THE CITY

Florence, capital of the Tuscany region in Italy, is home to several masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture. One of its most iconic attractions is the Domo, a cathedral with a terracotta-tiled dome generated by Brunelleschi and a bell tower designed by Giotto. The Accademia Gallery displays Michelangelo's "David" sculpture. The Uffizi Gallery exhibits "The Birth of Venus" by Botticelli and "The Annunciation" by Da Vinci.

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EXPLORE THE CITY

Galleria dell'Accademia

Walking through Florence, between the squares of the Annunciation and Saint Mark, we find the building of an old hospital that now houses the Gallery of the Academy (in Italian Galleria dell'Accademia), home of the famous sculpture of David by Michelangelo, one of the great works of the Renaissance. This Academy of Fine Arts was founded in 1563, consisting of five sculptures by Michelangelo that served students to learn from them. With time they were acquiring new works until in 1784 the collection was conformed that gave rise to the foundation of the Gallery of the Academy.

Enjoy Italy while you stay in a place that you will feel like home, live a unique experience just a few meters from all the culture and Renaissance beauty that Florence has for you.

Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio in Florence is the oldest stone bridge in Europe. It was built in 1345, replacing the old wooden one, which fell during a flood of the Arno River. It links the closest banks of the Arno River as it passes through Florence. It is supported on three arches, the central one of 30 meters and those of the sides of 27 meters each one. The Vasari Corridor is a large gallery (approximately one kilometer high), which crosses the city, links the Palazzo Vecchio (the government palace), with the Pitti Palace (its residence). It was ordered to be built in 1565, by Cosme I de Médici. That way he could move from one palace to another without having to go outside. At that time the Grand Duke did not enjoy the sympathy of the citizens, and considered dangerous to pass among the population, despite having a good escort. The designer and architect of the Vasari Corridor, was Giogio Vasari. He built it in just five months. Inside there is a large collection of portraits. Authors as famous as Rembrant, Delacroix or Veláquez.

Inside Florence's Cathedral, the Duomo

Florence's cathedral stands tall over the city with its magnificent Renaissance dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, with the baptistery right across. The cathedral named in honor of Santa Maria del Fiore is a vast Gothic structure built on the site of the 7th century church of Santa Reparata, the remains of which can be seen in the crypt.

The cathedral was begun at the end of the 13th century by Arnolfo di Cambio, and the dome, which dominates the exterior, was added in the 15th century on a design of Filippo Brunelleschi. A statue to each of these important architects can be found outside to the right of the cathedral, both admiring their work for the rest of eternity.