Florence- Cradle Of The Renaissance

Florence, dubbed as “Cradle of the Renaissance”, “Athens of Italy” or just plain Firenze in Italian, was for over a thousand years a quiet town in the Tuscan countryside. The city is full of churches, palaces, and museums which showcase the Italian Renaissance art and architecture of that time. The city is known as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its vast heritage. Apart from art, the fashion world was born and bred here in Florence. One of the best city to shop for some stylish dresses where one can find all the world known designers boutiques. The Florentines take pride in showcasing and executing their culinary art and traditions. The city is surrounded by wine rich hills and is an epicure paradise where eating and drinking exceedingly well is mandatory.

Explore Florence

Connect to the Religious world

The city houses many churches where one can visit and enjoy the beauty of the magnificent work of art and architecture displayed for the public. Go visit some of the churches around the city:

•Battistero di San Giovanni (Baptistery of St. John)

A 5th-century building, the Baptistery is a striking eight-sided green and white marble architecture and is consummate work of art. It is one of the oldest religious sites in all of Florence. Its marble façade, the intricate mosaics of its interior, and the artworks are a sight to be seen.

•Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore and Piazza Duomo

The cathedral stands tall over the city and its Renaissance dome dominating the skyline of Florence and showcasing the magnificent architecture for people to admire. Italy’s greatest artistic treasure is gathered in one small city of Florence.

•Santa Croce

This magnificent Franciscan Gothic architecture is both art-filled church and mausoleum for some of Florence's greatest names. Among the treasures are several milestones of Renaissance art, some of which are Cappella Bardi, Donatello's Christ Crucified. You will also find the graves of Michelangelo, Galileo, Ghiberti, the composer Gioacchino Rossini, even Machiavelli.

Incredible Piazzas around the city
Apart from the churches and museums, let’s look at some of the spectacular monuments and palaces:
•Ponte Vecchio

Also known as the “Old Bridge”, as it is one of the oldest bridge in Florence. It was first constructed of wood but later rebuilt in stone. The graceful arches topped by the picturesque little jumbles of shops is most certainly one of the prettiest scenes. The bridge has been a home for the talented goldsmiths, and if you take a stroll across the bridge, you will see a gleaming array of fine jewelry.

•Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens

This remarkable palace was designed by Brunelleschi for Luca Pitti, a rich Florentine merchant. Palazzo Pitti houses exceptionally important art collections like the Palatine Gallery, the Monumental Apartments, the Modern Art Gallery, etc. where you'll find paintings by Raphael, Titian, Rubens, Tintoretto, and other masters. Behind the palace lies the Boboli Gardens which are beautifully manicured. If you climb up the garden you will see the stunning views of the city. Hence, the garden was seen as a model for all the royal gardens around Europe.

•Piazzale Michelangelo

With the whole city spread out below your feet, you see, from left to right; the Cascine park, the dome and vast bulk of the Cathedral surrounded by the towers and bell towers of medieval Florence, Santa Croce, with the Arno in the foreground and the Florentine hills in the background. In the center of the square is a copy of the David commemorating Michelangelo. The best time to enjoy the beauty of nature is late afternoon or early evening and the view looks lovely especially during the sunsets.

Gain artistic knowledge
•Uffizi Gallery

To explore the glory of masterpieces of the past, this is the perfect place one can visit. The Uffizi Gallery is like a treasure chest where you will find the world-renowned paintings all under the stunning frescoed ceilings. Touring Uffizi is one of the highlights of Florence. Take your time to go through the wonderful pieces of art and paintings, enjoy the view over the hills because this will be one of the most unforgettable moments of your life.

Apart from Uffizi, you can also visit the Gallery of the Academy, where you will find the original David sculpture by Michelangelo, you can take a stroll through the corridors of Archaeological Museum, Museum of St. Mark’s, etc.

Dine the best

Food will never be a problem in Florence. Just go down the street and get into any restaurant, you find interesting food options and can relish your taste buds with the world’s best cuisine and wine. You will find all the options here in Florence be it traditional or with a contemporary edge, dining in Florence will always be memorable.

Shopping destination

Florence is not just an art center but also a shopping destination. The streets are full of clothes, accessories, perfumes, and colors. Shopping in Florence is unavoidable. The city has a vast heritage of craftsmen. You will find the streets full of local handicrafts to world-class brand stores.

So get your bags packed to go on an artistic adventure to Florence and treat yourself with the beat in the world.