Florence
was the birthplace of the European Renaissance in the 14th
Century. By the time it ended, an entire continent had been
ushered through the Dark Ages and into a vibrant world full of
indescribable artistic beauty. The achievements of the
Renaissance have been preserved and lovingly cared for by the
city, and today a visit to Italy is not complete without
paying homage to Florence.
The Medici family was largely responsible
for the flourishing of Florence (Firenze in Italian). Through
their leadership and patronage, artists like Botticelli and
Michelangelo were encouraged to produce masterpieces like the
Birth of Venus and David. Advancements in architecture, the
likes of which hadn’t been seen before in Europe, led to the
construction of the Duomo’s dome and Giotto’s bell tower.
But before you think that Florence is a
city trapped in the past, know that it is a highly modernized
Italian town, with most locals navigating the swamped city
streets with cell phones in hand. They are sometimes
exasperated by the influx of tourists, particularly in the
summer, but they have come to accept tourism as a necessary
evil that provides a healthy boom to the Florentine economy.
Florence has also emerged as one of the
leading shopping and dining destinations in Italy, if not in
all of Europe. While Milan and Rome best Florence in the sheer
number of shops and restaurants, respectively, a case can be
made for Florence’s quality, especially when it comes to
Florentine leather and jewelry, or Tuscan wine.
A word about street addresses in Florence.
Visitors are often confused because addresses seem to overlap.
The city has designated that commercial enterprises be
numbered in red, and all others in black. All addresses listed
in this guide are in black unless otherwise noted. Be sure to
purchase a map while in town to help you get around.
Private
excursions to Pisa, Florence, Siena, San Gimignano from Livorno
dock (Florence Port)with pick-up and dropp-off at your
ship, city and airport shuttle services at very competitive
prices. Do not loose this occasion and contact us
for any detail or information you need!
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