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Florence is a charming city of incomparable pleasure concerning churches, monasteries, museums, galleries and palaces. Florence was very much the epicentre of the Italian Renaissance and remains one of the world's top attractions for lovers of art--as such, it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Located in the heart of Tuscany, a stunning province of hills and mountains, the Renaissance capital of the world, with famous sons like Leonardo, Dante, Machiavelli and Michelangelo, is a sight not to be missed. The world-famous Duomo with the Brunelleschi cupola and the marble clad baptistry are simply stupendous, but not all the monuments are like this.

Florence is an exhibition of art and culture. It is famous worldwide, the heart of the Renaissance period and the home of the fine arts and literature. Florence has powerful symbols of Italian and European culture in every nook and cranny, to the extent that it is hard to identify this city with just one symbol. It may be the sculpture of David by Michelangelo, or perhaps the romantic Ponte Vecchio, or Giotto’s bell tower, but Florence could also be represented by famous people such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo or Dante Alighieri, to name but a few.  

The streets of the historic town centre in Florence are often narrow and dark, the palaces robust and intimidating. But have a look at the squares - wonderful Mediterranean places where you will like spending hours sitting down, having a coffee and just watching people passing by. Among the things you can't afford to miss are the Uffizi Galleries, one of the best art museums in the world, the Duomo, the Santo Spirito church and the Ponte Vecchio. To get a great overview of the city, you have plenty of choices: climb the "Cupolone" of the Duomo or the Giotto Tower, head for Piazzale Michelangelo in Oltrarno (other side of river Arno) or farther up to the church of San Miniato.

Florence attracts a high proportion of international travelers to Italy. The city is an active centre of art and culture, and organizes periodical exhibitions and art festivals.

Florence is called the capital of arts. From the 13th to the 16th century it was a seemingly endless source of creative masterpieces and Italian genius.

Top 10 Attractions In Florence Italy One of the most artistically beautiful cities in the world, Florence, Italy is the ideal vacation for anyone who appreciates art, architecture and culture. Even now, centuries past the Italian Renaissance, it's the Tuscany region of Italy, and Florence in general, where art is the quintessential attraction. For that reason, many of the top 10 attractions in Florence, Italy are based in the sometimes epic, sometimes subtle, but always visually stunning and impressive artworks of Italy's finest artists.

Florence's Top 10 Must-See Attractions

1.) The Galleria degli Uffizi The Uffizi is tremendously popular and rightly so. As one of the most impressive collections of fine Renaissance art in the world, the Uffizi is one of the busiest attractions in Florence, Italy. In the Uffizi Gallery, visitors can see first-hand the mastery of Botticelli, da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and many other Italian masters.

2.) The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore The Duomo's (church's) dome was designed by Brunelleschi and is one of the most visited pieces of Italian architecture. Brunelleschi was awarded the job of designing the dome after a competition held in 1419 by the Arte della Lana. With the help of Donatello, Brunellschi was awarded the task. It also features the stunning Giotto's Tower.

3.) The National Museum of the Bargello The Bargello is located near the Piazza della Signoria and houses some of the most incredible sculptures from the leading artists of the Renaissance era. Such noted works from Michelangelo, Donatello, Ammannati, Bandinelli and others grace the interior of this great museum.

4.) The Accademia Home to Michelangelo's David, the Accademia is a popular tourist spot and can get quite busy. Leave your camera at the hotel, because no pictures are allowed inside. Call ahead for a reservation and save yourself an hour wait in line for one of the most amazing Italy tours.

5.) Pitti Palace On the southern bank of the Arno, Pitti Palace houses the art collection of the former Medici family. Also, the included Boboli Gardens make an idealistic and beautiful walk behind the palazzo.

6.) Ponte Vecchio The only bridge to survive World War II and the oldest bridge in Florence, the Ponte Vecchio is a sightseer’s and shopper's delight as there is a number of fine jewelry stores located nearby the "old bridge."

7.) Santa Croce Come and pay homage at the monumental tombs of some of the most noted and respected artists of Italy including Galileo, Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Dante.

8.) San Lorenzo No less than nine Michelangelo sculptures can be seen in the sacristy of this agrarian church. With a facade that was never fully completed, the church has a deceiving quality if viewed from the outside. But once inside, enjoy the Renaissance in all its glory.

9.) Santa Maria del Carmine The Santa Maria del Carmine is most famous for its collection of inspired frescoes by such artists as Masaccio and Masolino da Panicale. It's also home to the Brancacci Chapel and the Corsini Chapel.

10.) Ponte Santa Trinita This bridge, near the church Santa Trinita, is the oldest elliptic arch bridge in the world and was designed and constructed by famed Florentine, Bartolomeo Ammanati. The original bridge was destroyed by German troops in August of 1944, but was later rebuilt in 1958 with most of the stones coming from the original construction.

BEST RESOURCES FLORENCE TRAVEL GUIDES REVIEWS

Florence travel guide - Wikitravel

Florence Tourism - Florence Vacation Reviews - Florence Vacations

Welcometuscany > Florence Travel guide to Florence tuscany Italy Firenze town airport Florence Find the best Florence hotels, attractions, maps, pictures, weather Tourism Info Online travel guide to the city of Florence Italy all about culture history traditions travel links hotels bed and breakfast Travel Guide Sophisticated environment and friendly atmosphere in the heart of Florence. Information about Florence and charming old town and places around. Florence CENTRE OF THE WORLD Art and history a jump in the Renaissance Florence, in the region of Tuscany, is the main city after which the province is named. It rises on the banks of the Arno in a vast plain surrounded by the Careggi, Fiesole, Settignano, Arcetri and Bellosguardo hills. travel support http://www.welcometuscany.it/tuscany/florence/florence.htm

Florence is famous amongst tourists and scholars for her glorious artwork, cultural heritage, and the major role she played in the Renaissance and Humanist movements. All these facets combine to make this one of the most glorious cities in the world. Florence may be a small city, but she is extremely beautiful and a favorite meeting place for visit ...Florence Travel Guide.

Florence Travel Guide and Travel Information - Lonely Planet

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