The city of Florence is easily explored on foot due to its relatively compact nature with the historic centre being built around two main squares; Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Signoria. However the central point of Florence is the breathtaking cathedral, at which master builders such as Giotto and Brunelleschi worked, and which towers over the city.

A good place to start a tour is this focal point of the Piazza del Duomo where you can climb the Campanile (cathedral dome), and see the Baptistery and Museo dell'Opera. In the same area are the Museo Nazionale del Bargello housing Italy's greatest accumulation of Renaisaance sculptures. There is also Via dei Calzaiuoli, Florence's pedestrianised main street.

Most people coming to Firenze will also visit the famous Ponte Vecchio which is the oldest surviving bridge in the city. It was built in 1345 and was the only bridge to survive destruction during the Second World War. People come here to admire the views and browse among the antique and specialized jewellery shops.

Another place to visit is the Uffizi, Italy's greatest art gallery which was built in 1560-1580 for Duke Cosimo I. The architect was Vasari and his work was continued by Buontalenti who created an almost continuous wall of glass on the upper floor. Today the gallery houses a priceless collection of paintings.

Some of the other places worth visiting are the Museo della Antica Casa Fiorentina, Giardino di Boboli, Museo Bardini, Museo di Firenze Com'era, Capella Brancacci, Palazzo Medici-Riccardi and Casa Buonarroti.


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