Try the fontanello (dispenser of free cold water, gassata or naturale) behind the statue of Neptune
The church was begun in the 1296, in the Gothic style and was completed in 1870 in the “Neo”-Gothic style.
Giotto was called the ugliest man to ever walk the streets of Florence, but he designed what many call the most beautiful bell tower in all of Europe.
Although construction began 1296, the needed roof was so big that there wasn’t a technology available. Until 1422 when Brunelleschi started building a dome that was the wonder of the age by 1436.
Ghiberti’s bronze panels for the east doors added a whole new dimension to art—depth. Michelangelo said these doors were fit to be the “Gates of Paradise.”
Florence main axis was part of the ancient Roman grid plan. It connected religious center (cathedral) with the political one (Piazza della Repubblica)
Site of the Roman forum. By 1500 it was the heart of the Jewish ghetto and walled in 1571. Then walls were taken down In 1865 when Florence became the capital of the United Italian republic.
The 14 niches in the exterior walls feature replicas of remarkable statues. The interior has a glorious Gothic tabernacle (1359), and a museum displaying the original statues from the niches.
Beautiful old cafe full of old charm. Plenty of seats outside but a cheap coffee at the bar is the best. Watch the locals and listen to them chatting away
Originally it was a forum for political debate, then the Medici transformed it in an outdoor sculpture gallery.
This greatest collection of Italian paintings anywhere features works by Giotto, Leonardo, Raphael, Caravaggio, Titian, and Michelangelo, and a roomful of Botticellis, including the Birth of Venus.
When a flood washed away the old wooden bridge, this one was built in 1345, and is now called the Ponte Vecchio—Old Bridge.
The present church, built by the Vallombrosan Order, replaces an earlier 11th-century church.
Built by Brunelleschi (1425–46) and finished by Manetti in 1461, the early Renaissance basilica stands atop the earlier church of St. Zenobius consecrated by the Church Father St. Ambrose in 393.
A stairwell leads up to the Chapel of the Princes, a mausoleum containing the remains of Medici family members designed by Michelangelo according to plans based on the beloved Florentine Baptistery.
A model Renaissance palace, the PALAZZO MEDICI-RICCARDI was erected by Cosimo il Vecchio in 1444 and subsequently bought by the Riccardi family.
Fra Angelico’s most revered cell works are the Noli me tangere, an Annunciation, a Transfiguration, and a Coronation of the Virgin.
The Annunciata’s revered image of the Virgin. According to legend, a 13th-century monk executed this miraculous painting of the Annunciation accompanied by an angel, who painted the Virgin’s face.
Italy’s most illustrious citizens, Ghiberti, Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Galileo, and Rossini, ETC are buried here. The church was founded in the 13th century by St. Francis himself.
Donatello’s David was the first male nude sculpture since ancient times. Admire this turn in art history without overwhelming amount of visitors.
In the early renaissance period one of the greatest architects of the city, Bernardo Rossellino restructured the two storey cloister of the oranges and the lunettes of the first floor were frescoed wi
To buy the Firenze card the least-crowded sales point is the TI at Via Cavour 1 red, north of the Duomo. The Palazzo Strozzi also has short lines and long hours.
Florence is all about art, specially renaissance. For paintings visit the Uffizi, Academia, San Marcos and Pitti. For sculptures, Borghese, Uffizi, Duomo museum and every available piazza.
