Florence attractions, what to see.

The best views of the ancient part of Florence, the Arno River crossing the city, and almost all of its bridges open from Piazzale Michelangelo. And already here, indeed, one can believe in the existence of Stendhal syndrome in some tourists. They say that people, under the influence of the concentration of beauty in Florence - a wonderful open-air museum, experienced periodic panic attacks, lost consciousness, and sometimes suffered bouts of madness. The French writer Stendhal first described such sensations during a visit to Florence in 1817 in his book “Naples and Florence: A Journey from Milan to Reggio.” And this is not a joke, and not a legend! But let's not go to extremes and calmly walk along the Arno embankment...

1. There are currently ten bridges across the Arno River in Florence, four of which were built after 1957. The most famous is Ponte Vecchio, the most elegant is Santa Trinita. The part of Florence located on the left (southern) bank of the Arno River is called Oltrarno; it used to be a poor area of ​​Florence.

2. In the spring and autumn of each year, when the rainy season in the Apennines begins and the water level in the river rises, the coastal areas of the Arno are flooded. One of the most famous floods occurred in 1966. The city suffered significant damage: the city embankment was destroyed, forty people were killed, and rare books and works of art were destroyed.

3. Floods were largely due to the fact that the speed of the river flow was inconsistent. However, the dams built around Florence allowed the situation to stabilize a little.

4. On the right bank of the Arno, the Baroque facade of the Church of All Saints (Chiesa di Ognissanti) is noticeable - the result of the renovation of the church at the beginning of the 17th century. Construction of the church began in 1251. In the 14th century, a slender bell tower was built near the church. In the 15th century, Sandro Botticelli (he is buried in the church) and Domenico Ghirlandaio worked in the church. All Saints Church was the ecclesiastical parish of Amerigo Vespucci.

Church of All Saints (Chiesa di Ognissanti)

5. The first mention of the elegant five-arch bridge alla Carraia (at that time wooden) dates back to 1218. The bridge was destroyed and rebuilt several times. It was the first bridge in Florence to be rebuilt after the devastating flood of 1333. Its architect may have been Giotto. Damaged again in 1557, the bridge was reconstructed on behalf of Cosimo I, according to the design of Bartolomeo Ammanati. In the 19th century, the bridge was widened to accommodate traffic.

Ponte alla Carraia

7. Not far from Ponte alla Carraia, right on the embankment, is the church of San Frediano al Cestello - one of the most important churches on the left bank of the Arno. The dome of the church dominates Piazza di Cestello.

Church of St. Frediano (Chiesa di San Frediano in Cestello)

8. The existing building was built on the site of an older Carmelite monastery of Santa Maria degli Angeli from the 15th century. It was in this monastery at the end of the 16th - beginning of the 17th century that St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi, revered in Florence, lived and died, as is recalled by the slab on the outer wall of the church. At the end of the 17th century, a large-scale reconstruction was carried out: the entrance was now organized from the Arno side, and a massive dome was built on a drum. The name of the church (“chestello” - basket) may have something to do with the grain barn of Cosimo III not far from the church.

9. In 1783 the monastery was dissolved and the church received parish status, and in 1798 its current name. At the same time, the premises of the former monastery became the Archbishop's Seminary, famous for the fact that it housed a magnificent library of ancient medieval codices.

11. Side streets lead towards the old areas of Oltrarno.

12. The Arno River is quite wide, but not very clean. The water has a greenish tint, but this does not spoil the picturesque views of the embankments.

13. In 1944, Ponte alla Caraya was blown up by retreating Nazi troops, but was restored in 1948.

14. The neighboring bridges are Ponte Santa Trinita (to the east) and Ponte Amerigo Vespucci (to the west).

17. The next bridge connecting the banks of the Arno is the most elegant Ponte Santa Trinita. The first bridge on this site was wooden (1252). The bridge was soon rebuilt in stone, but was again destroyed by the great flood of 1333.

18. At the entrance to the Holy Trinity Bridge in Piazza Frescobaldi there is the Palazzo Frescobaldi (Palace of the Mission) - a dynasty with a thousand-year history.

19. The next bridge structure was built from 1356 to 1415, but was destroyed again after the flood of 1557. The new bridge was designed by Bartolomeo Ammanati, who, according to legend, discussed the project with Michelangelo. The bridge was built between 1567 and 1571, of tan stone, with three spans and innovative elliptical arches. The Holy Trinity Bridge, connecting the banks of the Arno, looks airy and weightless. Bartolomeo Ammanati sought to create both a reliable and beautiful structure. Placed on the bridge in 1608, four allegorical statues adorn both sides of the bridge and symbolize the four seasons.

Santa Trinita Bridge

20. The bridge was destroyed during the retreat of German troops in August 1944. In 1952, work began on restoring the bridge, and the grand opening took place in 1958. An important task was to find four statues. Thus, the head of “Spring” was found at the bottom of the Arno River only in 1961.

21. We cross to the right bank of the Arno along the Holy Trinity Bridge towards Piazza di Santa Trinita. On the right side is the largest medieval palace in Florence - Palazzo Spini Feroni.

22. The palace was built in 1289 for Florence's richest merchant and politician, Geri Spini, and was the only palace that could rival the Palazzo Vecchio in grandeur.

23. From the bridge, the church named after the Apostle James Zebedee is clearly visible on the right bank of the Arno. The apse of the church faces directly onto the river and is often flooded during floods. It was probably built around the 10th-11th centuries, in the Romanesque style. In the Middle Ages, the church became famous for the fact that its rector in the middle of the 13th century organized a regatta (Palio dei Navicelli), along a half-kilometer route from Ponte Vecchio to the dam of St. Rose (Pescaia di Santa Rosa), which still takes place today. Now the church belongs to the Greek community of Florence.

24. View from the Holy Trinity Bridge to the west, towards the right embankment of the Arno.

32. In the center of a small square stands a column of the Statue of Justice. This column is a gift from Pope Pius IV to Duke Cosimo I. Before its installation in the square, it was located in the Baths of Caracalla in Rome.

Florence is an amazing and unforgettable city in Italy. Florence is translated as “blooming”. Indeed, the chronicle of this city boasts a lush, flowering garden of prominent personalities and a centuries-old history that you can talk about for hours over a glass of Chianti. Therefore, we will try to briefly consider the most interesting facts about Florence and its attractions.

Florence gave the world outstanding geniuses like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Dante, Cellini, Botticelli, Giotto, Machiavelli and Petrarch.

• The prototype of the heraldic symbol of Florence was not a lily at all, but a variety of iris, Iris germanica florentina, which grows in the vicinity of the city.
• Tuscany Day - November 30th. Celebrated since 2001, it commemorates the date when the death penalty was abolished in the Duchy of Tuscany in 1786.
• Florence was the capital of the Kingdom of Italy from 1865 to 1871.
• The modern Italian language was “born” in Florence thanks to Dante’s “Divine Comedy”. The comedy was written in the Florentine dialect instead of the common Latin language, in which all official documents and works of art were then written.
• The most favorable period for visiting Florence is April-June and the period from September to October. At this time the weather is good, and most importantly the flow of tourists is small. The beginning of winter can also bring mild weather and sunny days.

The Statue of Liberty in New York is a copy of the tombstone sculpture in the Church of Santa Croce in Florence.

• It is better to visit the Uffizi Gallery early in the morning, otherwise valuable hours will be wasted in the queue. On Tuesday the gallery is open until 22:00, so the evening tour promises to be pleasant.

Copy of David

• There is a copy of David in Piazza della Signoria. The original, fearing for the safety of the marble, was transported to the Academy of Fine Arts 120 years ago.

• Due to a shortage of marble, the latissimus dorsi muscle of the statue of David is not accurately depicted. The same inaccuracy is reflected in the copy.

• In the 2nd half of the 19th century, the Macchiaoli school of painting emerged in Florence, close in style to French impressionism. Works using this technique are in the Gallery of Modern Art at the Pitti Palace.

• On many houses and churches (including Santa Croce) you can see a six-pointed star - magendavid. This sign has nothing to do with Jews. In Italy in the Middle Ages, such a star was only an element of ornament without any semantic meaning.

• Florence is the “culprit” of Stendhal syndrome. It was in this city that the writer was thrown into a complete stupor when visiting the Church of Santa Croce. The Church of Santa Croce is famous for the famous frescoes of Giotto's school and the many tombs of the great minds of Italy (about 300), the entire floor is covered with tombstones.
  What he saw made such a strong impression on the writer that, upon leaving the church, he almost lost consciousness... “When I left the Church of the Holy Cross, my heart began to beat, it seemed to me that the source of life had dried up, I walked, afraid of collapsing to the ground... “- this is how he described his feelings.

• Still in the same church of Santa Croce, immediately at the entrance on the left there is a tombstone familiar to many in shape. It was from this figure that the Parisian copy was made, which was later chosen by America for its national symbol - the Statue of Liberty.

Due to a shortage of marble, the latissimus dorsi muscle of the statue of David is not accurately depicted

Stendhal syndrome is a psychosomatic disorder in which a person tends to perceive works of art very keenly, as if transported into the depicted reality. Symptoms of Stendhal's syndrome are palpitations, dizziness, and a feeling of lack of support under one's feet, which occurs in someone who is in the area of ​​influence of works of art, in the place where they are concentrated. Up to complete loss of orientation in space and hallucinations.

• The Cathedral of Santa Maria dei Fiore (St. Mary of the Flowers) belongs to a number of dome cathedrals, like the Duomo in Milan, Pisa and Siena. The construction of the Florentine Duomo began in the 13th century and was completed only in the 19th century, with long interruptions.

"Gateway to Heaven"

• In the center of the dome of Santa Maria dei Fiore there is an image of Galileo with the globe.

• The "Gates of Heaven" Baptistery with biblical scenes from ten panels are exact copies. They were replaced after the flood.

• A copy of the Gates of Heaven doors is installed in the Kazan Cathedral in St. Petersburg.

• Florence has the most beautiful and largest Synagogue in Italy. There is a Judaica Museum and a kosher restaurant. On Shabbat the synagogue is closed even to Jews.

• F.M. Dostoevsky worked in Florence for two years. Here he wrote "Idiot".

• In Florence there is the first Orthodox church, made in the best traditions Moscow-Yaroslavl architecture XVII century. The construction of the church belongs to the Buturlin family back in 1818.

• In the evening, in search of fun, you should go to the left bank of the Arno to the Church of Santo Spirito. This is a gathering place for Florentine and other youth. Performances by artists, fiery flamenco, terraces of cafes and restaurants in the area are packed to capacity.

• Not far from the Church of San Miniato, along Viale dei Colli, one of the best panoramas of the city and its surroundings opens up.

• The Florentines openly dislike the Neptune Fountain in Piazza della Signoria and call it Biancone, which means “big white ugly thing.”

Fountain of Neptune or popularly Biancone

• Some hotels in the center of Florence invite everyone to an aperitif on their terrace in the summer. Here you can admire the fabulous beauty of the city while eating excellent snacks. And you don’t have to be a guest, you just need to be in the know. One of these tasty spots is the terrace near the pool on the roof of the Grand Hotel Minerva. Musicians play here to set the mood. There are telescopes, like at the best observation platforms... Convinced? The “Minerva Giò” aperitif parties at the Grand Hotel Minerva take place from June to August every Thursday at 19:30.

F.M. Dostoevsky worked in Florence for two years. Here he wrote the novel "The Idiot".

Florentine cuisine: simple and tasty

• More on the topic of panoramas. Head up to the rooftop café at the Rinascente department store. From here you have an excellent view of Brunelleschi's dome.

• The Ponte Vecchio bridge is the oldest bridge in the city and the only one that survived the Second World War. Built in 1345

• In 1993, there was a terrorist attack organized by the Sicilian mafia. The terrible explosion killed 5 people, injured 60 and caused irreparable damage to the masterpieces of the Uffizi Gallery. Losses amounted to $1 million. A centuries-old olive tree with a memorial plaque was planted at the site of the terrorist attack on Via dei Georgofili.

Colossus of the Apennines

• Florence hosts colorful ancient festivals that allow you to experience the medieval atmosphere in reality: historical football in medieval costumes (held in June). The holiday dates back to 1530. And the no less colorful “Exploding Carriage”, which is held in front of the cathedral on Easter Sunday.
• While walking around the city, pay attention to funny road signs.

As you can see, Florence is a city rich in history and attractions. And not all interesting facts about him are collected here.

What do you know about Florence? What secret places and interesting facts can you tell us? Share, reader, continue the list!

The founding date of Florence is traditionally considered to be 59 BC. e., when a village was founded in the valley of the Arno River for veteran legionnaires of the army of Julius Caesar. According to legend, this happened in the spring, during the festivals of the goddess of flowers Flora, who personifies the spring awakening of nature. The city owes its name to her.

During the Roman period, structures characteristic of that time were erected here - baths, an amphitheater, an aqueduct. To this day, in the central part of the city, around the former Forum (today the Republic Square), the rectangular street layout typical of the Romans has been preserved. By the end of the 2nd century, Florence had become a full-fledged city, housing the headquarters of the commander of the legion controlling the region of all of modern Tuscany. The god of war, Mars, was considered the patron saint of the city.

In the 4th century Christianity established itself here. Florence became an archdiocese, and the cult of Mars was replaced by the worship of John the Baptist, the new patron of the city.

In the 5th century, Florence was invaded by the Ostrogoths, and from 570 to 774 the Lombard Germans ruled the lands of Tuscany. Their rulers chose Lucca for their residence, and Florence retreated into the shadows for a while. In 744, the Frankish king Charlemagne captured the Lombard kingdom, and a little later the Tuscan Margraviate, formally part of the Holy Roman Empire, was founded on these lands.

At the beginning of the 12th century, taking advantage of the period of aggravated conflict between the pope and the emperor, the Florentine nobility took the fate of the city into their own hands, establishing self-government. In 1183, Emperor Frederick Barbarossa was forced to officially recognize the municipal autonomy of the city. Florence gradually began to capture the surrounding territories, starting with the city of Fiesole. In the 15th century, she conquered Pisa, gaining access to the sea, and in the 16th century, the resistance of Siena was broken. Rich Florence did not conquer some Tuscan cities and territories, but simply bought them up.

Florence initially owed its rise from a small town to a thriving city-state to the wool trade. The guild of wool merchants in Florence (Arte della Lana) exported wool from Northern Europe and dyes from the Middle East. Using their own weaving and dyeing techniques, the Florentines produced heavy red garments and sold them throughout the Mediterranean. Huge income laid the foundations for banking in Florence, which eventually became the financial capital of Europe. Golden florins, the money that was minted here, were the international European currency in those days.

The rich people of Florence manipulated the government with the help of the Guelph party (supporters of the pope), which was in confrontation with the Ghibellines (supporters of the emperor). The history of this confrontation is captured in the works of Dante, Machiavelli, and Shakespeare. In the 15th century in Florence, the struggle between them intensified, and rich merchants brought to power a man from their class - Cosimo de' Medici. His descendants ruled in Florence until the 18th century. Both the “golden age” of the city during the Renaissance and the end of republican rule are associated with the Medici. In 1569, Florence, expanded by the lands of neighboring cities, became the capital of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.

In 1737, the Medici ducal line ended and Tuscany passed into Habsburg hands. During the Napoleonic wars, Florence had the status of the capital of the kingdom of Etruria formed in Tuscany, which became one of the provinces of France. In 1814, Tuscany returned to Habsburg control.

In 1860, in a general plebiscite, the Florentines supported the movement for the reunification of all Italian lands. At the final stage of the Risorgimento (national liberation struggle), from 1865 to 1870, Florence was the capital of Italy. This period had an ambiguous effect on its appearance: some of the historical buildings in the city center were demolished. The end of the 20th century was marked for Florence by the expansion of city boundaries to the nearest foothills and the emergence of the industrial area of ​​Rifredi.

In 1944, during the period of hostilities, when the front passed along the Arno River, the city was bombed more than once. Moreover, while retreating, German troops blew up all the bridges, with the exception of the Ponte Vecchio, which was saved. A devastating cataclysm occurred in Florence in 1966, when during the flood of the Arno River the city streets were flooded and many works of art were damaged.

Culture

Florence, whose name is inextricably linked with the brilliant Renaissance, can also boast monuments from more ancient times. Back in the 11th century, such magnificent buildings as the baptistery and the church of San Miniato al Monte were erected here. These buildings are distinguished from other Romanesque churches in Italy by the clear lines of their facades and original decor. The Gothic style that replaced the Romanesque style in Florence also has its own individual characteristics.

In the 13th century, local nobility and wealthy merchant families spared no expense in developing the city, wanting to present it and, of course, themselves in a favorable light. The most famous masters of that time began to come here. The most famous of them was Arnolfo di Cambio. The creations of this architect - the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Palazzo Vecchio, the Church of Santa Croce - still amaze with their beauty and determine the entire appearance of the city.

A contemporary of Arnolfo di Cambio was the painter Cimabue, in whose works the plasticity of figures was distinguished by extraordinary grace, which was new for that time, because the artists were strongly influenced by the Byzantine school, which required stylized images. Giotto di Bondone, the great artist and architect, also made an invaluable contribution to the treasury of world art. His innovation lies in the use of halftones, which made it possible to create volumetric space on the canvas, emphasizing the fullness of life and the beauty of the human body. Thanks to Giotto, painting took the main place in Florence: he and his students painted more paintings in one century than all German and French painters combined.

The 15th century is the golden age of the Renaissance. Rich Florentine families, competing in patronage of art, contributed to its flourishing. The ruling Medici family also played an important role in the prosperity of Florence. The Dukes Cosimo I and Lorenzo the Magnificent became especially famous for their love of beauty and patronage of the arts. Thus, Cosimo de' Medici created the first public library in Florence. He patronized scientists, artists and poets. His grandson Lorenzo, who grew up in the realm of art worship, surpassed his famous ancestor in his charitable deeds, earning the nickname “The Magnificent.” He was also distinguished by his skillful management. When the politician and thinker Machiavelli wrote the treatise “The Prince,” a popular reference book among the powers that be today, he was inspired by the actions of Duke Lorenzo.

Outstanding representatives of the Florentine Renaissance school were Filippo Brunelleschi, the creator of the colossal dome of the cathedral, and the sculptor Donatello, famous for his psychological gift of insight into the essence of the depicted image and knowledge of human anatomy. No less famous are the sculptors Lorenzo Ghiberti, Lucca della Robbia, Andrea del Verrocchio, and the artists Desiderio da Settignano, Mino da Fiesole, Antonio Rossellino.

The zenith of the Renaissance in Florence was marked by the work of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Raphael Santi. But the beginning of the decline of the great century of Florence is also associated with these names. Da Vinci left here in 1506 for France, and Raphael and Michelangelo moved to Rome. With the exception of the painting “Adoration of the Magi,” Leonardo left almost nothing in Florence. Michelangelo's legacy is more expressive. In Florence, among his other masterpieces, there is the famous “David” - the largest marble sculpture since antiquity. Raphael glorified Florence with his series of paintings called the Florentine Madonnas.

Near the cathedral stands Giotto's bell tower, named after its creator, although other famous architects also took part in the construction. There are 285 steps leading to the top of this grandiose tower. From here the whole of Florence is at your fingertips, and you get a strange feeling of flying.

To the north is one of the oldest public buildings in Florence - the Bargello. There was once a prison here, as well as a place of executions. Today the building houses the Museum of Sculpture and Applied Arts, where works by Donatello, Michelangelo, Cellini, and Giambologna are collected. Dante was born in this area, and it is here that the Bargello Abbey Church stands, where the poet from afar admired Beatrice, dear to his heart, coming to Sunday mass. Around the corner, on Via Dante Alighieri, is Dante's house, where the poet was born in 1265.

San Lorenzo

This area of ​​Florence, also known as the Medici quarter, is famous for its trading traditions. Here and now a real market gathers every day. It was closed several times, but the ancient tradition is ineradicable - the lively trade has not stopped. The market is located right on the square in front of the Church of Saint Lorenzo, which dates back to the 4th century. The Medici dukes patronized this holy monastery, which almost became their own home temple.

Behind the church is the entrance to the Medici Chapel, the tomb of the famous family, for which Michelangelo created two remarkable tombs depicting Night and Day, Dawn and Twilight. Next to San Lorenzo, Michelangelo's exquisite staircase was erected, leading to the Laurentian Library.

In this area it is also worth visiting the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, a huge but elegant structure where the Medici lived before moving to the Palazzo Vecchio. To the north is the majestic monastery of San Marco and the museum of the same name.

Florentine cuisine

For all Italians, a meal is a celebration of life; they have maintained an attitude towards it as a theatrical performance, and even a light snack here is accompanied by appropriate decoration. The Renaissance elevated cooking to the rank of art, which was promoted by Florentine merchants by founding entire gastronomic schools. And today it’s a real pleasure to while away the evening in pleasant company in Florence!

It’s best to start getting acquainted with the local cuisine with crostini - toasted white bread with the most delicate liver pate, mushrooms or tomatoes. As a first course (on the menu – “primi piatti”) in Florence they prefer soup with local specifics. People here like ribollita made from cabbage and other vegetables with bread, flavored with olive oil, as well as pasta e fagioli or pappardelle - thick noodle soups with chick peas or hare ragu sauce. Second courses are usually meat, many of them are prepared from game - hare, wild boar, pheasant. Traditional food - roast rabbit in fat, pork with herbs, cooked in the oven, the famous Florentine steak - a huge piece of beef in the most delicate olive oil, fried over charcoal. A typical side dish for this meat dish is white beans in tomato sauce and deep-fried tomatoes and herbs. A glass of pleasant-tasting Chianti wine, produced south of Florence, will not go amiss during dinner.

At the end of the feast, you should order the dessert Tuscan Vin Santo to dip the dry cantuccini macaroons into. And, of course, don’t forget to try gelato – Florentine ice cream, which many consider the most delicious in the world. Weighty, fresh, homemade sweet balls are sold in special gelateria cafes (each about 1.5 €).

Street cafe in Florence

The most popular establishments here are trattorias, where a hearty lunch will cost 15-18 € per person, a light snack – 5-8 €. Pizzerias and rosticcherias (a grill bar where people gather in the evenings to have a drink and a light snack) are not empty. You can look into tavola kalda - an analogue of a canteen, where you can have a hearty and inexpensive meal.

A meal in a Florentine restaurant, located away from the historical center, will cost from 40 € per person. The closer you get to the cathedral square, the higher the prices become. Many atmospheric establishments are located right in ancient palaces. The restaurant in Palazzo Antinori, where this aristocratic family has lived since 1502, is famous. It serves gourmet dishes and noble wines from family cellars. Excellent cuisine and wine list at Enotecca Pinchiorri, located on the ground floor of a 15th-century palace. There is also a charming patio with outdoor seating.

Shopping

Florence has many fashionable shops selling fashionable clothes. These include individual boutiques and entire galleries. Here you can buy excellent designer items: from elegant leather accessories to solid fur items. A system of discounts is practiced in trade all year round. In addition, the city has two sales seasons. Summer lasts from July to early September, winter - from January 5 to March 5.

Tourists most often bring from Florence a variety of products with stencils of the city's most famous attractions, cheeses, wine, as well as jewelry: jewelry and costume jewelry. For jewelry, city guests usually go to the Ponte Vecchio bridge. In the local shops and workshops, cute inexpensive pendants and respectable ancient and modern creations of jewelers are displayed.

You can also go to markets in search of souvenirs. One of them, San Lorenzo, is located on the square of the same name. The second is in Piazza Ciompi, north of Santa Croce. On Sundays, local antique dealers display their wares here: coins, jewelry, paintings, old postcards.

Where to stay

Accommodation prices in Florence are quite high. In the winter season, it is still possible to find a room for 45 € per night (3* hotel), but by May the cost has already increased by 30%. A budget option is hostels; you can stay here for 15-20 € per day per person. It is possible to rent 2-3-room apartments for 100-120 €.

There are, of course, luxury hotels in Florence, located in ancient palaces. Among them, the Four Seasons stands out, located in the Palazzo della Gherardesca, one of the Medici residences. There are magnificent interiors and antique furniture. The hotel is also famous for its huge park. Cost of living – from 350 €.

In the very center of the city stands the Palazzo Vecchietti. The 16th-century building has only 14 rooms. Comfort and luxury reign here, the interiors are decorated with ancient paintings. The rooms have a kitchen, coffee machine, refrigerator, dishes. Breakfast (included in the price) here is simply excellent and takes place at a common antique table. Accommodation – about 630 € per day.

Villa Cora also falls into the luxury category. This historic hotel is located in the hills of Florence. It was built by Baron Oppenheim in the neoclassical style and is famous for its famous guests. There is a calm atmosphere, a luxurious park, and a swimming pool. Prices: from 295 to 830 € per room.

Transport

Despite the fact that Florence is quite tiny, and traffic is blocked in the historical center, transport links in the city are well developed. Eco-friendly electric buses can get you closest to attractions. You will recognize them by their original appearance and numbers, where C1, C2, C3, D are present.

Florence has a unified ticket system for city buses and trams. A comprehensive ticket for one and a half hours costs 1.20 €. A daily pass will cost 5 €, a three-day pass – 12 €, a weekly pass – 18 €. Travel tickets are sold at newspaper and tobacco kiosks, bars, and offices of the main city transport company ATAF.

Tourists can also purchase a plastic Firenze Card. By paying 72 €, you will get the opportunity to visit 67 museums and free movement throughout the city by tram or bus for 3 days.

The cost of a taxi ride depends on the mileage (0.10 € per 1 km + landing 3-6 €). It is difficult to stop a taxi on the street; it is better to call a car by phone or go to the parking lot. Renting a car only makes sense if you want to explore the surrounding areas of Florence (from 35 €/day).

Recently, pedicabs have become popular. A 15-minute walk for two will cost you 15 €, 60 minutes - 45 €. Pedicabs have taken a fancy to Piazza San Lorenzo. You can also admire Florence from the deck of a river bus. Motor ships ply along the Arno River from April to October.

How to get there

5 km from the center of Florence is the international airport. Amerigo Vespucci. There are no direct flights from Russian cities here. You will have to fly with a transfer in Rome or one of the major European cities.

Comfortable buses depart regularly from the airport to the city. Travel time – 20 minutes, cost – 5 €. A taxi ride will cost 20 €.

It is convenient to get from Rome to Florence by regular bus. Travel time – 2.5 hours, cost – 20 €.

Florence is the largest medieval cultural, commercial, financial and economic center in Europe. Birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and capital of the Kingdom of Italy. The city is among the top twenty in Italy.

Established as an ancient settlement of Roman veterans in 59 BC, Florence was called "Blooming". The melodious dialect of Florence became the basis of the Italian literary language. Here, at different times, such famous personalities as Dante Alighieri, Giovanni Boccaccio, Donatello, Michelangelo Buonarotti, Leonardo da Vinci, Giotto, Nicolo Machiavelli, Galileo Galilei were born, lived and created their masterpieces.

Florence - historical information

The second homeland of the Etruscans in Italy was located on the territory of modern Tuscany. This is evidenced by archaeological monuments dating back to the 9th century BC. e. They can be viewed at the city's National Archaeological Museum (Museo Archeologico). By 395 BC. e. The Etruscan civilization finally ceded territory to Rome. On a section of the Roman roadCassia along the river ArnoThe first municipality of Florentia was founded, which soon became a commercial center. During the time of Charlemagne, Florence became an independent county (contea).

In the middle of the 13th century. A new gold coin, the florin, is introduced into circulation. The city becomes the financial center of Italy. However, the real cultural flourishing of Florence begins with the coming to power of the powerful Medici dynasty(1434 - 1743). Representatives of this family conducted reasonable diplomacy, became the city's first patrons of the arts, and family ties with noble European families and the Catholic Church provided the city with several centuries of prosperity and freedom. However, the freedom of the Florentines is also a state of mind. Here the first shoots of a new attitude towards the art of the past, towards man in art and liberated self-expression appeared, which later turned into a powerful movement of the European Renaissance.

Florence is still famous for its traditions, special culture and education. Università di Firenze is a university with centuries-old traditions. The University of Florence was the first to introduce a scientific discipline Italian theology, along with traditional academic disciplines right, literature And medicine. Over 65,000 students from different countries study there every year.

Sights of Florence

Uffizi Gallery

One of the richest museums of European fine art. We list just some of the masterpieces stored in the museum.

	A. Verrocchio, L. da Vinci. Baptism of Christ.

Uffizi Gallery address:

Florence, Historic Center (Piazza della Signoria)

Satellite map and hotels in Florence

Piazza del Duomo

Cathedral Square is the most famous architectural ensemble of Florence. It includes the Cathedral (il Duomo), the Baptistery, Giotto's Tower and the Loggia Bigallo. It is the mother of all the city's churches and the Christian center of Florence.

Cathedral of the Holy Cross (Basilica di Santa Croce)

Exhibitions, fairs and performances are often held on the square.

The mortal remains of the great Michelangelo and other famous Florentines are kept here. The Basilica is the largest Pantheon in Tuscany. The world's first Statue of Liberty is also located here. However, the Florentines, with their inherent sense of spirituality, dedicated it to the freedom of the art of poetry. The statue adorns the tomb of Italian patriot Giovanni Battista Niccolini. The quiet Piazza Santa Croce encourages relaxation and reflection. Along the perimeter there are cozy cafes and restaurants, a stone's throw from the square there is a store of the famous leather goods factory "Peruzzi".

Old Bridge (Ponte Vecchio)

Trading in busy areas is guaranteed. This has always been the case. However, trading on a narrow bridge is an Italian invention. The famous Bridge of Sant'Angelo in Rome, which collapsed under the weight of crowds and stalls, did not frighten the Florentines. They created a unique trading house above the Arno River, which became a cultural monument of Florence. Allied aircraft never bombed this bridge, but the rest were seriously damaged.

Once on this bridge there were stalls of local blacksmiths, butchers and tanners. Everything flows, everything changes. Ponte Vecchio today offers tourists jewelry and original (or?) goods from all over the world. Old Bridge - a spectacle, a store, history and modernity in one frame.

Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio

Piazza della Signoria is the political center of medieval Florence, and Palazzo Vecchio became the residence of Florentine rulers. Construction of the palace began in 1299 according to the design of the famous Arnolfo di Cambio. An elevated corridor connects the palace with the Pitti Palace. This corridor was once intended for the evacuation of the families of the Florentine patrons - the Medici - in case of threat. However, members of the noble family used it to enter the residence without mingling with the crowd. Signoria means government of the florentine republic.

In front of the palace is a copy of Michelangelo's David, and nearby is the famous Loggia Lanzi - an open gallery where you can see the original sculptures Perseus with the head of Medusa(Cellini), Abduction of Polyxena(Fedya) and Rape of the Sabine Women(Jambologna).

How to get to Florence

By car:

From Rome, take the A1 Roma-Milano motorway, exit Firenze Sud, then follow the signs for centro di Firenze.

From Milan, take the A1 Bologna-Firenze motorway, exit Firenze Nord, then follow the signs for centro di Firenze.

By train:

Santa Maria Novella station (main). Trains Eurostar from Turin, Milan, Venice and Rome are regular.

By plane:

The airport (zone Peretola) is located a few kilometers from the historical center of Florence.

Helpful information

Municipality: E-mail:

[email protected]

Video materials:

Name of local residents (ethno-horonym):

Railway stations:

Firenze Statuto Piazza MuratoriRFI (FS) Silver Stations

Le Piagge Piazza Cavallotti n. 1RFI (FS) Silver Stations

Tuscany is one of the world's largest wine producing regions. For several centuries, the economy of Florence was based on the cultivation of grapes. Now this industry is somewhat inferior to heavy industry, but continues to lead in agriculture. Carefully grown south of the city in the Chianti region, the Sangiovese grape remains popular and is considered one of the world's most celebrated grapes.

The city of Florence can easily compete with Milan or Rome for the title of “high fashion center.” Many well-known companies have their own representative offices here, for example, Ferragamo and Gucci. In all areas of the city you can find elite clothing stores, the variety and richness of goods in which can surprise even the most sophisticated fashionistas. Local textile factories collaborate directly with top designers from Milan, Rome and Paris.

Tourism also constitutes a significant source of income in the city treasury. The largest number of guests arrive between April and October. At this time, the weather is favorable for long walks, and various exhibitions, festivals and conferences take place. There really is something to see here: more than 80 museums are open, a huge number of art galleries and exhibition halls are open, and on every street and alley you can find magnificent sculptures or frescoes.

Tip: The best products of the Florentine industry are leather accessories (wallets, belts, shoes, bags) and natural cosmetics. The latter can be purchased at almost any pharmacy, where they are prepared according to an old recipe. All leather goods are sold in textile stores, and even with modest financial resources, they will offer you an interesting and inexpensive option.

Blooming capital of the region

Julius Caesar is considered the founder of the city of Florence. According to archaeological data, it was he who in 59 BC. organized a settlement for legionnaires near the Arno River. Later it received the name “Florentia”, which means “blooming”. Like many Italian cities, Florence has experienced many tragic moments in its history: wars, barbarian raids, civil strife and devastation.

It managed to emerge from prolonged stagnation and decline only in the 9th century. The most developed at this time were weapons, weaving and leather production, banking and trade. Local bankers have managed to gain trust not only in their homeland, but also far beyond its borders. Soon monarchs from all over the European continent began to use their services. The heyday of the city came with the coming to power of the Medici dynasty. Artists, sculptors, scientists and architects began to come here to live, study and create.

Modern Florence fully lives up to its name. It is filled with greenery and a wide variety of flowers, which are sold everywhere: in shops, small kiosks, at the market, at the entrance to a theater, museum or restaurant. In all cafes, there are always vases with roses, daisies, etc. on the tables, and there are certainly flower beds near the benches on the streets.

Florence - a city of sculptors and painters

Florence amazingly combines the latest achievements of civilization, the bustling life of a modern city and the unique beauty of the Middle Ages. While walking along its streets, you get the feeling that the past is quite tangible and real. After all, here, for example, the very same building has been preserved, near the walls of which Dante wrote his “Divine Comedy”, or the workshop where Michelangelo carved the statue of David from marble. And the history of the city is connected not only with these two surnames. It was the home of Boccaccio, Brunelleschi, Leonardo da Vinci, Donatello and many others. You can look at the rich heritage of artistic treasures of that time in the Uffizi Gallery, the city's most famous museum.

Each part of Florence has its own church, built in a special architectural style. The most interesting are the Basilica of San Lorenzo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Basilica of Santa Croce and Giotto's Bell Tower.

The only thing that cannot be found in the city in great variety is crazy discos. Although, if you really want to dance, then in the center of Florence there are several establishments where entertainment shows with fireworks, foam and a sea of ​​alcoholic drinks are held every night.