Florence Attractions
Street merchant near the famous Ponte Vecchio Bridge in Florence; (c) Soul Of America
Florence, an exhilarating amalgamation of its denizens, history, culture, cuisine, music, and social atmosphere, all spun together with a handful of intangible elements that make its attractions distinguishable from all other cities.
The hub of the European Renaissance, Firenze (called “Florence” in English) was founded by the Romans in the 1st Century BC. By fate and location luck, it has become one of the most wonderful cities in Europe.
Its claim to fame is its architectural and artistic prominence, stemming from these early influences dating back to the 13th Century.
Italy takes great pride in its Duomos (cathedrals), and many cities have several, which reflect significant eras of their regional history. The most well-known here is the Duomo of Florence, built in stages over several hundred years beginning near the end of the 13th Century.
The nave is a beautiful structure of magnificent white and green marble, accentuated with a feat of engineering — a massive dome designed by Brunelleschi. Venture upstairs for a closer look at the beautiful fresco paintings on the dome’s interior, then climb the twisty, narrow stairway up and out for a breathtaking and dramatic panoramic view of Florence and the surrounding areas. It is well worth it!
Climb the steps in Il Duomo Tower in Florence; (c) Soul Of America
Santa Maria della Carmine, one of many impressive and historically significant churches in Florence, among many, many other attractions.
From its impressive statuary to the churches, cathedrals, and towers, all constructed over six centuries ago without the benefit of modern technology or machinery, most still retain their original brilliance and grandeur and are undeniably unmatched since that time.
Over the centuries, Florence has also preserved its medieval ambiance and charm. The city is inherently beautiful, from the Centro Historico (historic center) to the picturesque, undulating countryside. Central to the area is the San Lorenzo Church, founded in 393 A.D. and now the oldest church in the city.
Every thoroughfare, delightful side street, and quaint alleyway is filled with the aromas of fresh-baked breads, spicy herbs, cured and marinating meats, and pungent aromatic coffee wafting about this walking city.
Surprising public sculpture of an African woman in Florence; (c) Helga Vockenhber/Visit Florence
Immerse yourself while navigating the tiny, primarily pedestrian and sans sidewalk cobblestone streets originally designed to accommodate horse and buggy, or while strolling through the numerous historic piazzas (plazas) awash with locals and tourists from around the globe, coupled with the omnipresent din of the zooming motor scooters — the preferred mode of transportation here.
You could spend weeks leisurely acquainting yourself with some of the city’s masters and masterpieces at museums and its noteworthy landmarks. The Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge), built across the Arno River in 1345 and is the only one of many here spared by the Germans during World War II.
Italy takes great pride in its Duomos (cathedrals), and many cities have several, which reflect significant eras of their regional history. The most well-known here is the Duomo of Florence, built in stages over several hundred years beginning near the end of the 13th Century.
A visiting Moroccan lady shopping for gold on Ponte Vecchio Bridge; (c) iStock
The nave is a beautiful structure of magnificent white and green marble, accentuated with a feat of engineering — a massive dome designed by Brunelleschi. Venture upstairs for a closer look at the beautiful fresco paintings on the dome’s interior, then climb the twisty, narrow stairway up and out for a breathtaking and dramatic panoramic view of Florence and the surrounding areas. It is well worth it!
The San Lorenzo Flea Market and Mercato Centrale (Central Market) are world-renowned. The Flea Market is unlike no other, teaming with hundreds of vendors (many of them African immigrants) hawking their wares ranging from high quality (and knock-off) leather purses, shoes, jackets, belts and gloves, to fine gold, silver and Florentine stone jewelry, hats, Italian trinkets and memorabilia, to the routine t-shirts, aprons and other tourist items.
Italians live to eat, and meals are major productions (although very effortless for the Italians), whether at home or in a restaurant, which is where the Mercato Centrale comes into play. Florentines and visitors alike flock here daily to this huge bi-level warehouse filled with vendors selling a bevy of fresh meats, cheeses, pestos and sauces, breads, fruits and vegetables, flowers, Italian delicacies, wine, olive oils, balsamic vinegars, and more.
Santa Maria Novella Church in a Florentine plaza; source Wiki/unk
Everything is exceptionally fresh, and it shows in the taste. This is a great place to pick up a few items for a leisurely picnic lunch later in the day (the market is only open until wee hours in the morning.
Resplendent with friendly, accommodating people, a wealth of history, beautiful, historic and impressive architecture, breathtaking views, supreme cuisine, wonderful shopping, and European charm, Florence is a city unlike any other.