Florence
As a medieval business center and seat of power, Florence's architecture reflects the past wealth of its citizenry and their evergreen obsession with beauty. Travel to Piazzale Michelangelo, for a bird's eye view of the city of Florence. Continue to the historic centre for a walking tour of the Piazza del Duomo, Giotto's bell tower, the Baptistery with its bronze doors and the Cathedral with the magnificent Cupola del Brunelleschi. Carry on to the Galleria dell'Accademia and admire the famous David by Michelangelo.
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- The grand Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore or the Duomo Cathedral's 375 feet high dome was a revolutionary design by Brunelleschi. Completed in 1436, Brunelleschi's dome stands undefeated as the world's largest masonry dome. Built at the site of a 5th century church, the Cathedral bears the mark of the city's most distinguished architects and artists across 3 centuries, starting with the original design by Arnolfo di Cambio in 1296 to the ball and cross designed by da Vinci in the early 1600s.
- Ponte Vecchio bridge is a quaint old fashioned stone bridge with shops lining either side. A pretty place to pause in a walk across the city while you pick up souvenirs from the jewelery and art stores.
- Giorgio Vasari's idea of an administrative building was the Uffizi Gallery is now better known for its artwork than paperwork as it was originally intended. A treasure house of Italian sculpture and paintings, it is a compulsory stop.
- Hidden behind a mob of giggling school girls and busy art students sketching frantically away, Michelangelo's famous statue of David and proud and perfect at the Galleria dell'Accademia.
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