Patron of Florence. The most interesting squares in Florence. Scooters, Segways, bicycles

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, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1982.

Sights of Florence

The most famous monuments of the city include (the "Old Palace", or the Palace of the Signoria, 1299-1314), a building, a square, an observation deck on, Bargello palaces, Pitti(1458-1539, the most grandiose palace of the city with adjacent ones), Rucellai, Strozzi And Medici-Riccardi.

It is definitely worth a visit ("Old Bridge", XIV century) with its famous Corridoro 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 arch bridge in the world), fountain "Neptune"(1565) in Piazza della Signoria, tropical garden of the Institute of Agronomy, botanical garden Giardino delle Iris(the iris flower is a symbol of Florence since 1251) and a tower Bargello.

Almost every quarter of the city has its own church, and almost each of them is of great artistic value. The best examples of religious architecture in Florence include the Gothic (1296-1466), bell tower Giotto(XIV century), basilicas (Capella Medici, 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(“Gates of Paradise”, a former defensive tower of the Roman period, rebuilt in the 4th-5th centuries AD) with gilded bronze gates.

Museums of Florence

Florence has a huge number of museums. in Piazza della 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 is located in the building of an ancient Dominican monastery (XIV century) and is famous for the frescoes and paintings of the great Dominicans Fra Beato Angelico (1395-1455) and Fra Bartolomeo, as well as the cell of Savonarola. Also interesting: Gallery of the Academy of Fine Arts, Pitti gallery in the royal apartments, Palatine Gallery, Gallery of Contemporary Art, Silver Museum, Carriage Museum, National Bargello Museum, Archaeological Museum in the Crocetta Palace with an extensive collection of ancient art, Medici Museum in the Medici-Riccardi Palace (XV century), Museum of Zoology and Natural History La Specola near the Pitti Palace, and also 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, increased heart rate and even fainting. In any case, to see at least part of the city’s unique heritage, you need to spend months and even years here.

City, adm. c. region Tuscany, Italy. Mentioned in 200 BC. e. like Etruscan. Faesuiae village. At the turn of the century e. Rome. colony of Florentina from Latin. florens blooming, prosperous, happy or Florence Tuscorum Florence Tuscorum, i.e. ... ... Geographical encyclopedia

Florence- Florence. Panorama of the city. FLORENCE, city in Italy. 408 thousand inhabitants. Metallurgy, various mechanical engineering; chemical, oil refining, textile, shoe leather, woodworking, glass, printing, food... ... Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

Florence- >.). /> Florence. Palazzo della Signoria (.). Florence. Palazzo della Signoria (.). Florence is a city in Central Italy, in the region of Tuscany. Founded in the 1st century. BC. by the Romans at the site of the Ligurian settlement. In the Middle Ages, an important craft trade... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary of World History

FLORENCE, city in Italy. 408 thousand inhabitants. Metallurgy, various mechanical engineering; chemical, oil refining, textile, shoe leather, woodworking, glass, printing, food industries. Production… … Modern encyclopedia

A city in Central Italy, in the region of Tuscany. Founded in the 1st century. BC. by the Romans at the site of the Ligurian settlement. In the Middle Ages, an important craft trade center, which, having subjugated significant lands around the city, became a city state... ... Historical Dictionary

Firenze, a city in Central Italy, the center of the historical region of Tuscany. Picturesquely located in a spacious intermountain basin on the Arno River. One of the largest and most beautiful cities of museums in the world, which has preserved its historical appearance.... ... Art encyclopedia

Noun, number of synonyms: 2 city (2765) name (1104) ASIS synonym dictionary. V.N. Trishin. 2013… Synonym dictionary

Florence- (Florence), originally a city state in the North. Italy. Founded by the Romans in the 1st century. BC. as a colony for veterans, it survived barbarian raids in the 5th and 6th centuries. AD and came into the possession of the Carolingians in the 8th century. Becoming the center of the diocese, and by the 11th century. commune, F... The World History

- (Firenze) a city in Central Italy, one of the most important economic and cultural centers of the country. Administrative center of the province of Florence and the region of Tuscany. Located on the river. Arno, in the center of the intermountain basin. 464.9 thousand inhabitants... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia

- (Firenze), a city in Central Italy, the administrative center of the province of Florence and the region of Tuscany. 393 thousand inhabitants (1994). One of the main economic and cultural centers of the country. Mechanical engineering (heavy, electrical, radio-electronic... encyclopedic Dictionary

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• Florence, Arie L.. To see Florence and spend an unforgettable vacation in this cultural capital of Europe, be inspired by masterpieces of art, walk along the unusually beautiful streets, enjoy the magnificent…

Even by Italian, clearly inflated standards , - an unusual city. The birthplace of the Renaissance, a cultural phenomenon that unusually enlivened the gloomy picture of the Middle Ages. Directing humanity along a new, much more promising path. Literally curing him of his inertia, ending his stagnation. And it gave impetus to development, which led to the formation of the Western civilization as we know it today.

Naturally, a city that stood at the origins of such a large-scale movement is capable of leaving many notches in the memory. Moreover, it is quite possible to see the main attractions of Florence in 2-3 days. Not because there are few of them, none at all, but due to their very compact location.

We remember that in the summer, that is, during the high season, the streets of the “Flower of Tuscany” are not crowded with tourists. And therefore, the chances of giving yourself a bump by colliding head-on with a fellow lover of beauty are immeasurably higher than having time to look at all the most interesting things!

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 can be assumed, not without reason, that the Etruscans pushed him to take this step. Whose settlement of Fezula (now Fiesole, a chic suburb of Florence, an area of ​​wealthy mansions and villas of the local elite) already existed by that time.

Ancient Rome and the Middle Ages

Originally called Fluentia, Florence later acquired its modern name. The meaning is very simple: “blooming” (florentia). As you can see, the saying “whatever you call a ship, that’s how it will sail” turned out to be true in this case. Florence sailed proudly!

Thanks to its extremely advantageous strategic location (a stone's throw from the sea), Florence quickly transformed from a fortified camp into a city. If at the time of 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 had grown so much that it was erecting the third row of city walls. By the time of the plague of 1348, the city's population was 94 thousand people. The epidemic that occurred claimed more than half the lives.

By the 15th century, Florence had become thoroughly rich - the basis of the fortunes of local oligarchs was trade and banking. In 1406, they purchased it from the Genoese for just 206 florins. Once one of the most formidable competitors.

Florence and the Medici

In 1434, a representative of the famous banking family (they started out as doctors - hence the surname) Cosimo Medici came to power in the city, whose power was later 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 Dukes of Florence). But this was enough to decorate the main square of Florence, Signoria, with Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the statue of David.

Today, in the Lanzi loggia there is only a copy of the four-meter giant, and the original adorns the hall in the Academy Gallery. But the citadel of the city’s rulers is still there... As is 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 in the minds of tourists is identified with this city. The family ended only in 1737 with the death of its last representative, Gian Gastone. The capital of Tuscany, together with the entire region, came under Austrian rule.

Florence is the capital of Italy

Conquered by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1800, Florence and its monuments were largely undamaged. Except that one of the main pearls of the city, the statue of Venus de Medici, changed its registration and went to France (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 welcoming and serving tourists. And he leads a slightly detached life, seemingly in little contact with reality.

However, the harsh reality reminded 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, a severe 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 townspeople.

When to go

Today, Florence remains a fairly large city (about 370 thousand inhabitants), whose population increases many times over in the spring and summer months. Italians themselves, as well as citizens of neighboring countries, gladly come here for the Easter holidays; other tourists arrive in full flow from May to September.

It is best to go to the capital of Tuscany in mid-spring, when the sun is just beginning to attract with its warmth, and potential travelers are still figuring out their vacation plans.

The weather in Florence in May or even April is ideal for the curious tourist - but others don’t come here!

In summer it can be hot and very stuffy. The swampy lowland has its effect, the hills surrounding the city in a ring happily accumulate moisture in the river valley.

In September and October, the heat subsides, and the rains do not fall so often as to ruin walking tours around the city. In November, the sky over Florence is constantly overcast and precipitation is frequent.

For those who are in a hurry, one day is probably enough to get acquainted with 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 require at least 2-3 days.

The main architectural pearls 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 ancient 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 by the imposing town hall building, Palazzo Vecchio. It is believed to have been 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 stone blocks. With fortress battlements on the roof and a high tower dominating the medieval city (height - 94 meters)

It was here that the Republican Councils once met, and from here the formidable Medici dictated their will.

By the way, you can climb to the top of the tower (on foot) and look at the rooftops and hills from above. See the Florentine Duomo, its blazing red-brown dome and Giotto’s bell tower, the Basilica of Santa Croce...

Note that “David,” like most sculptures of that time, was carved from a block of Carrara marble. Material also mined in Tuscany.

Piazza della Signoria

In the square you can also admire the sculpture “Judith with the Head of Holofernes” - this is an original work by 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, among other things, “Perseus with the Head of Medusa” by Benvenuto Cellini.

• By the way, this elegant structure was built only 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 (away from 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 giant was dictated by the desire to show off the eyes of all of Italy. Declaring Florence as the first city of Europe.

The cathedral, however, became a long-term construction project (started at the end of the 13th century - completed in the 19th century), 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 capture the entire building in his lens.

The famous spanless dome of the brilliant architect Brunelleschi, who was the first to come up with a complex, double-hull (external and internal vault) design, the beautiful green and white marble facade decorated with pointed arches and statues and the wonderfully proportioned square bell tower of Giotto together leave an indelible impression.

Next to the cathedral is the Bapsistery of San Giovanni, where all the famous Florentines were baptized. They say this is the oldest surviving building in the city. The ceiling of the small octagonal building in Romanesque style 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 the restructuring. And in the Medici Chapel lie the most prominent representatives of the powerful family. The sculpture for the chapel, the famous allegories “Day” and “Night”, “Morning” and “Evening” was sculpted by Michelangelo. And many art critics 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 it.

Among the iconic sights of the Tuscan capital, we will mention, once the main Franciscan church in Europe. And also the tomb of the most famous sons of Italy. Here rest: Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Galileo, Rossini, Marconi, Fermi.

There is also a tombstone of Dante Alighieri, the famous Florentine. However, 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 the genius. As if declaring that he would not send Dante’s remains to a city that did not appreciate him during his lifetime.

Pitti

On the other side of the Arno, if you take a left after leaving the Ponte Vecchio, you will find a majestic view with the Boboli Gardens behind.

The Renaissance palace was built by the Medici's enemy and competitor in the struggle for power, the banker Pitti. Subsequently, it was turned into the main residence of the Medici, and then the entire Tuscan Duchy.

• The Palatine Gallery, located 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. And also paintings by Titian and Tintoretto, Giorgione and Caravaggio, Rubens and Van Dyck, Murillo...

Another wonderful place where the lion's share of panoramic photos of Florence is taken is Piazzale Michelangelo in the southern part of the city. The views are breathtaking, and no sightseeing tour will pass by this point.

Where to eat

The author of these lines tried to eat in Florence twice and was dissatisfied each time. It’s not very tasty (store-bought frozen pizza from the Conad supermarket looks preferable), the service is lacking in desire and warmth - there are too many tourists - and the prices... The only consolation is that in Venice it’s 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 additional tips.

It makes more sense 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’s not so easy to do this by plane - unfortunately, there are no direct flights from Russia to the Tuscan capital. First you will have to get to Pisa or Verona: by plane and train.

You can also get there by car or train: both from other cities in Italy and Europe.

The founding date of Florence is traditionally considered to be 59 BC. e., when in the valley of the Arno River a settlement was founded for veteran legionnaires of the army of Julius Caesar. According to legend, this happened in the spring, during the festivals of the goddess of flowers Flora, who personifies the spring awakening of nature. The city owes its name to her.

During the Roman period, structures characteristic of that time were erected here - baths, an amphitheater, an aqueduct. To this day, in the central part of the city, around the former Forum (today the Republic Square), the rectangular street layout typical of the Romans has been preserved. By the end of the 2nd century, Florence had become a full-fledged city, housing the headquarters of the commander of the legion controlling the region of all of modern Tuscany. The god of war, Mars, was considered the patron saint of the city.

In the 4th century Christianity established itself here. Florence became an archdiocese, and the cult of Mars was replaced by the worship of John the Baptist, the new patron of the city.

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 retreated into the shadows for a while. In 744, the Frankish king Charlemagne captured the Lombard kingdom, and a little later the Tuscan Margraviate, formally part of the Holy Roman Empire, was founded on these lands.

At the beginning of the 12th century, taking advantage of the period of aggravated 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 municipal autonomy of the city. Florence gradually began to capture 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 initially owed its rise from a small town to a thriving city-state to the wool trade. The guild of wool merchants 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 garments and sold them throughout the Mediterranean. Huge income laid the foundations for 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 rich people of Florence manipulated the government with the help of the Guelph party (supporters of the pope), which was in confrontation with the Ghibellines (supporters of the emperor). The history of this confrontation is captured in the works of Dante, Machiavelli, and Shakespeare. In the 15th century in Florence, the struggle between them intensified, and rich merchants brought to power a man from their class - Cosimo de' Medici. His descendants ruled in Florence until the 18th century. Both the “golden age” of the city during the Renaissance and the end of republican rule are associated with the Medici. In 1569, Florence, expanded by the lands of neighboring cities, became the capital of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.

In 1737, the Medici ducal line ended and Tuscany passed into Habsburg hands. During the Napoleonic wars, Florence had the status of the capital of the kingdom of Etruria formed in Tuscany, which became one of the provinces of France. In 1814, Tuscany returned to Habsburg control.

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 city boundaries to the nearest foothills and the emergence of the industrial area of ​​Rifredi.

In 1944, during the period of hostilities, when the front passed along the Arno River, the city was bombed more than once. Moreover, while retreating, German troops blew up all the bridges, with the exception of the Ponte Vecchio, which was saved. A devastating cataclysm occurred in Florence in 1966, when during the flood of the Arno River the 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 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. These buildings are distinguished from other Romanesque churches in Italy by the clear lines of their facades and original decor. The Gothic style that replaced the Romanesque style in Florence also has its own individual characteristics.

In the 13th century, local nobility and wealthy merchant families spared no expense in developing the city, wanting to present it and, of course, themselves in a favorable light. The most famous masters of that time began to come here. The most famous of them was Arnolfo di Cambio. The creations of this architect - the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Palazzo Vecchio, the Church of Santa Croce - still amaze with their beauty and determine the entire appearance of the city.

A contemporary of Arnolfo di Cambio was the painter Cimabue, in whose works the plasticity of 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, the 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 volumetric 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. Rich Florentine families, competing in patronage of art, contributed to its flourishing. The ruling Medici family also played an important role in the prosperity of Florence. The Dukes Cosimo I and Lorenzo the Magnificent became especially famous for their love of beauty and patronage of the arts. Thus, Cosimo de' 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 in his charitable deeds, earning the nickname “The Magnificent.” He was also distinguished by his skillful management. When the politician and thinker Machiavelli wrote the treatise “The Prince,” a popular reference book among the powers that be today, he was inspired by the actions of Duke Lorenzo.

Outstanding representatives of the Florentine Renaissance school were Filippo Brunelleschi, the creator of the colossal dome of the cathedral, and the sculptor Donatello, 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, and the artists Desiderio da Settignano, Mino da Fiesole, Antonio Rossellino.

The zenith of the Renaissance in Florence was marked by the work of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Raphael Santi. But the beginning of the decline of the great century of Florence is also associated with these names. Da Vinci left here in 1506 for France, and Raphael and Michelangelo moved to Rome. With the exception of the painting “Adoration of the Magi,” Leonardo left almost nothing in Florence. Michelangelo's legacy is more expressive. In Florence, among his other masterpieces, there is the famous “David” - the largest marble sculpture since antiquity. Raphael glorified Florence with his series of paintings called the Florentine Madonnas.

Near the cathedral stands Giotto's bell tower, named after its creator, although other famous architects also took part in the construction. There are 285 steps leading to the top of this grandiose tower. From here the whole of Florence is at your fingertips, and you get a strange feeling of flying.

To the north is one of the oldest public buildings in Florence - the Bargello. There was once a prison here, as well as a place of executions. Today the building houses the Museum of Sculpture and Applied Arts, where works by Donatello, Michelangelo, Cellini, and Giambologna are collected. 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 traditions. Here and now a real market gathers every day. It was closed several times, but the ancient tradition is ineradicable - the 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 almost became their own home temple.

Behind the church is the entrance to the Medici Chapel, the tomb of the famous family, for which Michelangelo created two remarkable tombs depicting Night and Day, Dawn and Twilight. Next to San Lorenzo, Michelangelo's exquisite staircase was erected, leading to the Laurentian Library.

In this area it is also worth visiting the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, a huge but elegant structure where the Medici lived before moving 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 maintained an attitude towards it as a theatrical performance, and even a light snack here is accompanied by appropriate decoration. The Renaissance elevated cooking to the rank of art, which was promoted by Florentine merchants by founding entire gastronomic schools. And today it’s a real pleasure to while away the evening in pleasant company in Florence!

It’s best to start getting acquainted with the local cuisine with crostini – toasted white bread with the most delicate liver pate, mushrooms or tomatoes. As a first course (on the menu – “primi piatti”) in Florence they prefer soup with local specifics. People here 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 chick peas or hare ragu 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 over charcoal. A typical side dish for this meat dish is white beans in tomato sauce and deep-fried tomatoes and herbs. A glass of pleasant-tasting Chianti wine, produced south of Florence, will not go amiss during dinner.

At the end of the feast, you should order the dessert Tuscan Vin Santo to dip the dry cantuccini macaroons into. 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 €).

The most popular establishments here are trattorias, where a hearty lunch will cost 15-18 € per person, a light snack – 5-8 €. Pizzerias and rosticcherias (a grill bar where people gather in the evenings to have a drink and a light snack) are not empty. You can look into tavola kalda - an analogue of a canteen, where you can have a hearty and inexpensive meal.

A meal in a Florentine restaurant, located away from the historical center, will cost from 40 € per person. The closer you get to the cathedral square, the higher the prices become. Many atmospheric establishments are located right in ancient palaces. The restaurant in Palazzo Antinori, where this aristocratic family has lived since 1502, is famous. It serves gourmet dishes and noble wines from family cellars. 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 include individual boutiques and entire galleries. Here you can buy excellent designer items: from elegant leather accessories to solid fur items. A system of discounts is practiced in trade all year round. In addition, the city has two sales seasons. 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 city's most famous attractions, cheeses, wine, as well as jewelry: jewelry and costume jewelry. For jewelry, city guests usually go to the Ponte Vecchio bridge. In the local shops and workshops, cute inexpensive pendants and respectable ancient and modern creations of jewelers are displayed.

You can also go to markets in search of souvenirs. 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 display their wares 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 has already increased by 30%. A budget option is hostels; you can stay here 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, located in ancient palaces. Among them, the Four Seasons stands out, located in the Palazzo della Gherardesca, one of the Medici residences. There are magnificent interiors and antique furniture. The hotel is also famous for its huge park. Cost of living – from 350 €.

In the very center of the city stands the Palazzo Vecchietti. The 16th-century building has only 14 rooms. Comfort and luxury reign here, the interiors are decorated with ancient paintings. The rooms have a kitchen, coffee machine, refrigerator, dishes. Breakfast (included in the price) here is simply excellent and takes place at a common antique table. Accommodation – about 630 € per day.

Villa Cora also falls into the luxury category. This historic hotel is located 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, and a swimming pool. Prices: from 295 to 830 € per room.

Transport

Despite the fact that Florence is quite 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 attractions. You will recognize them by their original appearance and numbers, where C1, C2, C3, D are present.

Florence has a unified ticket system for city buses and trams. A comprehensive ticket for one and a half hours costs 1.20 €. A daily pass will cost 5 €, a three-day pass – 12 €, a weekly pass – 18 €. Travel tickets are sold at newspaper and tobacco kiosks, bars, and offices of the main city transport company ATAF.

Tourists can also purchase a plastic Firenze Card. By 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 only makes sense if you want to explore the surrounding areas of Florence (from 35 €/day).

Recently, pedicabs have become popular. A 15-minute walk for two will cost you 15 €, 60 minutes - 45 €. Pedicabs have taken a fancy to Piazza San Lorenzo. You can also admire Florence from the deck of a river bus. Motor ships ply along 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 €.

Florence (Firenze) - this Italian city is located in the beautiful mountainous region of Tuscany, on the banks of the Arno River. It has always been customary to associate it with the names of great sculptors, artists, poets and musicians.

The city's area is about 102 km² and its population is only about 366,074 people. Florence is the capital of the Tuscany region, which is famous throughout the world for the beauty of its nature, as well as its cuisine and wines. The territory of Tuscany has hilly and mountainous terrain. The main mountain range is the Apennines, which surround the region to the north and east. Everyone should visit this magnificent city-museum at least once in their life, which is deservedly considered one of the most ancient cultural centers in Europe.

Climate of Florence

Florence has a continental climate. In winter, the air temperature here drops to -1C. In November and March there is frequent rain. This is a time when there are few tourists in the city, there are no queues at museums, and hotel rooms are cheaper.

The tourist season in Florence begins in the spring - in April-May. During this period the air warms up to +20C and above, due to frequent precipitation there is an increase in humidity. Summer in Florence is not considered the peak season - this is due to the intense heat that occurs here in July-August. Hotel prices drop again at this time, so tourists flock here who are not afraid of the heat. In autumn, the air temperature becomes comfortable again, at this time it is pleasant to walk around the city, and parks and gardens bloom with bright colors.

History of Florence

The city of Florence was founded in 59 BC. e. Julius Caesar. Initially, it was built as a military camp and had an appropriate layout. They called it Casta Florence - “Prosperous Military Camp”, and then it began to be called simply Florence (“Blossoming”).

In 1252, Florence already began minting its own gold coins - florins. From 1125, Florence conquered several neighboring regions and became the capital of the Duchy of Tuscany.

In 1434, the Medici dynasty came to power, the most famous representatives of which were Cosimo the Elder, Lorenzo the Magnificent and Catherine de' Medici. This dynasty made Florence the cultural center of Europe and greatly contributed to the formation and development of the Renaissance.

In 1860 the city became part of the United Italy. Florence was even the capital of the country from 1865 to 1871.

In the 19th century, part of the historical center was demolished due to the appearance of Piedmontese-Turinese architecture in the city. In the last century, during the war, the city was subjected to fascist bombing. All this changed the appearance of the city.

Florence is often called the “Athens of Italy” due to the huge number of architectural and artistic monuments that have survived to this day. The greatest masters such as Machiavelli, Dante, Rossini, Michelangelo, Galileo, Botticelli lived and worked here.

Sights of Florence

Florence is a small city and its historical center with many attractions can be explored on foot.

Uffizi Gallery
This gallery is one of the most famous attractions in Florence and is very popular among tourists. The building was built for the needs of the government. Today, the gallery is a magnificent museum where you can see many unique works of art. Masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, Caravaggio, Perugdio, Rubens, etc. are kept here.

Palazzo Vecchio
This palace is located next to the Uffizi Gallery. Its construction began in 1294. Initially, this building was used as a military fortification that protected the residence of the rulers. Then such masters as Simone del Pollaiolo, Vasari and Buontalenti worked on its appearance. After this, the Palace building became the residence of the ruling Medici family.

Piazza della Signoria
Palazzo Vecchio's façade overlooks Piazza della Signoria. This square, the second largest, has always been the center of the city's political life.
The space in front of the Palazzo Vecchio is occupied by beautiful sculptures. On one side, in front of its entrance, stands the famous statue of “David” by Michelangelo. However, it is a copy, not an original; such a replacement took place in 1873. To the right of the entrance is the sculpture “Hercules defeating Cacus” by Baccio Bandinelli. The Neptune Fountain was designed by Bartolomeo Ammanati.
Next to the Palazzo Vecchio you can also see the Loggia Lanzi, filled with numerous sculptures. It was originally intended for meetings. The sculptures in it depict mythological heroes, almost all of them are copies, the only exception being “Perseus” by Cellini.

Ponte Vecchio
Florence stands on the Arno River, across which ten bridges are thrown. The most famous of them is the Ponte Vecchio, or Old Bridge. Construction began on it in 1345. The bridge turned out to be very durable and still stands. On both sides there are residential buildings that have been preserved since the 14th century. There is an observation deck in the middle of the bridge.

Palazzo Pitti Palace
Palazzo Pitti is another beautiful palace. It was built in the 15th century by the architect Brunelleschi. Since then it has been rebuilt several times. Currently, it is adjacent to the picturesque Boboli Gardens. There are several famous museums located on the palace grounds.

Cathedral square Piazza del Duomo
The Cathedral Square is the center of Florence, attracting crowds of tourists. This square contains several unique structures.

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiori
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiori, located in the square, is the city's most famous structure. It amazes with its scale and its beauty. Its magnificent dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, is clearly visible from afar. Construction of the cathedral began in 1294 and lasted 81 years. Its facade has a very beautiful finish.

Giotto's Bell Tower
This bell tower is located next to the cathedral and is 84 meters high. The facades of the bell tower are decorated on all sides with unique six- and tetrahedral medallions.

Baptistery of St. John
The Baptistery is also located next to the cathedral. It is the oldest building in Florence; it has been mentioned in chronicles since the 9th century. It was built in honor of John the Baptist, who is the patron saint of the city.

Church of Santa Croce
This church is located in the city center and also deserves the attention of tourists. The church is made in the Gothic style. Inside you can see the tombs of more than 300 great inhabitants of Florence: Machiavelli, Michelangelo, Lorenzo Bartolini, Dante, Galileo Galilei and others.

Holidays in Florence
In this city, tourists can find accommodation for every taste - there are luxury hotels and inexpensive guesthouses. In private houses you can rent a room. Guesthouses can often be located in historical buildings. You can rent an apartment with or without breakfast. There are also many inexpensive hotels designed for tourist groups.

Modern Florence is one of the world's recognized fashion capitals. In Florence, you can combine exploring the city with excellent shopping; there is a huge number of different branded stores and boutiques. The most convenient way to get around the city is on foot, but you can also take a taxi or bus.

Florence has a wide variety of restaurants, cafés and eateries. Here you can try Tuscan cuisine and the famous Chianti wine.