Florence Hotels and Holidays
About Florence
For a tiny city-state, Florence enjoys an enormous reputation for art, scholarship, architecture and science that belies its concentrated size. Contemporary Florence spills into the lush Tuscan countryside, but the hub of its centro storico, a treasure trove of culture, stylish living and epicurean thrills, can be crossed at a leisurely pace within half an hour. The compact nature of this honey-coloured enclave lends it an intimate atmosphere, zealously preserved by a municipality that ferociously defends ancient civic liberties whose martial and banking skills not only once ruled the papacy, but also had a profound influence on shaping European culture for over five centuries.
Florence is an erudite university centre, bursting with youthful enthusiasm and a down to earth population, who rejoice in a philosophical way of life dedicated to eating, drinking and romantic pleasures. Easy if you are one of its privileged citizens to take its lofty Renaissance accomplishments for granted, but successive generations of visitors have come here to grasp its magnificence and leave with their cheeks flushed by the city's gilded beauty.
A few short steps from Santa Maria Novella railway station stands Florence's Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore), Europe's fourth largest church and famed for its orange-tiled dome. The Baptistry, with its soaring Campanile designed by Giotto in 1334, traces its origins to the 4th century with its provenance inscribed on bronze doors. Meandering, cobbled lanes lead to the Piazza della Signoria and its famous Palazzo Vecchio, a monumental icon to the city founders' independent republicanism.
Close by, the Galleria degli Uffizi houses Italy's greatest collection of paintings, its magnificent interiors exhibiting priceless works including Botticelli's 'Birth of Venus', where he reveals the lithesome grace of his mistress who posed as a model for many of his presentations of pagan goddesses and saintly madonnas.
Walking through Florence, an overwhelming number of historic places reveal Michelangelo's statuary and lead curious eyes to pry at Palazzo Pitti and its Boboli Gardens graced by ornamental lakes and dominated by a hill on which Forte di Belvedere warns amorous couples against the intrusion of vengeful husbands. From Piazza della Signoria avid shoppers can discover the ancient quarter of San Lorenzo (named after The Magnificent). Here rises a 19th century palazzo built in stone, iron and glass consecrated to the Tuscan passion for food with galleries of butchers, greengrocers and pasta counters.
Huddling round this is a maze of al fresco stalls, retailing high quality leather goods and stylish apparel, and for those in search of the ultra chic, the district of Oltrarno, traditionally an artisans' quarter, has become one of the most illustrious fashion centres in the world.
Smart boutiques line its Borgo San Iacopo, whose tributary lanes are punctuated with exclusive restaurants, cosy bars and trattorie, specialising in delicious traditional Tuscan cuisine. Crossing the River Arno on the Ponte Vecchio, an ancient bridge crammed with jewellery workshops and goldsmith's shops, is a must during your stay in this Renaissance capital of Tuscany.
The Sights
The Duomo
The Baptistery
Galleria degli Uffizi
Church of Santa Maria Novella
Ponte Vecchio
Boboli Gardens
Pitti Palace
Piazza della Signoria
Basilica of Santa Croce
Galleria dell'Accademia
Piazzale Michelangelo
The pretty town of Fiesole
Hotels in Florence
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Comprised of three ancient buildings, the Alba Palace stands besides the cloisters of Santa Maria No...
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Originally the Palazzo Medici dal Borgo, the Hotel Aprile is only a 10 minute walk from the Duomo an...
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Hotel Berchielli is situated in one of the best locations in the city on the banks of the River Arno...
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Just moments away from the Piazza Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, the Hotel Brunelleschi is a uniqu...
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Originally an 18th century palazzo, the Fenice Palace provides modest yet good value accommodation i...
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A 15th Century Palazzo and a former convent surrounding an ancient private 11 acre park, Four Season...
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A stunning boutique hotel belonging to the exclusive Salvatore Ferragamo Group, the Gallery Hotel Ar...
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This modern and spacious hotel is well located near Piazza di Ognissanti, with only a 15 minute walk...
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Centrally positioned within the cultural triangle formed by the Duomo, San Lorenzo and Santa Maria N...
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The luxurious Helvetia & Bristol lies virtually a stone's throw away from the grand Piazza Repubblic...
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500 years old, the beautifully restored Renaissance villa, Il Salviatino, is surrounded by an extens...
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Perfectly located in the heart of ancient Florence towards the eastern part of the city's centro sto...
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The riverside Hotel Plaza Lucchesi is situated close to the church of Santa Croce, and only a 10 min...
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The Hotel River is situated on the banks of the River Arno in a 19th century building, approximately...
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The Hotel Rivoli, in the heart of Florence, is close to the church of Santa Maria Novella and only a...
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Originally part of a convent, the centrally located Hotel San Giorgio is a 5 minute walk from the Du...
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The exquisite Hotel Savoy is superbly located on Piazza della Repubblica, close to the city's main a...
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Hotel Villa La Vedetta is one of the most exclusive hotels in Florence, enjoying an elevated positio...
