Travel Florence Italy

Florence CathedralAs explained in “Travel Italy“, I have decided to share some material I collected for a book I planned to write a while back. The material was written for me by a freelance writer whom I prefer to call my research assistant because it makes me sound important (tongue in cheek). I’m currently focusing on Italy, but I’ll be sharing material about London and Paris as well. Then later on maybe I’ll get some material on additional countries and share those as well. Maybe you already know all there is to know about Florence Italy, but some of us aspiring rich girls have never been to Florence or any other place in Italy or Europe for that matter. Until such time as we can afford to travel like the ultimate rich bitches (no offense to anyone who doesn’t like my use of the “B” word.) a little education about some of the world’s most traveled regions couldn’t hurt.

Florence with its rich historic past

Florence boasts with its baroque buildings, remarkable galleries, and striking churches. The city of Florence lies on the Arno river and used to be the center of Medieval European trade and finance. Today, the place is known for its art and architectural design that dates back from the middle age.

The must-see place in Florence is the magnificent domed cathedral called Santa Maria del Fiore (also known as Duomo). The church, which was built 600 years ago by Filippo Brunelleschi, is a famous tourist spot that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Other well-known churches in Florence are the Battistero di San Giovanni, the Basilica di Santa Croce, the Basilica di San Lorenzo, the Basilica della Santissima Annunziata, and the Chiesa di San Marco.

The travelers should also see the old bridge called Ponte Vecchio. This is the only bridge that has survived the catastrophe of World War II. First constructed hundreds of years ago by its original inhabitants called Etruscans, the bridge’s most striking feature is the multitude of shops upon its edges. At the center of this magnificent city is the famous marble sculpture called Bartolomeo Ammanati’s Fountain of Neptune. This masterpiece is a breathtaking view that will enthrall every one with its beauty and charm.

If someone wants to have a taste of the rich historic past of the city, he or she must visit the Uffizi gallery which is considered as one of the finest galleries in the world. One of the most famous squares in Florence is the Piazza della Signoria which used to be the heart of social life in the medieval city. What is interesting to note is that this is the only square in the world which has the most incredible large numbers of historic monuments.

In 1982, the historic center of Florence was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its medieval walls which were built in the 14th century to protect the city from its enemies.

Note: UNESCO(United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) world heritage sites are places in the world that are regarded to be culturally or naturally important to the common heritage of humanity.

Also read:

Tuscany—a place of sweet wine

Venice—a place where romance blooms

Image: The Florence Cathedral in the evening sun.

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