Florence is the capital of the Tuscany region in Italy and is a World Heritage Site.
It is one of the most beautiful cities we have seen - rich with its artistic and architectural heritage. No wonder millions of tourists flock to Florence every year. The city is also an important part of the Italian Fashion industry. Florence is famous for its numerous monuments, historic buildings and churches. It is an important part of the Renaissance. Monuments that should not be missed are:
- Santa Maria del Fiore (the domed cathedral in the city also known as the Duomo)
- The Fountain of Neptune - It is situated on the Piazza della Signoria and is the work of Bartolomeo Ammannati. Neptune stands on a high pedestal in the middle of the fountain surrounded by mythical chained figures. The fountain suffered a lot of damage over the years - it was vandalised, parts of it were stolen, was damaged in the 1848 bombardments. Now the security around the fountain is taken seriously and the police ensure that it is not vandalised or damaged.
- The Palazzo Vecchio (which is the town hall of the city. Its a massive fortress-palace and has been used varyingly during its long history.
- The River Arno runs through the old part of Florence and is also a part of its long history.
- The Ponte Vecchio or the Old Bridge (its a Medieval bridge over the river Arno. Shops are built all along the bridge. In older days these were butcher shops but now its has a glittering array of jewellery shops.
- The Ponte Santa Trìnita or the Holy Trinity Bridge was also the work of the Florentine architect Bartolomeo Ammanati. It is the oldest elliptic arch bridge in the world.
- The Basilica di San Lorenzo : It is the largest church in Florence. It is the burial place of the main members of the Medici family.
- The Loggia dei Lanzi - Situated just next to the Uffizi Gallery, Loggia dei Lanzi consists of wide arches that open into the street. It houses a lot of sculptures. Interesting and packed with tourists.
- The Basilica di Santa Croce
- Battistero di San Giovanni (also known as the Baptistry of St. John) is a religious monument in Florence which has the status of a minor basilica. Its octagonal in shape and is one of the oldest buildings in Florence)
- The Uffizi Museum (ranks among the most well known and important art galleries in the world).
- The Vasari Corridor.
- Galleria dell' Accademia (houses a Michelangelo collection, including the David).
- The Pitti Palace - which houses the Palatine Gallery, the royal apartments, the Silver museum, the Costume gallery and the galleries of modern art
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