Florence: Incredible Capital of Tuscany
It is breaking my heart to read devastating news from Italy. It seems like yesterday we have been to magnificent city of Florence, and today’s photos show the capital of Tuscany completely empty. It looks so surrealistic that it is hard to understand that it is actually real. Let’s hope that this situation will be over soon, and the beauty of Italy will again be open to tourists from all over the world.
Florence surprised us not only by its numerous attractions but rather by its atmosphere, very comfortable and charming. The population of the city is less than four hundred thousand people, however the amount of historical heritage can be easily divided between several countries. Because of that Florentines are a little arrogant, putting themselves above other Italians, but I must say they do have a reason. Florence from Latin translates as blooming.
In the coat of arms of the city there is a scarlet lily, the three petals of which symbolize the wisdom of kings, devotion to the crown and valor in battle. Florence also offers panoramic sceneries and majestic views, a perfect reason for having a stay on Tuscany villas for people who wants cozy vacations.
The singing dialect of Florence became the basis of the Italian literary language. Here at different times such famous personalities as Dante Alighieri, Giovanni Boccaccio, Donatello, Michelangelo Buonarotti, Leonardo da Vinci, Giotto, Nicolo Machiavelli, Galileo Galilei were born, lived and created their masterpieces.
Basilica De Santa Croce
Michelangelo and other famous Florentines were buried here. The Basilica is the largest Pantheon in Tuscany. The world’s first statue of Liberty is also here. However, the Florentines with their inherent sense of spirituality dedicated it to the freedom of the art of poetry. The statue adorns the grave of the Italian patriot Giovanni Battista Niccolini.
The quiet square of Santa Croce sets you on relaxing and meditative mode. Cozy cafes and restaurants are located around the perimeter, where you can have lunch or dinner enjoying magnificent view over cathedral.
Piazza Della Signoria
Piazza della Signoria is the political center of medieval Florence, and the Palazzo Vecchio became the residence of the Florentine rulers. The construction of the palace was begun in 1299 according to the project of the famous Arnolfo di Cambio. A built-in corridor connects the palace with Pitti’s palace. This corridor was once intended to evacuate families of Florentine cartridges – the Medici in the event of a threat. However, members of a noble family used it to get into the residence, without mixing with the crowd. Signoria means the government of the Florentine Republic.
A copy of David by Miquelangelo is displayed in front of the palace, and nearby is the famous Loggia Lanzi – an open gallery where you can see the original sculptures of Perseus with the head of Medusa (Cellini) and Abduction of Polyxena (Fedi).
Piazza Del Duomo
Piazza Del Duomo is the most famous architectural ensemble of Florence. It includes the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (il Duomo), the Baptismal Hall, the Giotto Tower and the Loggia Bigallo. This is the Christian center of Florence.
Ponte Vecchio
Trading squares could be found almost in every town. However, trading on a narrow bridge is purely Italian invention. The famous bridge of the Holy Angel in Rome, which collapsed under the weight of the crowd, did not scare the Florentines. They created a unique trading house over the Arno River, which became the cultural monument of Florence. During the World War II this bridge was never bombed, while others were seriously damaged. Once upon a time there were counters of local blacksmiths, butchers and leather makers on this bridge. Everything flows, everything changes. Ponte Vecchio today offers tourists mostly jewelry.
Florence is rich in gastronomy and wines. You will find here plenty of cute little restaurants, wine bars and pizzerias. Some of the most delicious sandwiches you can find in a place called All’Antico Vinaio Firenze.
Have a look at our short video from this beautiful city:
