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Florence is the capital city of the region of Tuscany. From 1865 to 1870 the city was also the capital of the Kingdom of Italy. Florence lies on the Arno River and is a center of medieval European trade and finance. The city is often considered the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and was long ruled by the Medici family. Florence is also famous for its magnificent art and architecture. It is said that, of the 1,000 most important European artists of the second millennium, 350 lived or worked in Florence. In fact, the city has also been called the Athens of the Middle Ages. The historic Centre of Florence was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 1982.

The surge in artistic, literary, and scientific investigation that occurred in Florence in the 14th-16th centuries was precipitated by Florentines‘ preoccupation with money, banking and trade and with the display of wealth and leisure. Added to this, the crises of the Roman Catholic church, along with the catastrophic effects of the Black Death, led to a re-evaluation of medieval values, resulting in the development of a humanist culture, stimulated by the works of Petrarch and Boccaccio. This prompted a revisitation and study of the classical antiquity, leading to the Renaissance.

Florence benefited materially and culturally from this sea-change in social consciousness. Today Tourism is unquestionably the most significant industry within the center of Florence. On any given day between April and October, the local population is greatly outnumbered by tourists from all over the world.

Florence is also home to the Italian haute couture establishment Gucci, notable as one of the most famous Italian fashion houses not located in Milan. Prada, Gucci, and Roberto Cavalli also have large offices and stores in Florence or its outskirts.

Food and wine have long been an important staple of the economy. Florence is the most important city in Tuscany, one of the great wine-growing regions in the world. The Chianti region is just south of the city, and its Sangiovese grapes figure prominently not only in its Chianti Classico wines but also in many of the more recently developed Supertuscan blends. Within twenty miles to the west is the Carmignano area, also home to flavorful reds. More recently, the Bolgheri region has become justly celebrated for its Supertuscan reds like Sassicaia.

GO THERE FOR

History: As the home of the European Renaissance, the city exudes history and the famed Medici rulers who enriched the city with its architectural splendours have created a treasure trove of a city. The crowning glory of the city has to be the domed cathedral, Santa Maria del Flore, captured in numerous photographs and a symbol of Florence. The dome was designed and constructed by Filippo Brunelleschi. It is still the largest brick and mortar dome in the world.

Art: Florence also possesses fabulous art collections by world-famous artists many of whom forged their careers in the city. The Uffizi should be the visitor's first stop but do also go to the Palatina Gallery, the Bargello Tower, the Museum of San Marco.

Monuments: The city's monuments are attractions in themselves. From the cathedral with its sculptures and the medieval churches and their frescoes to the palazzos like Vecchio, Pitti and Davazanti, Florence's history can be seen on every street corner.

Food: Florentine food reflects rustic influences and most recipes are meat based. Most of the courses are served in Tuscan fashion with ample amounts of olive oil and not forgetting wine like the famed Brunellos and Ornelaias.


DON’T MISS

Lookout from Piazzale Michelangelo: With wondrous views of Florence and the Arno valley, this terrace is popular with everyone. The 19th century terrace by Poggi is to be marvelled as much as the view.

Stroll through the Boboli Gardens: These renowned gardens with their magnificent collection of sculptures are a great place to spend a sunny afternoon. Stop off at the historical Palazzo Pitti before entering the gardens and you are certain to have an afternoon to remember.

David: Michelangelo’s masterpiece is truly a sight to behold. The scale of this statue is breath-taking; David has been carved from a single piece of marble which claimed many artists before completion. A replica stands where the original used to stand exposed to the elements in front of the Palazzo Vecchio. The original has found shelter in the Galleria dell'Accademia. During the summer months tourist traffic is uncomfortably high so David is best viewed in the quieter months.


BASICS

Country Code: +39
City Code: +06
Emergency: 112
Directory Enquiries: 12
Electricity: 220V/50HZ
Language: Italian
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Exchange Rate: 1 EUR = 0.84 GBP; 1 GBP = 1.19 EUR
Time: CET (UTC +1), Last Sunday March – Last Sunday October CEST (UTC +2)
Peretola Airport
General Enquiries: +39.055.3061300
www.aeroporto.firenze.it


GETTING AROUND

From the Airport:
You can get to the city by a bus service every 30 minutes until 11pm from the airport to the Autostazione Sita in Florence.

Alternatively, take a taxi from the arrivals terminal.  The journey time is around 15 minutes and the cab will be on a meter.

Around Town:
There's a Radio Taxi Service available to get around town. Do note the city gets quite congested in the summer, so a taxi journey may take as long as a walk in which case the latter method of transport will just as easy. Public transported is operated by ATAF and LI-NEA (Orange Buses) and tickets can be purchased from sales points (newsstands, bars, tobacconists and vending machines).


WHEN TO GO

Florence is always busy especially from early spring through summer. Although as the high summer approaches, temperatures soar and the weather can be sweltering (average high 30?C/86?F) especially in late July and August. Go during spring or autumn if you can (average high for whole of  spring and autumn 20?C/68?F).

Public Holidays:
1st January – New Year’s Day
6th January – Epiphany
Variable – Easter Sunday
Variable – Easter Monday
25th April – Anniversary of Liberation
1st May – Labour Day
2nd June – Republic Day
15th August – Ferragosto/Assumption Day
1st November – All Saints
8th December – Immaculate Conception
25th December – Christmas Day
26th December – St. Stephen’s Day