Tour of Florence

Start your tour at Piazza del Duomo, which will uncover some of the spectacular beauty of Florence. Not only is it rich in history, but is architecturally a dream like city. The Baptistery, which is dedicated to St. John the Baptist who is the patron Saint of Florence, is one of the oldest buildings in Florence and is richly covered in all sorts of mosaics with bronze doors from the medieval and Renaissance age by designers like Lorenzo Ghiberti and Andrea Pisano. One can also see the re-constructed version of Michaelangelo’s eastern door, which is known as the Gateway to Paradise.

In the Cathedral Museum one can see some sculptors as well as some of Michaelangelo’s original panels, which has reopened its doors after a lengthy closure. Behind the Cathedral at the Piazza is where the museum is located.

The Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral is in front of the Baptistery. It took 150 years to build and the original cathedral’s foundations can be seen in the basement. You can climb the cupola, which is around 105 metres high and has wonderful views as well as admiring the master work by the famous architect Brunelleschi who designed this magnificent cupola. The inside of the cathedral is also well worth a view even if it means queuing up.
Across from this cathedral is the famous Campanile di Giotto, which means the Giotto’s Bell Tower. One can also climb this very steep tower and it’s also worth a look.

As you stroll down through via Calzaiuoli, there are hundreds of shops lining the streets and when you come up to Piazza della Signoria, one sees the Palazzo della Signoria, which is also known as Palazzo Vecchio and the palace once housed the government of the old city of Florence. The building dates back to 1294. The second internal courtyard has public baths. Also there is the dei Lanzi Lodge which has an open air museum where on view is sculptures and fountains and the equestrian monument to Cosimo I and also a replica of David.

One of the most important museums in the world can be seen just down the road from the piazza at the Ufizzi Gallery. The open air Rivoire Cafe nearby is great for chilling out and people spotting while one admires the cafes famous hot chocolate with cream which is total bliss!

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