Florence attractions, what to see. Florence: geography, climate and history
The founding date of Florence is traditionally considered to be 59 BC. e., when a village was founded in the valley of the Arno River for legionary veterans of the army of Julius Caesar. According to legend, this happened in the spring, during the days of the festivities of the goddess of flowers Flora, personifying the spring awakening of nature. The city owes its name to her name.
In the Roman period, structures characteristic of that time were erected here - baths, an amphitheater, an aqueduct. Until now, in the central part of the city, around the former Forum (today Republic Square), the rectangular layout of streets typical of the Romans has been preserved. By the end of the 2nd century, Florence had become a full-fledged city, hosting the headquarters of the commander of the legion that controlled the region of all of present-day Tuscany. The god of war Mars was considered the patron of the city.
Christianity was established here in the 4th century. Florence became an archdiocese, and the cult of Mars was replaced by the worship of John the Baptist, the city's new patron.
In the 5th century, Florence was invaded by the Ostrogoths, and from 570 to 774 the Lombard Germans ruled the lands of Tuscany. Their rulers chose Lucca for their residence, and Florence fell into the shadows for a while. In 744, the Frankish king Charlemagne captured the Lombard kingdom, and a little later, the Tuscan margraviate was founded on these lands, formally part of the Holy Roman Empire.
At the beginning of the XII century, taking advantage of the period of aggravation of the conflict between the pope and the emperor, the Florentine nobility took the fate of the city into their own hands, establishing self-government. In 1183 Emperor Frederick Barbarossa was forced to officially recognize the city's municipal autonomy. Florence gradually began to seize the surrounding territories, starting with the city of Fiesole. In the 15th century, she conquered Pisa, gaining access to the sea, and in the 16th century, the resistance of Siena was broken. Rich Florence did not conquer some Tuscan cities and territories, but simply bought them up.
Florence's transformation from a small town to a prosperous city-state was originally due to the wool trade. The wool merchants' guild in Florence (Arte della Lana) exported wool from Northern Europe and dyes from the Middle East. Using their own weaving and dyeing techniques, the Florentines produced heavy red robes and sold them throughout the Mediterranean. Huge incomes laid the foundations of banking in Florence, which eventually became the financial capital of Europe. Golden florins, the money that was minted here, were the international European currency in those days.
The wealthy of Florence manipulated the government with the help of the Guelphs (supporters of the pope) in confrontation with the Ghibellines (supporters of the emperor). The history of this confrontation is captured in the works of Dante, Machiavelli, Shakespeare. In the 15th century in Florence, the struggle between them escalated, and rich merchants brought to power a man from their class - Cosimo Medici. His descendants ruled in Florence until the 18th century. The Medici is associated with the "golden age" of the city during the Renaissance, and the end of republican rule. In 1569, Florence, grown with the lands of neighboring cities, became the capital of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.
In 1737, the Medici hereditary ducal line ended, and Tuscany passed into the hands of the Habsburgs. During the Napoleonic Wars, Florence had the status of the capital of the Kingdom of Etruria formed on the territory of Tuscany, which became one of the provinces of France. In 1814 Tuscany returned to the rule of the Habsburgs.
In 1860, in a general plebiscite, the Florentines supported the movement for the reunification of all Italian lands. At the final stage of the risorgimento (national liberation struggle), from 1865 to 1870, Florence was the capital of Italy. This period had an ambiguous effect on its appearance: some of the historical buildings in the city center were demolished. The end of the 20th century was marked for Florence by the expansion of the city boundaries to the nearest foothills and the emergence of the Rifredi industrial area.
In 1944, during the period of hostilities, when the front passed along the Arno River, the city was bombed more than once. In addition, while retreating, the German troops blew up all the bridges, with the exception of the Ponte Vecchio, which they managed to save. A devastating cataclysm occurred in Florence in 1966, when during the flood of the Arno River, city streets were flooded, and many works of art were damaged.
culture
Florence, whose name is inextricably linked with the brilliant Renaissance, can also boast of monuments from more ancient times. Back in the 11th century, such magnificent buildings as the baptistery and the church of San Miniato al Monte were erected here. From other Romanesque churches in Italy, these buildings are distinguished by clear lines of facades and original decor. The Gothic style that replaced the Romanesque style in Florence also has its own individual features.
In the 13th century, the local nobility and wealthy merchant families spared no expense to equip the city, wanting to present it and, of course, themselves in a favorable light. The most famous masters of that time began to gather here. The most famous of them was Arnolfo di Cambio. The creations of this architect - the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Palazzo Vecchio, the Church of Santa Croce - still amaze with their beauty and determine the whole look of the city.
A contemporary of Arnolfo di Cambio was the painter Cimabue, in whose works the plasticity of the figures was distinguished by extraordinary grace, which was new for that time, because the artists were strongly influenced by the Byzantine school, which required stylized images. Giotto di Bondone, a great artist and architect, also made an invaluable contribution to the treasury of world art. His innovation lies in the use of halftones, which made it possible to create three-dimensional space on the canvas, emphasizing the fullness of life and the beauty of the human body. Thanks to Giotto, painting took the main place in Florence: he and his students painted more paintings in one century than all German and French painters combined.
The 15th century is the golden age of the Renaissance. Wealthy Florentine families, competing in the patronage of art, contributed to its flourishing. Not the last role in the prosperity of Florence was played by the ruling Medici family here. Dukes Cosimo I and Lorenzo the Magnificent were especially famous for their love of beauty and patronage. So, Cosimo Medici created the first public library in Florence. He patronized scientists, artists and poets. His grandson Lorenzo, who grew up in the realm of art worship, surpassed his famous ancestor with his charitable deeds, earning the nickname "Magnificent". He was distinguished by skillful management. When the politician and thinker Machiavelli wrote the treatise "The Prince", a popular reference book today among the powers that be, he was inspired by the deeds of Duke Lorenzo.
Prominent representatives of the Florentine Renaissance school were Filippo Brunelleschi, the creator of the colossal dome of the cathedral and the sculptor Donatello, who became famous for his psychological gift of insight into the essence of the depicted image and knowledge of human anatomy. No less famous are the sculptors Lorenzo Ghiberti, Lucca della Robbia, Andrea del Verrocchio, the artists Desiderio da Settignano, Mino da Fiesole, Antonio Rosselino.
The zenith of the Renaissance in Florence was marked by the work of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Rafael Santi. But the beginning of the sunset of the great age of Florence is connected with these names. Da Vinci left here in 1506 for France, while Raphael and Michelangelo moved to Rome. With the exception of the Adoration of the Magi, Leonardo left almost nothing in Florence. The legacy of Michelangelo is more expressive. In Florence, among his other masterpieces, is the famous "David" - the largest marble sculpture since antiquity. Raphael made Florence famous with his series of paintings called the Florentine Madonnas.
Near the cathedral rises the Giotto bell tower, named after its creator, although other famous architects also took part in the construction. 285 steps lead to the top of this grandiose tower. From here, all of Florence is at a glance, and there is a strange sensation of a sense of flight.
To the north is one of the oldest public buildings in Florence - the Bargello. Once there was a prison, as well as a place of executions. Today, the building houses the Museum of Sculpture and Applied Arts, which contains works by Donatello, Michelangelo, Cellini, Giambologna. Dante was born in this area, and it is here that the Bargello abbey church stands, where the poet from afar admired Beatrice, dear to his heart, coming to Sunday mass. Around the corner, on Via Dante Alighieri, is Dante's house, where the poet was born in 1265.
San Lorenzo
This area of Florence, also known as the Medici quarter, is famous for its trading tradition. Here and now a real market gathers every day. It was closed several times, but the old tradition is indestructible - lively trade has not stopped. The market is located right on the square in front of the church of Saint Lorenzo, which dates back to the 4th century. The Medici dukes patronized this holy monastery, which became almost their own home temple.
Behind the church is the entrance to the Medici Chapel, the tomb of a famous family for whom Michelangelo created two wonderful tombs depicting Night and Day, Dawn and Twilight. Near San Lorenzo, an exquisite Michelangelo staircase was erected, leading to the Laurenzian Library.
Also worth seeing in this area is the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, a huge yet elegant building where the Medici lived before they moved to the Palazzo Vecchio. To the north is the majestic monastery of San Marco and the museum of the same name.
Florentine cuisine
For all Italians, a meal is a celebration of life, they have retained their attitude to it as a theatrical performance, and even a light snack here is accompanied by an appropriate design. The Renaissance elevated cooking to the rank of art, which was facilitated by the Florentine merchants, who founded entire gastronomic schools. And today, spending the evening in a pleasant company in Florence is a real pleasure!
It is best to start your acquaintance with the local cuisine with crostini - toasted white bread with the most delicate liver pate, mushrooms or tomatoes. As a first course (in the menu - "primi piatti") in Florence they prefer soup with local specifics. Here they like ribollita made from cabbage and other vegetables with bread, flavored with olive oil, as well as pasta e fagioli or pappardelle - thick noodle soups with chickpeas or hare stew sauce. Second courses are usually meat, many of them are prepared from game - hare, wild boar, pheasant. Traditional food - roast rabbit in fat, pork with herbs cooked in the oven, the famous Florentine steak - a huge piece of beef in the most delicate olive oil, fried on charcoal. A typical side dish for this meat dish is white beans in tomato sauce and deep-fried tomatoes and herbs. At dinner, a glass of delicious Chianti wine, which is produced south of Florence, will not be superfluous.
By the end of the feast, you should order a Tuscan dessert wine santo to dip dry cantuccini macaroons into it. And, of course, don't forget to try gelato - Florentine ice cream, which many consider the most delicious in the world. Weighty fresh homemade sweet balls are sold in special gelateria cafes (each about 1.5 €).
Street cafe in FlorenceThe most popular establishments here are trattorias, where a hearty lunch will cost 15-18 € per person, a light snack - 5-8 €. Pizzerias and rosticeries are not empty (a grill bar where they gather in the evenings to drink and have a light snack). You can look into the tavola kalda - an analogue of the dining room, where you can eat hearty and inexpensively.
A meal in a Florentine restaurant, located at a distance from the historic center, will cost from 40 € per person. The closer to the Cathedral Square, the higher the prices become. Many atmospheric establishments are located right in the ancient palaces. The restaurant in Palazzo Antinori is famous, where this aristocratic family has been living since 1502. Gourmet dishes and noble wines from family cellars are served here. Excellent cuisine and wine list at Enotecca Pinchiorri, located on the ground floor of a 15th century palace. There is also a charming patio with outdoor seating.
shopping
Florence has many fashionable shops selling fashionable clothes. These are individual boutiques and entire galleries. Here you can buy excellent designer items: from elegant leather accessories to solid fur products. A system of discounts is practiced in trade throughout the year. In addition, there are two sales seasons in the city. Summer lasts from July to early September, winter - from January 5 to March 5.
Tourists most often bring from Florence a variety of products with stencils of the most famous sights of the city, cheeses, wine, as well as jewelry: jewelry and bijouterie. For jewelry, visitors to the city, as a rule, go to the Ponte Vecchio bridge. In the local shops and workshops, cute inexpensive pendants and solid old and modern creations of jewelers are exhibited together.
In search of souvenirs, you can go to the markets. One of them, San Lorenzo, is located on the square of the same name. The second is in Piazza Ciompi, north of Santa Croce. On Sundays, local antique dealers exhibit their goods here: coins, jewelry, paintings, old postcards.
Where to stay
Accommodation prices in Florence are quite high. In the winter season it is still possible to find a room for 45 € per night (3 * hotel), but by May the cost is already increasing by 30%. The budget option is hostels, here you can stay for 15-20 € per day per person. It is possible to rent 2-3-room apartments for 100-120 €.
There are, of course, luxury hotels in Florence, which are located in ancient palaces. Among them stands out "Four Seasons", located in the Palazzo della Gherardesca - one of the residences of the Medici. There are magnificent interiors, antique furniture. The hotel is also famous for its huge park. The cost of living is from 350 €.
In the very center of the city, the Palazzo Vecchietti flaunts. There are only 14 rooms in the 16th century building. Comfort and luxury reign here, the interiors are decorated with old paintings. The rooms have a kitchen, coffee machine, refrigerator, dishes. Breakfasts (included in the price) are simply excellent here and take place at a common old table. Accommodation - about 630 € per day.
The "luxury" category also includes "Villa Cora". This historic hotel is set in the hills of Florence. It was built by Baron Oppenheim in the neoclassical style and is famous for its famous guests. There is a calm atmosphere, a luxurious park, a swimming pool. Prices: from 295 to 830 € per room.
Transport
Despite the fact that Florence is rather tiny, and traffic is blocked in the historical center, transport links in the city are well developed. Eco-friendly electric buses can get you closest to the sights. You will recognize them by their original appearance and numbers, where C1, C2, C3, D are present.
Florence has a unified ticketing system for city buses and trams. A complex ticket for one and a half hours costs 1.20 €. A daily subscription will cost 5 €, a three-day subscription - 12 €, a weekly subscription - 18 €. Travel tickets are sold at newspaper and tobacco kiosks, bars, offices of the main city transport company ATAF.
Tourists can also purchase a plastic Firenze Card. Paying 72 €, you will get the opportunity to visit 67 museums and free movement throughout the city by tram or bus for 3 days.
The cost of a taxi ride depends on the mileage (0.10 € per 1 km + landing 3-6 €). It is difficult to stop a taxi on the street, it is better to call a car by phone or go to the parking lot. Renting a car makes sense only if you want to go around Florence (from 35 € / day).
Recently, rickshaws have become popular. A 15-minute walk for two will cost you 15 €, 60 minutes - 45 €. Cycle rickshaws have chosen Piazza San Lorenzo. You can also admire Florence from the deck of the river bus. Boats ply the Arno River from April to October.
How to get there
5 km from the center of Florence is the international airport. Amerigo Vespucci. There are no direct flights from Russian cities here. You will have to fly with a transfer in Rome or one of the major European cities.
Comfortable buses depart regularly from the airport to the city. Travel time - 20 minutes, cost - 5 €. A taxi ride will cost 20 €.
It is convenient to get from Rome to Florence by regular bus. Travel time - 2.5 hours, cost - 20 €.
Even by Italian, clearly overpriced standards , is an unusual city. The birthplace of the Renaissance, the Renaissance - a cultural phenomenon that unusually revived the gloomy picture of the Middle Ages. Who directed humanity along a new, much more promising path. Literally cured him of inertia, put an end to stagnation. And gave impetus to development, which led to the formation of the Western civilization as we know it today.
Naturally, the city, which stood at the origins of such a large-scale current, is able to leave a lot of notches in memory. Moreover, it is quite possible to see the main attractions of Florence in 2-3 days. Not because there are few of them, not at all, but due to a very compact arrangement.
We remember that in the summer, that is, in the season itself, the streets of the "Flower of Tuscany" are not overcrowded with tourists. And therefore, the chances of giving yourself a bump, colliding with the same lover of beauty, are immeasurably higher than having time to consider all the most interesting!
History of Florence
A settlement in the form of a military camp was founded on the banks of the Arno River in 80 BC. This was done by the Roman commander and statesman Lucius Cornelius Sulla. Because he considered the place ideal for protecting the most important highway Via Cassia. Connecting Rome with the northern regions of the country.
It is not without reason to assume that the Etruscans pushed him to this step. Whose town Fezuly (now Fiesole, a chic suburb of Florence, an area of rich mansions and villas of the local elite) already existed by that time.
Ancient Rome and the Middle Ages
Originally called Fluence, Florence later acquired its modern name. The deciphering is very simple: “blooming” (florentia). As you can see, the saying “as you call a ship, so it will sail” in this case turned out to be fair. Florence swam proudly!
Due to its extremely advantageous strategic location (within walking distance to the sea), Florence quickly turned from a fortified camp into a city. If during the conquest of this region of Italy (774) by Charlemagne (Charlemagne) it was not yet considered significant enough to become the capital (Lucca became it), then after only 250 years Florence had already become the center of the Tuscan margraviate.
And 300 years later, as the chronicles say, it grew so much that it erected the third row of city walls. By the time of the plague of 1348, the population of the city was 94 thousand people. The outbreak has claimed more than half of the lives.
By the 15th century, Florence had become thoroughly rich - the basis of the fortunes of the local oligarchs was trade and banking. In 1406, for only 206 florins, they purchased from the Genoese. Once one of the most formidable competitors.
Florence and Medici
In 1434, a representative of a well-known banking family came to power in the city (they started as doctors - hence the surname) Cosimo Medici, whose power was subsequently inherited by his brilliant descendant Lorenzo the Magnificent. One of the most brilliant pages in the history of the city is associated with the figure of Lorenzo. Under him, Leonardo da Vinci and Sandro Botticelli worked here.
Restored in 1492, the Republic did not last long (already in 1537, the Medici regained power over the city, proclaiming themselves the Dukes of Florence). But this was enough to decorate the main square of Florence, the Signoria, with Michelangelo's masterpiece, the statue of David.
Today, in the loggia of Lanzi, there is only a copy of the four-meter giant, and the original adorns the hall in the Accademia Gallery. But, the citadel of the rulers of the city, on the spot ... As well as the equestrian statue of Cosimo I de Medici, standing like a breakwater among the human river flowing through the square.
The Medici dynasty ruled Florence for a long time and is identified with this city in the minds of tourists. The family came to an end only in 1737 with the death of its last representative, Gian Gastone. The capital of Tuscany, together with the entire region, came under the rule of Austria.
Florence is the capital of Italy
Conquered by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1800, Florence and its monuments suffered little damage. Unless one of the main pearls of the city, the statue of the Venus de Medici, which went to France, changed its registration (later, however, it was returned). In 1860, the city became part of the finally united country. And in the period from 1865 to 1871, it was even the capital of Italy.
From that time to this day, Florence has remained aloof from political life and its attendant squabbles, focusing on the reception and service of tourists. And he leads a slightly detached life, as if having little contact with reality.
However, the harsh reality reminded of itself a couple of times. The Germans retreating under the onslaught of the allies caused great damage to the city. In 1944, they blew up all the bridges across the Arno and spared only the unique one (“Old Bridge”).
And in November 1966, the strongest flood of the Arno flooded the entire historical center. It turned out to be the strongest since the 16th century, causing the death of 150 citizens.
When to go
Today Florence remains a fairly large city (about 370 thousand inhabitants), whose population increases many times during the spring and summer months. The Italians themselves, as well as citizens of neighboring countries, are happy to come here for the Easter holidays, other tourists arrive in a full-flowing stream from May to September.
It is best to go to the capital of Tuscany in the middle of spring, when the sun is just beginning to beckon with its warmth, and potential travelers are just considering vacation plans.
The weather in Florence in May or even April days is perfect for the inquisitive tourist - and others do not go here!
In summer it can be hot and very stuffy here. The swampy lowland affects, the hills surrounding the city in a ring, with pleasure accumulate moisture in the river valley.
In September and October, the heat subsides, and the rains do not come often enough to spoil the walks in the city. In November, the sky over Florence is constantly covered with clouds, precipitation is frequent.
For those in a hurry, one day is probably enough to get to know the main attractions (fortunately, they are all located quite compactly. In order to truly feel the spirit of this city, where Dante and Giotto, Brunelleschi and Michelangelo, da Vinci and Raphael, where Nicolo Machiavelli created his treatises, will take at least 2-3 days.
The main architectural gems of Florence are within walking distance from. However, this ancient bridge itself, the creation of the architect Neri di Fioravante (1345), which has preserved most of the old jewelry shops, is a good place to feel the spirit of the Middle Ages.
Sights of Florence
Literally a stone's throw from the bridge, if you go from it to the right, is the heart of Florence, Piazza della Signoria. It is adorned with the imposing town hall building, the Palazzo Vecchio. Supposedly conceived by the same architect, Arnolfo di Cambio, who built both the city's Duomo and the magical Basilica of Santa Croce.
- - a magnificent, truly Florentine building made of huge boulders. With fortress battlements on the roof and a high tower dominating the medieval city (height - 94 meters)
It was here that the Republican Soviets once sat, from here the formidable Medici dictated their will.
By the way, you can climb to the top of the tower (on foot) and take a look at the roofs and hills from a height. See the Florentine Duomo, blazing with a red-brown dome and Giotto's bell tower, the Basilica of Santa Croce ...
Note that "David", like most of the sculptures of that time, was carved from a block of Carrara marble. A material also mined in Tuscany.
Signoria Square
On the square you can also admire the sculpture “Judith with the Head of Holofernes” – this is the original work of Donatello. It first appeared here during the expulsion of the Medici in 1494 and marked the liberation of the city from the tyrant.
The Loggia dei Lanzi, a beautiful 14th-century (quattrocento, early Renaissance) arcade in Piazza della Signoria, houses several sculptural masterpieces from the nearby Uffizi Gallery. And, including, "Perseus with the Head of Medusa" by Benvenuto Cellini.
- By the way, this elegant structure was built just to accommodate armed guards, landsknechts from Germany. Which the authorities intended to use to protect against the frequent uprisings of the townspeople
Duomo
If you move north from Piazza della Signoria (leaving the Arno), then after a short time you will reach the Duomo. The main attraction of the city and one of the most magnificent cathedrals ever built. The construction of the hulk was dictated by the desire to throw dust in the eyes of all of Italy. Claiming Florence as the first city in Europe.
The cathedral, however, became a long-term construction (begun at the end of the 13th century - completed in the 19th), but it is a truly unforgettable sight. White and green marble, overwhelming scale. The area is clearly small for a giant. And happy is the one who manages to get the entire building into the lens.
The famous flightless dome of the brilliant architect Brunelleschi, who was the first to come up with a complex, two-body (external and internal vault) structure, the most beautiful green-white marble facade decorated with lancet arches and statues and Giotto's wonderfully proportioned square bell tower together leave an indelible impression.
Next to the cathedral is the Bapsistery of San Giovanni, where all the famous Florentines were baptized. It is said to be the oldest surviving building in the city. The ceiling of a small Romanesque octagonal building is lined with beautiful mosaic panels. And its amazing bronze gates by Lorenzo Ghiberti are considered one of the masterpieces of the Renaissance.
San Lorenzo and Santa Croce
Not every lover of beauty will visit the harsh brickwork. Despite the fact that Brunneleschi himself had a hand in perestroika. And in the Medici Chapel rest the most prominent representatives of a powerful family. The sculpture for the chapel, the famous allegories "Day" and "Night", "Morning" and "Evening" were sculpted by Michelangelo. And many art historians consider it the pinnacle of the work of the Titan of the Renaissance.
Very close to the square is the ancestral palace of the Medici-Riccardi. Attracting attention with the mighty stone rustication of the walls, Palazzo Pitti can envy him.
Among the iconic sights of the Tuscan capital, we also mention, once the main Franciscan temple in Europe. And concurrently the tomb of the most famous sons of Italy. Here rest: Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Galileo, Rossini, Marconi, Fermi.
There is also a gravestone of Dante Alighieri, the famous Florentine. True, he found peace not here, but in Ravenna (Emilia-Romagna), on the other coast of the “Italian boot”. Despite the requests of the Florentines, Ravenna did not want to part with the ashes of a genius. As if declaring that he would not send the remains of Dante to a city that did not appreciate him during his lifetime.
pitty
On the other side of the Arno, if you take it to the left, leaving the Ponte Vecchio, you will find the majestic with the Boboli Gardens behind.
The Renaissance palace was built by the enemy and rival of the Medici in the struggle for power, the banker Pitti. Subsequently, it was turned into the main residence of the Medici, and then the entire Duchy of Tuscany.
- The Palatine Gallery, housed in the halls of the palace, is considered the largest art collection in Florence.
There are as many as 11 paintings by the great Raphael alone. As well as paintings by Titian and Tintoretto, Giorgione and Caravaggio, Rubens and Van Dyck, Murillo...
Another great place where the lion's share of panoramic photos of Florence is taken is Michelangelo Square in the southern part of the city. The views are breathtaking, and no sightseeing tour will miss this point.
Where to eat
Twice the author of these lines tried to eat in Florence and each time remained dissatisfied. Not very tasty (store-bought frozen pizza from the Conad supermarket looks better), they serve without desire and warmth - there are too many tourists - and the prices ... We can only console ourselves with the fact that in Venice it is even higher.
The most inexpensive pizza in a cafe in Florence will cost 6 euros, a plate of pasta at least 6-7. The check will definitely include a service charge - forget about extra tips.
It is wiser to treat yourself to a piece of pizza from the window and eat it literally on the go. Which, by the way, is what most tourists do.
Gelato is very average in taste. From 2 € for a miniature horn.
How to get there
It is not so easy to do this with the help of an airplane - unfortunately, there are no direct flights from Russia to the Tuscan capital. First you have to get to Pisa or Verona: by plane and train.
It can also be reached by car or train: both from other cities in Italy and Europe.
Florence back in the distant XIV century was considered the second city after Rome, which absorbed the best that could be found in the capital of the great Roman Empire.
Content:Short description
Even today it is famous throughout the world for its many attractions, a special romantic atmosphere that you will not find anywhere else in the world. It is no coincidence that the immortal creations of writers, poets and composers appeared in Florence. In this city, Fyodor Dostoevsky finished his novel The Idiot, in this city Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky combined his rest and work on The Queen of Spades, and the legendary Demidov dynasty lived here for a long time. In honor of the Russian patrons, the grateful Italians even changed the name of the Medici Villa, which is currently listed as Villa Demidoff in all tourist brochures.
Basilica of Santa Croce
Alas, it is quite difficult to convey in words the feeling of happiness that does not leave even for a minute every guest of Florence. It is impossible to describe it, just as impossible as trying to give a clear definition of inspiration in the text. In the Italian city, which has a huge number of ancient monuments of history and architecture, you constantly want to create something new, to create the world of beauty with your own hands. “A beautiful mirror of Tuscany”, “The most delicate flower of Italy”, “Descended from great Rome and inheriting its greatness”, these are just a few loud and vivid definitions given to Florence by the great ancestor of the Renaissance, heir to the knightly order Coluccio Solutati.
Perhaps, to some, the words of Judge Solutati may seem too grandiloquent, and someone may think that there are too many exaggerations in his description of the Italian city. However, only those people who have never been lucky enough to visit Florence can think so. Already after the first visit to this city, the outlook of many travelers changes. It’s not for nothing that there is a proverb in a sunny and noisy country: “You can visit majestic and eternal Rome, mysterious Venice and sparkling Milan, but if you haven’t seen Florence, then you know absolutely nothing about Italy!”. It is no coincidence that the name of the "second Rome" is translated literally into Russian as "blooming". Many poets dedicated their poems to this flourishing city, where they drew endless inspiration. You can talk about the unique atmosphere of Florence for an infinitely long time, but this material should dwell in more detail on the history of this Italian city, its attractions and the greatest architectural monuments.
Santa Maria del Fiore
Florence: a tour of history
Many historians who have studied the chronicles that have survived to this day claim that the city called Florence was founded around 59 BC. Moreover, there is even a version that says that the "blooming" appeared on the world map on the site of a small settlement on the orders of Gaius Julius Caesar himself. True, it is worth noting that this version does not have solid ground and is considered in many works as an assumption. At the moment, there is no exact data that speaks of Caesar's participation in the founding of the "second Rome". The very first mention of Florence can only be found in documents that date back to the 4th century AD.
It was during this period of time that the place where for the most part the veterans of Rome lived was considered the main residence of the bishop. Already in those days, Florence was a rich city, where former legionnaires enjoyed a well-deserved rest and spent all their time in places of entertainment. Veterans in the Roman Empire were always treated with special respect. By the way, the word "veteran" occurred precisely during the reign of Caesar. Only the warrior who fought for the honor of the greatest empire in those days for at least 20 (!) years could receive this title. Given the endless wars, campaigns against the Gauls, we can draw a definite conclusion: there were not so many lucky survivors. Therefore, the privileges they enjoyed were practically unlimited.
Palazzo Pitti
In 1115, Florence gained almost complete independence and became known as a commune. Until that time, the city managed to be under the rule of the Franks, Ostrogoths and even the Lombards. From the moment of independence, the flourishing city began to flourish: already in 1252, the first coin of the purest gold was minted in it, its name is known to many even in our time - florin. Thanks to uninterrupted sales of wool, the treasury of the city grew, the population constantly increased. A blow to the economy and demographic situation in Florence was caused by a plague, which in 1340 was called the Black Death. It was impossible to hide from it, effective medicines did not yet exist. Both the poor and the richest citizens fell dead right on the streets of the once majestic and densely populated city.
The plague spared only a few, but the population of the city quickly recovered, for the most part thanks to visitors. After the most terrible city of pestilence in the history of the city, two most famous cathedrals are being built in Florence: Palazzo Vecchio and the legendary Santa Maria del Fiore. Already in the 14th century, the Divine Comedy by Dante Aguileri was born. Every modern Italian considers this manuscript the second most important after the Bible. The thing is that it was in the "Divine Comedy" that the Tuscan dialect was "born", and to be extremely precise, the Italian language, which is spoken by the modern inhabitants of the country. The 14th century can be safely called the brightest and at the same time the most tragic episode in the history of Florence. The reign of the Medici dynasty, the plague that claimed tens of thousands of lives, the heyday of the Renaissance and the birth of two brilliant artists Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci at once - these are just a small part of the significant events that took place in the flourishing city in the fourteenth century.
Church of All Saints
In 1737, the Dukes of Lorraine came to power in Florence. During their reign, the city continues to flourish, but the flourishing of culture is already in the past. During the period of the struggle for freedom, called the Risorgimento, "the second city after Rome" from 1865 to 1871, it serves as the capital (!) of the Italian kingdom. Unfortunately, at that time many monuments of history and architecture were destroyed, and in their place appeared strange and, one might even say, pompous buildings, uncharacteristic of Florence. The Second World War also caused enormous damage to the city: the constant bombing of American and British aircraft, as well as the barbaric actions of the Nazis, forever wiped out many ancient buildings and magnificent bridges from the face of the earth.
Another date that the inhabitants of Florence remember with shudder is November 4, 1966: during the flood, more than 250 million cubic meters of water poured into the city from the Arno. True, thanks to the search and restoration work, in which thousands of Italians and residents from other European countries voluntarily participated, a huge number of documents, sculptures and monuments were preserved. However, just over three million (!) priceless ancient books and about 14,000 paintings were damaged. This incident was a good lesson for the Italian authorities, who immediately after the flood took measures to ensure the safety of not only local residents, but also ancient folios, frescoes, manuscripts and paintings.
National Central Library of Florence
Florence: a blooming city
Nowadays, Florence, along with Rome, Venice and Milan, can be called one of the most visited cities in Italy by tourists. A huge number of temples, among which are Santa Croce, Santa Maria del Fiore, Santa Maria Novella; the Uffizi gallery; the palaces of Vecchio, Pitti, Bargello and Strozzi are just a small part of the attractions that, like a magnet, attract hundreds of thousands of tourists to Florence from all over the world. It is in a flourishing city that bridges called Vecchio, Santa Trinita, Ponte alle Grazie can be considered not only a model of engineering, but also real works of art.
In the huge museums of Florence, you can get acquainted with genuine paintings by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, the works of Dante, Galileo Galileo and many others. It is interesting that these geniuses, who lived in different periods of time, were born and worked in a flourishing city. By the way, the historical center of Florence, where you can almost always meet a huge number of travelers from other countries, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. There is nothing surprising in this: even in many scientific (!) publications, the Italian city is often called the city of an open-air museum and even “Italian Athens”.
Ponte Vecchio
Describing all the sights of Florence would probably be superfluous. Even with all the desire to fit them in one material is impossible. Every street, every old house, temple, museum and bridge has an interesting history. In Florence, as well as in its suburbs, tourists do not let go of cameras: here you want to shoot absolutely everything.
At a time when digital cameras were not yet on the market, the sale of film for cameras brought tangible income to local entrepreneurs. However, in this city they “make money” not only on souvenirs, sights, museums and national cuisine. In sunny and sometimes rainy Florence, a wide variety of large-scale festivals are held during the season. The most interesting of them are the Cricket Festival, the Fireworks and the Burning Carriage Festival (!). A visit to a football game will also give a lot of impressions. True, the game is not ordinary: in June, the players of both teams play against each other in costumes that the locals wore during the Middle Ages! In addition, Florence is considered the second capital of fashion after Milan. This city regularly hosts shows of the latest collections from the most famous fashion designers and fashion exhibitions. Thousands of city guests rush to visit Knitwear, Ready-made Dress and Haberdashery.
Triumphal Arch on Freedom Square
Florence: what a tourist needs to know about a flourishing city
Before planning a tour to Florence, all travelers living in the post-Soviet countries should remember that they will not be able to buy a direct ticket to Florence. First you need to fly to Rome, and only then you can get to Florence by train. A trip by car will be remembered for a long time: picturesque landscapes, a lot of sights that you can see on the way to a flourishing city - all this awaits a motorist who has taken care of a green card in advance. By the way, traveling by car in Florence is quite expensive: only parking in the city costs more than 3 euros per hour. In addition, do not forget that it is not possible to get to any sights located in the historical center by car. Only public transport has the right to move along the ancient streets. By the way, if you plan to walk around the city at night, it is best to park the car before dusk. Otherwise, you will have to redeem your vehicle from the impound lot: parking a car at night on the streets in Florence is strictly prohibited.
Spring is considered the best time to visit the blooming city. At this time of the year the air temperature in Florence does not exceed 20-25 degrees Celsius. But in summer it often reaches +38 degrees. However, during this hot and even suffocating time, there are quite a lot of tourists in the city (unlike the locals). No, the guests don't like the heat at all.
Church of the Nativity and St. Nicholas
The thing is that it is in summer that the price of hotel rooms and restaurant visits drops significantly. The advantage of summer can be considered the absence of huge queues to local attractions and museums. Going to Florence in July or August, the traveler should give a sober assessment of his state of health: even a native inhabitant is rather uncomfortable at high ambient temperatures and high humidity. Even in many tourist brochures, all guests of Florence are advised to bring an umbrella from the sun, a rain umbrella and a decent supply of drinking water before the tour.
The capital of Tuscany and the former capital of the Italian Republic, Florence (Firenze, Florentia or Fiorenza) is located on the upper reaches of the Arno River between the hills of the Sense Clavei region. This ancient city (founded in 59 BC by Julius Caesar) has absorbed a colossal number of historical monuments, turning today into one large open-air museum, inscribed in 1982 on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Sights of Florence
The most famous monuments of the city include ("The Old Palace", or the Palace of the Signoria, 1299-1314), the building, the square, the observation deck on, Bargello palaces, pitty(1458-1539, the most grandiose palace of the city with adjacent ones), Rucellai, Strozzi And Medici-Riccardi.
You should definitely visit ("Old Bridge", XIV century) with its famous Corridor Vasariano(a secret passage above the shops of the bridge, specially built for the Medici dynasty, connecting the Palazzo Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery and the Pitti Palace), squares, Piazza della Santissima Annunziata And Piazza della Liberta, bridge Ponte Santa Trinita(1567-1569, the oldest arched bridge in the world), Fountain "Neptune"(1565) in Piazza della Signoria, tropical garden of the Institute of Agronomy, botanical garden Giardino delle Iris(iris flower - a symbol of Florence since 1251) and a tower Bargello.
Almost every quarter of the city has its own church, and almost every one of them is of great artistic value. The best examples of the religious architecture of Florence are the Gothic (1296-1466), the bell tower Giotto(XIV century), basilicas (Medici Chapel, 1393-1419, here are the tombs of members of the Medici clan), (XIII-XIV centuries, here is the famous " Pantheon of Florence"- the graves of the most famous citizens of the city, including Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Galileo, Rossini, Dante and others), Santa Maria Novella(1246-1360) and Della Santissima Annunziata(1250-1520), churches Orsanmichele(1337-1404) and Santo Spirito(XV-XVI centuries), cathedral and monastery San Marco and baptistery San Giovanni("Gate of Paradise", a former defensive tower of the Roman period, rebuilt in the 4th-5th centuries AD) with gilded bronze gates.
Museums in Florence
Florence has a huge number of museums. in Piazza Senoria is not only one of the oldest museums in Italy (1560), but also the most complete and significant collection of Italian painting in the world. Museum San Marco housed in the building of an ancient Dominican monastery (XIV century) and famous for the frescoes and paintings of the great Dominicans Fra Beato Angelico (1395-1455) and Fra Bartolomeo, as well as Savonarola's cell. Also interesting: gallery of the Academy of Fine Arts, Pitti Gallery in royal apartments Palatine Gallery, Gallery of modern art, Silver Museum, Carriage Museum, National Bargello Museum, Archaeological Museum in the palace of Crocetta with an extensive collection of ancient art, Medici Museum in the Medici-Ricardi Palace (XV century), Museum of Zoology and Natural History of La Specola near the Pitti Palace, as well as Opera del Duomo Museum And National Museum of Palazzo Bargello.
And this is only a small part of the attractions of Florence! The city is so rich in historical monuments, works of culture and art that some tourists who come here for the first time experience the so-called "Stendhal syndrome", when the abundance of "beauties" leads to dizziness, palpitations and even fainting. In any case, to see at least part of the unique heritage of the city, you need to spend months and even years here.
Florence is rightfully called the birthplace of the Renaissance and Renaissance culture. Not every city in the world can boast of the birth and residence of the most famous great personalities that we know about today. Renaissance architecture is still alive, although it was created so many centuries ago, today many buildings in the largest cities of the world are built in this style, despite the dominance of high-tech and modern. Florence is one of the few cities that can rightly be called an open-air museum. The city is comfortably located on the banks of the Arno River and is today the administrative center of Tuscany. As of 2013, the population was slightly less than four hundred thousand people. In the old days, Florence was the capital of the Italian kingdom, which is why today we can see all those beauties in the city in the form of castles, palaces where famous rulers of those times lived, cozy squares where the local nobility walked in the form of dukes and duchesses.
Today, Florence is in the TOP-50 of the most fashionable cities in the world and is rightfully considered the most important center of Italian fashion. For decades, the city has been bringing huge profits to the country's treasury due to the endless tourist flow. In general, it is the most important economic and industrial center in the country.
Holidays in Florence
Florence is incredibly beautiful! And this applies not only to sights and antiquities that have survived to this day, but also to the location itself - the city, located on the banks of the Arno River, is surrounded by picturesque hills and plains. Given that three rivers flow through Florence (these are Arno, Greve and Terzole), one can only imagine how many bridges and crossings with a long history are provided in the city!
Climate of Florence
Florence's climate fluctuates between subtropical and Mediterranean. Summer, judging by the weather, lasts from April to mid-October. Winters are warm, but rainy and damp. There were years when the winter in Florence was really cold with rain and snow!
The average daily temperature in the winter months is + 7 degrees Celsius, in summer + 23-25 degrees.
Getting to Florence from Russia
The convenient location of Florence (literally in the center of the "boot") allows you to get to the city by any means of transport if the tourist is traveling in Italy. The sea coast is about a hundred kilometers away. The only caveat is that there are no direct flights from Russia to Florence. Including there are no direct flights by train or bus from major Italian cities. Either way, changes are needed. The exception is personal or rented vehicles.
Air traffic
The most optimal route is Moscow-Rome-Florence. Several airlines deliver passengers on this route - Aeroflot and AllItalia. A ticket in both directions for one passenger - from 15 to 18 thousand rubles (to Rome). Next comes the connection with local airlines. You can, in principle, spend a day in Rome and then go to the Italian paradise by train (fortunately, comfortable travel conditions will be provided). A high-speed train will take you to Florence in an hour and a half, a regular train in three and a half. The cost of a one-way ticket by train varies from 20 to 40 euros per person. The price will largely depend on the level of the car, class of train, distance, etc.
By plane, it is more convenient in terms of speed of delivery - all flights land at the Amerigo Vespucci airport. A bus runs to the city center for a ticket price of five euros and a taxi - you will have to spend around 20-25 euros.
Train ride
There are no direct trains from Russia to Florence, but there are trains to Venice, which is also convenient in terms of the opportunity to spend a whole sightseeing day in this wonderful city on the water. From Venice to Florence there are direct trains operated by Trenitalia. You can also rent a car or go by bus. Travel time Venice-Florence - about three hours. Trains arrive at Santa Maria Novella Central Station, which is located right in the city centre. There is, among other things, another station where trains arrive from cities neighboring Florence.
bus service
There are also no direct bus flights from Moscow or St. Petersburg to Florence. A distance of several thousand kilometers is too far. The only thing is that you can get to any major EU city in the same Germany and from there go by bus to Florence. Let's say from Rome to Florence - three hours by bus and the cost is about 20 euros. All buses arrive at the central bus station, located next to the railway station.
By car
Who goes to Florence by car, you can envy! In a couple of days on the way, a tourist will see not only the charm of the Alps, sunflower and poppy fields, amazing in their scale and beauty, but also the largest European cities. From Moscow you will have to go through Belarus (along the M1 highway), then to Poland and from it (choosing the most optimal route for cities and countries) to Italy. It will take about 30 hours and 2,700 kilometers from Moscow without stopping.
Transport links in Florence
There is no subway in the city. This is understandable. Its size is almost ten times smaller than the area of Rome. There will be enough trams and buses to get around. It is also important that all the most interesting things can be seen by walking around the city. Almost all sights and major tourist sites are located in the central part of the city and a little further away from it. By the way, the movement of vehicles in the historic center is significantly limited, which is worth remembering for those who decide to rent a car to travel around Florence.
There are a lot of buses. Even too much for such a small city. There are about a hundred routes of movement. Impressive, isn't it? Eco-friendly electric buses run in the city center, the distinguishing feature of which is their small size and designation (C1, C2, C3 and D). The main carrier is the state-owned company - ATAF, which offers passengers a unified fare system. The price for an hour and a half transfer (during this time you can get on and off the bus as many times as you like) is 1.20 euros. A daily subscription will cost five euros, a subscription for three days will already cost - 12 euros. For tourists planning to stay in Florence for a week or more, a seven-day pass worth 18 euros is suitable. At night, ticket prices increase - from eight in the evening until three in the morning you will have to pay four euros.
Bus tickets can be bought in the ATAF special hall at the railway station, in tobacco shops, bars, shops and kiosks selling periodicals. Those who did not have time to purchase a ticket in advance can do it directly from the driver, but more expensive - for two euros.
In Florence, a tram service has recently been launched, which was closed more than fifty years ago. Today, the line connects the central railway station with the Scandicci area, located on the very outskirts of the city. For tourists, a tram ride is a real opportunity to get to know the city for a small fee. Considering that the tram runs literally every five minutes and the travel time is twenty minutes, you can safely go on a trip.
Florentine Taxi
A taxi ride obliges passengers to pay for literally everything, from calling a car from a hotel to transporting luggage. Landing - a little more than three euros, calling the car - 2 euros, the fourth and fifth passengers - plus 1 euro for each, luggage - 1 euro. The minimum fee for the route, regardless of distance, is 5 euros. At night and on holidays - more expensive. From the airport to the city center you will have to pay about 20 euros, from one railway station to another - 10 euros.
Cheap and cheerful you can get from the airport to the city center and back on special VolaInBus shuttles. The cost of a one-way trip is 5 euros (round-trip about 8 euros). Buses run daily from five in the morning until midnight. Their main parking places are: BusItalia bus station, air terminal, Gallery station.
Sights of Florence
Five breathtaking basilicas, more than six majestic churches, the beautiful Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, many museums, galleries and exhibition centers, six palaces from different eras that have survived to this day, seven squares (Piazza), which are definitely worth a visit, being in Florence!
The city is conditionally divided into two parts. This conditional division is based on the flowing Arno River and the location of the districts on both sides of it. The historical center is located on the north side of the Arno. By the way, the historical center is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Historic center of Florence - the holy of all saints
It is better to start your journey around the city, namely its historical part, from Duomo Square. Literally a step away from it is the bell tower, created by the great Giotto, belonging to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. The entire historical center is one big architectural masterpiece! You should definitely take a day, or even two, to calmly and without haste wander through its cozy romantic streets and admire all the beauties.
Most of the architectural creations belong to such famous personalities as Brunelleschi, Donatello, Milecangelo and other great architects.
San Lorenzo - a unique area of the city
Another interesting area from a tourist point of view is San Lorenzo, where there is a lively trade in absolutely everything, from souvenirs to jewelry. What interesting things will a tourist see in San Lorenzo? Firstly, the temple, built in the fourth century, where representatives of the Medici clan are buried. Secondly, it is a huge monastery of San Marco, striking in its architecture, and thirdly, the most famous market in the area.
Santa Croce
The area is located east of the central part of the city. The main attractions are the Church of Santa Croce, which the locals rightly consider the main pearl of the city's architecture. Three palaces (Spinelli, Cocchi Serristori, Antella) will amaze you with their beauty and scale. Also in this area is the house where the architect and great painter Giorgio Vasari once lived. The area is optimal in terms of tourist accommodation - the prices for hotel rooms do not "bite", and the historical center is actually a stone's throw away.
Oltrarno area
The Ponte Vecchio bridge leads to another remarkable area - Oltrarno, where there are many galleries, exhibition halls, museums, cozy restaurants, whose chefs will delight tourists with wonderful Florentine specialties. What you should definitely visit in Oltrarno is the temple of Santa Maria del Carmine, where the walls are decorated with incredibly beautiful frescoes. By the way, there are several temples in the area and each of them will impress in its own way.
The largest concentration of monasteries, churches with beautiful architecture and the most important artistic value is in the Coverciano area.
Mini trip to Florence
If you take bus number 7, you can get to the attractive, cozy and very beautiful city of Fiesole, which is literally within walking distance from Florence. From any point of it, a wonderful view opens up both to the valley where Florence is located, and to the city itself.
Buses run from Florence throughout the Tuscan region. You can arrange a good trip to cities such as Pisa, Siena, visit the coastal zone of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The bus station is next to the central train station, from where regional buses leave. Let's say you can get to Siena in just an hour and pay about 8 euros for a ticket. It is easier and more interesting to travel to Pisa by train. Cost - 8 euros, travel time - about an hour and a half.
Pedicabs - a bit of Asia in the heart of Italy.
For many tourists, the presence of cycle rickshaws on the roads of Florence becomes a surprise. This direction of transportation has been actively developing in recent years. The cost of a trip for two adults (or one adult and two children) is 15 euros, a walk for an hour will cost 45 euros. By the way, you can ride for free - a lot of volunteers happily agree to work without pay.
A piece of England in Florence - double-decker red buses with a Russian-speaking audio guide invite you to travel!
Florence also has its own double-decker "English" red buses plying the main tourist routes. It is possible to use the audio guide in Russian. For couples with children there is a system of discounts. In total, there are three bus lines in the city - A, B. C. A "package" of tickets for one adult will cost 20 euros. The cost of two-day trips is 25 euros, three-day trips - 30 euros. A ticket for a child will cost twice as much. By the way, when buying a ticket for a sightseeing bus, you can use it on regular buses and trams.
Boat trips: a romantic and exciting journey through Florence.
River buses (or pleasure boats) with a capacity of up to forty people run along the most important river of Florence - the Arno. You can explore the city from an unusual angle, but the fact that it is beautiful, exciting and interesting is an indisputable fact. A wonderful panorama opens up from the water, beautiful landscapes and indelible impressions remain. The only time of the year when motor ships do not sail along the Arno and do not carry tourists is winter. The rest of the time, the course of the river is calm and walks on the water are held regularly.
Here's what you can really do to explore Florence - rent a bike!
There are a lot of bike paths in the city, given its small size. In total, about eighty kilometers of trails for outdoor enthusiasts and two-wheeled vehicles are provided by the local authorities. Bicycle rental - at the central railway station and in the Via Ghiberti area. The rental is open from March to October all days of the week except Sunday.
Internet, telephony, Wi-Fi
An interesting fact is that Florentines, and Italians in general, practically do not use the Internet in public places. Local residents do not have a particular need for Wi-Fi, so the service is designed exclusively for visiting tourists from Russia, China and America. If you want to use wireless access to the global network in hotels, you will have to pay from five to seven euros daily. True, some hotels offer free internet access. This information must be clarified at the stage of booking rooms. There are practically no Wi-Fi points in restaurants and cafes either.
firenzecard
In Florence, the Firenzecard bonus card is popular with tourists who dream of exploring the city up and down upon arrival in the city with parallel visits to museums, galleries and exhibition halls. Its cost is 72 euros, it is designed for 3 days and includes free admission to seventy-two museums! What is the advantage of buying this card? First of all, the possibility of free passage (without standing in kilometer-long queues) to any museum. Secondly, Firenzecard will pay off without a doubt if you plan to visit most of the city's museums (the average cost of a museum ticket for a visitor is 6 euros). You can buy a card at any museum ticket office or on the website of the seller.
Florentine cafes and restaurants
The city has a huge number of cafes, restaurants, trattorias where you can have a great lunch, dinner or just have a light snack. Restaurants have a table reservation system. This should be done especially in the most popular restaurants of the city, it is not always possible to come and dine without a "reservation". The average check per person in a restaurant is 40 euros.
More democratic prices for a meal - in trattorias. And the most affordable price tag will, of course, be in pizzerias. But if you want to eat almost for free, and even eat to satiety, then this is only in tavola kalda - something like our canteens, only tastier, more satisfying. The only "but" - "canteens" start working from lunch until five or seven in the evening. In general, a tourist can have a bite to eat for five to seven euros, lunch - 15-18 euros per person.
The "golden rule" of gastronomy is that restaurants and cafes in the historical center are not the best in terms of food quality and its cost. Around the Duomo, they generally fight at high prices, so you should not be lazy and take a walk for a snack from the center to less busy areas, for example, Oltrarno or Santa Croce - this is where a gastronomic paradise really awaits a tourist at an affordable price.
There are a lot of interesting facts about Florence that you should definitely know about when going to this wonderful Italian city.
It's hard to believe, but it's true: Michelangelo, Petrarch, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli and many other outstanding personalities were born and lived in Florence!
The heraldic symbol of the city is the iris, which grows in its vicinity.
For six years Florence was the capital of the Italian kingdom (1865-1871).
The language that all Italians speak today came about thanks to Dante. It was he who wrote his "Divine Comedy" in the Florentine dialect.
In the city's Santa Croce church, there is a tombstone that became the prototype for New York's Statue of Liberty. In general, Santa Croce is known not only for its tombstone. It was after the writer Stendhal visited this spiritual abode that the world-famous Stendhal Syndrome appeared. Stendhal Syndrome is characterized by: palpitations, a feeling of floating in the air, dizziness, a high probability of loss of orientation. It usually occurs at the moment of acquaintance with works of art, when a person tends to be transferred to the reality depicted in the picture or walls.
And in the church there are very beautiful and famous frescoes by Giotto, about three hundred tombs with burial places of great Italian personalities, and the flooring itself is laid with tombstones. At one time, Stendhal described his condition after visiting the church of Santa Croce - dizzy, breathing stopped, the state was on the verge of losing consciousness from all the beauty and grandeur that had to be seen in the walls of the spiritual temple.
The statue of David, installed in Signoria Square, an exact copy - the original, due to the high probability of its destruction, was transported to the Academy of Arts.
The Pitti Palace contains a whole collection of paintings made in the style of impressionism. It was in Florence that the Mariaoli School of Painting was opened in the 19th century, where students painted their canvases in this style, which is most famous today.
Many guests of the city are surprised by the six-pointed Star of David, which is an ornament on most buildings in Florence. In fact, this star has nothing to do with Jews - in the last century it was used exclusively as an ornament without any semantic background.
The flood that overtook the city in 1966 left an indelible mark on its history - many architectural monuments were damaged, collections of old books were lost. Today, the fact that the water in some areas of the city reached a mark of four meters is reminiscent of the signs installed on the buildings, which indicate the water level.
In the suburbs of Florence is the grave of Galileo Galilei, so well known to us. It is noteworthy that the tombstone depicts the satellites of Pluto, but not the main discovery of the genius - the solar system. This order was given by the Pope. On the day Galileo died, Isaac Newton was born.
By the way, after the flood, in fact, the main gates of the Baptistery - the "Gates of Paradise" - were damaged. They had to be replaced with an exact copy, which today can be seen at the entrance. By the way, the same copy of the gate was installed in St. Petersburg in the Kazan Cathedral.
It is in Florence that you can see the largest synagogue in Italy, the beauty of which literally takes your breath away! Inside the synagogue there is a museum and a restaurant serving kosher meals. The synagogue is rarely closed - on Shabbat, for example, it does not function even for the Jewish population.
Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky wrote his famous "Idiot" in Florence, where he lived for two whole years.
Few people know that the city has an Orthodox church built in the seventeenth century in the traditional architectural style.
If you want to have fun, you can go closer to the night to the church of Santo Spirito, located on the left bank of the Arno River. It is not far from the church that the city youth constantly gathers, performances of artists of various styles are held, dances in the Italian style are arranged, and cozy cafes and restaurants beckon with their fragrant dishes.
The best panoramic views of Florence will open to the tourist if you walk along Viale den Colli.
In Florence, many hotels open summer terraces where you can not only admire the beauties of the city, but also arrange a pleasant aperitif. And the appetizers in the restaurants of Florence are divine! And it is not necessary to be a guest of a hotel with a summer terrace. For example, every Thursday at half past seven in the evening, the Grand Hotel Minerva invites everyone to the summer terrace open on the roof from June to August! The tourist will have a stunning view of the city, each element of which can be examined in detail through telescopes (installed on the roof). Also as a "bonus" - live music and songs performed by Florentine musicians,
If you want to see Brunelleschi's dome with your own eyes, which will literally open in full view, you should definitely go up to the panoramic platform located on the roof of Rinascente - one of the most famous department stores in the city.
In Florence there is an ancient bridge that survived completely even after the destructive action of the Second World War. The date of its construction is 1345. The bridge is called Ponte Vecchio.
Road signs installed in the city will definitely cheer up everyone! The applied images are so original that they involuntarily bring a smile to the face.
What you should definitely try while in Florence are flour products and dishes made from meat offal. This is the basis of actually Italian cuisine - the food of the Tuscan peasants, so they cook it with trepidation and some kind of special love.
The most beautiful Medicea di Pratolino park can be seen in this wonderful city. The central element of the park-estate is the Apennine collos - a majestic statue that impresses with its beauty and size! The inside of the statue is hollow; a ladder is provided for climbing to its different levels. You can look at the city, for example, from the eye. Interesting, isn't it? By the way, exhibitions and theatrical performances are often held in this park.
The name of the city is translated as "blooming". And this is the real truth! There is no such number of living plantings, flower beds, breathtaking floral arrangements in any other city. Natural beauty is abundantly flavored with architectural beauty, well-groomedness, grandeur and is served to guests, which is why the emotions and impressions of the Florentine vacation remain in memory for many years, and you want to visit good old Florence again to plunge into its incredible beauty.