Florence, renaissance art and architecture

Florence is an Italian city, capital of Tuscany and the province of Florence situated on the Arno river. Florence is the city in the world that has more renaissance paintings and architecture . Its historic center was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1982.

If you want to see art, paintings and sculptures Florence is the city to visit. It is an amazing city with lots of places to see art, some of the most important are:

Duomo di Santa Maria del Fiore

The cathedral (or duomo in Italian) dedicated to Santa Maria del Fiore is located in the old town. It is famous for its large dome, which is 45 m diameter and height of 100m.

Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio is the most famous and ancient bridge in Florence. Of medieval origin, was renovated during the Renaissance, replaceing the furriers shops for jewelers. It was the only bridge which survived the withdrawal of Florence from the Nazis in World War II and is now one of the most recognizable symbols of the city and one of the most frequented by tourists.

Piazza della Signoria

The famous Piazza della Signoria is the major square of Florence, home to the Fountain of Neptune of Ammannati, the Loggia dei Lanzi and the Palazzo Vecchio venue of the City Council. In the square are three statues: Cosimo "the Elder" on horseback, the Hercules and Caco, and a reproduction of Michelangelo's David that is on call to City Hall along with Hercules.

Palazzo Vecchio

It is the seat of the municipality of Florence, completed in 1322, and still retains its original function.

Galleria degli Uffizi

At present is the first museum in Italy and the world in relation to Renaissance painting. The entire fortune of the Medici family is in this temple of painting.

Museo nazionale del Bargello

The Bargello National Museum is located in a former prison near the Piazza della Signoria. Meets an interesting collection of sculptures of all kinds and styles, with works such as Bacchus by Michelangelo, Giambologna mercury or Donatello's David.

Galleria dell'Accademia

At the Accademia Gallery, showcases the original David by Michelangelo.

Basilica di San Lorenzo

It was the church of the Medici family. It has a dome designed by Buonantoni and some chapels with altarpieces made sculpture by Michelangelo as the tombs of Lorenzo and Catherine de Medici. It also has a staircase and a library made by Michelangelo, built on the cloister. The interiors were built in large part by Brunelleschi in 1427.

I think that it is almost imposible to visit all the amazing places that Florence has in one trip. It is such an amazing city, with art everywhere that you´ll need to stay long or visit several times to enjoy all.