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Florence is known as ‘the jewel in the crown of Renaissance Italy', having been the home of such distinguished artists as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. For several hundred years it has served as a centre of artistic excellence. Within the city's limits, sprawled on either side of the river Arno, the visitor can wander from the Cathedral to the famous Uffizi gallery. The city is small but remarkably beautiful, and mostly pedestrianised. Walking is the most pleasant way to visit most destinations and even those who are in the city for business engagements will want to spend some time strolling through the narrow Mediterranean-styled streets and piazzas.

Florence Attractions

Duomo
Piazza del Duomo, Florence

One of the most famous landmarks of Florence. This immense Cathedral took almost 150 years to complete. The large dome was one of the greatest engineering feats of its day, and symbolizes Florence at its greatest.


Ponte Vecchio
Florence

Spanning the Arno this is the oldest bridge in Florence.


Galleria dell' Accademia
Via Ricasoli 60, Florence
Tel: +39 55 21437 5

Founded in 1784 by the Grand Duke Pietro Leopold to introduce Academy students to artwork from every period. In the present day it is most famous for housing Michelangelo's 'David' and other noted Renaissance works of art.


Palazzo degli Uffizi
Piazzale degli Uffizi 6, Florence
Tel: +39 55 23885

One of Europe's leading art galleries. Established in 1591, it became one of the world's first public galleries. It now houses many Renaissance masterpieces. The Uffizi has within its collection work by amongst others; Botticelli (‘The Birth of Venus)', Uccello, Caravaggio, and Leonardo da Vinci.


Battistero
Piazza del Duomo, Florence

A wonderful example of Italian Romanesque-style architecture, but it is the Baptistry's great bronze doors for which this building is justly famous. The east door by Lorenzo Gliberti,was named 'The Gate of Paradise' by Michelangelo.


Palazzo Medici-Riccardi
Via Cavour 11, Florence

This magnificent palace has hosted royalty, artists and philosophers throughout its five hundred years. The austere construction is built in the style of classic Florentine Renaissance architecture.


Piazza del Signoria
Florence

The cultural centre of Florence, and in a sense a large open-air gallery thronged with great statues.


Cathedral Museum
Piazza del Duomo, Florence
Tel: +39 55 23028 85

Houses some of the finest examples of Renaissance art found anywhere in the world, including work by Michelangelo, Donatello, and Leonardo da Vinci amongst others.


Bargello
Via del Proconsolo 4, Florence
Tel: +39 55 23886 06

Originally a jail this building now accommodates the National Museum, part of which houses one of the most impressive collections of Renaissance sculpture anywhere in the world.