"Florence, open air museum" a Florence Travel Page by Karahan

Florence (Firenze in Italian) is the capital city of Toscany. This wonder lies on the river Arno. You'll see history, art and regular life all together at first sight.

Birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and was long ruled by the authoritarian Medici family. Medici family had effected local people, their enemies and also entire city by run artists and sculptors to show their power and management force. So you can see so many statues, palaces and impressive buildings everywhere. Most of them symbolize power, intelligence, nobility and strict administration level of the family.

Famous names like Michelangelo, Giambologna or Cellini (etc.) had brought a new look and life to the city by their priceless work of arts. Because of their value, many works replaced with original copies especially around Duomo (like baptistry doors) and administration building of Medici family (Palazzo Vecchio) at Piazza della Signoria.

Meanwhile, the historic center of Florence was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.

When you hear "Florence" there is only one thing that you see when you close your eyes, Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). This big dome is a symbol of the city. The giant dome is overlooking every corner of Florence. It was built in the 4th Century AD. Top of the roof is 91m high. You have to climb 463 steps to get to the peak. Roof was designed by Brunelleschi.

Baptistry is very famous because of its doors that were built by Lorenzo Ghiberti. Also one of the oldest buildings of the city. The most famous one was chosen by a competition. Ghiberti, Donatello and Brunelleschi made their work of arts around the middle of 1400s. Ghiberti wins the competition. Golden door that you can see at the baptistry nowadays is a successful copy of the original one (it's in Museo dell'Opera del Duomo). It has 10 different figures. Every one of them tells different stories (like banishment of Adam and Eve)

Campanile was designed in 1334 by Giotto. But could be finished in 1359, 22 years after his death. It's 85m high and has got one of the best views of Florence. Also you can take Duomo's nice photos there too.

Many more at tips section...