WELL...GET IN LINE!
It seems that if you've been there once and allowed yourself to be captivated and mesmerized by its charm and intellect that it becomes an integral part of your being. You can visualize the content of the view from Piazza Michelangelo down upon the city, the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio, and the wandering Arno River as it snakes its way through then center of this beautiful city.
You have allowed yourself the liberty of traversing its challenging street structure in its core. Are you aware that some of the buildings that you passed were built more than 1200 years ago? Do you understand the significance of walking on cobblestones that were laid over 1500 years ago? Are you aware that America was named for a Florentine cartographer by the name of Amerigo Vespucci who was the first to prove that Christopher Columbus had indeed discovered a new continent?
It is certain that you are aware and do understand the importance of the architecture and public services in a city that can easily change the period of time as well as your mind. As soon as you allow yourself to become captivated by its inherent beauty - you remove yourself from reality. You are escalated to a previous era and this is where and when it attacks your empathetic senses. The air tastes sweeter, the buildings look superior, the food attacks your sensory areas, and the people...the people? It is because of them that this magnificent city enjoys a greater reputation than most others of its size in this wonderful country. Allow me the liberty, after seven lengthy visits, to offer you a capsulated summary of its unique historical tapestry.
Firenze [Florence] enjoys a population in the area of 400,000 inhabitants - certainly not excessively large by any standard. It is the capital city of Tuscany as well as that of the Province of Florence. It contains the oldest art gallery in the world - The Uffizi - building began on this edifice in 1560 and was completed in 1580. The collections were initiated by donations from the illustrious Medici family as well as their commissioning works that were done specifically for the gallery by Florentine masters of the time. The Uffizi was finally bequeathed to the people of Florence by the last surviving member of The Family in 1737. Anna Maria Medici was her name and she was also instrumental in willing ALL of the Medici properties to the city on the condition that none would ever leave [including the art work of the Uffizi].
Florence was the epicenter of the Italian Renaissance and the centre of medieval European trade and finance during that period. It also became the capital of the 'Kingdom of Italy' from 1865 - 1870. On a much more significant and recent note - the historic center of the city was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1982.
As you traverse the city on foot or bicycle [ the only methods possible as motorized transport within the city is prohibited except by special permit ]...you will inevitably come upon the San Lorenzo Church that was built in 393! Yes, 393AD - this is not an error. Work continued on this edifice for centuries and, in fact, the façade has never been completed to this day. This was the parish church of the Medici Family and they did not hesitate to lavish their wealth on its adornments. Michelangelo, who taught himself to draw in the Medici Gardens, was commissioned to work on the Medici tombs and he designed and built the Laurentian Library in 1524.
The Accademiadi Bella Arti was built in 1563 making it the oldest Art School in the world and it is still functioning in its original location. The Spedale Degli Innocenti - at its inception in 1444 became the first orphanage in Europe. We cannot forget the indubitable Ponte Vecchio that was built in 1345 and was initially inhabited by butchers, tanners, and blacksmiths. It was the stench created by these trades coupled with their dumping of trash into the Arno River that necessitated their eviction in 1593 and, upon its rebuilding, the goldsmiths and jewellery shops were enticed to occupy the premises where they remain to this day. In 1565 the Corridoio Vasariano was built over the top of the bridge to allow the Medicis to move between their residences and the Uffizi without having to mingle with the masses below.
These are but teasers for the abundance of wonderful sights that await your next journey. There are so many edifices, buildings, works of art, and 'magnificences' that it would take several volumes to describe them all. Suffice to say that, without hesitation, your trip to this 'heaven on earth' will be among the most unforgettable of your life upon your allowing her to captivate your senses in absolutely every respect and just...ENJOY!
You will have noted by now that I have refrained from any and all personal comments to this point. If you will allow - I would be terribly remiss if I did not mention our most favorite hotel [ certainly in Florence - maybe anywhere? ]. It is The Hotel David which is situated at #1 Viale Michelangelo, a delightful ten minute walk along the Arno River to/from The Ponte Vecchio or a three minute ride on the public transit. This is a converted Florentine villa [ 250 years old? ] that is full of antiques collected by the owners. It is owned by the Ceccioni Family and managed by Gabriele Ceccioni and his wonderful, well-informed staff. You will thank me for this one! One more item that you will use and remember for many years is our most favorite website...In Italy.com...you need days to navigate this monster but it has every tidbit of information that you will ever need on this outstanding country. The only source for better information would be Gabriele Ceccioni, himself!!
I am going to list, in no particular order, a small group of items that should not be missed on your visit. I have arranged them under the main districts of the city to make it easier for you...you just need to have a map of those districts for your visit. Please use Google to search for the site that most appeals to you. It is so important that you allow yourself the luxury of being extremely casual in your scheduling...you will absolutely enjoy the sights more when in a simple and casual frame of mind.
CITY CENTRE WEST
1. Piazza della Republica - once the site of the Roman Forum
2. Palazzo Strozzi - 1489 - largest villa in Florence
3. Ponte Vecchio - 1345 - only bridge to survive WW2
4. Santa Maria Novella Church - 1279
5. Stazione di Santa Maria Novella - main train station
6. Mercato Nuovo - 1547 - don't forget to stroke the nose of Il Porcellino...it will ensure your return visit!
CITY CENTRE EAST
1. The Duomo - so much could be said but must be seen - 1334
2. Bargello Museum - 1255 - began life as the Seat of Government
3. Santa Croce Church - 1294 - holds the tombs of Michaelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, and Dante
4. Piazza della Signoria - 14th century - a glass of Vin Santo with Biscotti at 5...heaven
5. Palazzo Vecchio - 1322 - The Town Hall since its inception
6. The Uffizi - oldest Art Gallery in the World...see above
CITY CENTRE NORTH
1. San Lorenzo Market - the epitome of flea markets...take your time!
2. Mercato Centrale - 1874 - central food market of Florence
3. Palazzo Medici Riccardi - home to the Medicis from 1444 - 1544
4. San Lorenzo Church - 1419 - discussed previously
5. Galleria dell'Accademia - 1563 - Oldest art school in the world
6. David by Michelangelo - 1504 - two editions by original artist
7. Convent of San Marco - 13th century - must see for frescoes alone
8. Tempio Israelitico - 1874 - Florence's main synagogue
OLTRARNO
1. Palazzo Pitti - 1549 - main household of the Medicis from 1550
2. Santa Spirito Church - 1250 - designed by Brunelleschi
3. Boboli Gardens - begun in 1549 for the Medici Family - vistas with views of Florence
4. Brancacci Chapel - 1425 - famous for phenomenal frescoes in the Main Chapel
I will give you the phrase that we first heard on our initial visit to Italy...."forget the city maps - just start out walking and allow yourself to get lost - there will always be someone to guide you back or just jump into a taxi." This is absolutely the best way to 'discover' all the intrinsic things that make up an old city such as all of the cities in Italy.
We wish you good fortune in your travels....be vigilant...but, most of all, ENJOY!!
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