Florence – The Birthplace of the Renaissance

Attractions in Florence

The City’s Architecture

Without a doubt, the main highlight of Florence is its architecture.

The city’s historic heart is whole of buildings dating back to its golden age, during Medieval times when Florence was a thriving city and the centre of the Italian Renaissance.

Of course, landmarks date from other periods in history, too, but the main ones to head for include the following:

Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore

(Basilica of Saint Mary of the Flower), or, more simply, Florence Cathedral is the city’s chief landmark, not only for its size but for its beauty.

Originally called ‘Duomo,’ they started construction on this grand building in 1296 and finally finished it in 1436.

Located on the Piazza del Duomo, the cathedral, the Baptistery and Giotto’s Campanile are all part of the city’s World Heritage Site.

The exterior is beautiful, with many fine details in the artistry, while the cathedral is vast inside.

Be sure to climb the 414 steps to the top of the bell tower.

It stands separate from the cathedral and features incredible Florentine Gothic architecture.

Of course, the views from the top of the campanile are breathtaking.

The Bridge – Ponte Vecchio

The River Arno crosses through Florence, and among its famous bridges is Ponte Vecchio, meaning Old Bridge.

This, too, dates from the medieval period, and what sets this bridge apart is what’s on top of it – it’s lined with shops.

Initially, these would have all been butchers; now, there are souvenir stores, jewellers and art dealers here.

Palazzo Vecchio, meaning ‘old palace’, is the town hall of Florence and another major landmark.

It looks more like a fortress with its small windows and battlement-like roof line.

Just outside is the replica of Michelangelo’s ‘David’ statue, just where the original once stood, and inside, there are many works of art.