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FlorenceFlorence:''This article is about Florence in Italy. Other places sharing this name include Florence (Alabama) and Florence (South Carolina).'' ---- '''Florence''' (Italian: ''Firenze'') is the capital of the region of Tuscany in Italy, with a population of some 400,000. It is a fantastically beautiful city, a cultural, artistic and architectural gem. Image:Florence_italy_duomo.jpg|300px|thumb|The Duomo ==Understand== Florence was very much the epicentre of the Italian Renaissance and remains one of the world's top attractions for lovers of art. Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Located in the heart of Tuscany, a stunning province of hills and mountains, the Renaissance capital of the world, with famous sons like Leonardo, Dante, Machiavelli and Michelangelo, is a sight not to be missed. The world famous Duomo with the Brunelleschi cupola and the marble clad baptistry are simply stupendous, but not all the monuments are like this. The streets of the historic town centre are often narrow and dark, the palaces robust and intimidating. But have a look at the squares - wonderful Mediterranean places where you will like spending hours sitting down, having a coffee and just watching people passing by. However, Florence is a city of incomparable pleasure concerning churches, monasteries, museums, galleries and palaces. Among the things you can't afford to miss are the Uffizi Galleries, one of the best art museums in the world, the cathedral with the baptistry, the Santo Spirito church and the Ponte Vecchio. To get a great overview of the city, head for Piazza Michelangelo in Oltrarno (other side of river Arno) or farther up to the church of San Miniato. The surroundings of Florence have many things to offer to the visitor as well as does the whole Florence Province. You can explore this region for weeks without being bored. For these day trips the city of Florence is the perfect starting point. ==Get in== ===By plane=== The airport is [http://www.safnet.it/ Amerigo Vespucci] (code FLR). It has good connections to the center of the city, which can be reached in about fifteen minutes by taxi. The '''Ataf-Sita Vol in Bus''' ("Fly by bus") service costs €4 one way, and makes the circuit between the airport and the central train station about every half an hour from 5:30AM to 8:30PM, then once an hour afterwards. Much cheaper flights to destinations throughout Europe can be found at Pisa airport (only a €5 train journey from the center of Florence). Discount_airlines_in_Europe|Low-cost airlines which fly to Florence include Easyjet, Ryanair, Transavia and HLX. ===By train=== Local trains from other parts of Italy and express trains from around Europe arrive in Florence. The main station is '''[http://www.firenzesantamarianovella.it/ Firenze Santa Maria Novella]''', on the edge of the historic old town. Other small stations are '''Firenze Campo Marte''' (near Florence Stadium) and '''Firenze Rifredi'''. ===By car=== Florence is connected by good highways to the rest of Italy. Cars aren't allowed in the small old town center, so plan on parking your car and leaving it for a while. ===By bus=== Bus stops have clear labeling of the routes, and some stops are shared with trams. They give no indication of bus times, however, so they can be a bit disconcerting to use. They are cheap, and with a tourist ticket (1 day, and 3 day tickets are available), you can just hop on and off at will. http://www.ataf.net/ is the official website. It has maps and timetables. Click on "English" if you don't speak Italian. You may need the help of an online translator like http://babelfish.altavista.com/ to get the most out of the pages that aren't all in English. (wnc) ==Get around== Much of the town center is blocked off to automobiles; motor-bikes and bicycles are common. Some of the hotels actually provide their guest with free bicycles as well. You can easily travel on foot, by motor-bike or in the small electric busses which are avaiable in the city center. There is decent bus service in other parts of town as well. Taxis are available, but it's best if you have your hotel or the restaurant you are eating at call ahead. There is apparently a waiting list, so Taxis can't just be hailed on the street. There is however a system of Taxi call boxes where you will receive a ticket to present when you get in the cab. ==See== ===Museums=== The Uffizi is the most famous, but Florence also has other amazing museums a short walk away with world class artistic treasures. *the '''Uffizi''' [http://www.uffizi.firenze.it] - Justly one of the world's most famous fine art museums. The collections of Renaissance paintings and sculptures from classical antiquity are superb. There are often long lines-- a tip; you can make a reservation in advance and walk right in. The restaurant/''caffè'' has a large balcony overlooking the main plaza and is a great place to take a break for art lovers making a non-rushed visit to this fantastic collection. *'''Bargello''' - perhaps the world's finest collection of Renaissance and Mannerist sculpture. *'''Accademia''' - more sculpture, highlights are Michelangelo's ''David'' (the one on the main square is a replica) and ''The Slaves''. *'''Pitti Palace''' - Across the Arno. The Medici family palace contains galleries of their art and treasures. *'''Museo dell'Opera del Duomo''' - the Cathedral Museum, with artworks formerly in the Duomo and surrounding religious buildings. Models and drawings of the Cathedral. Worthy. For those making longer stays in Florence, the city also has an interesting archaeological museum (the Etruscan art collection is particularly good), a Contemporary Art gallery, and other collections. === Other sights === American Cemetery of Florence: Arlington-like US WWII military cemetery. Expansive and beautiful, 6,000 laid to rest (the Yanks who died between Rome and the norther borders. 20 minute bus ride from the Sita Station, just ask agent (get a return ticket) no cost to enter. In the old town center: * '''Santa Maria del Fiore''', also known as the '''Duomo di Firenze''' is the city's beautiful cathedral, the symbol of the city. * '''Giotto's Tower''' - you can climb the tower for a magnificent view of the Duomo, Florence, and the surrounding area. Small entrance fee, and requires some tenacity to climb 400+ steps. * '''Baptistry''' famous for the Paradise door * '''Palazzo Vecchio''' - old city palace, adorned with fine art * '''Ponte Vecchio''' most famous bridge over the Arno with shops lining it * ''' Santa Croce''' church contains the monumental tombs of Galileo, Michaelangelo, Dante, and many other notables in addition to artistic decorations * '''Santa Maria Novella''' * '''Orsanmichele''' * '''Medici Chapel''' Across the Arno: * '''Boboli Gardens''', elaborately landscaped and with many interesting sculptures, behind the Pitti Palace * '''Santa Maria del Carmine''' has famous frescos in the Brancacci Chapel * '''Piazza Michaelangelo''' (Michaelangelo square) plaza on a hilltop with a great view of the city (go there by bus). ==Do== See art, eat, drink, see more art, hear music, shop, take a day trip into the Tuscan countryside, people watch, climb to the top of the Duomo or Campanile, see more art, eagerly plan for your return visit. ==Learn== ==Work== ==Buy== Books, leather goods, art ==Eat== Remember that restaurants have separate prices for food to go or eaten standing up verses sit down service; don't try to sit at a table after paying for food or coffee from the restaurant's to go booth. Also ask always beforehand for the price if you want to sit at a table. Otherwise you might be uncomfortably surprised. Cappuccino ''al banco'' i.e. standing up might cost 1,3 euros but at a table 4 euros. Florence's food can be as much of a treat to the palate as the art is a treat to the eye! There is good food for any price range, from fine restaurants to take out food from window stands. The best price/quality ratio you will find outside the historical center where normal Italians go to eat. The worst ratio is probably in the neighbourhood of Mercato di San Lorenzo where there are a lot of tourist restaurants. Typical Tuscanian courses include ''Bistecca alla fiorentina'' which is huge t-bone steak weighing from 500 to 900 grams. It has always price given per 100 grams e.g. ''3,5€ etto''. ''Crostini toscani'' are crostinis with tuscanian liver paté. There are many ''gelato'' (Italian ice cream) stands; some connoisseurs consider the better Florentine gelato the finest in the world. Many times ''gelato'' is made in the bar where you buy it. Because of this there are many exotic tastes of ice cream like water melon, spumante or garlic. ===Budget=== There are numerous ''caffès'' and ''pasticcerias'' where you can find excellent sandwiches. Pizza sold by weight is an equally excellent solution for budget dinning, as is any ''caffè'' displaying a "''Primi''" card in it's window where you'll find pastas and other dishes at low reasonable prices. A golden rule: the closer you are to the historic old town, the higher the price. ===Mid-range=== * Trattoria da '''Garibaldi''', Piazza del Mercato Centrale 38r ; Tel 055 21 22 67. * '''Birreria Centrale''', Piazza Cimatori 1r ; Tel 055 21 19 15. * Trattoria '''Baldini''', Via della Scala ===Splurge=== * Trattoria '''ZàZà''', Piazza del mercato centrale, 26r; Tel 055 215411 ==Drink== Tap water is safe, but those who prefer bottled water will find it plentiful. Sample the excellent wines of the region. ===Mid-range=== * '''Uffizi Museum''' The bar at this museum offers an amazing view overlooking ''la Piazza della Signoria'', but it's only accessible through the museum, so you'll have to buy a ticket. * '''Irish Pub''' Piazza Santa Maria Novella ===Splurge=== * '''Rivoire''' Piazza della Signoria. Founded in 1872 this terrace facing the ''Palazzo Vecchio'' is a Florentine institution. * '''Paszkowski''' ou '''gilli'''. Situated on the ''Piazza Republica'', next to the hotel Savoy. Note that the terrasses on the other side of the ''piazza'' are equally pricy. ==Sleep== As elsewhere the price of hotels in Florence has been climbing quickly in the last few years. The golden rule here is if you want something cheap you'll have to stay outside of the historic center. If you are looking at big chain hotels you should be aware that they are usually quite a ways out indeed, the Novotel for instance is almost at the airport. Certain hotels, particularly those oriented toward business travelers offer special reduced rates during the weekend (eg. Starhotel Michelangelo) or during slow weeks like Baglioni. Sometimes you can also get a substantial discount by reserving online. ===Budget=== There are quite a number of one or two-star ''alberghi'' within a short distance of the station. Young women can find accommodation with certain convents at very low prices, and usually in historic locations. On the other hand, you'll have to forget about any late-night Tuscan crazyness. '''Camping Michelangelo''' has a scenic location on the hillside close to Piazza Michelangelo. Usually it is very crowded. ===Mid-range=== * '''Machiavelli''' Palace hotel. via Nazionale 10v ; +39 055 214 106 * '''Calzaiuli'''. via Calzaiuoli 6 ; +39 055 212 456 ===Splurge=== * '''Starhotel Michelangelo'''. Via Fratelli Rosselli 2, +39 055 2 784 * '''Savoy''', Piazza della Republica 7, +39 055 27 351 * '''Brunelleschi''', Piazza S. Elisabetta 3 ; +39 055 27 370 * '''Palazzo Niccolini al Duomo''', Via dei Servi 2, +39 055 282 412, [http://www.niccolinidomepalace.com] ==Contact== Since there are a large number of tourists around, the center of Florence is brimming with webcafés and telephone call centers. Most evenings there are long lines for access to the phone-booths. You can also buy a pre-paid card which will give you a steep discount on international calls by dialing a special number. ==Stay safe== Florence is generally safe, but take precautions against the opportunistic thieves common to major tourist attractions-- pick pockets and purse snatchers. ==Stay healthy== Beware of '''Stendhal syndrome''', namely, dizziness caused by being overwhelmed by Florence's fantastic art. Yes, it's a real syndrome, named after 19th-century French author Stendhal, who suffered from it during his stay in Florence. If you get overwhelmed, rest your eyes and legs, get some food (remember ''gelato''?), and save the rest of Florence for tomorrow. ==Get out== Florence is a great starting point and base for a tour of Tuscany. Attractive day trips include Pisa and Siena, and of course the wine zone of Chianti. Greve in Chianti is the market town of the Chianti zone and it is in the hills surrounding Greve that you can rent a B&B room or a small apartment on a working vineyard for less than a hotel in Florence. The SITA Pullman buses take you to Greve and Panzano in about an hour. From then on you see few cars and many cypress and olive trees. ==External links== *[http://www.comune.fi.it/inglese/ City of Florence] - official site (in English). *[http://www.greve-in-chianti.com/ Greve in Chianti] - market town and accommodations centre of Chianti *[http://www.impruneta.com Impruneta,] home of Tuscan terracotta (in Italian, English and German). *[http://www.panzano.com/ Panzano] - a tranquil Tuscan hill town WikiPedia:Florence fr:Florence {{msg:stub}} First page | Prev | Next | Last page |
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