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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 |
 Photo: Eugenia and Julian  |
 Photo: John Keogh, jv21.com |
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 Photo: Joe Yeager |
 Photo: Valentina Powers |
 Photo: Kerry Moorhouse |
 Photo: Christina Holland |
 Photo: John Keogh, jv21.com |
 Photo: Kerry Moorhouse |
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 Photo: The Olsens |
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 Fine Etruscan city |
Via dei Bosconi Florence 50100 Italy |
This small town, even older than Florence, is found to the north-east of the city and can be easily reached by public transport. It was founded in the Etruscan period but archaeological remains have also revealed that there was life here in the Bronze Age. In the main city square, Piazza Mino da Fiesole, are monuments of historic and artistic interest, such as the cathedral which was founded in the 11th century, restructured in following centuries and renovated in the 19th Century. Other features include the Palazzo Pretorio, the town hall of Fiesole and the church of Santa Maria Primerana. Behind the Piazza Mino da Fiesole, is the archaeological area with the Roman theatre and baths, and the remains of Roman and Etruscan temples. Walking from Piazza Mino da Fiesole towards the highest hill in the city, you will come across the first Etruscan acropolis and the 14th-century convent of San Francesco. A splendid panoramic view of Florence can be enjoyed from this height which makes the tiring climb from the Piazza more than worthwhile. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: kevin_oneill |
 Photo: kevin_oneill |
 Photo: brian buschmann |
 Photo: brian buschmann |
 Photo: Alex Falkiner |
 Photo: Christopher Hawkins |
 Photo: Navid SheikholEslami |
 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 |
 Photo: Noodlefish |
 Photo: Anuja Byotra |
 Photo: vanhoy |
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Enjoy the Tuscan countryside |
Strada dei Colli Alti Florence 50019 Italy |
Set high up in a beautiful spot overlooking the city, this park is ideal for family days out and the perfect antidote to city stress. Spend a lazy afternoon stretched out on the grass, go for a meander along its pathways or bring a picnic. Appreciated by Tuscan Resistance members who sought refuge here during the Second World War, the park is easy to get to: just follow Via Bolognese or Via dei Colli Alti near Colonnata (enjoy the view on the way up), which lead to Piazzale Leonardo da Vinci (595m). On a clear day the entire Arno valley is visible from here and a further two-hour walk takes you to Monte Morello's highest point of 934m. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Daniel Mendelsohn |
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Cosimo I's fortified villa |
Via dei Ponti Medicei, 7 Florence 50050 Italy +39 57 15 5707 |
Villa Medicea was constructed on the orders of Cosimo I between 1565-67. It was part of a project that also involved Buontalenti, who constructed the massive staircases that rise to the top of the villa, giving it an almost fortified appearance. The history of the villa is tempestuous. Isabella de' Medici was killed here by her husband, who suspected her of infidelity. During the last World War it was used for military purposes and, since being acquired by the state, the villa has been restored and converted into a museum. It's furnished with period furniture and has been decorated with a collection of Medici portraits. From the Villa di Cerreto an added excursion can be made to Vinci, the famous hometown of Leonardo da Vinci, to whom the Museo Leonardiano has been dedicated. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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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 |
