SCENIC POINTS

Forte di Belvedere

When Ferdinand I. entrusted architect Buontalentino the construction of this fortress above the city in 1590, he had the artilleries aimed at the city – the House of Medici was never quite sure about the force in the city. On the wide, grassy bulwarks rendering a spectacular view over the city the magnificent exhibitions are held annually. In a nice weather it’s a great place for picnics.

Piazzale Michelangelo

This vast, scenic tableland which rises south of the Arno is famous for the big, bronze copy of Michelangelo’s David which is seen from all directions. It’s better to go by bus here for insufficient park places especially during the summer season.

LIBRARIES

Bibliotheca Marucelliana

The library whose cornerstone was laid by Abbot Francesco Marucelli was first open in 1752. Nowadays, it keeps over 400.000 volumes, 2.200 manuscripts, 500 incunambulums and a great collection of drawings from the 16th to the 19th century. It’s open Monday to Friday from 9am to 7pm and from 9am to 1pm on Saturday. The closing time is the second half of July, conveyance possible by bus No. 1,6,7,10,11 from the city centre.

Bibliotheca Mediceo Laurenziana

Built in 1578 this library enshrines one of the most precious collections of manuscripts in the world. Architecturally very interesting antechamber with an ostentatious stairway was, as well as the Sala Granda constructed by Michelangelo’s designs. The stalls for readers also come out from Michelangelo’s work. Another unusual element of the building is the brick floor copying the pattern of the ceiling. It’s open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 1pm.

Bibliotheca Riccardiana and Moreniana

Riccardiana was open for public in 1715, comprises over 50.000 of volumes, 700 incunambulums and 400 manuscripts. Bibliotheca Moreniana offers many documents about the history of Florence and Tuscany.

BRIDGES

Ponte alla Carraia

It once used to be a second bridge over the Arno. Built in 1218 the bridge didn’t weather a flood and was torn down. Only his adherent Ammanatim, projected in 1559 survived almost 400 years until it was blown up – as all Florence bridges but the Ponte Vecchio – by withdrawing German Army. After the War it was reconstructed by original designs.

Ponte alle Grazie

The contemporary appearance was given to this bridge by architect G. Michelucci after the World War II. Nevertheless, its predecessor built in 1237 was constructed so artfully that it withstood everything but German explosives in 1944.

Ponte S. Trinita

Three arcs elegantly spanning the river by Michelangelo’s design were constructed in 1557-1560 by Ammanati. Allegorical figures symbolising four seasons of the year appeared in 1608. During the after-war reconstruction of the severely damaged bridge, architects used original fragments drawn out from the water as well as newly hewed stones from the medieval quarry.

Ponte Vecchio

“The Old Bridge” belongs among the basic symbols of Florence. Long since, during the Etruscan period a ford was found here and under the Romans the Via Cassia, one of the main trade routs to the north lead at this place. The present-day bridge was built on the narrowest point of the river in 1345 by Neri di Fioravanti and Taddeo Gaddi. From 1422 to 1593 it was a seat of local butchers; nonetheless, after the House of Pittia moved in to their contiguous palace, they had to leave for an “unbearable smell” coming out from the street. Ferdinand I. arbitrated that henceforth only goldsmiths and silversmiths can vend there. In 1565 Cosimo I. entrusted his architect Vasari the construction of Corridoio Vasariano, a covered corridor above the stalls on the bridge which was supposed to enable a convenient connection between the Palazzo Vecchio and the Palazzo Pitti in any weather. The Ponte Vecchio Bridge was sole spared from German explosives and nowadays is one of the most sought-after places for tourists.

FORTRESSES

Fortezza da Basso

After the House of Medici returned from banishment, Allesandro Medici entrusted Antonio Sangallo to build a monumental, star-shaped hill-fort on the southern extremity of the city. Its task was to save the Medici from other rustic rebellions, however, it didn’t even save Alessandro from plots of his own family and he was assassinated by his removed cousin Lorenzino five years after the building was finished.

CHURCHES

The Florence churches are usually open from 8am to 12am with noon break from 0:30pm to 3pm. Most of them are equipped with informational automats in several world languages offering comprehensive information both on the object as such and objects d'art found within. It’s generally accepted that tours during the regular church services are not considered suitable as well as entry to the churches in shorts or clothes without sleeves. In big cathedrals the entrance in an inappropriate cloth is even prohibited.

Battistero San Giovanni

In comparison with the Duomo this octagonal chapel from white marble looks quite subtle and humble, however, in spite of this it used to be a cathedral of the medieval city. The inner spaces are adorned by enchanting mosaics in vaults and a beautiful marble floor from the 12th century. Huge, bronze doors in portals are also very spectacular. The most famous of them is the Paradisiacal Gate turned towards the Duomo. It originated in 1426-1452 in the workshop of Ghiberti. Ten squares are adorned by the Old Testament tableau’s, processed as relieves partially fully plastic. After the flood in 1966 some parts were washed away and substituted with replicas. At the same time, the doors were completely refurbished and gold-plated.

Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore

The cathedral with its majestic cupola unequivocally belongs to the typical silhouette of the city. The construction was a rather behindhand triumph. When Signoria finally assigned Arnolf di Cambio in 1296, adversarial cities like Pisa, Lucca, Pistoia, Prato or Siena already boasted with ostentatious cathedrals. Pretentious building was not completed until 1368 – but it lacked a cupola. A contest on it which was announced soon after won Philipp Brunelleschi and the building as such was under way in the years 1420-1434. Presumptive height of the cupola (over 100 metres), however, brought many so far unsuspected problems; Brunelleschi thus resolved the construction with two mutually supporting linings which means that the cupola is in fact double. Outside lining is around 80 centimetres thick but the inner masonry reaches the thickness of 4 metres. Both parts are connected with 24 vertical, power-conveying walls. The whole cupola weight unbelievable 25.000 tons. If you decide to climb up 463 stairs to the so called “Lantern”, you will experience the emotions of erstwhile builders as the panorama seen from the cupola is really outstanding. The Duomo in Florence is the fourth biggest building of the “Christian world”. It occupies over 8300 sq. metres, the main nave is 160 metres long and 43 metres wide, and transept has over 90 metres. Everyone who steps inside the Duomo at first is immediately astonished. In the 13th to 15th century many famous artists worked on its decoration. A big, equestrian painting on the left side depicts winning commander of the Florentine mercenary army John Hawkwood. It was painted by Paolo Uccello in 1436 and his conception became a prototype of all after-Romanesque equestrian portraits.