Firenze, Florentia, Fiorenza or Florence, is a city that evokes envy. People visit and wonder how anyone can live and work in apparently routine fashion, in a place so profuse with history, culture, art and architecture. Is it possible, as a resident of the former cradle of the Renaissance, to become weary of the excess of civic beauty?
Perhaps. Those who venture to Florence for the first time however, long to stay and reside in the city, free to explore the old streets where the likes of Leonardo da Vinci, Dante Alighieri, Niccol? Machiavelli, Raphael and Donatello once stood, until they too perchance, find the scene tiresome. We ache to discover whether that is even possible. Dreams of a villa in Tuscany or a student flat in Florence are clich? but resonate for very good reasons. The city is glorious and those lucky enough to call Firenze home, are truly fortunate.
Here then, is a checklist of what to see in the Tuscan capital.
20. Ponte Vecchio
It borders on a criminal offense to see Florence and miss out on the Ponte Vecchio. A must on your first day in the city, the bridge is a stone icon of peerless aesthetic. The Medieval structure spans the Arno River and divides Florence into two distinct sections. Construction dates back well over a thousand years, remarkable when you consider that despite the vast array of strife over the considerable life of the Ponte Vecchio, the bridge remains intact and a favourite with jewelers and souvenir merchants.
19. Tempio Maggiore
Known as the Great Synagogue of Florence, the Tempio Maggiore is a magnificent structure that dates back to 1874. The original design was largely a reflection of Islamic and Italian architectural traditions that together, still captivate observers today. Unlike the rather bland interiors of other spiritual structures across Europe, the Great Synagogue is replete with colorful mosaics that make history buffs grateful that WWII fascists were unsuccessful in their attempts to destroy the Tempio.
18. The Basilica della Santissima Annunziata
The Basilica of the Most Holy Annunciation is what many refer to as a minor church in Florence, in comparison to others that dominate the city skyline. However, in terms of historical import, the Basilica is worth a visit. Built in 1250, the interior has several cloisters that feel like time warps, where the past is literally a prisoner within the ancient walls. The art, with frescoes by several Baroque masters, and interior architecture of the Basilica are splendid.
17. San Marco
One visits Florence to experience a throwback era, the Renaissance, Medici and Baroque periods, whose preservation over time has been pristine. Therefore, a trip to San Marco, a complex of spiritual sites in the city, is in order. The church and convent structures contain priceless works of art and ancient manuscripts.
The Holy Trinity, as the bridge is known in English, is not as famous with tourists as the Ponte Vecchio. However, the span across the Arno River is notable as the oldest elliptical arch bridge in the world. Whether or not that means squat to you, the Santa Trinita is worth a crossing.
15. ACF Fiorentina
When in Italy, one of the unforgettable events to experience, is a soccer match. Florence has one of the most venerable teams in the country, in ACF Fiorentina. The Stadio Artemio Franchi, built in 1931, is worth the trip alone.
Nobody gathers like Italians. And when they gather, congregate and assemble, they tend to do it in piazze. Florence of course, is no exception and has the marvelous Piazza della Signoria to prove it. The foremost location for a peaceful stroll is replete with significant landmarks.
13. The Bargello
Otherwise known as the Pallazo del Popolo or the Palace of the People, the Bargello is a former prison and fortification that now serves as one of the best museums in Florence. At close to 800 years old, the immense structure is impressive enough. Once inside however, with works by Michelangelo, Donatello and Ghiberti, in addition to countless other masters, you get a different perspective.
12. Palazzo Medici
The Medici name is synonymous with Florence and can be seen everywhere around the city. The powerful merchant family that came to dominate the course of politics, economics, religion and indeed, history in Italy from the 13th to 17th century had a grand foothold in the city. The Renaissance palazzo that was the family home from 1460 on is a must visit.
11. Palazzo Vecchio
City hall in Florence probably looks a lot like the city hall in your town. Not. The massive Gothic structure was a fortress palace, built in 1299 to scare off outside invaders and make the residents of Florence feel as cool as they knew they were back when the city had major clout. If you want to see the entire contents of the Palazzo, from the myriad courtyards to the inner apartments and art collections, book about half a day.
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Enjoyed reading this post? Continue reading the Top Twenty Things to Do in Florence Part 2
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