Monday, February 15, 2010

Medieval Centers in Florence, Italy

Florence is the best place to visit when in Italy. Why? Because the great lived there or chose to live there, that's why. Niccolò Machiavelli, Michelangelo, Donatello, Galileo Galilei, among others, lived and liked living in Florence. Now, when these great minds and legendary artists stayed there, they inevitably left something of themselves to enhance the beauty of the city.
When in Italy, one should always look for the centro storico or the historic center. This, as the name suggests, is, yes, the historic center of an Italian city. This is where you will find the old charm of Italy. In a centro storico, the city's history and culture is in display for everyone to appreciate.
Florence's centro storico offers magnificently designed cathedrals, bell towers and medieval mementos.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, for instance, is Florence's most popular site. The huge Gothic cathedral was begun in 1296. It still stands, and will continue to do so for several centuries to come.
One must also visit the Ponte Vecchio, Florence's only surviving medieval bridge. This bridge was constructed in 1345. The other bridges of its kind were destroyed in World War II.
Then there's the must-see place of the Galleria degli Uffizi. This museum houses the most important art pieces from the age of Renaissance, from the medieval age to the modern times. You'll find the works of Michelangelo, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and other Italian cultural giants.
In the historic heart of Florence, without meaning to, you will be captivated by the medieval charms of the city. Just by walking around the area, you will notice evidence of a refined culture that brought about the age of Renaissance.

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