The Treasure That Is Florence

Students of art or medieval and renaissance history are well aware of the importance and treasure that is represented by the city of Florence. Currently the most populated city in the region known as Tuscany, it serves as the capital city as well. At one point in Italian history, Florence was also the capital of the entire Kingdom of Italy.

Today visitors from around the world still come to marvel at the architecture, endless variety of arts and the fine cuisine that makes all of Italy famous. The city's history as a strong trade, economic, political and cultural center, and the home of the famed Medici family has given Florence a diversity that is unmatched elsewhere.

Known as the 'Cradle of the Renaissance', Florence still has many of the unique and historic structures built during that incredible era. The historic centre of Florence is a protected World Heritage Site, since 1982, and contains remnants of Medieval walls built to protect the city in the 1300s as well as the Santa Maria del Fiore or 'The Duomo', the Church of Santa Croce, the Uffizi Gallery and the Pitti Palace, all of which house the work of great masters such as Giotto, Botticelli and of course Michelangelo.

No visit to Florence would be complete without a view of the famous 'Duomo' of Brunnelleschi. Part of the Florence Cathedral, the dome was a technical marvel of its day and transformed the role of architect throughout the world; they were no longer tradesmen, but artisans with vision and advanced skills.

Any lover of art will take the time, while in Florence, to visit the Uffizi Gallery. The Palazzo degli Uffizi is one of the oldest art museums in the world, built in 1560, and houses some of the most recognized, famous and valuable art in the world. Any visit to the galleries is going to be crowded, it is the most visited spot in the city, but savvy travelers can guarantee themselves at least a single day in the Uffizi by purchasing tickets in advance as well as making a reservation for their visit. Many hotels can assist their guests with such arrangements.

Also in the center of the city is the Piazza dell Signoria and the Fountain of Neptune. Here visitors can marvel at a Roman aqueduct that is still fully functioning. The fountain has suffered much throughout the centuries, but received a full restoration in 2007.

Another wonderful destination within Florence is the 'Old Bridge' or Ponte Vecchio, which crosses the Arno River. Here are many shops and buildings, standing on stilts, at the edges of the bridge. This bridge is the only one to have survived World War II completely intact and undamaged.

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