Florence, a quick introduction

Florence Cathedral is the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Flower. As historical sources say, the Florence Cathedral construction started in 1294 by Arnolfo Di Cambio built on the site of an earlier Romanesque Cathedral. The construction of the Cathedral lasted for many centuries, it changed several architects and projects until the end in 1436. The main idea was to exceed in beauty and size any other Cathedral in Tuscany.

The Cathedral dues its name to the Golden Flower donated to the city by Pope Eugenio IV. It is covered in pink and green marble coming from the near Carrara and Prato. The great facade is in neo-Gothic style and it was completed only in 1870. One of the most famous parts of this historical building is its dome rising above the wide octagonal presbytery, covered with red roof tiles. It is the masterpiece of Brunelleschi. The structure was built without scaffolding, an hurdle by those times.

It is a Basilica, built on a cross plan. The Interiors look very simple in comparison to other churches, decorated with huge frescoes depicting the last judgement by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari, dating back to the years 1572-1579. The main altar is crowned by a wooden crucifix sculpted by Benedetto da Maiano.

Giotto’s Bell Tower

As its name states, the Bell Tower of Florence Cathedral is designed by Giotto. The author wished to create his tower bell in the middle of the main square, unfortunately he died after three years from the start and he did not complete the work. Andrea Pisano continued the construction, completed by Francisco Talenti in accordance with the idea creators.

The Bell Tower is covered with white, green and pink marble. From the bottom it is decorated with some scenes of human labor. The second floor is decorated with bas-reliefs lozenges showing Sun, Moon and seven planets, and fine arts iconographies. On the third floor, you will see statues of prophets, Sybill and John the Baptist.

Welcome to Piazza della Signoria

Piazza della Signoria is a great square in the center of Florence, built on the rests of Ghibellines houses between the centuries 12th and 14th. It is surrounded by ancient buildings and statues, visited everyday by many tourists. One of the most important building is Palazzo Vecchio, but also the Neptune fountain made of white marble, conceived by Bartolomeo Ammanatiego between 1563 and 1575.

In the very centre of the fountain a sculpture of Neptune placed on a small cart pulled by seahorses, while on the sides some bronze sculptures of fantastic sea creatures (like shells, dolphins, etc.). Then on the square you can find a copy of Michelangelo’s sculpture David (the original one carved in 1501 has been moved into the Accademia gallery in 1873).

Ponte Vecchio, Florence postcard

Ponte Vecchio is the most famous bridge on the river Arno and it survived to the last world war. It is said about it that it is a showcase of Florence. Originally there were mainly shops butchers. Today you can find here many jewelry shops, amazing but unfortunately not belonging to the cheapest category.

On the bridge you can find the statue of a little wild boar, made by Pietro Tacca in 1612. It is a copy of a marble antique sculpture. Legend says that touching its snout makes people to return to Florence again, so the snout literally shines for all the tourists touching it. You can find the wild boar in the Loggia del Mercato Nuovo, the famous Florentine market.