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December 2001

Spotlight: Florence, Italy

Florence on Foot
by Sheri Ann Richerson

The Lover's Florence
by Jackie Goyette

Views Over Florence
by Jane Lofton

Photojournal: Florence and Siena
by Michael Strickland

The Artist's Florence
by Jackie Goyette

Beyond David
by Karen Bergeson

Florence at Night
by Elizabeth Wareham

Elinore's Room
by Marco North

The Florentine Love Letter
by Phil Pisani

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Archives

December 2001—Spotlight: Florence, Italy

by Sheri Ann Richerson

The city of Florence contributed largely to the cultural and political development of Europe, especially with its major role in the Italian Renaissance. Even today Florence retains a strong resemblance to the Reniassance town it once was, and it is also one of Italy's largest tourist attractions. Visiting Florence is like stepping back in time.

Florence is a relatively small Italian city, with almost half a million residents within its limits. It is possible to walk from one end of the city to the other in thirty minutes. Even with its small size, there are two airports here and hundreds of hotels. Be sure to book reservations ahead because the hotels are usually full.

A good time to visit Florence is from April to June or in early December. This is the low season. The weather is usually good and the prices are somewhat lower during this time. Plus, you will be fortunate enough not to deal with impossible crowds, although Florence is a bustling city and tourist spot year round. July and August are the busiest months and the weather is sure to be hot.

The Best Tourist Attractions

The fourth largest cathedral in the world, Santa Maria del Fiore is a must-see. This building took almost two centuries to build. Most impressive is the church's dome, which dominates the city's skyline with its shape, size, and color. The dome was designed by one of Florence's famed Renaissance architects, Filippo Brunelleschi. You can visit the top of the cupola for a great view of the city. Behind the cathedral is the Museum of the Opera del Duomo. This museum has an impressive sculpture collection that includes pieces by Michelangelo.

The Piazza della Signoria is next on the list of must-see attractions. This main square in Florence has been used as the hub of Florence's political life for centuries. It is also surrounded by some of the city's most notable buildings, including the Palazzo Vecchio where a copy of Michelangelo's David stands guarding the entrance.

Visit Santa Croce to see another one of Florence's well known Renaissance churches and to pay tribute to Michelangelo, who is buried there. Rumor has it that you can catch Stendhal's Disease from entering this building. Fact shows that about twelve visitors a year actually do come down with this. Once inside, you will find a leather school in the back which is often a good place to find interesting Florentine souvenirs. The church museum features a crucifix by Cimabue that was damaged by floods in 1966.

Another Renaissance art museum worth spending some time in is the Bargello Museum, This museum has the most comprehensive range of medireview and Renaissance sculpture in all of Italy. Sculptures such as Bacchus by Michelangelo, Donatello's bronze David, and Mercury by Giambologna can be seen here along with numerous others. The museum is housed in what was orginally a large Florentine palace. You will even find sculptures exhibited outside in the palace's courtyard.

Crossing over the Arno River, you may choose to use the colorful large bridge known as the Ponte Vecchio, literally 'Old Bridge.' This famous 14th century bridge is lined with numerous stores that sell everything from jewelry to meat.

Finally, don't miss the Pitti Palace on the southern bank of the Arno. Brunelleschi supposedly designed this palace, and it became home to one of the most important families in Florence history: The Medici family. It is a huge and imposing building with an interesting history. Inside you will find a wide array of well known art, including paintings by Carravaggio and Raphael. The Pitti Palace is also well known for its expansive Boboli Gardens which offer great views of Florence on the other side of the Arno.

Florence definitely has a lot to take in from museums to churches and even public gardens, not to mention the various shops. It is a beautiful, magical place to visit, but do plan on doing a bit of walking due to the congestion.