it!

I’m so much to see and do in this masterpiece city. There are thousands of reasons to visit him. Italy is always a joy, visual, culinary and artistic. If we have missed certain aspects, I hope you enjoy them and share them with us!