"Florence, 1994" Florence by travelmad478

Florence Travel Guide: 5,082 reviews and 11,268 photos

My first, and only, trip to Italy took me to Florence and Pisa in the spring of 1994. Having studied architecture at university, I was in heaven walking around this city. Everywhere you turn, you find yourself looking at a masterpiece of design. Frequently, a single building constructed over many centuries will incorporate styles from the medieval to the Baroque. And don't get me started on the art!

Florence is easy to navigate on foot, and a good map is all you'll need to find your way around. Bring the best guidebook you can find, because there are historical, artistic, and cultural gems on every streetcorner of this city--you'll want to read up on them.

Florence's architecture is its best-known feature. The main photo here depicts a detail of the dome (Duomo) of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, designed by Brunelleschi and completed in 1436. To me, the Duomo <b>is</b> Florence. This masterpiece, 114 meters high, was one of the earliest examples of a self-supporting dome and is a marvel of engineering. The cathedral itself was begun in 1296 and took 140 years to construct

There are dozens of other examples of gorgeous design--often in religious architecture, but seen in plenty of secular buildings as well--all over Florence. I've included just a few on these pages.

Last visit to Florence: May 1994
Intro Written Sep 10, 2002
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (12)

Favorites (3)

Another great thing about Florence is the feeling that you're walking right along the same streets as some of the... more travel advice

The Ponte Vecchio looks great... - Florence

The Ponte Vecchio looks great... Tourist Traps (1)

The Ponte Vecchio looks great from afar, but walking along it isn't nearly as much fun as looking at it. I suppose you... more travel advice

The hills outside Florence are... - Florence

The hills outside Florence are... Things to Do (4)

The hills outside Florence are also a good place to wander around, if you have a car. The red roofs of Tuscany, peeking... more travel advice

Spend at least one day getting... - Florence

Spend at least one day getting... Favorites (3)

Spend at least one day getting lost in the streets of Florence, peeking into its many hidden nooks, and stopping to... more travel advice

Warnings and Dangers (1)
When walking around Florence,...
Been to Florence?
Share your travels with the world!

Comments (16)

Reply
- Report abuse
Nemorino Jan 1, 2012 at 2:09 PM

Thanks for taking the trouble to scan your photos from 1994. In places like this I often wish I had studied architecture or at least was more knowledgeable about it.
Reply
- Report abuse
terible22 Nov 8, 2008 at 7:42 AM

I would love to go to Italy someday! My Grandparents grew up there. What a nice place!!
Reply
- Report abuse
craic Oct 13, 2007 at 1:45 PM

I can't wait to see Florence!
Reply
- Report abuse
deecat Sep 5, 2007 at 8:27 PM

I agree with your tourist trap tip! I loved Florence both times that we visited. It's a charming city as you have shown.
Reply
- Report abuse
aadil Apr 1, 2004 at 12:05 PM

Wonderful page!!! Loved your pictures and the info is pretty good too!!! You tried to eat half a kilo of meat at one go?!!! It was nice to see all the art and architecture in Florence and it brought back fond memories of my trip last year!!!
Reply
- Report abuse
vaticanus Aug 4, 2003 at 6:46 PM

Lovely photos of Florence.
Reply
- Report abuse
londonlover Aug 4, 2003 at 6:12 PM

Very helpful; Florence looks lovely!
Reply
- Report abuse
iandsmith Dec 8, 2002 at 3:06 PM

Interesting, I'm there in March.
Reply
- Report abuse
tini58de Jun 9, 2002 at 5:59 AM

wonderful page!!! Florence is a great place!
Reply
- Report abuse
littlesam1 Jun 4, 2002 at 8:55 AM

Great information. I had a wonderful time in Florence.