Standing on the River Arno, Florence is the capital city of the much-loved Italian region of Tuscany. Florence was one of the main centres where the Renaissance bloomed, and this has left the city a wonderful legacy of the finest painting, sculpture and architecture, making it a great attraction to those who love art, and bringing in millions of visitors each year from all over the world.
The cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore has a magnificent dome built by Filippo Brunelleschi, and close by is the Campanile Tower which was partly designed by Giotto, whose stunningly realistic style became highly influential to Renaissance art.
In the centre of Florence you will find the Piazza della Signoria which is graced with the impressive Fountain of Neptune by Bartolomeo Ammannati. Ammannati’s portrayal of Neptune, flanked by mischievous satyrs and elegant seahorses, was chosen to represent the link between the city of Florence and the sea.
Over the River Arno is one of the most famous sights of Florence – the unique and beautiful Ponte Vecchio, meaning “Old Bridge”, which dates back to the Middle Ages. The stunning feature of the Ponte Vecchio is that it has buildings on it, one of the few bridges in the world with this feature. The buildings and houses on the bridge are now mainly shops, and taking a stroll across the bridge is like walking down an old narrow street, with plenty to see in terms of medieval architecture and stunning shop window displays.
For art and architecture, as well as great Italian food and ice cream, Florence is an ideal destination for a holiday or city break.
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