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Florence
Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is the capital city of the region of Tuscany, Italy. From 1865 to 1871 it was also the capital of the Kingdom of Italy. Florence lies on the Arno River and has a population of around 400,000 people, plus a suburban population in excess of 200,000 persons.Located in the heart of Tuscany, a stunning province of hills and mountains, the Renaissance capital of the world, with famous sons like Leonardo, Dante, Machiavelli and Michelangelo, is a sight not to be missed. A centre of medieval European trade and finance, the city is often considered the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and was long ruled by the Medici family. Florence is also famous for its fine art and architecture.
The surroundings of Florence have many things to offer to the visitor as well as does the whole Florence Province. You can explore this region for weeks without being bored. For these day trips the city of Florence is the perfect starting point. The Duomo in Florence is constantly being cleaned to remove the effects of pollution The bridges of Florence at sunset from Piazzale MichelangeloAt the heart of the city is the Fountain of Neptune, which is a masterpiece of marble sculpture at the terminus of a still functioning Roman aqueduct. The Arno river, which cuts through the old part of the city, is as much a character in Florentine history as many of the men who lived there. Historically, the locals have had a love-hate relationship with the Arno -- which alternated from nourishing the city with commerce, and destroying it by flood. Many of the bridges across the Arno were built by the Romans. One of the bridges in particular, however, stands out as being unique -- The Ponte Vecchio, whose most striking feature is the multitude of shops built on it. First constructed by the Etruscans in ancient times, this bridge is the only one in the city to have survived World War II intact. The most famous palace in the city is San Lorenzo, which has become a monument to the Medici family who were one of the most powerful families in Florence during the 15th century. Nearby is the Uffizi Gallery, one of the finest art galleries in the world. The Uffizi itself is located on the corner of Piazza della Signoria, a site important for three main reasons: In 1301, it was where Dante was sent into Exile (a plaque on one of the walls of the Uffizi commemorates the event). In 1497, it was the location of the Bonfire of the Vanities (a plaque in the middle of the plaza commemorates that event), followed in 1498 by the execution of its its instigator, Girolamo Savonarola. In 1504, it was the original location of Michelangelo's David (now replaced by a reproduction as the original was moved indoors to the Accademia dell' Arte del Disegno), in front of the Palazzo della Signoria (aka Palazzo Vecchio). In addition to the Uffizi, Florence has other world-class museums: The Bargello concentrates on sculpture, containing many priceless works of art created by such sculptors as Donatello, Giambologna, and Michelangelo. The Accademia dell' Arte del Disegno (often simply called the Accademia) collection's highlights are Michelangelo's David and his Slaves. Across the Arno is the huge Pitti Palace lavishly decorated with the Medici family's former private collection. Adjoining the Palace are the Boboli Gardens, elaborately landscaped and with many interesting sculptures. The elaborate Santa Croce church contains the monumental tombs of Galileo, Michelangelo, Dante, and many other notables. The crowning architectural jewel of Florence is the domed cathedral of the city, Santa Maria del Fiore, known as "The Duomo". The magnificent dome was built by Filippo Brunelleschi. The nearby Campanile Tower (by Giotto) and the Baptistery buildings are also highlights. Other important sites in Florence include the church of Santa Maria Novella and the Orsanmichele. The city's principal football team is ACF Fiorentina.
Florence has been the setting for numerous works of fiction and movies, including the novel and film Hannibal.
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However, Florence is a city of incomparable pleasure concerning churches, monasteries, museums, galleries and palaces. Among the things you can't afford to miss are the Uffizi Galleries, one of the best art museums in the world, the cathedral with the baptistry, the Santo Spirito church and the Ponte Vecchio. To get a great overview of the city, head for Piazza Michelangelo in Oltrarno (other side of river Arno) or farther up to the church of San Miniato.
