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 Medici Family Library |
Piazza San Lorenzo 9 Florence 50123 Italy +39 055 211 590 http://www.bml.firenze.sbn.it/ |
Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana (Laurentian Library) could be considered the Medici's family's library. Located to the left of San Lorenzo church (entrance on second floor through San Lorenzo cloister), the library was founded by Cosimo il Vecchio but it was Lorenzo the Magnificent who consistently enlarged the book collections. The monumental vestibule was designed by Michelangelo, with a large staircase, grey sandstone framework of columns, pilasters, and corbels standing out against whitewashed walls. He also designed the beautiful wooden ceiling and carved benches/reading desks of the Reading Room. The library contains thousands of manuscripts, especially relating to Florentine Renaissance including autographs of Petrarch and Boccaccio, illuminated codices, and an uncommon collection of about 2,500 papyri. Admission: Free. Maria Frullini Review © 2007, Wcities |
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House for orphans in the 15th century |
Piazza del Duomo Florence 50122 Italy |
At the start of via Calzaiouli stands this Loggia. It was named by Bigallo when he transferred his confraternity, bearing his name, and merged it with the Misericordia confraternity, the first owners of the Loggia which had been built between 1353 and 1358 by Alberto Arnoldi. The confraternity mainly gave a home to orphans who were housed in the Loggetta so they might be recognized, if by some chance they had merely been lost. The arches are carefully decorated and closed with iron gates. High up on the side of the Piazza del Duomo, the statues in tabernacles were moved from the previous site of the Confraternity in Orsanmichele and depict the Madonna and Child, Santa Lucia and San Pietro Martire, the founder of the Confraternity in 1244. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Peter Ferne  |
 Photo: Miles Berry |
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Great works by Pontormo |
Via Senese, 206-208r Florence Italy +39 55 204 9217 |
Both architecturally and artistically unique, this monastery commissioned in 1342 by Niccolò Acciaioli, viceroy of the Kingdom of Naples, was originally home to Carthusian monks. Today Cistercian monks (who have lived here since 1958) give visitors a guided tour of the complex's treasures. The tour winds its way through the monastery, taking in the Chiostrino dei Monaci e il Capitolo, a cloister featuring Albertinelli's 1506 work The Crucifixion. Other architectural works, completed in different periods, make up the Certosa complex. Free admission. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kate Larsen |
 Photo: bebechan |
 Photo: bebechan |
 Photo: bebechan |
 Photo: Johanna Hopfner |
 Photo: myosotis_65 |
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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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War Memorial |
West of Via Cassia Florence, Florence 50144 Italy +39 55 230 2033 (tourism office) http://www.abmc.gov/ |
The Memorial is a beautiful spot amidst wooded slopes, near the Greve River and approximately 5 miles from the historic center. Green courts with white crosses, on either side of a pylon, consist of 4,398 graves of soldiers who died for their country. The names soldiers is written upon the Tablets of the Missing, which serves as a reminder of sacrifice and loyalty. A staff member is on site at all times to answer questions and assist relatives to the graves. Achievements of the American Armed Forces in this region can be viewed in the north atrium of the memorial. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: * bovodesign.com |
 Photo: cromacrom |
 Photo: Giovanni Ortoleva |
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Also known as Forte San Giorgio |
Costa San Giorgio Florence 50125 Italy +39 55 234 2425 |
Commissioned by grand duke Ferdinando I, this unusual fort (also known as Forte San Giorgio) was built by Buontalenti and Don Giovanni de' Medici at the end of the 16th century to defend the city from enemy attack. It could be reached - and still can be today thanks to restoration work carried out during the 1950's - from the east side of the Boboli gardens. The pathway around the perimeter of the fort gives visitors breathtaking views of Florence's skyline as well as the Tuscan hills beyond and overlooks nearby Palazzina del Belvedere. Built by Bartolomeo Ammannati a few decades before the fortifications, the Palazzina is a popular art exhibition venue. The fort holds temporary exhibitions on a regular basis (for which it charges an admission fee), while access to the lawns surrounding it is usually free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Rachel Mascetta |
 Photo: Zoe Briault |
 Photo: Christopher Holland |
 Photo: Rachel Mascetta |
 Photo: C. Leconte |
 Photo: barbarahsnyder |
 Photo: E Hoogesteger |
 Photo: Eivind Fjeld |
 Photo: whitney_blount1 |
 Photo: jeethang |
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Cheer on Italian Football |
Viale Manfredo Fanti 14 Florence 50137 Italy +39 055 503 0190 1 http://www.acffiorentina.it |
Originally the "Comunale," this stadium was inaugurated in 1931 and changed its name to Artemio Franchi in 1991 in honor and memory of the former FIGC (Italian Football Association) President. The stadium can hold over 47,000 spectators and is home to the ACF Fiorentiana Italian football club. Stop by for a day of wild action on and off the field as locals and visitors alike cheer for their favorite team. You can expect as much mayhem in the stands as on the field. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: GoLd*** |
 Photo: Drops of Ruby ♫♪ |
 Photo: Paul Rowland |
 Photo: Valter Vannini |
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The former grain market, now a multi-ethnic market |
Via dei Neri Florence 50123 Italy |
Today the Loddia del Grano is the place where you will find stalls with art and craft products from countries such as Senegal, Mali and India. It was originally planned by the architect Parigi in 1619 under the auspices of Grand Duke Cosimo II as a market for grain and various other cereals. The stores were above the vaulted roof and the market below it. Today the Loggia is a building which still has the front of a cinema long since closed. Before it became a cinema the building was a theatre ordered by Tommaso Salvini, an actor who lived during the second half of the 19th Century. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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The lodge of Duke Alessandro de'Medici |
Piazza della Signoria Florence 50122 Italy |
Also called the Loggia della Signoria, the Loggia was named the Loggia dei Lanzi when the Duke Alessandro de' Medici made it the camp of the Lanzichenecchi after the fall of the Florentine Republic. It was the Signoria which commissioned a great Loggia for public use in 1350. The job was started by Orcagna, but continued and finished by Benci di Cione and Francesco Talenti only in 1382. Made in Serena stone with acute pointed arches and bricks decorated by sculptures designed by Agnolo Gaddi, this taste for a clasical style is what characterises Florentine art of the time. Benvenuto Cellini's famous Perseus was installed under the Loggia, and in the central arch Giambologna's marble Rape of the Sabine Women, which can be found next to Hercules with Nessus also in marble. The other statues at the back near to the walls came from the Medici villa in Rome. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Randy Holder |
 Photo: Trent Strohm |
 Photo: Samir Mirza |
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 Photo: Vyacheslav Stepanyuchenko |
 Photo: Mark Fogle |
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 Photo: Aurora Rimblas de Rivera |
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 Photo: Christopher Mar |
 Photo: Yuen-Ping aka YP |
 Photo: Yuen-Ping aka YP |
 Photo: Mary Harrsch |
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 Photo: sammydavisdog - away for a week |
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The site of the Accademia di belle Arti |
Via Ricasoli Florence 50125 Italy |
The Loggia is also known as the Loggia di San Matteo is to be found on the corner of Piazza San Marco, just before the turning off to via Ricasoli. The portico was part of the hospital dedicated to San Matteo inaugurated at the end of the 14th century, and becoming the Accademia di Belle Arti in 1785. It is thought that the seven arches inspired Brunelleschi for his Loggia degli Innocenti. The three portals beneath the loggia have been decorated with terracotta windows glazed by Della Robbia's workshop. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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The Vasarian Loggia |
Piazza dei Ciompi Florence 50122 Italy |
In times gone by, this lively Piazzetta was the stage for dramatic events in the history of the city; one example is when the workers, excluded from the Arti, revolted in 1378. Today, a flea market is held here. The Loggia, near via Pietrapiana, is decorated with multi-colored terracotta and was built by Giorgio Vasari. It was originally erected in 1567 in the present Piazza della Repubblica, where the old market was once held. It was dismantled in the 19th century to make way for construction work in the Piazza. It was then that Vasari's Loggia was moved to the Piazza dei Ciompi. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: 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 |
 Photo: Noodlefish |
 Photo: Anuja Byotra |
 Photo: vanhoy |
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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 |
 Photo: Stefan Leßmann |
 Photo: Michael MacLaughlin |
 Photo: R. Adcock |
 Photo: Daniel Belatti |
 Photo: Denys Nevozhai |
 Photo: Mike Thomas |
 Photo: Janet Flynn |
 Photo: Dee Washburn |
 Photo: Amy Girard |
 Photo: Josh Kugler |
 Photo: B.Wills |
 Photo: wanna be photographer |
 Photo: Sonia Rego |
 Photo: rkl4life |
 Photo: The Ugly One with the Jewels |
 Photo: Joanne Ho |
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Artworks & Orchestras |
Piazza di Santo Stefano Florence 50122 Italy +39 055 223 205 |
Owing the latter part of its name to its proximity to the Ponte Vecchio, Chiesa di Santo Stefano al Ponte was first mentioned in recorded history in 1116 although its Romanesque architecture suggest it is actually much older. A mixture of features such as its Roman façade, Medieval entryway, and altars that date to Renaissance times make visible its long and varied history. Now deconsecrated, the church is home to the Orchestra Regionale Toscana and offers a stunningly authentic acoustic and cultural setting to experience some of Italy's best classical music. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Housing the Porcellino market |
Via Porta Rossa Florence 50122 Italy |
Underneath the Loggia del Porcellino, the marble wheel can be found which commemorates the place where the carroccio was left, an emblem of the Florentine Republic. In medieval times it was used as a pillory for those who dared to dupe the merchants of the city. The Loggia was the work of Giovan Battista del Tasso who built it in the middle of the 16th century as a market place for the sale of fabrics and objects of different kinds. Today the Loggia also houses a market, mainly for tourists. Leather bags, silk scarves, straw hats and other art and craft objects can be found there. The Porcellino is the boar which is part of the fountain on one side of the market. This bronze sculpture was made by Pietro Tacca at the beginning of the 17th century after a marble original of the Hellenistic period (on show at the Uffizi). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Square with important landmarks |
Via della Canonica, 1 Next to Piazza San Giovanni Florence, Florence 50122 Italy +39 (0)55 21 2245 (Tourist Information Office) |
Piazza del Duomo is one of the most-visited landmarks in Florence. Various events including the Cornetto Music Festival are periodically held here, and the grand cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is the chief attraction. The beautiful frescoes within will fascinate those who have an eye for art. Meanwhile history buffs will love the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, which houses a fine collection of sculptures. For better photo opportunities get on top of the Campanile di Giotto — the view of the piazza will take your breath away. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: cohlherman |
 Photo: Liz Lazo |
 Photo: Tom & Elena Seniuk |
 Photo: Carlo Delumpa |
 Photo: Ingrid |
 Photo: brett.mayfield |
 Photo: Mark Becker |
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 Photo: vanessapage |
 Photo: Gary Lake |
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 Photo: rod74【ツ】 |
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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 |
 Photo: Scott C. Webster |
 Photo: Jon and Michele |
 Photo: Tom Antos |
 Photo: kassy humphreys |
 Photo: Matt Chester |
 Photo: Anthony Powis |
 Photo: Ryan Berry |
 Photo: SwatiM |
 Photo: Peggy Chan |
 Photo: Gregg Einhorn |
 Photo: Marty Portier |
 Photo: bengal*foam |
 Photo: Steven Hutchison |
 Photo: valentina volavia |
 Photo: Andrew Black |
 Photo: Sue L. Chan |
 Photo: Rose Croix |
 Photo: Christine Pulgar |
 Photo: Xipeteon |
 Photo: Chris McGuire |
 Photo: Woodlawn School |
 Photo: Kenneth Lu |
 Photo: Ray Sorin |
 Photo: meghan collins |
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 Photo: Susanna Venisti |
 Photo: Mark Barlow |
 Photo: Laura Garlando |
 Photo: Gemma Zapata |
 Photo: Mateusz 'Matt' Fogel |
 Photo: Bernardo Ribeiro |
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Fantastic view over the city |
Piazzale Michelangelo Florence 50100 Italy |
Renowned for its panoramic views of Florence and the Arno valley, this terrace is a popular spot with locals and tourists. Created as part of major restructuring of the city walls, Giuseppe Poggi's sumptuous terrace is typically 19th century. In 1871, Poggi designed a monument base dedicated to Michelangelo. The monument itself was to be composed of copies of Michelangelo's works, including David and the Medici chapel sculptures from San Lorenzo. When the terrace was finished, Poggi designed the hillside building, now a restaurant, as a museum for Michelangelo's works. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lorenzo Lazzeri |
 Photo: J. C. Cuesta |
 Photo: Elisabeth Rinaldi |
 Photo: Elisabeth Rinaldi |
 Photo: Raphael Borja |
 Photo: Molly Pierson |
 Photo: Babet. |
 Photo: Ben Kattenburg |
 Photo: Giorgio Castellini |
 Photo: christine bovig |
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Florentine icon |
Ponte Vecchio Florence 50125 Italy |
Best known of all Florence's treasures, this glorious bridge was the only one of six spared by the retreating Germans on 4 August 1944. Over the centuries flooding unfortunately took its toll; few traces of the 10th-century bridge remain. Today's bridge, built in 1345, was filled with butcher's shops which would routinely discard the carcasses into the Arno causing quite a stench. Grand Duke Fernandino I issued an edict to replace the butchers with goldsmiths to eradicate the smell and gentrify royalty's route to Palazzo Pitti, reached via the Vasari Corridor that passes over the bridge. Also, do not padlock anything to the statue of Benvenuto Cellini, often practiced by lovers who padlock a lock to the gate of the statue and toss the key into the river - otherwise face a fine of EUR 50! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: areadeandavid |
 Photo: Stefano Corso |
 Photo: RipCurlGal |
 Photo: Erika Eill |
 Photo: Jair Ribbeiro |
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 Photo: Rich Green |
 Photo: Jon Thomason |
 Photo: Jair Ribbeiro |
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 Photo: Filippo Seminara |
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 Photo: Daniele Granata |
 Photo: Sanne Houben |
 Photo: Daniele Davoli |
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Remnant of Florence's city walls |
Piazzale di Porta Romana Florence 50123 Italy |
Forming part of Florence's old 14th-century fortifications, of which there are still solid traces, the two walls spread out from the gate towards Piazza Tasso to the east and to the north-west along the Viali dei Colli. As with the Porta San Frediano, the two great, wooden bolted doors have been conserved. On the square opposite, towards the Poggio Imperiale, a statue by an important contemporary artist, Michelangelo Pistoletto, has been erected. Cast in marble and entitled "Dietrofronte", the statue depicts a woman whose imaginary movement southwards to leave the city is hindered by a heavy bundle on her head which points in the opposite direction towards the city center. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Paul Villafuerte |
 Photo: Kevin J. Mowatt |
 Photo: Stephen Tatton |
 Photo: Stella Soffía |
 Photo: radredanna |
 Photo: Carneirinho |
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Anglo-Catholic Church |
Via Maggio 16 Florence 50125 Italy +39 055 294 764 http://www.stmarksitaly.com/ |
Built in 1881 on a palazzo thought to have once been owned by the Machiavelli family, this beautiful Anglo-Catholic church is worth checking out. Intricately carved alters, venetian hanging lamps, and the brown watermark left by the flood of 1966 are all of note. From April through November, daily eventing concerts are open to the public, and often feature groups from around the world. Review © 2007, Wcities |