Florence
(Firenze in Italian) is a cradle of Western culture and artistic
tradition. This great city is one of Europe's preeminent cultural
destinations, holding claim to some of the world's greatest works
of art. This was the birthplace of the Renaissance in the early
15th century, when the study of the glory that was Greece and
the grandeur that was Rome became a Florentine passion. This cultural
and artistic rebirth brought with it a new respect for learning
and creativity, a remarkable moment in history that is still in
evidence everywhere in Florence today. Politician and historian
Niccolò Machiavelli, artist Botticelli, and sculptor Donatello
all lived and worked here during that great time. And the wonders
didn't cease after the Renaissance. It is in Florence that you'll
also find works by Leonardo, Raffaello, and others, including
Michelangelo's David, perhaps one of the most famous works of
art in all the world.
Florence has much to offer from
the modern day as well, successfully adapting to the demands of
21st-century life while managing to retain its Medieval architecture
dominated by fortress-like facades and infrastructure of cobblestone
streets. Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, Florence is a historical
and cultural treasure trove that excites your sensibilities and
awakens within you a Renaissance of your own!
Areas Within the Destination
Old City: Travelers
to Florence can feel as if they have stepped out of time, enjoying
the beauty and awe-inspiring structures that have survived the
centuries. The pre-Renaissance and Renaissance architecture makes
for a rewarding sightseeing experience. Just walking around will
reveal this magnificent city's ancient urban structure, evolved
from the historical center characterized by roads of Roman origin.
Surrounding walls date back to the 12th and 14th centuries.