Cathedral of Santa Maria Italy is famous for its many cities, andone of the most beautiful is Florence, located at the northern foot of the Apennines of the Arno River. Florence is considered a world center of tourism and the most beautiful Italian city, where there are interesting sights, which is the birthplace of the Renaissance: it was here that the best of the best works and creations of famous artists, musicians, architects and sculptors were created. All the sights of this city Italy and other countries refer to as world classics. The wealth of the city in magnificent cultural and, accordingly, architectural monuments that delight any tourist and guest at first sight.

Florence as the center of world culture. Foundation of Florence

Florence is part of Tuscany (formerlyprovince), the rich history of which goes far back into the past. The Etruscans lived in these places a long time ago, as evidenced by the excavations that have found absolutely priceless works of this people. The city itself was founded by the ancient Romans in 59 BC. These places are famous for their picturesqueness. Florentine nature is especially beautiful in the spring months, when the green hills surrounding the city bloom with beautiful flowers. This "highlight" gave the name to the city. Over the course of time, the city had to endure many different events: a change of religion, an emerging new culture, decline, war, a change of power and system of government. But all this made the city even better. Florence flourished with the reign of Cosimo Medici, which lasted from 1434 to 1737. He was a peculiar ruler who, during his time in power, never accepted any title and remained just a citizen until the end of his life. He always adhered to the republican form of government (signoria - a government of 8 people). He loved art, collected various works, books. With his orders to architects, sculptors and artists, he supported and patronized talented people of art.Signoria Square

The wealth of Florence: a brilliant work of art

Florence, like all of Italy, isthe greatest cultural center, which is simply impossible to imagine without the works of such brilliant talents as Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Michelangelo. They are still considered masterpieces, decorate various buildings, squares, being the calling card of the city. At different periods, Galileo Galilei, Dante lived and, accordingly, created in this city, our compatriots Dostoevsky and Tchaikovsky helped. It is simply impossible to see all the sights of the city, and not only a week, but also a month is not enough. To get acquainted with all the museums, galleries, architectural structures, you need to stay or live in the city for quite a long time. And to see everything, you just need to move there to live.

Santa Maria Cathedral - the pearl of Florence

Italy has the most beautiful churches inworld. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is undoubtedly the pearl of Florence. The building towers over the entire city. Famous architects and artists took an active part in its construction. The foundation of the cathedral was laid in 1294 by the architect Arnolfo di Cambio, other famous masters also took an important and active part in the construction of the cathedral: Brunelleschi, Francesco Talenti, Andrea Pisano, Giotto. A remarkable part of the cathedral is its facade, made in the 19th century in the Florentine Gothic style, and the bell tower (14th century), which is decorated with statues, medallions, although at the moment their copies are used instead, and everyone can see the originals in the cathedral museum. The interior of the cathedral is inspiring: magnificent statues and sculptural tombstones. The Cathedral Museum houses the richest collections of cultural treasures, including statues by Pollaiuolo, Donatello and magnificent works by Michelangelo.ponte-santa-trinite bridge

Piazza della Signoria is the most beautiful place in Florence

Italy is undoubtedly famous for its beauty, andThe most beautiful place is rightfully considered to be the Piazza della Signoria. This place is home to the city's iconic landmarks, so visiting guests should definitely check them out. The main building on the square is the Palazzo Vecchio, which was built according to a project created by Arnolfo di Cambio. This significant building, in its power and massiveness, looks more like a fortress topped with a clock tower. The entrance to the palace is decorated with the inscription "The Tsar rules, and God reigns", placed in a medallion with figures of lions and the monogram of Christ. It was made by order of C. Medici. In addition to the palace, the square has a fountain of Neptune (16th century), a statue of Cosimo Medici, sculptures and other works by the best masters. Of course, all the statues are just copies, the originals are in the museum for their better preservation.

Florence's most popular attractions

Italy will be remembered by visitors to the country and otherspopular attractions. For example, Florence is famous for the Santa Croce Church. This is one of the great works of Arnolfo di Cambio, made in the Gothic style. Work on its construction began in 1294, but the church was consecrated only 250 years later. In addition, vacationers enjoy visiting the famous museums: the Palatine Gallery and the Uffizi Gallery, which display the best works of the Italian, Venetian, and Florentine schools. It is worth noting that the galleries display works by Flemish authors. The Uffizi Gallery was built by order of the Medici family in the 16th century, after which it was donated to the city of Florence. The gallery's exhibits include works by Michelangelo, Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Piero della Francesca, Giotto Cimabue, and Leonardo da Vinci.jotto belfry

Tips for tourists who dream of getting to know Florence better

Italy offers its guests many places,which are definitely worth seeing. Where to go and what sights to see first? In order not to get confused, it is best to make a certain route. For example, most travelers use guidebooks, which provide a short course of acquaintance with the city of Florence and the main sights:

  • Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo di Firenze). It is a masterpiece of the Renaissance. It is considered a symbol of the city of Florence. Created by an engineer and architect Filippo Brunelleschi. Attention is drawn to amazing watches that go in the opposite direction. An interesting fact is that, starting from the middle of the 15th century up to the present, the clock goes without a single breakdown. This landmark is in the public domain. Tourists have the opportunity for 6 euros to climb 464 steps to the top of a wonderful red dome. To avoid a huge queue, it is best to choose the morning hours to visit.
  • Giotto's Bell Tower. Situated 30 metres from the cathedral in Piazza Duomo. Offers a panoramic view of the city. There are 414 steps, and the entrance fee to the bell tower is 6 euros.
  • Baptistery of San Giovanni. The best of the oldest buildings in the historic center of Florence, dates back to the 5th century. Its highlight is the eastern gate, decorated with 10 gilded panels, bas-reliefs, made on biblical themes. Particular attention is attracted to both the southern and northern gates, which are decorated with bas-reliefs (28 on each gate), and a mosaic dome, which was made by Byzantine masters.
  • Basilica of San Lorenzo. It is the best of the oldest churches in the city of Florence, which was founded in the 4th century. In the church there are the tombs of the Medici clan, made of marble.
  • Basilica of Santa Croce. The place of interest of this place is the graves of the most famous residents in the city. Rest here found Machiavelli, Dante, Galileo, Rossini and other celebrities. In addition to the Pantheon of Florence, the basilica is famous for Giotto's frescoes and multi-colored stained-glass windows in the interior.
  • The Palazzo Vecchio. Not only is this the container of the best masterpieces of sculpture and painting, which Italy is rightfully proud of, the palazzo itself represents an architectural pearl in conjunction with the richest interiors. Tourists get a chance to consider a copy of the sculpture "David" by Michelangelo.
  • Piazza della Signoria. Located in front of the Palazzo Vecchio, it hosts a large number of different sculptures, beginning with the "David" by Michelangelo, ending with the composition "Judith and Holofernes" by Donatello.
  • "The Old Bridge" (Ponte Vecchio) andCorridoio-Vasariano. It is the oldest bridge in Florence. The most popular image on postcards with a view of the city. Around the bridge are numerous jewelry stores, which have their origins since the time of the Medici. Giorgio Vasari designed a secret corridor, which is located above the shops and connects the Palazzo Pitti and the Palazzo Vecchio.
  • Ponte Santa Trinita. It is the oldest arch bridge not only in Florence, but also in the world. The elegant bridge of the city begins its history from the 13th century.
  • Church of Santa Maria Novella. The fame of the church is given by a light openwork facade, which looks like a casket. The interior includes numerous works of art: Greek frescoes, marble tombstones. It is here that the famous crucifixion of Brunelleschi is located.
  • The Square of Michelangelo. A fairly large space, located on the top of the hill. From here you can see the whole of Florence, a special beauty opens with the onset of the evening. Go up to the square by the stairs of San Nicolo.
  • Boboli Gardens. In the gardens you can breathe fresh air and rest after a long visit to museums. There are numerous statues, monuments of architecture. In addition to all this, it offers a beautiful view of the Cathedral and the city's quarters. In the neighborhood are the gardens of Bardini, whose visit is possible for 7 euros.
  • And this is only part of what can pleaseItaly and Florence in particular its tourists, vacationers, travelers. It is no secret that even residents who live permanently in the city do not always have time to see the sights of their city.

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