Things to do in Florence
Florence is without doubt one of the world's most beautiful cities and after one visit many visitors keep returning to view the fabulous buildings, excellent galleries and striking churches. Located in the heart of Tuscany, the city has so much to offer that any length of time would never seem enough to take advantage of all the attractions available. All tastes, budgets and ages are catered for in what is one of the most-loved cities on the planet.
The Italian city is easy to navigate, with many of the major attractions located in the centre. One of these is the world famous Duomo, a building which can be described as nothing but stupendous. The cathedral dates back to the 13th century and is an extremely impressive sight. The Duomo can be viewed from many areas in Florence, although a close look is needed to appreciate the beautiful pink, white and green marble facade.
Florence also contains a plethora of handsome churches, with the Santa Croce considered one of the finest. The church contains funeral monuments to leading figures from Italian history, such as Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli plus the Pazzi Chapel, a fabulous example of Renaissance architecture wonderfully decorated by Luca della Robbia. The Santa Maria Maggiore, dating back before 10000AD, is also well worth a visit.
A trip to the Uffizi gallery is a must for anyone with an interest in art, containing the greatest concentration of Italian art in the world. There are pieces by Michelangelo, Raphael, Caravaggio and Botticelli's famous Birth of Venus. Florence is also home to Michelangelo's David, the most famous sculpture in the world, which is housed in the Galleria dell'Accademia. The museum contains many more sculptures and a fabulous collection of old musical instruments.
Visitors wishing to enjoy Florence's museums while avoiding huge crowds of tourists are advised to head to the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. The excellent museum contains many of the works of art that used to decorate the Duomo, including statues and furnishings.
Florence has plenty to offer apart from beautiful churches and fascinating museums. For those wishing to take a relaxing break from sightseeing, the Boboli Gardens provides the perfect location. The glorious gardens are perfectly maintained includes the Neptune Fountain, fantastic views of the city and classical concerts during the summer months. Excellent views can also be found at the Piazzale Michelangelo, a popular terrace with copies of Michelangelo's David. The Tuscan city is also a great place to shop, with everything from luxury boutiques to lively markets selling a variety of goods.
The abundance of attractions in Florence makes it an ideal destination for a city break. Visitors often fall in love with the city and one trip tends never to be enough.
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Things to do
