FLORENCE

In 2003, Florence was declared "Italy's most livable city" by the Italian Statistics Agency . The spirit of the Renaissance is still present today in the streets and alleys of the metropolis. Great personalities like Dante Alighieri, Leonardo da Vinci, Sandro Botticelli, Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei and Niccolo Macchiavelli have worked here. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the Medici transformed Florence into a flourishing cultural and financial centre. Magnificent buildings like the Duomo di Santa Maria del Fiore with its enormous eight-part dome and the old seat of government Palazzo Vecchio are testimonies of this golden age.

Every year, more than eight million tourists visit the city which has been declared a World Heritage by the UNESCO. The name Florentina (meaning "blossoming") dates back to the Romans who settled here in the first century BC. Today, the capital of Tuscany impresses with its wonderful squares, churches and monuments- but also the hilly environments are strikingly beautiful. Take a deep breath and enjoy the Florentine grace with a glass of Chianti!

Airport
The airport Amerigo Vespucci (www.aeroporto.firenze.it) is situated just a few kilometers outside the city. An Airport shuttle service connects the airport with the central station between 6 am and 11.30 pm, travel time 30 minutes, price about 4 €

Public transport
You best explore Florence on foot, but there are several bus lines as well. A modern tram system is currently under construction. Tickets are normally bought at kiosks and bars. Schedule information: www.ataf.net
Other Tuscan cities can be reached with buses of the company "Lazzi": www.lazzi.it/eng/activenews.asp
The "carta arancia" (available for 24 € at the station's ticket office) is valid for seven days and can be used for all city and interurban buses and the trains within the provinces of Florence and Prato.

Taxi
In the city centre, taxis are waiting at the Piazza San Marco, Piazza della Libertà, Piazza Ferrucci, Porta Romana and at the central station. Women travelling alone get a reduction of 10 per cent between 10 pm and 6 am (ask for "sconto").
The most important taxi numbers: 43 90, 44 99, 47 98 and 42 42.

Palazzo Vecchio
The "old palace" represents the centre of the wordly power in the Florence of the 14th century. Since 1299, the house served as a parliament and a sleeping quarter for members of parliament. Today, the palazzo with its mighty, 94 m high tower is the city's town hall.
Piazza della Signoria

Duomo di Santa Maria del Fiore
The cathedral of Florence defines the city, it is the 4th biggest church of Europe. Brunelleschis Renaissance masterpiece consists of a double dome construction and stretches over 3.600 m², the single bell tower was later designed by Giotto. The neo-Gothic facade was added in the 19th century. The frescos in the interior of the cathedral show the Last Judgement.
Piazza del Duomo

Palazzo Pitti
The 15th century Renaissance palace was home to the Medici and the Lorena family and later the seat of government of Vittorio Emanuele II. Today, exhibitions of Renaissance works are shown here, including paintings by Raffael. Adjacent to the palazzo is the charming Boboli garden.
Piazza Pitti 1, tel. 238 86 14

Fiesole
The little town of Fiesole, also called "Balcony of Florence", is located on a hill about 8 km north of the city. As early as in the 7th century, Etruscans have founded a settlement here which the Romans called Faesulae about 600 years later. Some archaeological sites still remain from this time, like the Roman theatre which holds 3.000 people and is still used at times for classical concerts or theatre performances. On a clear day, you can enjoy a wonderful view of Florence and the landscape of Tuscany. www.comune.fiesole.fi.it

Florentine cuisine is simple but delicate and offers more than just pizza and pasta. An important ingredient of all dishes is cold-pressed green olive oil. Florentines most favorite vegetables are white beans. They are served to beef steak, to the typically Tuscan venison dishes like venison, hare and wild boar or in thick, hearty soups and stews. Unsalted white bread and Chianti wine from the region is served to all meals.

Cantinetta Antinori
One of the best restaurants of the city especially known for its elaborate wine list with noble wines from the proper wine estate. Typically Tuscan specialties are served.
Piazza Antinori 3, tel. 29 22 34, www.antinori.it

Alla Vecchia Bettola
Rustic furniture, painted tiles and copperware at the walls are an appropriate setting for the Florentine cuisine served here. Try the delicious home-made Dolci!
Viale Vasco Pratolini 3/5//7, tel. 22 41 58, Sun and Mon closed

Grand Hotel
A 5 star hotel on one of the city's Renaissance squares that offers a view of the Arno. 107 luxurious rooms and suites as well as several seminar and meeting rooms. The hotel is also known for its exquisite selection of wines (300 sorts).
Piazza Ognissanti 1, DR starting at 420 € http://grandhotel.hotelinfirenze.com

Grand Hotel Adriatico
A 4 star hotel in the heart of Florence, only a short walk from the most important sights.
Via Maso Finiguerra 9, tel. 279 31, DR starting at 180 € www.hoteladriatico.it/de

Hotel Albion
Beautiful middle class hotel in a 19th century building. Rooms are elegantly furnished according to the old charm of the hotel.
Via il Prato 22r, tel. 21 41 71, DR starting at 126 € www.hotelalbion.it

Hotel Accademia Firenze
Cheap hotel in the heart of Florence with 20 lovingly furnished rooms.
Via Faenza 7, tel. 29 34 51, DR starting at 65 € www.accademiahotel.net

With numerous bars, discos and pubs the nightlife of Florence offers something for every taste and every age. But Florentine nights are not necessarily spent inside one of the many taverns: A moonlight walk through the illuminated streets of the Old Town, accompanied by the sound of numerous street musicians, has its charms as well. In every case, pay a visit to the Piazzale Michelangelo where you have an excellent view of Florence by night.
During the summer months, small theatre performances, concerts or pantomime shows are held on the larger squares. Jazz lovers will get their money's worth around the Piazza S.S. Annunziata and the Piazza S. Ambrogio. In winter one can ice-skate on the square in front of the church S. Croce.
The best bars can be found in the city centre, especially in the area surrounding the cathedral and near the large squares. Apart from wine bars there are numerous Irish pubs and cocktail bars as well. Those who like it loud can spend their nights in the discos until the hours of morning.

Wonderful concerts are held for culture lovers every day in the "Accademia Musicale di Firenze"
Via Adriani 27/29, www.accademiamusicaledifirenze.it

The hundreds of small and bigger shops are perfect if you look for the finest fashion, design or jewellery. Florence is especially known for its exquisite gold and silver jewellery which is best bought in the jewellery shops at the Ponte Vecchio. Via Maggio is the street of the antique dealers, some of the furniture and objects of art date back to the 16th century. In the Via dei Tornabuoni, noble labels like Armani, Gucci, Versace, Coveri and Ferragamo line up next to each other.
Apart from numerous stores, there are many street markets in Florence promising drive and the Italian attitude. Most popular among tourists is the market "San Lorenzo" in front of the "Mercato Centrale" right in the city centre. The "New market" beneath the Loggia del Porcellino is also worth a visit. At the flea market near the Piazza Santa Croce you can find small and antique bargains.

A true feast for the senses is a visit in the market hall at the Piazza Ghiberti (Mon-Fri 7 am- 2 pm). On the first floor there's fish, meat, pasta and cheese from the region, on the second floor fruit and vegetables are offered.

Among the most popular souvenirs of Florence are without doubt tyically Tuscan groceries like cold-pressed olive oil, almond pastry, Pecorino cheese and Chianti. Plenty of fresh products are available at the big market halls of the city, for example at the "Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio" on the Piazza Ghiberti and the "Mercato Centrale" in the Via dell’Ariento.

Jewellery, crystalware, leather goods and handcraft is offered in the numerous souvenir shops around the Piazza di Santa Croce and the Piazza Michelangelo. It pays off to compare prices!