Florence, Italy

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Visit Florence

Florence is the capital city of the Tuscany region of western Italy and is easily accessed both by air or land.

Tourism is a very important industry in the Florence ecomomy, attracting a great deal of visitors from all over the world attracted by the architectural beauty and the art of the city, especially between the months of April and October.

Florence landmarks

The Monuments of Florence are considered to be the highlights of Florentine artistic culture. The Florence Baptistery holds its mosaics, the Cathedral is adorned with sculptures, the medieval churches overflow with fine frescoes, and many other public and private places with great artistic merit such as the Palazzo Vecchio, Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Palazzo Pitti, Palazzo Davanzati. Even many of the monasteries, cloisters, refectories, and the certosa are wonderful works of art - too many to list, the centre of Florence is the greatest exhibition of fine renaissance architecture to be found in the world

Florence is popularly called the cradle of Renaissance because of the monuments, churches, and buildings found in the city. The most famous site, and considered to be Florences jewel, is the domed cathedral called the Santa Maria del Fiore or the Duomo. Duomo is a generic Italian term used to define a cathedral. In this city filled with magnificent architecture, the Duomo proves to be the most outstanding with its scale matched by its glory.

Art in Florence

Florence is known for its artistic heritage, with fine examples of art being found in several locations across the city, and magnificent examples of renaissance architecture throughout the city. It is sometimes hard to separate 'art' from 'architecture' within the city - are statues that adorn a building the latter' Is Brunelleschi's Dome on the cathedral architecture or art'

The most important art museums are the Uffizi Gallery and the Palatina gallery that holds the paintings of the Golden Ages, although there are also many others to visit: the Bargello tower holds the sculptures of the Renaisance; Angelicos works can be found at the Museum of San Marco; and Buonarrotis house is home to the works of Michelangelo.

Other museums include the Academy, the chapels of Medicis, Bardini, Horne, Romano, Stibbert, Corsini, the Gallery of Modern Art, and the museum of the Opera del Duomo, the museum of Silverware, and the Museum of Precious Stones.

Eating out in Florence on a budget

Being part of Italy, food and drink are also considered a form of art - although pizzas and takeaways are also found in large numbers. Eating and drinking in Florence is one of the highlights of a visit, so be sure to find restaurants where you can sit and relax over your meal for an hour or two. Finding high quality but expensive restaurants is not a big challenge - the choice of restaurants is extensive - but finding a cheap meal in Florence is not always very easy.

If you are looking for generally low priced food, the pizza and pasta places near the bus station and the Mercato Centrale in San Lorenzo are usually a good cheap choice. San Frediano is the best neighborhood for meeting the needs of a traveler on a budget - it is located out to the east of Florence along the river. Restaurants are also found around Via Pissano that serve tasty yet affordable meals.

Just like traveling to any other tourist destination, the further you get away from the centre Florence the cheaper food or accommodation you are going to get. If you find a place that looks as if the locals are comfortable eating at, then you have found a good choice of a restaurant when it comes to taste and cost. If you are looking for the real flavor of Florence try to go to the vinaio or wine bars, where a glass of wine and a good meal to go with it should not cost too much.

You will also find markets in Florence that offer a wide selection of enticing local produce. Another budget friendly suggestion is to buy cheeses, cold meats, and breads then go to a piazza for a picnic.

Eating and drinking should play a major part in visiting Florence. It is one of the best ways to get the feel of the place. To be able to understand Florence and connect to its culture, it is best to explore what they have to offer.

Florence nightlife

When the evening arrives there are two sides of Florence. One is the elegant social gatherings over wine-sipping and fine dining. The other is the students having a good time at clubs playing the latest music, enjoying chic bars and non-stop activity throughout the night.

Even if neither of these activities appeals, be sure to stroll through the streets of Florence by night. This early evening stroll is called the passeggiata. Then you can follow it up with a drink in one of the wine bars to simply appreciate what your eyes see and what your ears hear.

As the night grows deeper, Florence reveals another of its facets. Because Florence is a town with many universities, foreign students and backpackers is becomes very lively later on in the evening. this being Italy, appearances are always important. Fashionistas will be seen more to the west of the city. SantAmbrogio is a favorite where the emphasis is placed on looking your very best. The west part, the Oltrarno, is composed of a more laid-back feel of Florence. Piazza di Santo Spirito and Piazza di Carmine have many clubs and several hip music bars that provide more enjoyment for the visitors.

However, discovering the night life in Florence is not all about going to a great club or chic bar. This is one of the most beautiful cities in the world that will cater to your every mood. Look at the city lights at night. Feel the buzz of the people filling the streets. This will lead you to know the Florence experience.

When to visit Florence

The Mediterranean climate of Florence is made up of humid and hot summers with little rainfall. The winters are damp and cool. The city is surrounded by hills in a river valley and can be very hot starting from June until August.

During the summer months there are many tourists at the major Florence attractions so it is recommended to visit during late spring or early autumn.

Visit Italy

Florence, Italy

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