The facinating city of Florence

Florence is a beautiful city in Tuscany, Italy. Situated on the banks of River Arno, it has a fascinating history dating back to Middle Ages and its role in Renaissance in Italy was very substantial and in that context apart from its wealth was regarded as “Athens” of Italy. It is a World Heritage site and tourists pour into it in large number. As a centre of arts, culture, traditions and values it is unique in Italy is also considered as one of the most beautiful cities in the world! Such giants like Boccacio, Machiavelli, Galileo, Michaelangelo, Gucci and Pucci were born in this place! The city also sports Walls of the medieval age as a relic.

Florence presents an array of beautiful buildings, religious and secular, noted for their elegant Renaissance architecture. Santa Maria del Fiore, popularly known as the The Duomo is perhaps the finest Cathedral in Florence. The adjoining Campanile and the Baptistery are also remarkable structures.  Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, Santa Croce, San Lorenzo, San Marco are some other fine churches to be visited. In fact there are atleast thirty more churches exuding extra-ordinary grace and beauty besides giving solace and repose to the religiously inclined. The Cupola, Campanile de Giotto and San Miniato Al monte are all fine structures and a visit to them is a must in the itinerary of the tourists! One of the great attractions is the Fountain of Neptune, a great marble structure located in Piszza della Signoria in the heart of the city.

A visitor cannot afford to miss the Palazzio Vecchio is the town hall of the city. It sports a replica of Michelangelo’s David. The façade and interior grace are quite remarkable. Palazzo Medici Riccardi houses these days as the headquarters of the province but has a number of museums within it. Its purpose as the Royal palace of the past could easily be discerned from the majesty of the structure. The worth of a visit to Palazzo Pitti can hardly be exaggerated. The remarkable collection of paintings and artifacts is an inspiration of mankind to preserve the best from the past to be transmitted to the future.

Palazzo Strossi is a secular structure largely used for modern day international exhibitions but its exalted beauty and grace is renascent in spirit. Palazzo Davanzati is as great building exhibiting integrated features of earlier styles in its façade and sports a museum too within!

The Boboli Gardens gradually grew to its present grandeur over hundreds of years. The peace, repose and charms are enduring in this park. Bardini Garden and Parco Delli Cascine are two more parks with incredible charm and beauty and one is lost in the admiration of the thoughts that have gone into the making of these parks.

The nightlife in Florence is equally remarkable for its diversities and opportunities. There is an air of total relaxation, be it in dining, dancing or consuming wine. Some of the best food in Italian and European styles could be had at modest prices in a number of places. The ambience in the clubs and pubs is rich in culture, grace and understanding. Teatro Communale and Maggio Musicale Fiorentono are noted for their fulfilling the needs of a theatre-loving tourist. Music and drama and dances are part of the rich heritage in Florence.

There are plenty of great accommodations available in Florence. From star hotels to youth hostels, from budget hotels to business and educational groups varied but comfortable lodgings are available. Transports present no problem either in this city.

A visit to Florence is not just a tourist’s digression. It is a dip in the cultural feast of the past, a reinvigorating experience of the Renaissance Spirit and a holy view of the religious side of Christianity as well. People long to get back frequently to Florence for the various charms it offers.