Holiday in Florence

What makes Florence special as a destination?

Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance and a city that resembles a walkable art museum. Beneath the massive dome of Brunelleschi's cathedral, which has dominated the skyline since 1436, lies a concentration of masterpieces that is unparalleled worldwide. In the Uffizi, Botticelli's 'Birth of Venus' and works by Leonardo, Raphael, and Caravaggio hang. In the Galleria dell'Accademia stands Michelangelo's David — over four meters of flawless marble that has amazed visitors since 1504. The Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in the city, is lined with goldsmith shops and offers one of the most romantic views in Italy at sunset. The Palazzo Pitti with the Boboli Gardens, the Basilica of Santa Croce (the burial site of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli), and the fairy-tale Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana by Michelangelo showcase the incredible density of cultural treasures. Across the Arno lies Oltrarno — the authentic Florence with artisan shops, hidden trattorias, and the view from Piazzale Michelangelo, which encompasses the entire city with its dome and cypress hills. Tuscan cuisine shines with Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Ribollita, and Schiacciata. Florence is compact enough to explore on foot and large enough to always discover something new. Tip: The less visited Brancacci Chapel houses frescoes that even inspired Michelangelo.