Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens

Imagine the Uffizi Gallery as a precious treasure chest, slowly revealing its wonders to those who venture through its doors. At first, there's a bit of a puzzle: figuring out where to snag those golden tickets, weaving through the lines of eager art enthusiasts, and passing through the metal detector. Then, it's up two flights of Renaissance-era stairs before you finally reach the grand entrance of the museum. Once inside, the gallery is a feast for the senses, with masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci adorning its walls. Each room offers a new surprise, a fresh perspective on art that has influenced countless generations. The Uffizi isn't just a place to view art; it's a journey through time, where every brushstroke tells a story of human creativity and passion. Florence itself is a living museum, with its cobblestone streets and historic architecture. Just outside the Uffizi, the Piazza della Signoria buzzes with life, offering a perfect spot to soak in the city's unique blend of old and new. A visit here is more than just sightseeing; it's an unforgettable experience that lingers long after you've left.

Florence's cathedral stands tall over the city with its magnificent Renaissance dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, with the baptistery right across. The cathedral named in honor of Santa Maria del Fiore is a vast Gothic structure built on the site of the 7th century church of Santa Reparata, the remains of which can be seen in the crypt. The exterior is covered in a decorative mix of pink, white and green marble. The interior, by contrast, is pretty stark and plain but quite enjoyable on warm summer days since the temperature inside tends to be cooler. Please note the clock above the entrance on the inside of the church. It was designed in 1443 by Paolo Uccello in accordance with the ora italica, where the 24th hour of the day ended at sunset... and it still works! https://www.visitflorence.com/florence-churches/duomo.html

The Piazza della Signoria has been the center of political life in Florence since the 14th century with the prominent Palazzo Vecchio overlooking the square. It was the scene of great triumphs, such as the return of the Medici in 1530 as well as the Bonfire of the Vanities instigated by Savonarola, who was then himself burned at the stake here in 1498 after he was denounced by the Inquisition as a heretic. A marble circle inscription on the piazza shows the location where he was burned. The sculptures in Piazza della Signoria bristle with political connotations, many of which are fiercely contradictory. The David (the original is in the Galleria dell'Accademia) by Michelangelo was placed outside the Palazzo Vecchio as a symbol of the Republic's defiance of the tyrannical Medici. https://www.visitflorence.com/florence-monuments/piazza-della-signoria.html

Open all of the time, along the pedestrian zone south of Piazza della Repubblica towards Palazzo Pitti Built very close to the Roman crossing, the Ponte Vecchio, or Old Bridge, was the only bridge across the Arno in Florence until 1218. The current bridge was rebuilt after a flood in 1345. During World War II it was the only bridge across the Arno that the fleeing Germans did not destroy. Instead they blocked access by demolishing the medieval buildings on each side. On November 4, 1966, the bridge miraculously withstood the tremendous weight of water and silt when the Arno once again burst its banks. It is also possible to admire the bridge from underneath in theater presentations, the occasional concert and boat rides. After the disaster in 2016, there is talk of turning the work road constructed during the rebuilding of the river walls int a park area, where it will be possible to stroll the river banks and get a close-up view of the bridge. https://www.visitflorence.com/florence-monuments/ponte-vecchio.html

Palazzo Vecchio offers Roman ruins, a Medieval fortress and amazing Renaissance chambers and paintings. A microcosm where art and history have been indissolubly bound for centuries. Palazzo Vecchio is the main symbol of civil power for the city of Florence, whose original project is attributed to Arnolfo di Cambio. Construction on the solid fortress began in 1299 above the ruins of the destroyed Uberti Ghibelline towers, testimony of the final victory of the Guelph faction. The entire construction also rests on top of the ancient theater of the Roman colony of Florentia (dating back to the first century A.D.), whose ruins can be admired in the underground level. This area can be visited with a separate ticket or a combination ticket which includes the Palazzo Vecchio Museum and the Archaeological site. The area is suggestive organized with information and an interesting film to help you understand exactly what you are looking at underground. https://www.visitflorence.com/florence-monuments/palazzo-vecchio.html

Florence, renowned for its breathtaking art collections, monumental architecture, and rich historical tapestry, often has visitors so entranced by its urban wonders that they overlook the natural beauty scattered throughout the city. When you do think of Florence's green spaces, iconic spots like the Boboli Gardens or the vibrant iris and rose gardens come to mind first. But tucked away in the heart of the city lies a hidden gem: the Bardini Gardens. This enchanting 4-hectare garden, often overlooked and blissfully tranquil, offers a serene escape from the bustling city. Recently restored to reflect its former splendor, the Bardini Gardens are gradually being rediscovered by both locals and tourists. While first-time visitors to Florence might find their schedules packed with must-see landmarks, those returning to this Renaissance city should make it a point to explore these gardens. In just an hour, you can leisurely wander through the entire garden, soaking in its beauty and tranquility. It's the perfect place for a peaceful stroll that truly refreshes the spirit. The Bardini Gardens are a testament to Florence's allure, blending art, history, and nature in a way that captivates the soul. So next time you're in Florence, carve out a little time to discover this magical oasis.

Visiting the Galleria dell’Accademia, you're most likely target are the magnificent giant marble sculptures created by Michelangelo, and above all, the glorious David. If you explore the museum with a bit more time, the Accademia will offer you much more in the less crowded halls, satisfying any curiosity for botany, music, art symbols and painting techniques. The Accademia welcomes the visitor in the Hall of the Colossus, name taken from the huge models of the Dioscuri of Montecavallo which were displayed in this large hall in the 19th century. It now hosts in the center the plaster model for the stunning marble sculpture of Giambologna’s Rape of the Sabine Women. Giambologna prepared the model as an exercise in creating a tightly-knit group of three figures from just one large block of marble. He did not actually name the sculpture, it was meant to be as a “simple” exercise of skill and it became the first example of such magnificent talent. https://www.visitflorence.com/florence-museums/accademia-gallery.html

The Medici Chapels are nestled within the grandiose complex of San Lorenzo in Florence, a city where history breathes life into every cobblestone and artistic masterpiece. This church wasn't just a place of worship; it was the Medici family's official church, a testament to their power and influence. Originally, the Medici called a palace on Via Larga their home, which is now known as Via Cavour. Over time, San Lorenzo evolved into their final resting place, a mausoleum that whispers tales of their illustrious past. As you wander through the chapels, the opulence is undeniable, with intricate sculptures and lavish decorations showcasing the Medici's patronage of the arts. Michelangelo's genius is on full display here, and his contributions are nothing short of breathtaking. You can't help but feel a connection to the past, imagining the grandeur of the Medici's era. Florence itself is a treasure trove of history and culture, with the Medici Chapels being just one of its many jewels. The city offers a unique blend of Italian charm and artistic brilliance that captivates visitors from around the globe. If you're planning a trip, make sure to carve out some time to explore these chapels. They provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of one of history's most influential families.

The Villa Medicea at Castello just a few kilometers from Florence's historical center is an ancient complex which boasts an elegant villa and a splendid Italian garden, second only to the Boboli Gardens in Florence. The villa reached the height of its splendor with Cosimo I dei Medici, Florence's new Duke, who turned it into a magnificent residence to celebrate the greatness of the Medici family. He ordered Giorgio Vasari to restore the villa and Niccolò Tribolo to project the Italian garden. The villa presents a simple and geometric design with two floors and Renaissance windows. It was built around a courtyard of the 16th century with Tuscan lodges and pillars. Within the building, we find only one original fresco left from this time: the Annunciation by Raffaellino del Garbo. On the first floor, there is a large hall with frescos representing landscapes painted in the 1800th century, the Sala degli Armadi, the Sala delle Pale and a chapel. The Villa is not accessible to the public since it has been the home of the prestigious Crusca Academy since 1583, a school dedicated to the study of the Italian language. You can, however, visit the splendid gardens without paying! https://www.visitflorence.com/what-to-see-in-florence/villa-medici-castello.html

Центр Флоренции. Интересная квартирка рядом с площадью Santa Trinita

Центральный рынок, по итальянски так и называется Mercato Centrale. Сразу с ностальгией вспомнил Екатеринбург. Европейский, такой, формат рынков. Обычно, это большое крытое здание с продуктами, рыба-мясо-овощи, а вокруг миллион небольших лотков с кожаными куртками, сумками Gucci и тому подобным барахлом

Здесь будет про сам город