Florence, Italy lies on the Arno River in northwest Italy,
and is the capital city of the Tuscany Region. Between 1865 and 1870, Florence
was also the capital of the Kingdom of Italy. Florence is most famous
for its medieval European trade and finance history, as well as its magnificent
art and architecture. It has many times been referred to as the Athens
of the Middle Ages. Visiting Florence is a must for any art lover.
UNESCO has estimated that around 60% of the worlds most famous artworks
are located in Italy, and half of those are found in Florence.
Florence is normally
perceived to have a normal Mediterranean climate. Climates in the summer
are hot and humid with very little rainfall, while winters are cool and
damp. The largest season for rainfall in Florence is winter, with
occasional snowfall.
Beautiful architecture abounds
in Florence. Probably the most well known and popular attractions
are the Duomo, or Santa Maria del Fiore, and the Campanile tower. Both
offer excellent views of the beautiful city. The Piazza della Signoria
holds Bartolomeo Ammanti’s Fountain of Neptune, a marble sculpture that
is world renowned.
The Ponte Vecchio is one of
the most striking bridges found in all of Italy. It features a multitude
of shops built on its edges that are held up by stilts. The bridge was
first constructed by the Etruscans in ancient ages, and is the only one
in the city that survived World War II completely intact.
The San Lorenzo holds the
Medici Chapel, which is the mausoleum of the Medici Family. The Medici
family was the most powerful family in Florence from the 15th to
the 18th centuries.
In ancient times, as in present
day, most of the action in Florence happened between the Piazza
del Duomo and the Piaza della Signoria. It is said that Dante first glimpsed
his muse, Beatrice here. The Florentine Republic both rose and fell here,
and Savonarola’s Bonfire of the Vanities was born here also.
On Florence’s Patron
Saint Day, June 24th is held a medieval football match. The best time to
truly experience the beauty and historical value of Florence is
in early autumn, when the land is ablaze with fruitfulness. This is also
the best climate period for Florence.
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