Florence

Florence, the city of flowers, was the place where the Renaissance grew and anticipated Enlightenment and thus Modernity as a whole. Florence is one of the most beautiful and ancient cities in Italy and the world. It gave to birth many of the men who have more profoundly influenced the course of human history in every field of knowledge, art, literature and philosophy. Most of the world artistic patrimony is believed to be here.

Places to see...

Museums:

Uffizi - This is one of the most famous museums of paintings and sculpture in the world. Its collection of Primitive and Renaissance paintings comprises several universally acclaimed masterpieces of all time.

Palzzo Medici-Riccardi - Medici Riccardi Palace is one the most important monuments in Florence, a prototype of Renaissance and Baroque architecture.

San Marco - The museum occupies a vast area of the Dominican convent of San Marco and preserves much of its original atmosphere. Founded in 1436 and designed by the architect Michelozzo, the convent played an important role in the cultural and religious life of Florence, especially at the time of Savonarola.

Palazzo-Pitti - The apartments belonged to the Asburgo-Lorena, and later to the Savoy, when Florence was the capital of Italy (1861-1870). The fourteen rooms show richly decorated silk walls that give the name to each room, as well as original and beautiful furniture.

Chiostro dello Scalzo - Constructed in 1500 and frescoed by Andrea del Sarto with 'The Stories of the Life of Saint John the Baptist'. The Cloister is porticoed on four sides: two courts with 4 Corinthian columns on which sit rounded arches and two long sides with double-capital columns.

Eating out in Florence is a true delight for the food lover. Whether it be gastronomic cuisine or just good home cooking, you will be spoiled for choice in this most glorious of cities. With a cafe or restaurant at every turn, and down every tiny street, what more could you want?

Getting here...

By Air:
Florence's Amerigo Vespucci Airport is just six miles northwest of downtown Florence, but handles a limited number of airlines. It has recently been renovated to accomodate more passengers and more airlines.

Travelling from airport to Florence by Bus:
ATAF provides bus service every 30 minutes. The ride takes about 20 minutes, dropping passengers at the Santa Maria Novella Rail Station.

Taxi:
Taxis can be found just outside the arrival terminal. Rides to the city take 15-20 minutes and cost approximately EUR 20-30.

By Car:
Autostrada 1 (A1), Italy's major highway, connects to Florence from Bologna from the north, and continues south to Rome. E76 connects Florence with Pisa.