Florence- The most Cultured and Inspiring City

Florence - A special place that has managed to preserve some of the greatest works of art and architecture of its buildings. The wonderful quality about Florence is that it is rich in culture yet unpretentious. We had come to Florence intending to stay for only a short while and then never wanted to leave. A city with historic masterpiece of architectural buildings, paintings, sculptures and natural beauty that is presented lavishly in this Italian city. The benefits from a holiday in Florence are one enjoys vacation in a city filled with historic sites. In every corner of the city, its beautiful scenery will always draw the eye. And most importantly, we can feel surrounded by historical buildings … step foot anywhere, will deal with works of art. Tour in Florence means to rotate around in the city without having to leave it.

Florence is a jewel of the Tuscany region of Italy. The beautiful surroundings contain other beautiful locations such as Siena, Pisa, Lucca and San Gimignano. The region has inspired many great artists such as Brunelleschi, Donatello, Masaccio, Botticelli, Paolo Uccello and the universal genius of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Some of the great artists of European History were given the resources and surroundings necessary to create an amazing collection of architecture, sculpture and paintings. Visiting Florence gives the ability to see an amazing collection of creations within the environment that inspired them.

Some of the premium highlights of Florence include:

• Il Duomo – Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

• Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio

• The Baptistery, Pisa

• Campanile – Bell Tower

• Ponte Vecchio Bridge

• Galleria degli Uffizi Museum

 • Galleria dell’ Academia

• Boboli Garden and Pitti Palace

Florence, originally named Florentia (means “flourishing”) by Julius Caesar, who founded the city in 59 BC in the fertile valley of the Arno River to celebrate the triumphs of Rome’s veteran soldiers. Many of Florence’s great treasures are found within its churches, one really captures the vastness and spectacular intricacies of these world-renowned structures. Enjoy the Basilica di San Miniato al Monte, high on a hill overlooking Florence, and the late 13th century Basilica of Santa Croce, the burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli and Rossini. Often called “The Pantheon of Glories,” it is the largest Franciscan sanctuary in the world. Other destinations include the breathtaking dome of Tempio Maggiore – one of Europe’s most beautiful synagogues – and the weathered and angular copper roof of Florence’s central market, Mercato Centrale, home to legendary Tuscan pastas, meats and cheeses.

Siena is well preserved Medieval town located 30 miles south of Florence. It is set on three hills.
One of the main area in this town is piazza del Campo; a large scallop shaped square. It is divided in 9 segments representing the Council of the Nine that ruled Medieval Siena. In piazza del Campo a historical bareback horse race called “Palio” is held twice every year (on 2th july and 16th august). One of the palaces surrounding the square is Palazzo Pubblico; one can visit it inside. There you can see several frescoed rooms. This palace is used as town hall.

One cannot go to Florence without visiting the art museums and the Duomo. One also cannot go to Florence and not enjoy the food. And one must never, ever go to Florence without rubbing the porcellini's (little pig) nose for good luck (and promise of someday returning to Florence).

From Florence it is easy to take a regional train to Pisa, which is about an hour west of the city by train. In Pisa we saw the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. This beautiful city is a world center for art and architecture. Not only are there many museums with outstanding collections of art, but also the buildings themselves are architectural wonders. Just strolling the streets is an awe-inspiring activity.

On a more practical note, Florence is a special place for shopping. Italian designer stores abound. Clothing, leather goods, fine stationery, gold jewelry, luggage …the list is endless. Many people set aside time on their trip just to buy shoes, purses, gloves and jewelry. With many open-air markets, there are even bargains galore. There is such a high level of design that even “window shopping” is fun.