The most populous city in the Tuscany region of Italy, Florence has been a popular destination for adventure travel enthusiasts for years. Known as the cradle of the Renaissance, Florence is a hub of history, art and fashion. There a few other cities quite like this northern Italian gem, and visitors can uncover something new and exciting whether it's their first time to the area or they are frequent travelers. Here's a look at some of the highlights.
Florence Cathedral
Known in Italian as the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, or more affectionately referred to as "the Duomo," this iconic building has become synonymous with the city. It was completed in 1436 and has since stood as a testament to the city's rich history. At more than 502 feet long it is certainly a sight to behold, but to truly appreciate its role in Florence, visitors need to see it close up.
The centerpiece of the Florence Cathedral is unquestionably its immense dome, which is the largest brick and mortar dome in the world. The interior is also home to several important works of art including the statue of Saint Reparata. Adventure travelers have the opportunity to climb the stairs to the top of the Duomo in order to see breathtaking views of the city.
Palazzo Vecchio
This centuries-old building is the Florence town hall, but unlike many of the other historical government buildings in Europe, it is also an art museum. Given its location in Florence, it should come as no surprise that it houses works by some of the most famous artists of the Renaissance. Among the highlights include the Battle of Cascina and the Genio della Vittoria, both of which were created by Michelangelo.
The artwork is impressive, but the outward appearance of Palazzo Vecchio is striking as well. In particular, its facade features a variety of sculptures, and was actually home to Michelangelo's David until 1873.
Piazza Santa Croce
Florence is not just where to find some beautiful artwork and breathtaking architecture, it is also home to a number of squares that will appeal to any traveler, and Piazza Santa Croce is among them. This square offers access to many of the city's most famous sites and is often a hub of activity.
The centerpiece of Piazza Santa Croce is the Basilica di Santa Croce. The building is the largest Franciscan church in the world and is the final resting place of some of the most important names in history, including Galileo Galilei, Michelangelo and famous composer Gioachino Rossini.
Florence: The cradle of the Renaissance
Posted on Tuesday, July 24th, 2012
