Letsgo2 Florence - Reasons to Visit Florence

Whygo2 Florence

Letsgo2 employees have travelled extensively to the destinations we feature. Here are the five main reasons they would consider a visit to Florence.

Art

One of the most famous cities in Italy and birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is home to some of the worlds most impressive masterpieces. Visit Italys largest art gallery, the Uffizi Gallery which houses more than 4,500 paintings by artists such as Rubens and Rembrandt and Botticelli. The Accademia Gallery was founded in 1784 as the first art school in Europe to teach the technique of drawing, painting and sculpture. One of the most popular museums in Florence; it houses many sculptures by Michelangelo including his best known work David. The Pitti Palace is well worth a visit; with its three museums you can see masterpieces by Raphael, Fra Bartolomeo and Titian.

Things to see

Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge in Florence dating back to 1345 and was originally the domain of blacksmiths and butchers. Today the bridge is home to numerous jewellery shops selling antique and designer jewellery and during the warmer months is filled with street performers and portrait painters. Visit the magnificent Piazza della Signoria which is lined with replicas of famous sculptures and historical buildings, which have been the hub of Florences political and social life since the 13th century. The San Lorenzo Market is worth visiting with many stalls selling local produce such as flowers and vegetables as well as a wide range of Florentine and Tuscan delicacies.

Beautiful buildings

Florence has an ancient tradition of craftwork, once upon a time each area of the city was characterised by a certain type of work controlled by the powerful Corporazione delle Arti. Strict rules stating that only legitimate children of a member could join the profession meant that art and techniques have been handed down through generations to the present day. Some of the old stores are still intact; visitors can buy perfumes made to formulas created in the 16th century and liqueurs that are still made today following the antique formula used by the Dominican monks. For those looking for exclusive shopping and boutiques Florences Via Tournabouri is home to many famous designers such as Gucci, Cartier and Louis Vuitton.

Shopping

Food and drink

Florentine cooking is linked to a tradition of simple dishes prepared with genuine, tasty, but plain ingredients. Enjoy delicious soups, risottos, seafood and the unforgettable fiorentina; a cut of meat from the Chianina cow famous worldwide to be tried in any restaurant in Florence. The area surrounding Florence is the birthplace of Chianti, the most famous Tuscan wine; four types of Chianti are produced from the vines on the flourishing Florentine hills and are sure to impress the most discerning wine connoisseurs.

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