Florence, the gem of central Italy

Florence is a city with nearly 370.000 inhabitants, capital of Tuscany, one of the most fascinating regions in Italy. Florence is considered the birthplace of the Italian renaissance and was, briefly (1865 – 1871), the capital of the kingdom of Italy. One of the most famous symbols of the city is the spectacular Ponte Vecchio, a bridge which connects the two banks of the River Arno which divides the city. Possibly thanks to its remarkable beauty, this was the only bridge not to be destroyed by the Germans during the retreat, at the end of the Second World War. Ponte Vecchio is not the only gem you’ll find in the city though: the Uffizi Gallery, Piazza Della Signoria and the Duomo….Florence is indescribably beautiful and dazzles everyone who visits it, including even the most demanding tourist.

Art and culture of Florence

Florence is the arts capital of the world. According to statistics produced by UNESCO, 60% of the world's most important works of art are located in Italy and approximately half of these are in Florence. From the 13th to the 16th century it was a seemingly endless source of creative masterpieces and Italian genius. Both Dante and Michelangelo were born here. Boccaccio wrote his 'Decameron' in Florence.

The Italian Renaissance, Europe's richest cultural period, began in Florence when the artist Brunelleschi finished the “Duomo”, complete with its huge dome. Take a hint from that great pragmatist Mark Twain, who, after acknowledging the genius of Michelangelo, said "I do not want Michelangelo for breakfast, for luncheon, for dinner, for tea, for supper, for between meals. I like a change occasionally." Florence's blends its art and culture in such a way that you'll find there's always something new to see, do or experience, as it offers endless opportunities to become intimately acquainted with the artistic, architectural, literary, and cultural achievements of Italy's past.

Florence - a pleasure, every day

Don't necessarily skip Uffizi or take a rain check on David and the Accademia, but do take the time to enjoy the simple pleasures of Florence. Wander the medieval streets in Dante's old neighbourhood, try a cappuccino on Piazza della Signoria and people-watch, haggle for a leather jacket at the street market around San Lorenzo, or immerse yourself in the greenery of the Boboli Gardens.

Florence, for sure, will offer you thousands of incredible surprises. All of them will make your trip unforgettable!