Flashbooking free pocket guide of...
FLORENCE
booking has never been so quick
The artistic and cultural heritage of Florence is among
the greatest in the world. UNESCO estimates that 60%
of the world’s most important artworks are in Italy, with
over half of them located in Florence. Positioned at the
very centre of the Renaissance, home to some of the
greatest artists and thinkers who ever lived (Dante,
Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Brunelleschi,
Botticelli, Vasari…) it seems that Florence could never
lose her reputation of city of culture! Its academies,
libraries and museums are renown; its religious
monuments, churches, civil architecture and buildings
are exceptional. A visit to Florence is a must for any art
lover!
ROME AT A GLANCE… - TRANSPORTS - CLASSICS YOU CAN’T MISS! - SHOPPING AND MARKETS
EAT AND DRINK - INTERNET CAFE’ - EVENTS - OUTSIDE TRIPS - USEFUL INFORMATION - HOTELS AND HOSTELS
Flashbooking - Your free pocket guide of Florence
2
» FLORENCE AT 1. Duomo: This zone maintains life until the era of the city council. of numerous cultural institutions,
its Medieval atmosphere, with its This large and sunny square is including Gabinetto G.P. Visseux.
FIRST GLANCE… hive of narrow streets and ancient dominated by the imposing Palazzo
alleyways. The Santa Maria del Vecchio, which forms the back drop 3. S. Maria Novella and Museo
Florence is the capital city of both Fiore or Duomo, with its baptistery to the Signoria open arched gallery, Marino Marini. This richly varied
the Florence Province and the designed by Ghiberti and its bell- one of the most important Medieval area around the train station offers
region of Tuscany. Surrounded by tower designed by Giotto, dominates buildings in Italy. The Ponte Vecchio the sublime and the sleazy, mixing
the wine-growing hills of Chianti, it is this area. The Orsanmichele, one of houses numerous antique and lovely churches with the usual near-
situated 50 metres above sea level modern jewellery shops. The Piazza the–station grit. Its most civilized
and stands on both banks of the della Repubblica, one of the liveliest pleasures are near the fine Museum
river Arno. To the north and north- zones of Florence, is situated a short Marino Marini (Piazza S. Pancrazio
east the city stretches along the distance away. This zone is renown ph.+39 055 219 432, close Tue,
foothills of the Careggi, Fiesole and for its cafes and shopping area Sat & Sun in summer, Tue & Sun in
Settignano hills, to the south along which includes via Vigna Nuova winter) with its excellent sculptures
the Arcetri and Bellosguardo Hills. and via de Tornabuoni, both highly by Marino Marini (1901-80) and in
Florence dates back to the Pre- elegant, lined with refined shops and the piazza Santa Maria Novella
Roman age, has a regular urban important buildings from the 15th and the church of the same name
layout and spans the river with to the 18th century. The Palazzo which holds Trinità by Masaccio
numerous, architecturally splendid Strozzi is an example of the zone’s and Giotto’s recently restored
bridges. fine buildings, built in Florentine Crocifisso.
Renaissance style, it is the seat
4. S. Croce district: the magnificent
Gothic Santa Croce Basilica, in the
the finest examples of 13th century Santa Croce Square, is a collection
architecture in the city, is located in of monastic buildings grouped
Via Calzaiuoli. The Bargello Gallery
is situated in via del Proconsolo.
The gallery houses a collection of
Florentine Renaissance sculptures,
with works from Michelangelo,
Donatello and Cellini.
All the tourist attractions are grouped
together in six zones, all of which 2. Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo
can be easily visited on foot and Vecchio, Piazzale and the Uffizi
represent the Florence historical Museum, Ponte Vecchio. The
and geographical fulcrum. Piazza della Signoria was both the
centre of political power and city around cloisters, forming what is
Budget Online bookings - Cheap Hotels and Hostels in Florence www.flashbooking.com
Flashbooking - Your free pocket guide of Florence
3
today a museum of paintings and Gem Factory and the Archaeology (50 miles) is busier and more running from Santa Maria Novella
religious sculptures. The basilica Museum. reliable (ph: +39 050 849 111 or Central Station to the centre, calling
houses tombs and cenotaphs 849 300 for flight information; www. at Piazza Beccaria, Piazza della
by Galileo and Michelangelo, 6. the district of Oltrarno with pisa-airport.com). A bus connection Repubblica, Piazza Ferucci and
the crucifixions by Donatello and the Pitti Place, Santo Spirito, the (Terravision; www.terravision.it) Oltrarno. Bus number 62 goes to
Cimabue, the Pazzi Chapel by Boboli Gardens and the Santa takes to the Florence S. M. Novella the airport; 12 and 13 run to Piazza
Brunelleschi and the Bardi Chapel, Maria del Carmine Church. It is a Train Station (ph: +39 055 235 2061) Michelangelo; number 7 to Fiesole.
with Giotto frescoes. quiet zone of low buildings, antique and back again. A return ticket is TAXIS
shops and work-shops. The area about €13,50. Here’s the numbers: +39 055 4390;
5. San Lorenzo and San Marco, is dominated by the Palazzo Pitti +39 055 4798
The Medici zone winds it way along and the intricately shaped hedges BYCICLES
via de Martelli, one of the city’s of the Boboli Gardens. The zone It is possible to travel around the
main streets, which starts at the is the site of Via Maggio and the city by bike/scooters, a service
passage between the Duomo and Piazza di Santo Spirito, both lined offered by Florence by Bike (ph:
the Baptistery. The north zone is +39 055 488 992), which organizes
the site of the San Lorenzo Basilica, guided theme tours. Another reliable
which houses the mortal remains of company for scooters or moped is
some of the most illustrious Medici Alinari (ph: +39 055 280 500).
family members. The Palazzo
Medici Riccardi, the family’s main Premising that Florence’s historical » CLASSICS YOU
residence, is situated a short centre is best explored on foot,
distance away. The roads situated here provided some info about CAN’T MISS!
around Piazza San Lorenzo, are transports.
bustling with a large and colourful by aristocratic buildings. The Santa BUS The Uffizi Gallery (www.uffizi.
market, which includes the central Maria del Carmine, situated in the For outlying sights, bus tickets firenze.it; ph: +39 055 238 8651;
market, a two-storey building selling Piazza del Carmine, is famous for (€1) are sold at special booths and +39 055 294 883 to book tickets
fresh food. The zone, which at the its frescoes in the Brancacci Chapel, tabacchi. Tickets can be also bought in advance; bus n.23 or B) with its
time of the Medici, housed the painted by Masolino and Masaccio. from ATAF (www.ataf.net; ph: 800
Granduke’s stables, is now the San 424 500) in the station, automatic
Marco district, with its Convent. » TRANSPORTS vending machines and authorized
This district has a young feel, owing distributors. They are valid for 1 hour
to the large presence of students Getting there: by plane after stamping on board. There are
from the University, Conservatory Airport Amerigo Vespucci is about 3 various options to save on the price,
and the Academy of Fine Arts. The miles west from central Florence but 3-24 hours, 2-3-7 day travel cards
block of buildings that begin on not many airlines fly there (ph:+39 and monthly or yearly bus passes.
the corner of via Ricasoli, is the 055 315 874; www.aeroporto. Eco-friendly small electric buses A,
site of the Academy’s Gallery, the firenze.it). The Pisa’s Galileo Airport B, C and D cover the central zones
Budget Online bookings - Cheap Hotels and Hostels in Florence www.flashbooking.com
Flashbooking - Your free pocket guide of Florence
4
della Francesca, Botticelli (‘The birth and Central Italy regions, follow on Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral
of Venus’ and ‘Primavera’), Leonardo and include the works of Tiziano, Square)
(‘Annunciation’), Verrocchio and with an entire room dedicated to (Opening hours: Mon-Wed and
Perugino. Rooms number 16 to 24 his work “Venere di Urbino”, Palma Fri 10am-5pm, Thurs 10am-
are the oldest rooms in the gallery, il Vecchio, Parmigianino, El Greco 4.30pm, Sat 10am-4.45pm (1st
in particular room number 18, the and Tintoretto. Rooms 41 to 45
octagonal Tribune, which houses house the works of artists from the
classic statues and paintings from 16th and 17th century including
15th century Florence. The other Rubens, Van Dyck and Justus
rooms contain paintings from the Sustermans. The Vasarian Corridor,
14th and 15th century from different accessible from the gallery’s third
schools, together with sculptures corridor, was built in 1565 by Vasari
including Luca Signorelli, Perugino, to link the Uffizi to the Pitti Palazzo
Albert Durer, Brueghel il Vecchio, by means of the Ponte Vecchio.
Lucas Cranach il Giovane, Giovanni This zone houses works from Italian
Bellini and Andrea Mantegna. The and foreign artists from the 17th and
first room along the third corridor is the 18th century, together with the
entrance under the portico of the dedicated to the Florentine painting beginning of the portrait gallery,
Palazzo degli Uffizi 6, is one of the of the late Renaissance period with works dating back to the 15th
most important art galleries in Italy including Michelangelo, Raffaello, century.
and the oldest museum in modern Andrea del Sarto, Pontormo, Rosso Opening hours: Tues-Sun 8.15am
Europe. Fiorentino and Bronzino. The rooms -6.35pm (last entry 6pm).
It houses Italian works of art from all dedicated to the Venetian school Admission: €9.50 (plus €3 to reserve
periods, from Medieval to Modern. and works from the Emiliano-Ferrara in advance); concessions available.
At the moment, 2,000 individual Sat each month 10am-3.30pm),
works are exhibited. The ground Sun 1.30pm-4.45pm (last entry 40
floor houses the “Ciclo di Uomini” minutes before closing. Admission:
by Andrea del Castagno (1450) Free. Ph: +39 055 230 2885.
and the “Annunciazione” fresco by Bus 14 or 23). Described by the
Sandro Botticeli (1481). The first architect Alberti as ‘large enough
large section comprises works from to shelter all the people of Tuscany
Tuscan Medieval painters from the in its shadow’, the Brunelleschi’s
12th century to the 14th century gravity-defying dome dominates
including Duccio di Buoninsegna, the Florence skyline and defines
Cimabue, Giotto, Ambrogio and the city. (Cupola-Dome; opening
Pietro Lorenzetti, Masaccio, hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am-7pm, Sat
Masolino, Beato Angelico, Piero 8.30am-5.40pm; first Sat each
Budget Online bookings - Cheap Hotels and Hostels in Florence www.flashbooking.com
Flashbooking - Your free pocket guide of Florence
5
month 8.30am-4pm; last entry 40 Admission: €6.50; €9.50 in summer; Uffizi. Room, with the original moulds used
minutes before closing; admission: concessions available). during the competition to design the
€6; concessions available). The On Via Ricasoli 60, corner of Piazza Bargello National Gallery Baptistery doors, Michelangelo’s
cathedral, built under the proviso Annunziata, a never ending queue (Via del Proconsolo 4; ph: +39 and Cellini’s masterpieces.
that it be the largest house of lets you know you’re close to the 055 238 8606; www.polomuseale.
worship in Christendom, a feat Galleria dell’Accademia, home to firenze.it/bargello; Bus 14; open: Ponte Vecchio
eventually claimed by St Peter’s Tue-Fri 8.15am-1.50pm; last entry (Between Via de ‘Guicciardini and
Cathedral in Rome, took 150 years 1.20pm; open on the 2° and 4° Mon Via Por Santa Maria; Bus B; open
to complete. For a spectacular view of each month and on the 1°, 3° and 24/7; on special request: Corridoio
over the city you can choose to 5° Sun of each month. Admission: Vasariano, part of Uffizi Museum).
climb either the 463 steps to reach €4; concessions available). Erected This is the only bridge to survive the
the dome’s top or the 414 of the between 1255 and 1345, formerly Nazi bombing of Florence during
Giotto’s straight-backed Campanile the city’s jail and torture chamber, World War II. Nowadays, the famous
(Bell Tower: open daily 8.30am- the museum opened to the public bridge (1345) has been home to
7.30pm; last entry 40 minutes before in 1865 with contributions from Florence’s gold and silversmiths
closing; admission: €6; concessions the Uffizi, the Mint and the State since the Granduke Ferdinando I
available). The adjacent Baptistery Archives. It is today one of the most de Medici, in XVI century, converted
(Piazza di San Giovanni:opening
hours: Mon-Sat 1200-6.30pm and Michelangelo’s magnificent nude,
Sun and holidays 8.30am-1.30pm. David. Carved from a massive
Closed Easter Sun, 8 Sept.) lump of marble in 1502, when the
completes the trio. This provided the artist was just 29 years old, with its
inspiration for both the Campanile exaggerated size and musculature
and Duomo façades. Originally is a symbol of the new-born Medici
believed to be a pagan temple, Republic. Other Michelangelo’s
the octagonal building is the oldest work are there.
in Florence where on its doors 10
bronze bas-reliefs tell a story from Close by is the Museo di S. Marco
the Old Testament, with astonishing (Piazza S. Marco 3; ph: +39 055 238
realism and compassion. 8608; bus C, 1, 6, 10; open Tue-Fri
8.15am-1.50 pm; Sat 8.15 am-
Galleria dell’Accademia 6.50pm; tickets:4€) that occupies
(Accademia Gallery) the ex-convent of San Marco where important in the world, especially for it from a motley crew of butchers,
( w w w. p o l o m u s e a l e . f i r e n z e . Fra Angelico once lived as a monk. Florentine Renaissance sculptures, accustomed to throwing their bloody
it/accademia; ph: +39 055 238 His ethereal paintings and frescos French Medieval ivories and a leftovers into the River Arno into
8612; Bus 1, 17 or C; opening in the monks’ cells are a strong collection of bronze mannerists. a room for a more genteel trade.
hours: Tue-Sun 8.15am-6.50pm; attraction here as well as at the Visitors should see the Donatello Famous are the Florentine wedding
Budget Online bookings - Cheap Hotels and Hostels in Florence www.flashbooking.com
Flashbooking - Your free pocket guide of Florence
6
rings. High above the shops, a 284 170; open daily from 7.30 pm- on every corner. Bars serve café,
secret passageway known as the 1am) a cheery and modern bistro cappuccinos, hot chocolates,
Corrodoio Vasariano links the Uffizi where cannelloni, beef, selection of tea, light snacks, aperitifs and
Gallery to the Pitti Palace. Built by salads, pasta, cheese and excellent are completely different from the
Vasari, it was intended to shield wines are served at average prices classic American bars. We do not
the powerful Medici family from the of €30. recommend any in particular but
Florentine riffraff, as they journeyed For Florence’s best bargain meal 2 remarkable ones! So if you wish
from one palace to the other. In visit Salumeria, Vini, Trattoria (via to start the day with a good coffee
summer street performers literally Ghibellina 27; Ph+39 055 679 390, downtown, we suggest the ancient
occupy the passage. closed on Sat and Sun). renown café: the Gilli. Since 1733
Opened in 1895, the Rose Garden For a restaurant overlooking the on its tables it has been serving not
(1865) is a public park located Arno, we suggest the Antico Ristoro only the black beverage but also all
in Oltrarno district right behind di Cambi, run by the Cambi family. kinds of treats, chocolate pralines,
Piazzale Michelangelo (Viale G. A very traditional Tuscan trattoria, desserts and light meals. It’s a wine
person.
with warm welcome and ambience.
Le Volpi e L’Uva, Piazza de’Rossi
The ribollita (the hearty tuscan
1, to sample some of the best
vegetable soup) and the fiorentina
wines the region has to offer. The
T-bone steak are out of this world.
owners, Riccardo and Emilio,
(Close on Sunday, Via S. Onofrio
can advise a plate of salami and
1r; ph: +39 055 217134; av. prices
cheese to accompany your choice
25€; wine 8€).
of wine. Rex, Via Fiesolana 25r, is
Situated Oltrarno, the cheap trattoria
a sound bet for chic company, good
la Casalinga is usually packed up.
mixers and tasty tapas, while for
Situated between Pitti Palace and S.
great snacks in the city centre, try
Poggi). A terraced acre where 350 M. Del Carmine, serves ribollita and
Cantinetta del Verrazzono, Via dei
types of ancient roses are carefully other typical dishes at fair prices.
Tavolini 18-20r.
cultivated and from where you can (Via del Michelozzo 9r; ph: +39 055
South of the river there is tiny Vini,
get an enchanted view of Florence. 218624; av price 20€)
Via dei Cimatori 38, a simple wine
Open only from May 1st till June
counter (one of the last in the city)
15th every year. » WINE BAR founded in 1875. Just stand on the
bar and restaurant too. (Piazza della
Repubblica; www.gilli.it; ph: +39
pavement with the other customers
» RESTAURANTS For a good glass of wine or a nice and enjoy the wine.
055 213 896). Just in front of it the
dinner try GustaVino (Via della ‘competitor’: the Giubbe Rosse Cafè
An international place where OCndotta, 37/R; ph: +39 055 2399 where you can have brunch from
students, journalists and actors 806; www.gustavino.it): very nice
» CAFÉ 9€ or a complete menu from 18€ (
usually meet is at Acqua al 2 (Via modern atmosphere and affordable Piazza della Repubblica 13/14; ph:
Italian cities have bars literally +39 055 212 280).
Vigna Vecchia,40; ph: +39 055 prices at an average of 30€ per
Budget Online bookings - Cheap Hotels and Hostels in Florence www.flashbooking.com
Flashbooking - Your free pocket guide of Florence
7
Remember: in Italy, a coffee is frescoed chapel, this old fashioned in Palazzo Corsini (Sep -Oct). around Piazza della Signoria, home
way too cheaper (up to 1€) at the chemist was founded by monks For other fine Florentine antique of more sedate venues.
counter that at an outside table! in 17th cent; lotions, potions, and shops go to Via Maggio and Borgo Live Music: good sounds at Be
So watch out especially on tourist herbal remedies abound in elegant Ognissanti. Bop, Via dei Servi 76, a cocktail
cities! In this way you can enjoy a packaging. The city centre is rich bar specialising in live jazz and
good coffee-break in stylish places in all sorts of shops, from used » INTERNET POINT rock music. Or you can try The
without spending a fortune! book shops to fashion stores as Jazz Club, Via Nuova dei Caccini
Rinascente, Zara (for quality budget Internet point (Borgo degli Albizi 66; 3, which serves up live music every
» SHOPPING AND clothings) or major fashion houses ph:+39 055 24 0780; €3/hour) Friday and Saturday. The Chiodo
all between Via Tornabuoni and Via Fisso club, Via Dante Alighieri 16r,
MARKETS della Vigna Nuova. If you can’t make
Internet Train: (€4/hour or €3/hour
offers a varied repertoire and is
for students) with 12 point sin the
city: Via dell’Oriuolo, 40, ph: +39 popular with the locals
It is possible to make excellent Clubs: One of the most popular
purchases in the narrow lanes and 055 2345 322; Via del Parione 11b,
ph:+39 055 264 5563; Borgo S. discos in town with the young crowd
streets of Florence which since is Tenax (Via Pratese, Peretola
Middle ages has been a renown city Jacopo, ph: +39 055 265 7935)
district). It also stages live concerts.
for its high-quality leather produce, Yab Yum (Via Sassetti 5r) is
goldsmiths and marble paper. » NIGHTLIFE extremely trendy playing everything
Particularly around Santa Croce from hip-hop on Mondays to disco
and Oltrarno you can easily find Florence’s nightlife is fuelled not on Thursdays while Dolce Zucchero
little authentic workshops. For good only by tourists but also by foreign (Via Pandolfini 36) is a small club
it and want that griffe on your clothes, students who come to study that quickly fills up with dancers but
you can: 1) wait the January and July Italian and History of Art. As with if you feel like samba and latin vibes,
sales; or visit some ‘StockHouse’, any university city, bars and clubs head for Maracana a lively Brazilian
as One Price (ph:+39 055 284 experience peaks and troughs themed spot (Via Faenza 4).
674; Borgo Ognissanti, 74) where of popularity. As usual to find out
where the action is we suggest you
fashion clothes could be a way lot
buy Firenze Spettacolo (website: » SURROUNDINGS
cheaper and almost affordable!
For second-hand and flea markets www.firenzespettacolo.it) – the city’s
go to Piazza dei Ciompi (last Sun. definitive entertainment publication.
of the month), S. Lorenzo Market On-line information for clubs and live
quality hand-made paper: Il Papiro (northwest of the Duomo), the music events can be found at www.
(Piazza del Duomo, 24r; ph: +39 colourful Central Market for food vivifirenze.it. The most bohemian
055 281 628). (Square of Mercato Centrale) area is the Oltrarno, south of the
Visit the Officina Profumo bursting with olives, hams, river, where bright young things
Farmaceutica Shop (Via Scala, 16; cheeses and fresh vegetables or can play until the small hours.
ph: +39 055 16276 ): housed in a the International Antique Show Elsewhere, nightlife is concentrated
Budget Online bookings - Cheap Hotels and Hostels in Florence www.flashbooking.com
Flashbooking - Your free pocket guide of Florence
8
The walk which should be south of Florence,a stunning area Historic Florentine Football game it; each Nov. from Piazzale
undertaken by first-time visitors to dotted with wine-growing estates in medieval dress, as part of Michelangelo to Piazza S. Croce).
Florence is, above-all, that which spread out around ancient castles. celebrations for the city’s patron, St. International Antique Festival (odd-
leads to Fiesole. These picturesque Public transports also leads to Jhon in Piazza S. Croce. Fashion numbered years; Sept-Oct).
hills can be reached by bus n.7, surrounding areas as Siena, Arezzo shows and firework display in Piazza International Craft Fair (April-
which leaves from the central Pisa and Lucca. They all are an Michelangelo (24th June). beginning of May)
train station. The area provides hours’ journey, though you’ll need Rificolona Festival (Festival of Florence Carnival (Apr-May at
the best views over the city and to devote a couple of days to Siena Lungarno Amerigo Vespucci)
has fine buildings of artistic and if you wish to explore it properly. Diladdarno: three weeks celebration,
archaeological interest including including music, exhibitions and
the Duomo, the Roman Theatre and » EVENTS street festivals (April; Oltrarno)
the S.Francesco church, positioned
high on a hill, in a position that has Florence’s May Musical Festival:
won the admiration of poets and major music festival with orchestra,
writers. Every second Sunday in the chorus and Corps of Ballet (www.
month sees the main square host maggiofiorentino.com; May-early
to a characteristic antique market. Jul; Teatro Comunale) Lanterns), a torchlight procession
The Estate Fiesolana festival with Festa del Grillo (Festival of the dating back to the days of religious
concerts, dances and plays takes Cricket): bizarre ancient ritual in pilgrimage to celebrate the Virgin’s
place in the Roman theatre during which live crickets in hand-woven nativity, with children carrying
the summer (www.estatefiesolana. cages are given to loved ones lanterns throughout the city
it; Jun- Sep). (Ascension day: Apr/May at Parco (Sep.7th)
Wine lovers with a car should explore delle Cascine) Florence Marathon, annual city
the beautiful Chianti region just marathon ( www.firenzemarathon.
Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the
Cart): colourful procession of ox and
cart, culminating in a spectacular
fireworks display when the cart (lit
by a mechanical dove) explodes at
11am on Easter Sunday (May/Apr),
through central Florence to piazza
Duomo.
Budget Online bookings - Cheap Hotels and Hostels in Florence www.flashbooking.com
0 comments
Post a comment