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Poetic, bucolic and cultural, Florence alone brings together more than a quarter of Italy's artistic heritage. Cradle of the Italian Renaissance, this city-museum, nestled in the heart of the rich Tuscany region, is certainly one of the most dazzling in the whole of the "country with a boot". History lovers and epicureans will love to get lost in the streets of what is known as "La Bella", discovering its most beautiful treasures scattered along the Arno River.

A real treat for the eyes and taste buds, Florence is a jewel as only Italy has the secret. Whether you like museums or not, you will inevitably find something to marvel at in Florence's alleys, where the sweet scent of the Italian Renaissance floats. Mixing the grandiose and the historical, this capital of the "dolce vita" has lost none of its beauty over the centuries: to make you realize it, nothing like a walk in its unique setting. If there is one thing that cannot be ignored in Florence, it is its famous Duomo district: the historic and tourist heart of the city, it houses the Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral, known for its Duomo (or Duomo). Magnificent, this mythical dome built by Filippo Brunelleschi offers an incomparable panoramic view of Florence from its summit; although rather sporty, the climb up the 463 stairs leading to the "Cupola di Brunelleschi" is really worth it! But Piazza del Duomo has other wonders to see within its perimeter, such as the Baptistery of St John (Battistero) and its magnificent door decorated with scenes from the Bible, Palazzo Vecchio and its Hall of the Five Hundred, Giotto's belfry and Piazza della Signoria. On the latter, head towards the statue of "Il Porcellino": it would seem, according to legend, that touching the boutoir (snout) of this bronze boar would one day bring you back to Florence, while if you throw a coin through its jaw, then happiness will smile on you. In this district of the Duomo you will find one of the most beautiful museums in the world: the Uffizi Gallery. This absolutely magnificent museum houses Botticelli's "Birth of Venus" and "Spring", Paolo Uccello's "Battle of San Romano", but also works by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and Michelangelo. It is therefore quite natural that it attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world every year, so we advise you to book your tickets so that you do not have to queue for hours in front of the museum. The Galleria dell'Accademia is also worth a visit for its statue of "David" made by Michelangelo, as well as for its splendid religious paintings and collections of ancient instruments. In the vicinity of the Accademia, the San Marco district also deserves your attention: with its convent known for its frescoes and its Palazzo Medici Riccardi, renowned for its historical paintings, it also houses some of the greatest wonders of Tuscan art.

If there is another place not to be missed during your stay, it is the Ponte Vecchio: the most famous bridge of the one once called Firenze, the Ponte Vecchio has its origins dating back to the early 14th century. It is the oldest stone bridge in Europe, and dazzles onlookers with its small, colourful houses that hang along its stones. Today, a little like the Pont des Arts in Paris, the Ponte Vecchio is decorated with many locks, hung by couples to seal their love. A little tip: for beautiful pictures of Ponte Vecchio, we recommend you to go to Ponte Santa Trinita just opposite.

For an unobstructed view, day and night, of the whole of the former Medici city, we recommend that you climb to the church of San Miniato al Monte: if this building is one of the most beautiful in Tuscan Romanesque art thanks to its white and green marble, it also offers its visitors a beautiful view of Florence. The landscape is just as beautiful from Piazzale Michelangelo, well known for its sunsets with the mountains as a backdrop. The magnificent church of Santa Croce, the Giardino di Boboli between Palazzo Pitti and Porta Romana, the Basilica of San Lorenzo and its market, but also the Palazzo del Bargello, the Galileo Museum on the banks of the Arno River, the three Medici chapels and the church of Orsanmichele are also among the list of sites to visit during your stay in elegant Florence. And if you are a little bit of a adventurer, don't hesitate to go to Pisa, only 85 kilometres away: you won't regret it!

Finally, on hot summer days, take a "gelato" break, stroll around the Mercato Centrale to discover the rich flavours of Tuscany, taste delicious typical Florentine dishes such as "ribollita", "lampredotto", "pappa al pomodoro", "bistecca" or "pappardelle sulla lepre" with a glass of Chanti... And don't forget to try some delicious pizzas: you're in Italy after all!

Activities and Events

An undisputed masterpiece of humanity, you will be impressed by this majestic cathedral.

Renowned as the example of the world's largest Italian garden, it offers magnificent landscapes.

Considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, this fortress-palace was built at the end of the 13th century.