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 A haven south of the Arno |
Piazza de` Pitti Florence Italy |
To escape the crowds and late summer heat on the Florentine tourist trail, head south of the river Arno to the calming and charming environs of the Boboli Gardens. This wonderful retreat was laid out by the Medici after they bought the Palazzo Pitti in 1549 and they were opened to the public in 1766. As well as formal gardens there are wilder groves of cypress and ilex and many fine statues. At the summit of the Forte di Belvedere there is an open area where you can sun yourself and relax whilst enjoying the stunning views of the city and Tuscan countryside. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: John Keogh, jv21.com |
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 Spinning and more |
Via Vanini, 18 Florence 50129 Italy +39 55 41 2158 |
This gym has a lot to offer to sports lovers who don't want to limit themselves to normal gym activities. This was the first gym in Florence to offer the chance to do spinning, and it also offers total body workouts and callanetics. Anyone who prefers more traditional workouts can try aerobics, step, free body and funky. They also offer rhythmic gymnastics classes for women as well as gymnastics and dance for children. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Martial arts and Japanese culture |
Borgo Pinti, 5 Florence 50121 Italy +39 55 234 4605 |
Located in the city centre, the Budokan gym offers lovers of martial arts courses in karate do, tai chi chuan, yi chuan, shaolin kung fu, judo, aikido, kendo, muay thai, viet vo dao, ju jitsu and other kinds of self defence, yoga and training. Interestingly, the Bukovan also features a centre for the development and learning of Japanese culture and language. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Path Along the River |
Piazzale degli Uffizi Florence 50122 Italy +39 055 238 8651 http://www.polomuseale.firenze... |
When Cosimo de'Medici, Grand Duke of Florence, addressed his commute to work in Palazzo della Signoria (Palazzo Vecchio) from his home one mile away in the Palazzo Pitti, he worried about the dangerous, dark trek he had to endure. Because the Medici already had assassination attempts, his architect, Giorgio Vasari, designed the elevated skyway so he could travel back and forth without being seen. The corridor became known as the Vasari Corridor and is now a gallery of self-portraits from Renaissance era to present day. Access is only available for groups of 15 or more and booking is a must. Admission: EUR 28.50. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Handiwork of Michelangelo |
Piazza di Madonna degli Aldobrandini Florence, FI Italy +39 55 29 4883 |
The Medici Chapels are historical labors that are as grand in their own way as are the pyramids of Egypt. Started in 1605, these shrines were under construction for centuries. 85 years earlier Michelangelo was tasked to design and build the New Sacristy from one of the Medici cardinals Giulio de' Medici, (remembered in history as Pope Clement VII) dedicated to the memory of Giuliano (Duke of Nemours) and Lorenzo (Duke of Urbino). The bodies of several other Medici family members are interred in the Cappelle Medicee, most notably Lorenzo the Magnificent, Giuliano de' Medici (his brother, killed during the Pazzi Conspiracy of 1478) and all of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany. Typical of a spiritual leader he was obsessed with the here-after and the creation of these intricate chapels testifies to that. Of artistic note are actual charcoal sketches by Michelangelo's own hand. Admission: EUR 4. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A Classic of Renaissance Sculpture |
Galleria dell'Accademia Via Ricasoli, 60 Florence 50122 Italy +39 55 238 8609 http://www.polomuseale.firenze... |
The world-renowned David, sculpted by Michelangelo between 1500 and 1504, is considered, along with the Pietà, the masterpiece of its creator who was only 26 years old at that time. Made out of an irregular block of marble, the statue portrays the biblical hero David before entering his battle against Goliath. It symbolizes the youth and strengh and is known to represent the power of the Florentine Republic. Originally, the statue stood in front of the entrance of the Palazzo Vecchio. For a better preservation, it has been removed from outdoors and is now displayed at the Galleria dell'Accademia. A copy of the statue remains on the Piazza della Signoria. Admission: 6.50. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A 19th-century piazza with handsome gardens |
Piazza D'Azeglio Florence 50121 Italy |
This piazza was formed in the Mattonaia quarter of the city, inside the city walls, at the end of the 19th century as a result of the development plan devised by the architect Giuseppe Poggi in the 1870s. Once established, the bourgeoisie then considered the area both residential and desirable. The area then saw the creation of Prince Umberto's theatre. Sadly, though it was destroyed two decades later. Another building appeared on the piazza at the beginning of the 20th century but today, this remains one of the few green spaces in the city center. There are amusements for young children including a merry-go-round, slides and a wooden castle in a cordoned-off area; and there are also areas for older children such as a basketball court. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Civic and Political Center |
Piazza della Signora Florence 50122 Italy |
Piazza della Signora has been the hub of Florence's political life since the Republic at the end of the 15th Century. This L-shaped square is surrounded by its most famous buildings. Among them, the Palazzo Vecchio, head of the Florentine government, the Galleria degli Uffizi and the Ponte Vecchio. Look around you to see reproductions of Michelangelo's David and the original fountain of Neptune by Bartolomeo Ammannati. Enjoy a full view of the Piazza from the terrace of the Loggia dei Lanzi. The place is a good starting point to begin your tour of the city. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Ride away! |
Via Borgo Ognissanti 129r Florence, Florence 50123 Italy +39 5529 1958 http://www.segwayfirenze.com |
Picture yourself in the beautiful city of Florence and you are exploring it on foot. It is humid and hot, but you trudge on. Now wouldn't it have been convenient to be on wheels rather than on jaded soles? With the Segway Human Transporter, a self balancing personal travel device, you can be assured of your comfort even on an excursion. This two wheeled wonder is the first of its kind in Florence. Tours last three hours and have a maximum of six participants. Rates: EUR 60-75 per person. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Carla Alford |
 Photo: Kars Alfrink |
 Photo: Tim Knauff |
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The villa of the first Medicis |
Piazza de¹ Medici, 12 Florence 50046 Italy +39 55 87 7012 |
In 1480 Lorenzo il Magnifico acquired a fortified, medieval building, commissioning Giuliano da Sangallo to carry out the necessary structural work to render it habitable. The villa was then enhanced by decorative works ordered by his son Leone X; the so-called "Leone X Room" on the first floor was in fact decorated by famous Florentine artists of the mannerist style. Alessandro Allori completed the project between 1579 and 1582. Particularly praiseworthy was the lunetta by Pontormo depicting the figures "Vertumno e Pomona". Il Francabigio was also involved in the decoration of the panelled ceiling of the villa's barrelled vaults. Outside there are fine examples of ancient architecture such as the porch, which features timpani pediments embellished with a frieze in relief in glazed terracotta, a copy of the original by Andrea Sansovino that can be found inside. The gardens and park are also worth a visit. Guided visits are compulsory with organised tours at specific times for groups of 15 people. Review © 2007, Wcities |