This pedestrian bridge is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks - a charming collection of jewelry shops that rests atop the mighty stone arches that span the Arno. The Ponte Vecchio, or Old Bridge, was built in 1345, but its architect is unknown. Until the 13th Century, the bridge was lined with shops of every kind, including butchers, fishmongers and tanneries, each adding to an overwhelming stench that eventually induced Grand Duke Ferdinando I to issue an edict replacing all shops with goldsmiths. Additional improvements were made when the Medici family moved to Palazzo Pitti in the 1500s and commissioned Giorgio Vasari to design and construct a separate passage for their use. The resulting overpass, dating back to 1565 above Ponte Vecchio's shops, is now known as the Vasari Corridor. Miraculously, Ponte Vecchio was the only one spared by the retreating Germans on August 4, 1944, and remains a revered historic landmark. Today, the bridge is a popular choice for evening strolls, sightseeing and jewelry shopping.
Outdone only by St. Peter's in Rome and St. Paul's in London, the Cathedral of Florence is the third-largest church in the world. Although the foundation stone of this architectural jewel was laid at the site of the Roman basilica of Santa Reparata in 1296, it remained structurally incomplete until 1436. The original Gothic design was laid-out by Arnolfo di Cambio, however, by the time it was complete, the cathedral came to be a collage of styles favored by the many commissioned to oversee its construction and the prevalent tastes of that moment in time. The majestic dome, one of the cathedral's defining features, is the ingenious work of Filippo Brunelleschi while the fresco that covers its interior is a vivid depiction of the Last Judgment envisioned by Giorgio Vasari. The neo-Gothic facade was added by Emilio De Fabris in the 19th Century - a masterpiece of green and pink marble, generous artistic flair and numerous sculptures. The fruit born of the loving devotion of some of Italy's most revered master artists, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is truly a vision beyond compare.
Piazza della Signoria has been the hub of Florence's political life since the Republic at the end of the 15th Century. This L-shaped square is surrounded by its most famous buildings. The Palazzo Vecchio, head of the Florentine government, the Galleria degli Uffizi and the Ponte Vecchio are some of the most landmarks around here. Look around you to see reproductions of Michelangelo's David and the original fountain of Neptune by Bartolomeo Ammannati. Enjoy a full view of the Piazza from the terrace of the Loggia dei Lanzi. The place is a good starting point to begin your tour of the city.
One of the earliest examples of Italian landscaped gardens, the Boboli Gardens represent the royalty of 16th Century Italy. Dotted with glistening ponds and ornate fountains, the lush gardens spread across an area of 45,000 square meters (11 acres). Inside the Gardens lies the Buontalenti grotto (1583-1593). Decorated with Mannerist-style scenes from Greek and Roman mythology, the grotto includes reproductions of Michelangelo's famous Slave series, the originals of which were transferred to the Galleria dell'Accademia. In the 17th Century, the garden was extended as far as the Porta Romana, adding the Vasca d'Isola (pond) at the center with a fountain and a statue of Neptune. In the late 18th Century, Zanobi del Rosso built the Kaffehaus pavilion. Admission includes entry to the Museo delle Porcellane, Galleria del Costume, Museo degli Argenti and the Bardini Gardens.
River Arno is one of the major rivers in the country. At 241 kilometers (150 miles) long, it is the largest water body in Central Italy. It has its source in Mount Falterona and flows through the cities of Florence, Empoli and Pisa, and into the Ligurian Sea. It divides Florence into two, and a walk alongside its course provides breathtaking views.
Constructed between 1444 and 1460 and designed by Michelozzo Michelozzi, this palace was built at the request of Cosimo the Great and represents a typical Renaissance-style Florentine palace. The palace has seen several renovations and in the mid-1660s was sold to the Riccardi family. The Riccardi family made the residence larger and constructed the Baroque-style Galleria (frescoed by Luca Giordano). The Riccardi owned the palace until 1814 when it became the seat of the Ministero degli Interni and from 1871, was the Prefecture of Florence. Of particular note is the Medici Chapel where the famous frescoes of Benozzo Bozzoli are located, depicting the Procession of the Magi (1459) which includes portraits of important society figures such as Lorenzo the Magnificent and Galeazzo Maria Sforza.
Santuario di Santa Maria della Fontenuova was built in the 17th Century, and till date stands tall as an eclectic architectural and historical structure. The facades of this sanctuary are in a beautiful Tuscan baroque style and it is counted amongst fine architectural examples. The sanctuary is ornamented with idyllic murals, relics, paintings and more. There are also carved friezes, altars and stenciled ceilings that will leave you in awe. A great spectacle that peeps into the history of Italy.
Villa Rusciano is a historically significant building which is located on the hills in the outskirts of Florence. The villa, which dates back to the 15th Century, was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. The grand staircase and the interior decor of the villa have still survived although the rest of it was renovated in later years. The interior has several intricate sculptures and precious stone-studded portals and fireplaces. The view of the city from the villa is magnificent and the panoramic terrace garden which surrounds the villa does full justice to it. Although it has changed ownership several times, the beauty of the villa remains the same.
The Historic Center of Florence is the artistic and architectural pulse of the city. This treasure trove of iconic landmarks, nestled in the central quartiere, exemplifies Florence's Renaissance heritage dating back to the 13th Century. The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore is a one of the largest churches in Italy, characterized by its majestic dome and Gothic facade. The cathedral complex features the octagonal Baptistry of St John, replete with mosaic ceilings and ornate doors, as well as the marble-encrusted campanile designed by Giotto. Explore this magnificent square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire the work of Michelangelo and other greats at the Galleria dell'Accademia, St Lawrence's Basilica, Palazzo Pitti and Uffizi Gallery.
The church dates from the 13th century and has a facade with two arcade storeys and a loggia.