Fonte Bertusi Journal
A day in Florence
A day in Florence
Florence is the cradle of the Italian Renaissance, and one of the most beautiful and richest cities in Italy. Home of great artists is a sacred place and art lovers must visit it.
Arrival
Throughout the historical center of Florence access is allowed only to residents, so it is necessary to park outside it. There are many parking lots around the historic center, and they are all subject to charges. It is possible to park near the Santa Maria Novella station, or at Ghiberti square, or at Piazza Beccaria. The cost varies from 1 to 3 euros per hour. Around the historic center you can also park along the road paying 2 euros for the first hour and 3 for the next hours. It is cheaper to park outside the center of Florence, in Scandicci, Galluzzo or Firenze Impruneta, here the parking lots are cheaper or free, the price is around 1 euro per hour. Then You can reach the center by public transport paying a ticket of 1.20 euros valid for 90 minutes.
Sights in Florence
1. Piazza della Signoria is the heart of Florence, the center of political life, it has hosted important historical events. From here it is possible to admire very famous sculptures such as Michelangelo's David (not the original one, that is located at the Galleria dell'Accademia), Bandinelli’s Ercole and Caco and Ammanati’s Nettuno. The undisputed protagonist of the square, however, is undoubtedly Palazzo Vecchio, symbol of the Florentine Republic.
2. Very close there is Uffizi Gallery, the museum is the house ok the works of great artists, such as Masaccio, Piero della Francesca, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo Da Vinci, Caravaggio, Filippo Lippi, Cimabue Giotto and many others. This gallery, designed by Vasari in 1560, is a true temple of art. Admission has a cost of 8 euros, the reduced price is 4 euros. The files to enter are very long, if you want to venture you can buy tickets at the following link https://www.uffizi.it/en/tickets
3. Ponte Vecchio is the symbol of Florence, built in 1345, is the only Florentine bridge that was not destroyed by German troops. Above this bridge it is possible to admire the Vasari Corridor, built in 1565 by Giorgio Vasari. On the sides of the bridge there are many goldsmiths' shops where you can admire the Florentine goldsmith's art.
4. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is a Gothic-style church built where before there was the Church of Santa Reparata whose remains are visible in the crypt. The cathedral dates back to the 13th century and was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio. The dome was instead added in the fifteenth century. Inside you can admire wonderful frescoes by Vasari. For those who feel it is also possible to climb to the top of the Duomo and enjoy a breathtaking view of Florence.
5. Inside the Accademia Gallery, you can admire the original and unique David by Michelangelo. Also here there are works by great masters such as Ghirlandaio, Bronzino, Perugino, Filippo Lippi and Botticelli. Inside the academy there is also a section dedicated to Opera, theater and music, where you can admire the Medici and Lorraine grand-ducal collections of precious musical instruments. Also in this case it is recommended to buy the tickets before, here the Link http://www.galleriaaccademiafirenze.beniculturali.it/galleria/1/visita
Events
In the month of June in Florence the feast of the Patron Saint is celebrated, during which the historic Florentine Calcio match is played. During this event you can breathe a folk air and discover the most ancient Florentine traditions. You can admire the historical Florentine costumes even in the month of March during the traditional Florentine New Year, and on October 8 during the celebration of Santa Reparata. For music lovers, from the end of April to the end of June there is the Florentine Musical May during which Florence hosts classical music concerts, operas and ballets.