Founded as a colony of an Etruscan city around 200 BC, it later became the Roman settlement of Florentia. During the Middle Ages, the city flourished and by the time it reached its peak under the Medicis (1469- 1737), its culture, art and politics gave birth to the Renaissance.
Set on the banks of the River Arno, the city is overflowing with art, culture and history, with the galleries here home to some of the most easily-recognisable works of art and sculptures in the world.
The centre of the city is compact and mainly pedestrianised so exploration is easy, with most of the major tourist sights within easy walking distance of the Piazza del Duomo. For a superb view of the city's terracotta rooftops, go to Fiesole.
Florence has a huge range of ice-cream parlours, cafes and trattorias, where you can sample some of the delightful Tuscan cuisine, as well as designer boutiques and shops. Shopping is concentrated between the Duomo and the Arno River, with the open air market in San Lorenzo offering leather goods, clothing and jewellery, whilst the flea market is better for finding some genuine bargains.
Now lined with boutique jewellery shops, the 14th century Ponte Vecchio was the only bridge to survive Nazi bombing during WWII, while much of the city was destroyed.
- Duomo ~ Officially the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, the construction of the Duomo was started in 1294, and took almost 150 years to complete. As well as the enormous octagonal dome, the interior frescos and stained glass windows, you can also visit the battisatero (baptistry). For a bird's eye view of Florence, climb to the top of the cupola, or the campanile (bell tower), designed by Giotto.
- Palazzo degli Uffizi ~ Despite the long queues to get in, this gallery is well worth the wait, just to see some of the most recognisable Italian and Florentine Renaissance artwork.
- Galleria dell'Accademia ~ Once again, the wait to see 'David' is worth it, being one of the world's most famous sculptures.
- Palazzo Pitti ~ This huge palace was built for the Pitti family, great rivals of the Medicis. You can view the Royal Apartments, as well as other museums such as the Silver Museum, the Costume Gallery and the Modern Art Gallery.
- Palazzo Vecchio ~ The traditional seat of the Florentine government. You can see the Michelozzo courtyard and the lavish apartments. Close to the Palace, the Loggia della Signoria is where 'David' once stood before being moved to the Galleria dell'Accademia, but a copy can be seen here, as well as other fine statues.
