“See Florence and die” should really be the expression. Although Rome is lovely, Firenze’s compactness and breathtaking views afford the visitor a better experience than found in Rome, in my humble opinion. The historical part of the city is contained in quite a small area and many places can easily be reached on foot.Florence has so much to offer it’s hard to know where to begin, and impossible to appropriately appreciate without physically being there. Perhaps a collection of VR panoramas, starting with a bird’s eye view of the city from atop the Campanile di Giotto will do the trick?
The Duomo
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, (commonly known as the Duomo) is at the center of the Piazza del Duomo, which also includes the Baptistery and Campanile.
The Duomo, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and structural design, is the third largest church in the world, behind St. Peter’s in Rome and the Duomo in Milan. The exterior boasts sculpted figures on a façade of white and green marble, forming intricate patterns and displaying the ornate beauty of Florentine art. The interior of the cathedral has magnificent stained glass windows, rich woods, soaring arches and, of course, the fresco of the Last Judgment on the inner surface of the dome.
Campanile di Giotto
Giotto’s Bell Tower, which along with the Cupola is the most striking feature of any view of Florence, is part of the Duomo dedicated to Santa Maria del Fiore. Florentine painter, sculptor and architect Giotto di Bondone (c. 1267 – 1337) designed the multicolored 269 ft. marble tower. There are no lifts but 414 steps will take you to the top of the Campanile from its base at the Piazza del Duomo. There are rest areas every 100 steps or so and views from various heights. At the top, the vision before you will make you forget all the legwork as the ancient city with Brunelleschi’s dome and the Baptistery sprawl before you.
View Florence from atop the Campanile Tower.
The Baptistery
The Baptistery of St John is also situated in the Piazza del Duomo and is one of the oldest buildings in Florence. Note again the green and white marble from Carrara and Prato. The gilded bronze Renaissance doors on the east side depict scenes from the Old Testament and are frequently referred to as the Gates of Paradise. Inside there is a gigantic figure of Christ, as Judge of the World at the Last Judgment, surrounded by figures of angels, apostles and saints. Also of interest are several of Donatello's masterpieces, great mosaics from the 14th century and metallic and marble ornamentation in the floors.
Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge in Florence crossing the river Arno. Today, the bridge is home to numerous jewelry shops selling antique and designer jewelry. The central point of Ponte Vecchio opens up into an area with vaulted pillars and stunning views of the river Arno.
Ponte Vecchio dates back to the Roman times, however, the present structure is from 1565. At that time, a piece of the Vasari corridor connecting Palazzo Vecchio, the Uffizi and Pitti Palace was added to Ponte Vecchio. The corridor runs around the medieval Manelli tower and over the bridge to the other side of Arno. For a great view of Ponte Vecchio, head one bridge over to Ponte Santa Trinita.
View Arounder Florence to view all of the above sights.
