Today Florence is a thriving
metropolis with fashionable eateries, Gucci-clad citizens and, of
course, its very own non-stop rush hour. Yet this regional capital
of Tuscany is also Italy's 'Renaissance City' and so will be
forever linked with 15th century artists such as Michelangelo,
Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci.
Its skyline is thankfully still a
masterpiece courtesy of showpieces like the Renaissance Basilica,
Giotto's Campanile and the Gothic Duomo; all of these architectural
treasures enhanced by the fast-flowing Arno River and romantic
Ponte Vecchio. But if you really want to immerse yourself in
Florence's art and culture don't leave without wandering through
the Uffizi Gallery; a visit to the Accademia also recommended if
you fancy marvelling at Michelangelo's Statue of David.
And why not use this fascinating city as a base from which to
explore the entire Chianti region, the towns of Sienna and Pisa all
within easy driving distance?