Introduction
The cultural and historical impact of Florence is overwhelming.
Close up, however, the city is one of Italy's most atmospheric
and pleasant, retaining a strong resemblance to the small late-medieval
centre that contributed so much to the cultural and political
development of Europe. Unfortunately, it can be one of Italy's
most clogged tourist traps, with up to 2000 tourist buses arriving
daily in the peak season.
Where Rome is a historical
hot-pot, Florence is like stepping back into a Fiat and Vespa-filled
Renaissance: the shop-lined Ponte Vecchio, the trademark Duomo,
the gem-filled Uffizi Gallery, the turreted Piazza della Signoria
and the Medici Chapels. Thankfully, these unforgettables are all
within walking distance of each other.
Florence is the capital of the region of Tuscany, on Italy's north-west
coast. A good reference point for navigating your way around Florence
is its central train station, Santa Maria Novella, although the
Duomo is pretty hard to miss. The city has two airports - Amerigo
Vespucci is a few kilometres north-west of the city centre, and
Galileo Galilei (for international flights) is about 75km (46mi)
west of the city. You can walk from one end of the city centre
to the other in about 30 minutes.
Florence has hundreds of
hotels, hostels and private rooms, and more than 150 budget hotels;
even so, it's best to book ahead. Hotels and pensions are concentrated
near the train station and in the old section of the city, from
the Duomo to the river. Tuscany is known for its fine culinary
traditions - in particular, its olive oil, meat dishes and classic
Chianti. Atmospheric trattorie abound, and there are clusters
of lovely little eateries south of the Arno and near the central
market in San Lorenzo. |
| Florence
Italy Attraction Guide |
Duomo
Piazza del Duomo, Florence
One of the most famous landmarks of Florence. This immense Cathedral
took almost 150 years to complete. The large dome was one of the
greatest engineering feats of its day, and symbolizes Florence
at its greatest.
Ponte Vecchio
Florence
Spanning the Arno this is the oldest bridge in Florence.
Galleria dell' Accademia
Via Ricasoli 60, Florence
Tel: +39 55 21437 5
Founded in 1784 by the Grand Duke Pietro Leopold to introduce
Academy students to artwork from every period. In the present
day it is most famous for housing Michelangelo's 'David' and other
noted Renaissance works of art.
Palazzo degli Uffizi
Piazzale degli Uffizi 6,
Florence
Tel: +39 55 23885
One of Europe's leading art galleries. Established in 1591, it
became one of the world's first public galleries. It now houses
many Renaissance masterpieces. The Uffizi has within its collection
work by amongst others; Botticelli (‘The Birth of Venus)',
Uccello, Caravaggio, and Leonardo da Vinci.
Battistero
Piazza del Duomo, Florence
A wonderful example of Italian Romanesque-style architecture,
but it is the Baptistry's great bronze doors for which this building
is justly famous. The east door by Lorenzo Gliberti,was named
'The Gate of Paradise' by Michelangelo.
Palazzo Medici-Riccardi
Via Cavour 11, Florence
This magnificent palace has hosted royalty, artists and philosophers
throughout its five hundred years. The austere construction is
built in the style of classic Florentine Renaissance architecture.
Piazza del Signoria
Florence
The cultural centre of Florence, and in a sense a large open-air
gallery thronged with great statues.
Cathedral Museum
Piazza del Duomo, Florence
Tel: +39 55 23028 85
Houses some of the finest examples of Renaissance art found anywhere
in the world, including work by Michelangelo, Donatello, and Leonardo
da Vinci amongst others.
Bargello
Via del Proconsolo 4, Florence
Tel: +39 55 23886 06
Originally a jail this building now accommodates the National
Museum, part of which houses one of the most impressive collections
of Renaissance sculpture anywhere in the world. |
| Florence
Italy Transportation |
Florence Transportation
Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport is only five kilometres
(three miles) north-west of the city and is a short taxi ride
to the city centre. The majority of international flights arrive
at Pisa Airport which is an hour away. There is an hourly direct
train service into Florence (Santa Maria Novella Station) from
the Airport. The ticket office is at the far end of the terminal
, as are the doors to the doors to the train platform. Please
check the timetable for trains travelling directly to Firenze
SMN. The train is by far the best method of transport, but should
you find the trains out of service, there is always a taxi (approx.
USD 150) or you can take the bus into Pisa city centre for connections
to Florence.
Arriving by
Air
Florence is reached by international
travelers via Pisa International Airport Galileo Galilei (PSA).
Getting Around Florence
Traffic in Florence is very restricted and you will have
difficulty entering the city during business hours. There are
two or three large car parks just outside the historical centre
where you can leave the car as most of the tourist areas of the
city are off limits to tourist traffic. Ask your hotel for parking
details before you leave. Florence is relatively compact and therefore
easy to get around on foot. This is also by far the best way to
see the city. Taxis and buses are available throughout the city
although taxi fares tend to be rather expensive. Moped and bicycle
rental is another option for those brave enough to encounter the
fast moving traffic.
Florence - Pisa International Airport Galileo Galilei
Pisa International
Airport Galileo Galilei (PSA) is located just one mile north of
Pisa city centre and within easy distance of Florence. A busy
European airport, Pisa International is used by a number of international
and Italian domestic carriers.
Pisa International Airport
Galileo Galilei has an excellent celection of passenger facilities.
As well as ATMs, a bank and bureau de change, there are bars,
cafes and a selection of restaurants.
For those looking to rent
a car on arrival in Pisa to drive to Florence or Pisa city center,
Pisa International Airport Galileo Galilei has representation
from many car rental companies. These include Auto Europa, Avis,
Sixt, Europcar, Hertz, Thrifty, Liberty Rent International, Maggiore,
Program and Travelcar.
There are both short-term
and long-term car parks at Pisa International Airport Galileo
Galilei, with space for 1300 vehicles. |
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