Florence is a modern and lively city. It not only has wonderful museums and architecture but also up to date technology and industry. The streets of Florence are dark and narrow, lined with shops and galleries and bustling with people, but they open out into wonderful spacious piazzas, surrounded again by shops and cafes. The Piazza del Duomo, where the cathedral is situated is quite beautiful.The cathedral, covered with polychromatic (many colours) marble, is a magnificent building. It took 140 years to complete, under three different designers. It was finally finished in 1436 under Brunelleschi's influence, although the orignal facade has since been changed again.
When walking around the streets of Florence, one hardly thinks of crime or terror, but in May 1993, terrorists planted a bomb near the Uffizi gallery. 5 people died and 13 were injured. The gallery was severely damaged.
It is thought that about 60% of the worlds great art works are in Italy and that over half of them are in Florence. The Uffizi gallery, built in the 16th century, is the oldest art gallery in the world and the most important one in Italy.
The gallery owns nearly 5000 works of which approximately 2000 are on show, including countless masterpieces by artists such as; Giotto, Caravaggio, Lippi, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Titian and Leonardo-da-Vinci, to name but a few. Originally built to be used as administrative offices and archives, Anna Maria Ludovica de'Medici, the last member of that powerful family, turned it into a museum in 1737.
The Accademia gallery is also one of the most famous in the world. Not least because it houses Michelangelo's 'David' (1501-1504). It is also home to the collection of unfinished 'Slaves' by Michelangelo, originally destined for the tomb of Pope Julius II in Rome.
Amongst other wonderful artworks, it is also home to Sandro Botticelli's 'Virgin with Child with Young Saint John and Two Angels'. Painted in tempera (paint mixed with egg) on wood, it is quite beautiful.
Michelangelo's tomb and those of many more illustrious men, is in the church of Sante Croce. Built in the 13th century, it also holds works by Giotto, Donatello and Gaddi.
If you come out of the Uffizi gallery and look to your right, you are a stones throw from The Ponte Vecchio.
The Ponte Vecchio (old bridge), spanning the River Arno, is the oldest bridge in Florence and famous worldwide. Built, as it stands today in 1345, it was originally lined with shops of all kinds but today that is the privilege of gold and silversmiths. If you want a piece of jewellery, then this is the place to be.
If you have never visited Florence, you are missing out on a wonderful experience. So, when planning your next holiday to Italy, consider the wonders of Tuscany and go to Florence. There is something for everyone there.
