Cheap Hotels Florence
What to see by foot: Florence
    
Florence is full of exciting sights easily reached by foot. Since the 19th
century, Florence has been visited by millions wanting to see Michelangelo's
statue of David, Botticelli's Birth of Venus, Brunelleschi's dome on the Duomo,
and Giotto's campanile (bell tower).
At the centre of Florence is the magnificent Duomo (Cattedrale di Santa Maria
del Fiore), the world's fourth largest dome and one of Italy's most magnificent
cathedrals. Built over a 150-year period starting in 1294, the Duomo boasts
breathtaking frescoes and stained glass windows within its enormous interior.
The façade is an unusual 'nougat'-coloured marble and visitors can climb
the cupola for a birds eye view of Florence.
Florence amazes visitors with its abundance of spectacular Renaissance art
and architecture that emphasises the historic cultural importance of the city.
The development of the Renaissance period can be followed in the collections
found in the Bargello and the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. The famous works of
Michelangelo can be seen in Cappelle Medicee, the Accademia and San Lorenzo's
Bibliotheca Laurenzia. People from all over the world flock to admire the art,
so you may find yourself admiring the queues outside for most of your visit,
especially in the summer.
The Renaissance focus on rationality and harmony in design can be further witnessed
in the eloquence of Brunelleschi's architecture, specifically in the churches
of San Lorenzo, Santo Spirito and the Cappela dei Pazzi. Just as amazing are
the magnificently decorated chapels of Santa Croce and Santa Maria Novella.
Piazza della Signoria, surrounded by the Palazzo Vecchio and the world famous
Uffizi Gallery which is home to masterpieces by Botticelli, Titian, Michelangelo
and Piero della Francesca among others, has been the hub of Florence's political
life through the centuries. Vasari's Corridor leads from the Palazzo, and you
can cross the Arno River by way of the Ponte Vecchio. This famous 14th century
bridge is lined with jewellery shops and can be seen on many Florentine postcards.
Sumptuous palaces worth seeing include: Pitti Palace, Strozzi Palace, Rucellai
Palace and Pazzi Palace. For a good view of the city, cross the Ponte Vecchio
and find your way up to the Forte di Belvedere which offers lovely panoramas
of the city and hilly backdrop.
The city is also justifiably famous for its musical offerings, as its annual
Maggio Musicale attracts international talent. Dance clubs typically open very
late in the evening and don't get crowded until 01:00 in the morning.
Besides the usual tourist attractions, entertaining walks include: a leisurely
stroll along the terraced paths of the Boboli Gardens; a walk through Cascine
Park and its enormous Tuesday market; and a sunset stroll from Piazzale Michelangelo
to the Ponte Vecchio.
Selection of hotels in this region:
Alamanni Hotel | | Hotel Londra | | Boscolo Hotel Astoria Florence | | Machiavelli Palace | | Meridiana Hotel | | Hotel Jane | | Hotel Ascot | | Hotel Atlantic Palace | | Grand Hotel Majestic | | Villa Sull'Arno | | Hotel Le Due Fontane | | Airone Hotel | | The Westin Excelsior | | Jolly Hotel Florence | | Bonciani Hotel | | Holiday Inn Florence North | | Starhotel Michelangelo Florence | | Starhotel Monginevro | | Hotel Ambasciatori | | Hotel Nord Florence | | Hotel Corona D'Italia | | Hotel Orcagna | | Hotel Bologna | |
Click below for a
full list of hotels and online booking
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