Florence

This is a world-famous bridge: Ponte Vecchio. This imposing bridge has a remarkable past. Architect and artist Taddeo Gaddi had the bridge built in 1345 after the river had washed away the older wooden bridge. The bridge is very popular, also with photographers. You will understand when you visit.

Read my article on Ponte Vecchio

Galleria degli Uffizi (or Uffizi as it is often named by locals) is a must-visit. This museum in Florence houses a remarkable amount of art. Including masterpieces by Italian and Dutch masters in particular. But the building itself is also very worthwhile.

Read my article on Galleria degli Uffizi

According to many, the Cathedral of Florence is the most beautiful in Italy. And maybe in the world. Whoever wanders through Florence cannot miss the Cathedral (or Duomo). This imposing and architectural masterpiece is unique. With various buildings next to it that are part of the rich history of this cathedral. Florence Cathedral (also known as the Duomo) is often seen as the central point of the city. You can climb to the top of the roof.

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The city is mainly visited during a day trip. Which I think is a shame. This city is alive in the early morning and evening. I spend several nights in various hotels and found these moments very special. During the day I visited the many attractions, to be able to eat and drink in the evening. You have a large choice of small hotels, hostels, holiday homes and apartments that you can book online.

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The blossoming of Florence may be called a small miracle. Especially after the dark Middle Ages when Europe suffers from poverty, wars and diseases. The changing climate is largely attributed to the Medici family. These bankers managed the pope's wealth for a long time. They prove in the 15th century that money equals power, as they become the absolute rulers of Florence and the surrounding area.

The Medici had a great predilection for architecture, painting, sculpture and literature. They bought art en masse with their wealth, but they also created an environment where artists could flourish. Including for Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni, better known as Michelangelo.

From 1490 to 1492, Lorenzo I de' Medici, also called Il Magnifico (the beautiful one), took Michelangelo under his wing. Which allowed him to move in the right circles. And had access to various archaeological collections, including those in the garden of the San Marco convent. But the city inspired more masters: Leonardo da Vinci painted his Mona Lisa between 1503 and 1506 in Florence.

The city is considered by scientists to be the cradle of the Renaissance. Nowhere else in Italy can you see so many buildings and works of art from this period. The Italians themselves call this movement the rebirth of 'classical antiquity'. It is clear that there is a revival in the arts and letters, which eventually reaches the whole of Europe. Realism is central to this, especially in painting.

Florence also played an important role in Europe as a trading city. Which we also noticed in the Netherlands. Our gold florin comes from the local coin that passed from hand to hand in Florence. The florin is the predecessor of the guilder that we used until the introduction of the euro.

The city is located in the valley of the Arno River. The Romans officially founded the city in AD 59 under the name 'Florentia', which means 'flourishing' in Latin. In the first centuries, the city grew steadily, but the greatest growth came much later. So the Romans had foresight. Florence was even the capital of Italy between 1865 and 1870 but eventually had to leave that honour to Rome.