Florence, Italy trade and sculpture city

Florence, Italy is a city in Italy’s Tuscany region and one known for culture, renaissance art and architecture. It is also the Tuscany capital city and national economic centre, with a buzzing trade and marketplace. Let’s check out the ground on what makes this Historic Centre of Florence a UNESCO declared World Heritage Site since 1982.

Architecture building cathedrals

Moreover, Florence Italy is noted for its culture, Renaissance art and architecture and monuments. It is home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture. One of the city most iconic sights is the Duomo.

Also, it is a cathedral with an iconic terracotta-tiled dome and bell tower. Designed and engineered by Brunelleschi and Giotto.

My journey into Florence Italy starts off with a view of the city from roost. Notably, on your entry drive into Florence, you can grab a panoramic view of the city from the Piazzale Michelangelo.

Notably, it is named after the Renaissance artist, who painted to Sistine chapel in the Vatican, it is a highland viewing deck with a large clearing offering views of the entire city below.

Concert grounds

Florence river

On Ponte Vecchio bridge

It is located north through Umbria, countryside of Tuscany-Renaissance city of Florence. Also, this scenic spot is also one that provides inspiration for artists of the era. Notably, this clearing is also a popular spot of large scale events, such as concerts.

Cross the Ponte Vecchio

Moreover, a feature piece in Florence is the Ponte Vecchio. Otherwise bluntly translated as the “Old Bridge”. Essentially, it is a 32 meters long medieval stone closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge which connect the city’s two districts over the Amo river.

Also, the Ponte Vecchio’s is one of the three bridges spanning the Amo, including the Ponte Santa Trinita and the Ponte alle Grazie. Interestingly, this bridge is not the original one. Having rebuilt in 1345 in its current sate after its previous wood and stone version was destroyed by a flood in 1117 and 1333.

Also, the bridge is tad like a mini city over the river, with its walkway flanked by rows of shops built along it. Here, you can find items of the touristy trade, hawking jewels, art, and souvenirs. Back in historical times, the bridge was occupied mainly by marketplace produce sellers, such as butchers, tanners, and farmers.

David

Events

Stores

Today, these market food stores are now located at the Florence inner central market. Notably, in this buzzing street and marketplace is the Mercato Centrale. It is essentially a public marketplace at San Lorenzo. Here you can find lot so fleather (eco-leather) shops. The market is actually comprised the Mercato Centrale, or Central Market.

Sculpture alley

Marketplace

Markets

Piazza della Repubblica change of guards

Furthermore, the Florence Piazza della Repubblica is a central square where much of the city activity happens. It is situated by Palazzo Vecchio, the city town hall, surrounded by restaurants and cafés and a great square to chill in town.

Also, if it is not for the rows of majestic sculptures at every corner in the city square, it one a site where you can witness the city’s daily change of guards parade or the Fante del Palazzo guards.

Cathedral rear

Guards

Piazza della Repubblica Arch

Additionally, the parade is a colorful event with start times 5 times daily, especially during the summer months. Starting from 9am, 10am, and 11am, then again at noon and 1 pm at this Piazza della Repubblica.

Also, the guards are dressed in era-accurate uniform and armor, keeping to tradition almost 500 years ago. It comprises of an armored contingent as well as a marching band. You definitely can’t miss it with the call of the trumpets and the roll of drums as they echo off of the ancient walls. It is a crowd favorite.

Famous Roman statues

You would come to realise that statues stand towering in front of most of the square’s civil government building and museums. This is so at Piazza della Signoria, with the Duomo and Giotto’s Bell Tower. Here, you can find the Fountain of Neptune as well as a sheltered area housing other notable sculptures.

Also, here, a replica of Michelangelo’s “David” sits in the Piazza della Signoria city square as well as other statues. If you wish to see the real David, it is just around the corner at the Galleria dell’Accademia art gallery.

All in all, Florence Italy is a city of arts and also a central stone of Italian fashion and trade. A great city itself just for the history in the city itself.