Florence is known as the Cradle of the Renaissance, It is one of the greatest repositories of art masterpieces in the world, it is a veritable treasure trove of art and architecture Return time and again and you still won’t see it all. Stand on a bridge over the Arno river several times in a day and the light, mood and view changes every time Florence (Firenze) is magnetic, romantic and busy. Its urban fabric has hardly changed since the Renaissance, its narrow streets evoke a thousand tales, and its food and wine are so wonderful the tag ‘Fiorentina’ has become an international label of quality assurance.
Florence’s museums, palaces, and churches house some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world. The most popular and important sites in Florence include the Cathedral; the Baptistery, the Uffizi and Bargello galleries, and the library of San Lorenzo is a magnificent exhibition of Michelangelo’s architectural genius. Wander some of the oldest streets in the city until you reach the Arno River, cross the Ponte Vecchio and experience the “newest” area of Florence, the Oltrarno. Be sure to set aside time to see the vast and varied art collection housed in the Pitti Palace. If you grow weary of museums and monuments, head outdoors. Spend a day at the Boboli Gardens or climb the hill to the church of San Miniato al Monte to experience an enchanting view of Florence. There is much to see and do in Tuscany but we will remember to measure our steps not by the number of places we will see but by the depth of the experience we will savor.