Firenze - The Jewel of Tuscany

Surrounded by beautiful Tuscan hills, the history of Florence stretches back almost 3,000 years. Originally founded by the Etruscans between the 6th and 7th centuries BC, by 59 B.C. it had become a Roman settlement. Florence prospered during the Roman, Byzantine, Medieval, and Renaissance periods of history. It emerged as an independent city-state in 1425, but with the unification of Italy under Giuseppe Garibaldi, became part of the Italian state.

During the 14th - 16th century, Florence achieved pre-eminence in commerce, finance, learning and especially the arts. In many ways, it was the birthplace of the modern world. Indeed, Florence’s cultural history makes it one of the most sophisticated cities in Europe.

The roll call of artists that either came from Florence or its immediate surrounds or made Florence their home is impressive, to say the least: Leonardo da Vince, Sandro Botticelli, Donatello di Niccolò di Betto Bardi, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Raphaello Santi, Giorgio Vasari.. to name a few.

But one of the most notable buildings in the city would not exist in its present form were it not for an architect and engineer called Filippo Brunelleschi.

Brunelleschi was one of the pioneers of early Renaissance architecture in Italy. And his major work is the dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo) in Florence, constructed with the aid of machines that Brunelleschi invented expressly for the project. The construction took 16 years to complete.

Il Duomo, dominates the city. One can make your way to the top of the dome. But the only way to do this, and enjoy the extraordinary view of Florence it offers, is to climb its 463 steps (there is no lift or elevator). The route takes you by the interior of the dome where you can admire Giorgio Vasari's frescoes of the Last Judgment (1572-9) up close.

But Florence offers much more to the visitor: Florence boasts an unrivalled collection of art and Renaissance architecture. It’s home to famous works of art such as Michelangelo's David, Botticelli's The Birth of Venus, and the Uffizi Gallery which houses the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, Raphael, and others

The city's historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, and many other historic sites.

Florence and the Tuscany region are famous too, for their food and wine. You can enjoy local wines such as Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and taste traditional Tuscan cuisine.

But the dish that Florence is most famous for is often referred to as simple, ‘La Carne’. Or, as the local dialect pronounces it, 'La Harne' (for some obscure reason the hard ‘c’ is pronounced as a guttural ‘h’). The correct term is Bistecca alla Fiorentina, and it’s a T-Bone steak. According to the "rules", a Fiorentina steak should be from the Chianina cow (a breed which comes from the Valdichiana in Tuscany), but since it's quite expensive and Chianina cows are not numerous, there are many places where you can have a steak at a slightly lower price.

The English often tend to have mustard with their steaks - but you will be frowned upon if you ask for it. In Firenze, the most you will have with your 2cm thick Florentine steak is fresh lemon juice.

Florence is renowned for its leather goods, jewellery, fashion, and handmade paper products; it is a shopper's paradise with many high-end boutiques and local markets.

The city holds many cultural and religious events throughout the year, including the historical football event– calcio storico, Festa della Rificolona, fireworks festivals and other cultural events.

What should you see when visiting Florence:

1. The Duomo - Florence Cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks of this city. Its magnificent dome can be seen from almost every corner of the city.

2. The Uffizi Gallery - This museum is home to some of the most famous art collections in the world, including works by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli.

3. Palazzo Vecchio - This beautiful palace was once the political centre of the city and is now a museum that exhibits artwork from the Renaissance period.

4. Ponte Vecchio - This bridge is an iconic symbol of Florence. It is known for its spectacular views of the Arno River and is lined with shops selling jewellery and souvenirs.

5. Piazza della Signoria - This square is the heart of the city and is home to famous statues like Michelangelo’s David, and the Fountain of Neptune.

6. Pitti Palace - This palace was once the residence of the Medici family and is now a museum containing art and artefacts from the Renaissance.

7. Boboli Gardens - These beautiful gardens offer stunning views of the city and are home to a variety of sculptures and fountains.

If you want to know more about Florence, what it offers and how to get there, give me a call on 01234 581066 or e-mail me at marco.williams@travelcounsellors.com