Florence, considered by many to be the cradle of the Italian Renaissance, presents itself as a rich and varied city in all its aspects, alternating modern structures with ancient monuments that are reflected in the course of the river that flows through it. The city is located in the region of Tuscany, more precisely along the Arno River, and was founded by the Roman people in 59 B.C. under the name Florentia. It has subsequently undergone many transformations over the centuries due to the many powers that have had the honour of governing the city, leaving its inhabitants with traditions that have remained unchanged to this day;
In fact, the city of Florence has a long history dating back to the Etruscan-Roman period, but it was during the Renaissance that Florence reached its greatest artistic and cultural splendour; the city was home to great artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Brunelleschi, Botticelli, Giotto and many others, their works of art and architecture can still be seen throughout the city, enriching even more what Florence has to show its visitors.
Florence is divided into different areas, each with its own unique personality and charm that can impress anyone;
the historic centre, stretching from Piazza del Duomo to Piazza Santa Croce, is the beating heart of the city and home to many of the main tourist attractions. Here you can admire the magnificent cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s bell tower, the baptistery of San Giovanni and the museum of the Opera del Duomo, which houses numerous masterpieces of Renaissance art. In addition, the centre is full of fashionable clubs and shops suitable for modern-day nightlife.
To the east of the historical centre is the Santa Croce district, which is home to the famous basilica of Santa Croce and the Uffizi Museum, one of the most important museums in the world, where one can admire a vast collection of works of art from the 14th to the 18th century, including masterpieces by Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael, Caravaggio and many other historical Florentine artists.
The Oltrarno district, located on the left bank of the river, is Florence’s artistic quarter. Here you will find many craft shops and art galleries, as well as nightclubs and characteristic restaurants.
San Lorenzo is located north of the historical centre and is famous for the Mercato Centrale, where you can buy fresh food and enjoy traditional Tuscan cuisine. The district is also known for the Basilica of San Lorenzo, where the Medici Chapel is located.
San Niccolò is located south of the historical centre, on the right bank of the Arno. Numerous restaurants and bars can be found here, especially along the scenic Via San Niccolò. The district is also known for the Torre di San Niccolò, a medieval tower that offers a spectacular view of the city.
Sant’Ambrogio is located to the east of the historical centre and is famous for its market where fresh food and Tuscan specialities can be bought.
Campo di Marte is located north-east of the historical centre and is mainly residential. It is home to Florence’s famous football stadium, the Stadio Artemio Franchi, and the Parco delle Cascine, the largest public park in Florence.
The renowned Gavinana is located south-east of the historical centre and is mainly a tourist district where one can find the Cascine Park, the largest public park in Florence, and the Villa Medicea di Castello.
Rifredi is located north-west of the historical centre. It is home to the Careggi Hospital and the Firenze Rifredi Station, one of the city’s main railway hubs. The district is also known for the Villa Strozzi Park, one of the largest parks in Florence.
Novoli is located north-west of the historical centre and is mainly a university and commercial district.
Isolotto is located west of the historical centre and is home to Isolotto Park and the Teatro Comunale di Firenze, one of the city’s main concert halls.
Coverciano is located south-east of the historical centre, here is the famous Coverciano Federal Technical Centre, the training centre of the Italian national football team, as well as the Villa Vogel Park.
In addition to the architectural beauty and the immeasurable wealth of works of art, of which Florence is the cradle, the city also lends itself as a ‘culinary cult place’. In fact, the Florentine cuisine, known for being rustic and simple, attracts many tourists from all over the world. The latter is based on high quality ingredients such as Chianina beef, extra virgin Tuscan olive oil and PDO bread typical of the region of which Florence is the capital. Among the most famous dishes are:
Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a typical cut of meat about 5 cm high, made up of fillet, sirloin and bone, from the lumbar area of the animal, the most valuable and nutrient-rich part
Peposo, a typical traditional recipe, where the meat is cooked for long periods to make it tender, juicy and flavoured with the addition of certain spices
Ribollita, a typical Tuscan recipe based on vegetables
If you are in Florence and would like to enjoy typical local specialities, we recommend going to typical restaurants such as, Trattoria dell’Oste, Trattoria da Burde and Antico Vinaio, both of which will be able to satisfy your every expectation.
