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History & Culture |
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Whilst touring Italy, take advantage of the opportunity to travel to Florence where archaeologists have recently discovered artifacts in Florence dating back to the prehistoric period. Its true origin is that of Caesar''s colonies, dating back to the Roman times. Florentia was the area home to Italy''s oldest population, and it''s location on the northern edge of the Florentine basin, and at the convergence of the Arno and the Mugnone, made this city and ideal strategic location for the sake of defense. But a city whose roots took hold in the name of defense would progress through history as such, and its people would be no strangers to conflict and war.
Besieged by the Goths, Silicone'', Ostrogoths and Longobards, the city would go through a multitude of changes and social unrest. During this time, though, the people of ''Florentia'' would adopt Christianity. In the 774 the city would change hands again, its new leader, Charlemagne. Trade in the city would boost the economy and the construction of some of the most beautiful Romaneque-style architecture would begin. But the city''s territory would never be aptly defined and not only would regional battles plague its people but tension between the two main political factions would intensify and soon societal lines would be drawn in a civil war between classes. Florence would be shaped by the battle between the Guelfs, supporting the middle class for the autonomy of the Communes, against the emperor, and the Ghibellines, the noble class who fully supported the emperor. These two rivals would trade leadership of the city through major conflicts with Pisa and Siena and through the introduction of Florentine currency. Eventually Florence would defeat Pisa and Siena, and peace between the Guelfi and Ghibellini would begin a new era of power and wealth for the city and what is described as a cultural revolution.
The city was leveled by the plague in the mid 14th century, and political struggles continued to cause strife. The battle between the classes would continue to rage, and erupt in the Ciompi Riot which pitted the frustrated poor against their wealthy governor, meanwhile the upper class was working hard to amass their wealth in order to overthrow the nobility. One such family even went to so far as to squelch the political influence of Comimo il Vecchio de''Medici who is credited with maintaining the republican structure while progressively transforming into sovereignty. His successor, Lorenzo the Magnificent, would further the political agenda of the nobility while promoting his personal vocation for the arts and philosophy. His strong leadership and network of allies allowed the city to prosper and he would lead the people into yet another cultural rebirth, known today as Humanism.
During the Renaissance period, battles would continue, but the powerful Medici family would reign supreme. During this time the people of Florence would turn their focus towards their collective creative energies and the works of Dante Alighieri, Donatello, Vespucci, Machiavelli and Leonardo da Vinci would greatly influence the literary and art culture in the world. Though the region would continue through the 19th century the struggle for power would see great changes for the city, its people would continue to prosper in the face of adversity and its long and challenging history would solidify the city as a cultural leader through the 21st century.
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The City of Florence |
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Travel to one of the most glorious cities in the world to experience a rich cultural heritage derived from her role in the Renaissance and Humanist movements. Florence is divided into 5 districts:
Florence City Center: The city center is quartered into the following sectors:
San Giovanni- Named for John the Baptist, Patron Saint of Florence. Encompasses most of the historic city center and is currently populated with many shops and markets.
Santa Croce- Named for a medieval Franciscan basilica, you will find the National Central Library in this quarter.
Santa Maria Novella- Named after the great church that marked the cultural center of the city in the Middle Ages is now home to the train station. A bustling area host to many conferences and exhibitions, high end vendors also call this area home.
Santo Spirito Oltrarno- Mainly a housing district with more modern buildings, you will find the Franchi Stadium among other sporting venues in this area. Also home to some of the cities finer craftsman.
The Gavinana District: South of the Arno river, you are sure to travel through on your way to the Chianti region.
The Isolotto e Legnaia District: Developed more recently in the 60''s & 70''s, these districts mainly offer the cities housing.
The Rifredi District: Northwest of the city center you will find the area of multi-ethnic diversity and industry alongside the some of the most beautiful country villas.
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International Airports |
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Traveling to Florence has never been easier. The most direct route into Florence is to arrive via the Pisa International Airport, though the Florence airport, Amerigo Vespucci, still receives domestic flights. Below you will find helpful information for planning your trip to Florence:
Firenze - A. Vespucci (FLR)
Distance from the city: 4 kilometers
Phone Numbers:
Information (+39) 055-373498
Flights information (domestic flights - real time - 24h) (+39) 055.3061.700
Flights information (international flights - real time - 24h) (+39) 055.3061.702
Lost Luggages (+39) 055.308023 (fax 055.3061664)
The 3 main bus lines with service from the airport to the rail station are SITA, LAZZI and CAP. Airlines using the A. Vespucci Airport include, Air France, Air Litorral, Alitalia, Austrian Airlines, Carpatair, Lufthansa, Meridiana, Swiss Air and SN Brussels.
International flights fly in and out of:
Pisa - G. Galilei (PSA)
Distance to Florence: 80 kilometers
Phone Numbers:
Information : 050-500707 / 849200
Tickets : 050-582402
Lost Luggages : 050-849400 / 849401
Air Terminal available to and from Florence Railway Station. Major airlines using the terminal include Alitalia, AirDoloiti, Air France, Air Littoral, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Carpatair, Iberia Regional Airlines, Lufthansa, Meridiana and Ryanair.
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Shopping |
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Traveling to Florence provides the experience to explore one of the main centers for commerce in Italy. Florence offers a wide variety of products with a strict emphasis on quality. Shops are open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3:30 or 4 p.m. to 7:30 or 8 p.m., but many of the markets and department stores will be open throughout the day. Weekend hours will be limited, it''s best to ear mark a Thursday for your shopping endeavors as most stores will offer extended evening hours.
Florence has much to offer beyond it''s beautiful architecture and wealth of cultural museums. You will find everything from open-air markets for bargain shopping to the finest Italian designers boutiques, and everything in between. Don''t forget to take advantage of the I.V.A. tax rebate program. If you spend more than €155 at one store on the same day, ask the vendor for a proper receipt describing the item and the amount of tax paid. When you leave Italy, show your receipt to customs, and receive a stamp that entitles you to a rebate from the vendor!
Via de Tornabuoni - High Fashion! Trailing Milan, but a close second, Florence offers a rich and exciting shopping experience for the high fashion consumer. Top brand names including Versace, Gucci and Ferragamo and in the surrounding area you are will find Valentino, Armani and Pucci. There are a few more moderately priced outlets such as Mac Mara and Krizia in the vicinity to give you the chance to return from your travels with some great bargains.
Cascine Park - The largest of Florentine markets, every Tuesday opens to a throng of local residents flocking to find the best bargains on clothing and accessories.
Via Borgo Ognissanti - Close in proximity to the rail station, this area is best for finding maps and guidebooks, local history books, stationary, and paper goods. You will also find a pharmacy and other convenience stores in the area.
San Lorenzo - Open daily on the Piazza, this market offers a variety of wares including jewelry, clothing, crystal, leather and more importantly designer labels, at extremely low prices.
Via del Sole - For leather goods, your first stop on your travels for quality and value should be Cellerini. With a wide variety of goods, you will find quality second to none. This area also offers unique boutiques and trendy shops, be sure to check them out while you are there.
Mercato Nuovo - West of the Piazza dell Signoria, this market has been stablished for hundreds of years originally peddling textiles and other useful products, today''s visitor is sure to find the perfect souvenir.
Ponte Vecchio - The craft of jewelry making can be traced back hundreds of years. Established jewelers, Melli, Piccini and Mannelli are the top names in jewelry in Florence. All can be found on the Ponte Vecchio. A unique location for their unique collections.
Piazza dei Ciompi Market - East of the city, this daily market offers a wide range of mostly second hand goods. You will find established antique dealers that trade regularly on the grounds.
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Sightseeing |
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With a local history rich in cultural heritage, there is no lack of splendid architecture to see whilst traveling around the city of Florence. As you stroll through Florence you will continually be compelled by the imposing palacial estates and the impressive tributes to its contributors who remain long remembered.
Palazzo Vecchio - This impressive structure serves Florence today as was originally intended as town hall. The impressive bell tower was erected to signal city gatherings, flood, fire and enemy warnings.
Ponte Vecchio (The Old Bridge) - Spanning the River Arno, this bridge is nearly 700 year old bridge is home to many local jewelers and crafts people. A popular shopping area, you will find that the once secret Medici passageway high above the shops and galleries, is now open to the public.
Palazzo Pitti & Giardini di Boboli - Travel to this imposing palace on the south bank of the Arno the Palazzo Pitti and visit a home rich of masterfully decorated rooms, world class art, including works by Raphael, Tintoretto and Rubens, and even a costume collection. The grounds include the stunning and perfectly manicured Boboli Gardens fresh with ponds and fountains.
Piazza del Signoria - This open-air sculpture galleria commemorates the most influencial events in the city''s history. Conveniently located in the immediate vicinity of the city''s most impressive architectural edifices.
Casa Buonarroti - Commissioned by Michelangelo''s great-grandson, in the city of his birth, this palazzo museum offers a rich collection of art in all mediums, including sculptures and frescoes.
Teatro Comunale - Orignially designated the Politea,a Fiorentino, the open-air amphitheatre was replaced in 1862 with an impressive concert hall where performers include the likes of Strauss and Stravinsky.
Palazzo Medici-Riccardi - In classic Renaissance style, this familial mansion was erected for Cosimo I Vecchio of the Medici family. This palacial home has housed artists and nobility. Across the street you will find the Medici Chapels which serve as mausoleums to this influencial family.
Campanile di Giotto - 275 feet high over the Piazza Duomo the Campanile di Giotto stands as a superb reminder of Italian Gothic architecture.
Palazzo Strozzi - Another magnificent Renaissance inspired palace that currently plays hosts art exhibitions and a vast library of literary works.
Santa Maria Novella Stazione Centrale - More than just the central rail station, this building is one of the most celebrated modern architectural establishments in all of Italy. The cascading glass atrium that marks it''s unique distinction is a fitting tribute to the Santa Maria Novella church across the street, from whence it gains its name.
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Food & Drink |
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Food and Wine are easy to find in Florence. With a wide variety of choices, you can''t go wrong. Your only trouble may be deciding where to go!
Italian dishes are easy to come by and your order in Florence will have a distinctly different regional flair than any other city you will visit. So if you have a favorite dish, be sure to order it and compare. If you can''t decide, you can''t go wrong with pasta. More than popular spaghetti, you are sure to find a vast array of pasta in all shapes, sizes and colors. Sauces are rich and hearty, and its worth going out on a limb to try a taste you''ve not yet experienced.
Breakfast, as throughout Italy, remains the least celebrated of the main meals of your day. Start your day with a quick coffee and pastry from the bar, but be sure not to rush your second and third meal of the day. In Florence, take you time and enjoy everything this small city has to offer. Locals generally find time for lunch at about 12:30 and dinner is often had after 8:00 p.m.. Both meals often follow the same course structure, starting with an appetizer, followed by a ''carb'' of some sort, pasta, rice, risotto or polenta, next the meal will progress to the main course including your protein and vegetable, followed by a sweet dessert of some sort, and completed with a cup of coffee. Take your time and enjoy this routine, and be sure to try the regional wine.
Recommendations:
Enoteca Pinchiorri - Via Ghilbellina 87 is a must stop of the wine conneseurs itinerary. Offering an exceptionally well stocked wine cellar, and a masterful menu of culinary delight. Décor is fabulous and prices are on the high end, but well worth it!
IL Capannina di Sante - Piazza Ravenna. The city''s best offering from the sea, try the fish if you make it to this establishment. Expensive by comparison, but again, worth every Euro!
IL Cibreo - 118r Via de Macci. This moderately priced, family run trattoria will provide you a taste from each Italian region.
La Casalinga - Via dei Michelozzi 9r. With the emphasis of this trattoria being on classic Tuscan dishes you can''t go wrong with a the house specialty. Inexpensively priced.
Beatrice - Near the home of Dante Aligiehri, the ambience created with stained glass windows and mood evoking frescoes is not to be missed. A simple, but delicious selection of local cuisine.
IL Vegetariano - Piazza Indipendena. A great, inexpensive, Italian treat for traveling vegetarians.
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