One of the world's most beautiful cities Florence attracts millions of visitors each year to see its impressive architecture, unparallel collection of artworks and stunning Tuscan backdrop. A true gem of a destination a trip to Florence is bound to be unforgettable.

History

Florence was originally founded by Julius Caesar in 59 BC as a settlement for his veteran soldiers and was built in the style of an army camp. Due to its prime location at the Via Cassia – the main route between Rome and the north – an in the lush valley the Arno the settlement soon flourished into an important commercial centre. In 774 AD Florence was conquered by Charlemagne and became part of the Duchy of Tuscany. In 1000 AD Margrave Hugo chose Florence as his residency instead of Lucca and golden age of Florentine art began at this time. From 1382 the Albizzi family took control of Florence until the rise of bitter rivals the Medici family in 1434. Lorenzo de’Medici succeeded Piero in 1469 and, as a great patron of the arts, commissioned works by the likes of Michelangelo, Botticelli and Da Vinci. 1494 saw Medici rule end following Florentine rebellion and the subsequent expulsion of Piero II. Following this a republican government was restored. In 1865 Florence replaced Turin as the capital of Italy but lost the title a mere six years later. During this period Florence was modernised with the introduction of a more formal street plan and new houses. Florence today is the capital of Tuscany and probably the best preserved Renaissance city in the world making it one of Italy’s prime tourist spots.

Getting In & Getting Around

Visitors flying to Florence will more than likely have to fly to Pisa’s Galileo Galilei Airport, one of Italy’s main transport hubs with flights arriving form a large number of European destinations. Galileo Galilei Airport is connected to Florence by regular rail and bus services. Florence’s smaller Amerigo Vespucci Airport is just a fifteen minute bus ride from the city centre serving a number of domestic and European destinations. Santa Maria Novella is the main station in Florence and provides connections to a wide range of Italian and European cities including Naples, Rome, Pisa, Paris, Zurich and Munich. In the city itself there is a comprehensive bus network which covers most of the city. The historic centre is relatively compact making it easy to navigate on foot.

Culture, Sights & Attractions

Florence is one of Italy’s most popular cities for tourism offering a wide range of sights and attractions ready to be explored. The Piazza della Signoria located in the heart of Florence is the most famous square in the city. With many sights including Michelangelo’s David and the Palazzo Vecchio located in the square it’s a great place to start on your trip to Florence. Dominated by the towering cathedral dome, the Campanile (bell tower) and Baptistery the Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square) is one of the many must-visits in Florence. The beautiful river Arno meanders its way through the city and is a great spot to walk along, stopping to admire the impressive bridges along the way – particularly the iconic Ponte Vecchio (Vecchio Bridge). There are so many art masterpieces to be admired in this glorious city that it is difficult to know where to begin and if you only have time to go to one gallery the Galleria degli Uffizi (Uffizi Gallery), home to the most important collection of artworks in Italy, is a definite must.  When you have explored all the sights Florence is a great city to indulge in a spot of shopping. Try the Via Tornabuoni for exclusive boutiques or San Lorenzo market for some bargains.

Eating Out

From Michelin starred restaurants to popular take away food stands there is plenty of choice for places to eat out in Florence. Gelato (ice cream) is a local speciality with Florentine gelato considered to be the best in Italy. Enjoy some at one of the many gelaterias scattered across the city.

Outside The City

Florence is a great starting point for touring the beautiful region of Tuscany. Fiesole is a pretty city located in the hills above Florence and is a great spot for admiring stunning views over Florence and the rest of Tuscany. Pisa, the city home to the iconic Torre Pendente (Leaning Tower), is easily reached by train. Here you can climb to the top of the Leaning Tower, explore the impressive Duomo di Pisa (Cathedral of Pisa) and more. The city of Lucca is just a short train ride away and is a great spot for sightseeing. See the Roman amphitheatre, walk the old city walls and admire the unusual Torre Guinigi – the tower in the centre of the city with trees atop it. The Chianti region, one of Italy’s prime wine regions, is easily accessible from Florence. Here you can tour the wineries, sample the exquisite wines and admire the beautiful scenery.

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