"Firenze, Bella Firenze" Florence by seagoingJLW
Florence Travel Guide: 6,161 reviews and 10,740 photos
This picture overlooking Firenze was taken from San Miniato al Monte.
My photographs of Firenze can be found in three travelogs.
History
Florence and Pisa were founded by the Etruscans. From the first century BC to the fourth century AD they developed as Roman military and trading towns.
With the fall of the Roman Empire, the Tuscan towns fell into chaos. They were invaded by Goths and Lombards.
In the late eleventh century, Florence prospered under the rule of Countess Matilda. In 1138, Florence became a self governing republic.
Florence owes much of her wealth to the Middle Ages when banking became a big business due to the wool trade. In 1235 Florence minted the <i>florin</i>, the first gold coin to become standard currency across Europe.
The Black Death (1347-48) ravaged Tuscany and killed half the population of Florence.
The Medicis dominated the city for sixty golden years (1434-1494) they continued to rule until 1737 when the Hapsburgs took over.
In 1860 Florence was incorporated in the new Kingdom of Italy.
During World War II the retreating German forces blew up all the bridges across the Arno except the Ponte Vecchio. The Arno burst its banks in 1966 and flooded Florence damaging paintings, frescoes and old books.
Miscellaneous Information
Electricity is 220 volts, 50 cycles AC. Use continenetal plugs with two round prongs.
While Italian is the official language, most people speak a little English.
Banks are usually open on weekdays from 8:30 am to 1:30pm and from 2:45 to 3:45 pm.
Most shops are open from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm and from 3:30 or 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm.
Lying at the foot of the Appenine chain, Firenze is not affected by the mild sea temperatures. There are four distinct seasons with extremes of temperature in summer and in winter and heavy rainfall in spring and fall.
- Pros:What magnificent artistic objects throughout the city
- Cons:You have to walk a lot...no buses allowed.
- In a nutshell:Go. You just must.
Reviews (13)
san Miniato al Monte
Off The Beaten Path
(2)
You must go up to San Miniato al Monte. the view of Firenze is exceptional. The church itself , of Florentine Romanesque... more travel advice
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Comments (15)
Excellent travelogues and photos. Nice overview of wonderful Florence. I took lots of photographs of the real David in the Academia in 2001. Has it changed?
Where the locals eat. Great tips & trvlgs
a great page as always
The pictures are still good as well as the info Joan...
Photos still worked out well Joan!
This is simply stupendous! Merry Christmas Joan
Nice pics, in spite of the X-Rays!
Sorry about what happened to your pictures.
I`m going in Feb. Thanks!
Those pictures are still amazing!! Great work!
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