Info about Florence Italy
Vacationing in Florence
Florence, Italy, home of the Renaissance movement, is one the world’s most popular tourist destinations. It has many architectural wonders that are the dreams of an artist. Some of the best museums, cathedrals, shopping markets, sculptures, and art are found in Florence, Italy. If you are planning to visit Florence there are some sights that you will not want to miss.
The most common attraction in Florence is its cathedral, the Basilica Santa Maria del Fiore, also called Duomo di Firenze. The construction of this huge cathedral started in 1296, but it was not finished until 1436. The cathedral can hold twenty thousand people. Tickets can be purchased to climb 463 steps to the top or seeing the forty-four amazing stained glass windows.
Piazza dell Signoria, which was the center of politics for Florence, Italy for hundred of years, has been redone to become a lively tourist attraction with many shops, bars, and restaurants. This is a place that you will not want to miss on your visit to Florence. There is artwork close by that includes, a copy of Michelangelo’s David, Donatello’s Marzocco, and Neptune’s Fountain.
The Baptistery of Saint John, founded in 1152, was partially funded by the city of Florence. The circumference of the baptistery is 107.24 meters, the largest one in Italy. The pulpit carvings were done by Nicola Pisano between 1255 and 1260. The baptistery is famous for the perfect acoustics that the staff demonstrates every half hour. It is a local superstition that any undergraduate that walks around the baptistery will never get his degree. The Baptistery is open 12:00 to 7:00 Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays, and on Sunday from 8:30 until 2:00.
Giotto’s Campanile, or bell tower, is 14.45 meters wide and 84.7 meters high. It is located near the Baptistery of St. John and the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore. Giotto designed the first floor. Guest who want to climb up the 414 stairs will have an exceptional view of the cathedral and its dome, as well as Florence and the surrounding area. Giotto’s Campanile is open daily from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm.
Ponte Vecchio has crossed the Arno River since the age of the Romans. It is the most famous old bridge in Florence. It was built in 1345, and it was the only bridge that was left standing after World War II. The bridge offers a beautiful view of the river, and you will find shops that sell silver and gold jewelry.
The Galleria degli Uffizi has a marvelous collection of Renaissance paintings that range form medieval to modern times. There are many sculptures in the gallery from artists such as Michelangelo, Botticelli, Giotto, Raphael, Pergino, and Leonardo da Vinci. It is open 8:15am to 6:50pm Tuesday through Sunday.
Santa Croce is the largest Franciscan church in Italy, and it is located in the Piazza Santa Croce. The tombs of Michelangelo and Dante are found here. There are beautiful stained glass windows inside. You will also find one of Brunelleschi’s, most important works, the Cappella dei Pazzi. You can visit Monday through Saturday from 9:30 until 5:30 and on Sunday 1:00 to 5:30.
If you are fortunate enough to take a trip to Italy, you will want Florence to be on the top of your list of places that you will visit. I could very well be the trip of a lifetime.