FLORENCE

Florence is the capital of Italy's Tuscany region, and is home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture. One of its most iconic sights is the Duomo, a cathedral with a terracotta-tiled dome engineered by Brunelleschi. The Galleria dell'Accademia displays Michelangelo's "David", sculpture, while the Uffizi Gallery exhibits Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus" and da Vinci's "Annunciation".

 

Florence' s history dates back to Roman times, and it is generally regarded as the birthplace of the Renaissance. The historic centre of Florence was declared a World Heritage Site in 1982.  It is a magnificent city to walk around, with something special to see around every corner. From the Duomo it is a short distance to Palazzo Vecchio and on to the Basilica Santa Croce, where Galileo, Michelangelo and Dante are interred.

 

A  most spectacular view of the city and the Arno River is from  Piazzale Michelangelo, which can accessed by bus or on foot.