Florence, Italy

Florence, Italy

Experience Florence

Florence is a well-known cultural and arts center of Italy and is located in one of the most romantic regions of Italy, Tuscany. Many Italians refer to the city as “La culla del Rinascimento” literally the crib of Renaissance to symbolize the birthplace of the Renaissance. Its history is ancient, rich and complex making it fascinating to visit. It is a center of medieval European trade and finance and one of the wealthiest cities of the time and has been called “the Athens of the Middle Ages”. A turbulent political history includes periods of rule by the powerful Medici family, and numerous religious and republican revolutions. From 1865-71 the city was the capital of the recently established Kingdom of Italy.

 

The center of the city, Piazza della Signoria is contained in medieval walls that were built in the 14th century to defend the city. While it is a relatively large city, the way the city center has been designed makes it easier to navigate and explore than you would imagine. There are any number of photo opportunities and memory-making moments amongst the many beautiful and awe-inspiring pieces of architecture, sculpture and art.

 

The Medici’s hold an infamous place in history and that history took place in Florence. One of history’s most important noble families, Lorenzo de’ Medici was considered a political and cultural mastermind of Italy in the late 15th century.

  • Florence originated as a Roman city in 80 BC.
  • There are over 360,000 residents.
  • Florence has been ranked by Forbes as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
  • Florence borders on humid subtropical and Mediterranean climates. Its average annual temperature is about 70 degrees, hitting the mid to upper 80’s in the summer.
  • The Palazzo Vecchio as well as the Duomo, or the city’s Cathedral, are the two buildings which dominate Florence’s skyline.
  • Located on the side of the Mercato Nuovo facing south, visitors to Il Porcellino put a coin into the boar’s gaping jaws with the intent to let it fall through the underlying grating for good luck, and they rub the boar’s snout to ensure a return to Florence. This is a tradition that the English literary traveler Tobias Smollett noted in 1766, which has kept the snout in a state of polished sheen while the rest of the boar’s body has patinated to a dull brownish-green.
  • In 1504, Michelangelo’s David (now replaced by a replica, since the original was moved in 1873 to the Galleria dell’Accademia) was installed in front of the Palazzo della Signoria.
  • The River Arno, which cuts through the old part of the city, is as much a character in Florentine history as many of the people who lived there. Historically, the locals have had a love-hate relationship with the Arno – which alternated between nourishing the city with commerce, and destroying it by flood.
  • The Boboli Gardens cover 111 acres.
  • Starting from the late Middle Ages, Florentine money—in the form of the gold florin—financed the development of industry all over Europe, from Britain to Bruges, to Lyon and Hungary. 
  • The Ponte Vecchio is the only bridge in the city to have survived World War II intact.

There are a multitude of hotel options in the city. There is something to meet every financial, cultural and historical need. VoomaGo has worked with our network of Locals and partnered with a few vetted accommodations and options. When we’re building your trip with you, we can discuss the availability and right fit for your needs.

 

VoomaGo’s co-founder Antimo Cimino lived and worked in Florence before moving to the USA, so he will be happy to make the best recommendation and book the perfect place to stay for you depending on your needs.

A day in Florence…

It is best that you evenly space your museum, church and city viewing over your stay and plan on coming back to take in the beauty of the city in small doses. A visit to The Duomo, whose dome was built by Filippo Brunelleschi is a must along with the Campanile. As you walk toward the river you will reach Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi Gallery, one of the finest art museums in the world.  In the piazza you can admire several statues including a copy of the David.

Continue toward the river to admire The Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge), whose most striking feature is the multitude of shops built upon its edges, held up by stilts.

The Boboli Gardens are a requirement for any garden aficionados. Located behind the Pitti Palace, they have come to form an outdoor museum of garden sculpture that includes Roman antiquities as well as 16th and 17th century works.

Experiences in Florence

La Mia Firenze (My Florence) view

La Mia Firenze (My Florence)

A walking experience away from touristy crowds   Florence is like a glorified museum, yet it is also an incredible,…

Florence, Italy
Roman Ruins and Florence from Above in Fiesole view