Il Fiorino

According to statistics produced by UNESCO, 60% of the world's most important works of art are located in Italy and approximately half of these are in Florence! The city lies on the Arno River and is known for its history and its importance in the Middle Ages and in the Renaissance, especially for its art and architecture. A centre of medieval European trade and finance, the city is often considered the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance; in fact, it has been called the Athens of the Middle Ages. It was long under the de facto rule of the Medici family. From 1865 to 1870 the city was also the capital of the Kingdom of Italy. The historic centre of Florence continues to attract millions of tourists each year and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. Strolling through the centre of Florence is a pleasure, the characterful narrow streets which are mostly closed to traffic are full of surprises and temptations.

A good starting point is the Piazza della Signoria, it's the heart of Florence's historic centre and an open-air art exhibit. The Loggia della Signoria, which sits on the square, contains a collection of some of the most valuable artworks in the world.

Head down Via Borgo San Lorenzo and you will find il Duomo, probably Florence's most popular tourist attraction. The given name is Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore. Brunelleschi designed the Dome (il Duomo), which highlights the stunning Chiesa Santa Maria del Fiore, and many climb the 463 steps to the bell tower to enjoy the panoramic view over Florence. The cathedral is also a treasure trove of art with contributions from Michelangelo, Donatello and Brunelleschi.

The Baptistery of St John the Baptist lies in front of the Duomo. It was built on the foundations of an ancient Roman temple and the golden doors which face the cathedral are replicas of an original set by Lorenzo Ghiberti (extensively copied - including the entrance doors to St Peters in Rome) and termed by Michelangelo as the “doors to paradise”.

The Uffizi Gallery is one of the oldest and most important Renaissance art galleries in the world and is only outdone by the Vatican museums. Its impressive collection of artworks from the Renaissance period includes Botticelli's Birth of Venus, and art by Giotto, Lippi, Botticelli, Da Vinci, Raphael and Michelangelo. Most of the work was commissioned by the Medici family.

The Galleria dell'Accademia, contains one of Florence's most renowned symbols, Michelangelo's original statue of David, and an impressive collection of artwork from the 13th-16th centuries including a collection of musical instruments, from the Medici family.

Ponte Vecchio, lucky to have survived WWII, it's one of only 3 bridges in the world that houses shops.

For the best views over the city of Florence take a walk from Porta Romana to Piazzale Michelangelo and then onto San Miniato, one of Tuscany's most beautiful Romanesque churches and the oldest standing in Florence.

Eating out: Prepare to be overwhelmed, Florence abounds with excellent restaurants serving traditional Tuscan and Italian cuisine. The Piazza Santa Maria Novella and the alleyways which run from it are very popular and have an array of culinary options to satisfy all tastes. The best value for money will be found at the Trattorias and Pizzerias, in addition your best chances of finding great value authentic cooking in a family environment will be at a Trattoria.

Shopping in Florence! Florence has some of the most exciting shopping in Europe, and is really an adventure rather than a commercial outing. Artisans crafts like leather goods, gold and silver smiths (see Ponte Vecchio) jewelry, art, handbags etc. will surprise down almost every alleyway.

The informal morning markets which sell food, clothing, accessories, arts and crafts, etc. are an invaluable and fun insight into Florentine culture.