Florence

florence
AGENZIA
PER IL TURISMO
FIRENZE
florence
The early Etruscan settlements sprang up on the hill of Fiesole,
while the Romans established themselves (in 59 BC) on the plain
around the Arno. The Forum of Roman Florentia was situated where
Piazza della Republica stands today, and the inner circle of walls
ran along today’s Via Tornabuoni, Via Cerretani and Via del Proconsolo.
Miniato and Reparata were the first patron saints of Florence,
which became an episcopal see in the 4th century. The city was
granted the right to independent government by Countess Matilde,
thus paving the way for its subsequent economic supremacy as a
Guelph city with strong papal ties, in competition first with Fiesole
and then with Siena and Pisa. Guelphs and Ghibellines, Bianchi and
Neri, nobles, the bourgeois and trading classes all vied for power
in Florence, leading to social unrest and strife, conquests, alliances
and even to requests by the comune for foreign intervention.
After the establishment of a people’s government of sorts and the
conquest of Pisa, Florence achieved dominion over the whole of
Tuscany, with the exception of Siena and Lucca.
The year 1434 marked the beginning of Medici rule, which became
the central point of the city’s political and cultural development.
By virtue of its geographic position and social climate, Florence
exercised a function of equilibrium in the history and art of the period known as the Renaissance.
After various vicissitudes involving the Florentine Republic and
Medici restorations, another historic era started for Florence in
1530 with the establishment of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. The
power of the city grew, reaching a peak with the defeat of arch-rival Siena in 1555. The House of the Medici died out in the 18th
century, giving way to the rule of the Habsburg-Lorraine, under
whom Florence also conquered Lucca (1847). Finally, the Duchy
entered the Kingdom of Italy in 1859 following a plebiscite.
Florence was the capital of unified Italy from 1865 to 1870, during which time Giuseppe Poggi produced an urban planning project that deeply modified the appearance of the city and involved the
pulling down of the city walls.
The beginning of the 20th century was also marked by the start of
industrial development in the city, which meshed with the existing
craft businesses in an original way, leading to the creation of a
multitude of family-run enterprises. The post-war period, with the
reconstruction of what had been destroyed and the expansion of
the city until it joined up with other nearby centres (Scandicci,
Sesto, Bagno a Ripoli) is contemporary history.
Today, Florence does not just live on its glorious civic and cultural past. It is also an important centre for craft and commercial, industrial and artistic activities.
a brief
history
Florence can boast many histories – artistic, financial, religious,
cultural, political. These are so rich that it is impossible to sum
them up in a few short lines. One word, however, has always distinguished the city in the eyes of the world: the Renaissance.
florence
city centre
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villa di castello
VISITING THE CITY:
ITINERARIES
Two days in Florence
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Longer stays
in Florence
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One day in Florence
Thematic itineraries
in Florence
florence
city centre
s.s.annunziata
stazione centrale
s. maria novella
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Ideas for visiting
the surrounding area
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Visiting the city
independently
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Museums
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Guided tours of the city
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s.lorenzo
battistero
s.giovanni
Information offices
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palazzo
strozzi
Protecting
the rights of tourists
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Getting around
in the city
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Getting around in
the surrounding area
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Health information
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Post offices, banks
and bureau de change
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cappelle
medicee
le cascine
Public lavatories
chiesa
del carmine
Florence for children
Food and drink
Shopping
Arts and crafts
Nightlife
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54
56
58
campanile
di giotto
pont
palazzo
pitti
giardino di boboli
porta
romana
museo
dell’opera del duomo
museo
di antropologia
museo
del bargello
porta
beccaria
s.croce
museo
horne
s.spirito
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museo archeologico
spedale
degli innocenti
duomo
s.maria del fiore
orsanmichele
palazzo vecchio
loggia dei lanzi
galleria degli
uffizi
porta
s.frediano
CITY LIFE
Major events
palazzo
medici
riccardi
s.maria
novella
CITY SERVICES
villa
il ventaglio
galleria
dell’accademia
Parks and gardens
in Florence
Internet points
orto
botanico
s.marco
porta
a prato
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villa gamberaia
stibbert
e ve
giardino
bardini
cchio
museo
bardini
fiu m e ar no
porta
s.niccolò
forte
belvedere
piazzale michelangelo
s.miniato
one day
in florence
s. maria del fiore
giotto’s campanile 1
baptistery
palazzo
della signoria 2
loggia dei lanzi
1
orsanmichele 3
3
uffizi gallery
ponte vecchio 4
palazzo pitti 5
boboli gardens
4
6
s. spirito 6
5
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one day
in florence
One day in Florence:
the city deserves a little
longer than that, but a
one-day visit will at least
give you an idea. With just
one day at your disposal,
you will want to see
the main sites and walk
around the heart of the
historic city centre.
atory of San Michele. It became a place of worship due to the
munificence of the trade guilds which, between the 14th and
the 16th centuries, adorned it with sculptures and paintings
of the highest standard. There are sculptural works by Donatello, Verrocchio, Ghiberti and Nanni di Banco, amongst
others. At the far end of Via dei Calzaiuoli you come to Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of the city.
PALAZZO DELLA SIGNORIA, or Palazzo Vecchio, which is the seat
of Florence City Council besides housing a museum, was
Start from Piazza del Duomo, where the Baptistery and the
cathedral of SANTA MARIA DEL FIORE face each other. The
cathedral was begun by Arnolfo di Cambio in 1296, but it was
not until 1436 that it was crowned by the Cupola, Filippo
Brunelleschi’s masterpiece. The dome is the symbol of Florence, a bold and majestic piece of architecture that affords
fantastic views of the city (and of the cathedral interior).
On the façade side of the cathedral is the boldly coloured
campanile of Giotto, which also has fine views of the city. In
front of the Cathedral stands the older, Romanesque-style
BAPTISTERY of San Giovanni, embellished with bronze
doors by Ghiberti and Andrea Pisano.
Walking along the lively Via dei Calzaiuoli, you
will pass by ORSANMICHELE, a 14th-century
building that started out life as a granary
situated on the site of the ancient or-
terior courtyard, you can admire a putto-decorated fountain
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by Verrocchio and frescoes by Vasari. Also in the piazza is the
BRIEF
ITINERARIES
14th-century LOGGIA DEI LANZI, which displays famous statues such as Benvenuto Cellini’s Perseus and Giambologna’s Rape of the Sabines. Adjoining
Palazzo Vecchio is the imposing UFFIZI
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BRIEF
ITINERARIES
built at the end of the 13th century. As you walk into the in-
GALLERY. Designed by Vasari in the 16th
century as the Medici secretariat, it is
now one of the most important museums in the world. The gallery contains paintings ranging from early
masters (Cimabue, Giotto) through to
Mannerism, with a splendidly repre-
sentative selection of Renaissance art by
the likes of Botticelli, Filippo Lippi, Paolo
Uccello, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.
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one day
in florence
A visit to the gallery requires sever-
where you can soak up the lively atmosphere of this corner
al hours. If you do not have time,
of the city. The neighbourhood is packed with craft trades,
continue on foot towards PONTE
and has a very authentic feel to it. Piazza Santo Spirito, one
VECCHIO, another symbol of
of the few piazzas in the city with trees in it, is overlooked by
the city, which has survived
beautiful palazzos and by the church of Santo Spirito, which
wars and flooding. Since the
was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi in 1444. Besides the
16th century, the buildings
pure architectural lines of the façade, the church also boasts
on the bridge have been oc-
a number of important artworks.
cupied by goldsmiths.
BRIEF
ITINERARIES
Crossing the bridge, you find yourself di là d’Arno, that is,
‘beyond the Arno’, an important notion in Florence. Of the
four historic neighbourhoods, three (San Giovanni, Santa
Maria Novella and Santa Croce) are north of the river, while
just one, Santo Spirito, is on the left bank.
The main thoroughfare continuing on from Ponte Vecchio
will bring you to Piazza Pitti, which is dominated by the
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façade of the majestic PALAZZO PITTI. Of 15th-century origin,
it was acquired by Eleonora, the wife of Cosimo I, and became the new residence of the Medici family, who had
previously been in Palazzo della Signoria. It was enlarged and embellished with a magnificent park, the
Boboli Gardens. Palazzo Pitti houses a cluster of
different museums, one of which are the
gardens themselves. If you still
have some time, head towards
Piazza Santo Spirito,
The double-vaulted
dome of the Baptistery
was studied carefully
by Filippo Brunelleschi
before he erected
the Cupola
of Santa Maria del Fiore.
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BRIEF
ITINERARIES
two days
in florence
train station 1
s. maria novella 2
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1
5
palazzo strozzi 3
palazzo
medici riccardi 4
s. lorenzo
laurentian library 5
medici chapels
4
7
2
3
museo s. marco
accademia gallery 6
spedale
degli innocenti
church of 7
s.s. annunziata
archaeology museum
two days
in florence
If you have two days
to visit Florence,
you can obviously
cover more.
This itinerary can be
used for one day as
well, to see something
different or if you have
already been in
the city for a while.
ful rooms are used for art exhibitions, and it has a large internal courtyard that is always open.
Continuing on towards Piazza della Repubblica you arrive in
what was the heart of the city in Roman times. The modernday piazza was laid out in the 19th century. If you walk along
to and across Piazza Duomo, you will find yourself in Via
run into another large Renaissance
building, PALAZZO MEDICI RICCARDI.
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BRIEF
ITINERARIES
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Martelli. After about a hundred metres you will
This was designed by Michelozzo for
Situated not far from the RAILWAY STATION of Santa Maria
Novella, a masterpiece of early 20th-century rationalist architecture, is the basilica that gave the station its name: SANTA
MARIA NOVELLA, a 13th-century church of the Dominican order. It has an elegant façade in green and white marble, and
a beautiful Gothic interior with a wealth of frescoes and some
masterpieces of Renaissance art. Adjoining the church is the
Cosimo il Vecchio de’ Medici towards the
middle of the 15th century. Indeed, the
whole neighbourhood was shaped by
the Medici family. The Palazzo, the seat
of the Province of Florence, is also a museum with some magnificent reception rooms
and a splendid Chapel frescoed by Benozzo
Gozzoli. If you are short on time you can just
Museum of the same name.
Narrow, atmospheric alleyways lead to Via Tornabuoni,
the city’s most elegant street, backing onto which is the
imposing bulk of PALAZZO STROZZI. Built by Benedetto
da Maiano to a commission by Filippo Strozzi,
it is one of the most important Renaissance buildings in Florence. Some of the
Palazzo’s beauti-
wander in and take a look at the courtyard, or
walk through the recently opened Galleria dei
Medici, which brings you out into Via Ginori.
From here you can head towards two other sites associated
with the Palazzo: the nearby church of San Lorenzo and the
convent of San Marco. SAN LORENZO was the church of the
Medici family. Its current layout, a sublime example of Renaissance architecture, was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi.
two days
in florence
The façade was never completed, while the interior houses a
Santissima Annunziata, which is surrounded by porticoes
number of fine paintings. Around the church are various oth-
and buildings, the most important of which is the SPEDALE
er significant attractions, including the Laurentian Library,
DEGLI INNOCENTI, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi.
the Old Sacristy and the Medici Chapels, with the New Sac-
The Spedale was established as a foundling hospital as early
risty, one of Michelangelo’s masterpieces. In the streets sur-
as 1440, and houses a museum and other very interesting
rounding the church is a colourful open-air market.
areas. The BASILICA OF SANTISSIMA ANNUNZIATA dates back to
Popular with tourists, it sells clothing and
the middle of the 13th century and was built for the Order of
accessories. Returning to Palazzo Medici
the Servants of Mary. Inside there are frescoes by Andrea del
and walking along Via Cavour you will
Sarto, Franciabigio, Pontormo and Rosso Fiorentino.
come to the piazza with the CHURCH
To the left of the church, on the corner with Via Capponi, is
OF SAN MARCO and the adjoining
the entrance to the ARCHAEOLOGY MUSEUM, which contains
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convent. The convent of San Marco,
extremely significant Etruscan, Roman and above all Egypt-
BRIEF
ITINERARIES
belonging to the Dominicans of
ian collections. When visiting the museum, be sure to go
Fiesole, was one the city’s major centres for intellectual pur-
out into the beautiful garden, where a number
suits. Cosimo il Vecchio invested heavily to enlarge and em-
of Etruscan tombs have been reconstructed.
bellish it. The Museum of San Marco, which is housed in the
convent, contains a series of Renaissance frescoes by Beato
A stone’s throw from Piazza San Marco is the ACCADEMIA
GALLERY, one of Florence’s most visited museums because it
houses Michelangelo’s celebrated David. However, the museum also displays other interesting sculptures by the same
artist and a rich collection of Tuscan paintings from the 13th
to the 16th century. From the
Gallery it is just a short walk
to the harmonious Piazza
The statue of David, a symbol of courage and victory for
Florence, was sculpted by Michelangelo
when he was just 26 years old.
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Angelico; the fabulous library was the work of Michelozzo.
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longer stays
in florence
longer stays
in florence
If you are in Florence
for a longer stay,
or have visited the city
before, the following
are some further
places of interest you
may wish to explore.
museo dell’opera
del duomo 1
museum of natural
history
bargello national 2
museum
1
church of s. croce
pazzi chapel 3
2
horne museum 4
bardini museum 5
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4
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fort belvedere 6
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piazzale michelangelo 8
to be moved elsewhere). Then, walking along narrow streets
that retrace the perimeter of an ancient Roman amphitheatre,
you arrive at the broad expanse of Piazza Santa Croce.
The Franciscan BASILICA OF SANTA CROCE, which was erected
between the end of the 13th and during the 14th century, is
well worth a visit. The façade is 19th century, but the interior,
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s. miniato al monte 7
the Baroque building that houses the city’s court house (due
which is Gothic, is memorable for the frescoes of Giotto and
for the tombs of some of Italy’s most illustrious figures, in-
s. maria del carmine 9
cluding Ugo Foscolo, Galileo Galilei, Michelangelo and
BRIEF
ITINERARIES
Gioacchino Rossini. Besides the church, you can also visit
At the rear of Piazza del Duomo is the MUSEO DELL’OPERA DEL
the Museo dell’Opera with Brunelleschi’s elegant Pazzi
DUOMO, which houses all the works from the Cathedral, such
Chapel.
as parts of the original façade or sculptures produced for it,
If you walk along Via de’ Benci towards the
including a wooden Mary Magdalene by Donatello and a Pietà
Arno, you will come, on your left, to a
by Michelangelo.
Renaissance palazzo occupied by the
Walking along Via del Proconsolo you come to Palazzo Non-
HORNE MUSEUM. This features
finito, an incomplete (hence the name) work by Buontalenti.
paintings, furniture and other
Inside is the interesting ANTHROPOLOGY SECTION OF THE MUSE-
items that recreate the appear-
UM OF NATURAL HISTORY. A little further on is the 13th-centu-
ance of a noble 15th-century
ry Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, a severe-looking building
home. On the other side of the
where executions were once held.
Arno (cross over on the Ponte
It is now occupied by the BARGELLO NATIONAL MUSEUM, which
alle Grazie) stands the BARDINI MUSEUM, the former home of
holds some of the most important works
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an antiquarian who built up a large collection of art works.
of Italian Renaissance sculpture (Do-
Walking up the steep but atmospheric Costa Scarpuccia and
natello, Ghiberti, Michelangelo,
Costa San Giorgio you will come to one of Florence’s most
Cellini, Giambologna).
spectacular sites: FORT BELVEDERE. Designed by Buontalenti
Close by is Piazza San Firenze, with
in the last decade of the 16th century, it is a fortified villa in a
longer stays
in florence
raised position that offers one of the best views of the city.
The fort houses the Della Ragione Collection, featuring
paintings by some of the great masters of the 20th century.
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A beautiful stroll in the shade of the trees lining the Viale
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dei Colli will bring you to the Romanesque BASILICA OF SAN
MINIATO AL MONTE. The green and white marble façade is typically Florentine, and the geometric patterns can also be
found in the well-lit interior. The piazza in front of the church
offers fine views, as does the nearby Piazzale Michelangelo,
which is a great favourite with tourists.
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BRIEF
ITINERARIES
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The piazzale stands above the historic neighbourhood of the
Oltrarno. Walking back down towards the river, the tour of this
BRIEF
ITINERARIES
part of the city can be rounded off by visiting the complex of
SANTA MARIA DEL CARMINE. In the Brancacci Chapel there are
fine frescoes by Masaccio, Masolino and Filippino Lippi.
The first coat of arms
of Florence was a
white lily (Florentine
iris) against a red
ground. In 1251,
following the conflict
between the Guelphs
and Ghibellines, the
colours were inverted
so the lily was red and
the background white.
thematic itineraries
in florence
Want to follow a particular thread or theme
as you tour the city?
Here are a few suggested ideas.
thematic
itineraries
in florence
GREAT GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE
In Florence the Gothic period coincided with the peak of the
city’s wealth and economic prosperity. In architectural and
urban development terms, this was reflected in the building
of the last circle of city walls and of imposing basilicas, expressions of the establishment and growing influence of the
THE CITY IN THE MIDDLE AGES
mendicant orders in the social fabric of the city.
This itinerary takes in the most significant buildings of the
medieval period, when the city skyline was dominated by
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VISITING
THE CITY
. BASILICA OF SANTA MARIA NOVELLA
. BASILICA OF SANTA CROCE
towers and the first important public buildings and the
. CHURCH OF SANTA TRINITA
large basilicas were built.
. CATHEDRAL OF SANTA MARIA DEL FIORE
. PALAZZO VECCHIO
. PALAZZO DEL BARGELLO (HOME TO THE BARGELLO NATIONAL MUSEUM)
. PALAZZO SPINI FERONI (PIAZZA SANTA TRINITA)
. PONTE VECCHIO
. TOWER HOUSES - PIAZZA SANTA ELISABETTA (HOTEL BRUNELLESCHI),
PIAZZA DAVANZATI, PIAZZA SALVEMINI, BORGO SAN JACOPO
. BAPTISTERY OF SAN GIOVANNI
. BASILICA OF SAN MINIATO
. CHURCH OF THE SANTI APOSTOLI (PIAZZA DEL LIMBO)
THE CITY IN THE RENAISSANCE: THE GRAND PALAZZOS
There are various Renaissance palazzos in the historic city
centre. Although many of them are not open to the public,
they are still interesting from the outside. They are named
after those who commissioned them, often from very famous architects, to serve as family residences.
. PALAZZO DAVANZATI (VIA PORTA ROSSA)
. PALAZZO RUCELLAI (VIA DELLA VIGNA NUOVA)
. PALAZZO STROZZI
. PALAZZO MEDICI RICCARDI
. PALAZZO ANTINORI (PIAZZA ANTINORI)
. PALAZZO COCCHI SERRISTORI (PIAZZA SANTA CROCE)
. PALAZZO BARTOLINI SALIMBENI (PIAZZA SANTA TRINITA)
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thematic itineraries
in florence
thematic
itineraries
in florence
THE CITY IN THE 17TH CENTURY
CONTEMPORARY ART
Although Florence is not particularly associated with the
In Florence there are a number of fine buildings associated
Baroque, there are a number of fine examples of this im-
with the Italian rationalist movement that was active be-
portant period, and it is worth exploring the city with this in
tween the wars, and other works, mainly public, designed
mind, if you have the time or if you are making a return visit.
by important post-war architects.
. CHURCH OF SAN GAETANO (PIAZZA ANTINORI)
. COMPLEX OF SAN FIRENZE (PIAZZA SAN FIRENZE)
. PALAZZO CORSINI (LUNGARNO CORSINI)
. PALAZZO DELL’ANTELLA (PIAZZA SANTA CROCE)
. SANTISSIMA ANNUNZIATA
. CHURCH OF SAN GIOVANNI BATTISTA (AUTOSTRADA DEL SOLE)
. TRAIN STATION OF SANTA MARIA NOVELLA
. ARTEMIO FRANCHI FOOTBALL STADIUM
. MARINO MARINI MUSEUM
. AERONAUTICAL SCHOOL (PARK OF THE CASCINE)
LIBERTY AND ECLECTICISM IN THE CITY
A number of significant examples of eclectic and Libertythe 19th and the beginning of the 20th century.
. HOTEL EXCELSIOR (PIAZZA OGNISSANTI 3)
. CINEMA ODEON (VIA SASSETTI 1)
. PORTICOES OF VIA PELLICCERIA
. VILLINO UZIELLI (PIAZZA D’AZEGLIO 38)
. VILLINO BROGGI CARACENI (VIA SCIPIONE AMMIRATO 98)
. VILLINO RAVAZZINI (VIA SCIPIONE AMMIRATO 101)
. CASA GALLERIA (BORGOGNISSANTI)
. VILLA STIBBERT
. VILLINI LAMPREDI (VIA VILLANI 9, 13)
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style architecture were built in Florence between the end of
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VISITING
THE CITY
parks and gardens
in florence
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boboli gardens 1
4
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fort belvedere 2
bardini gardens 3
parks
and gardens
in florence
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botanical garden 4
park of the cascine 5
stibbert museum 6
park of
villa il ventaglio 7
villa gamberaia 8
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2
1
Exploring Florence
through its parks and
gardens is an unusual but
worthwhile experience.
This is because the
city’s historic gardens
are closely associated
with palazzos and
architectural styles, and
with the noble families
that created them.
Opened to the public in 1791, and enlarged and modified various times
since then, it is an ideal place to go
running, skating, cycling or simply for
a walk.
Remaining in the city, but moving out from
the city centre, a number of other gardens and parks can be
recommended. For example, there is the English-style park of
the STIBBERT MUSEUM, its romantic taste reflected in a small
lake with a small neo-Egyptian temple on its banks, and the
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VISITING
THE CITY
ruins of a Gothic Venetian courtyard in
white marble.
In the centre of Florence, the BOBOLI GARDENS, a magnificently grandiose example of an Italian-style garden with ancient
The PARK OF VILLA IL VENTAGLIO, laid
statues and fountains, offers some extraordinary views of the
out in the mid 19th century on the
city. At the top end of the garden, a gate gives access to the
lower slopes of the hill leading up to
bastions of FORT BELVEDERE, and a short
Fiesole, and which has a lake crossed
walk will bring you to the recently re-
by a small bridge, also reflects the style of
opened BARDINI GARDENS, which over-
parks in that period.
look the Arno.
Finally, if you head in the direction of Settignano, situated on
The BOTANICAL GARDEN or Giardino dei
a hill a short distance from Fiesole, you come to VILLA GAM-
Semplici is a university museum, but
BERAIA. Its belvedere, marked by cypress
has ancient origins. It is a haven for a host
trees shaped into arches, produces a
of plant varieties (kept in the open-air and under glass), with
stage effect akin to an 18th-century
ancient trees such as Taxus baccata and a cork oak. In spring
‘green theatre’, offering splendidly at-
the azalea blossom offers a riot of colour.
mospheric views of the Florentine
Near to the city centre is the large PARK OF THE CASCINE.
countryside.
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VISITING
THE CITY
ideas for visiting
the surrounding area
ideas
for visiting
the
surrounding
area
FIESOLE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AREA CERTOSA MEDICI VILLAS FIESOLE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AREA CERTOSA MEDICI VILLAS FIESOLE ARCHA EOLOGICAL AREA CERTOSA MEDICI VILLAS FIESOLE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AREA CERTOSA MEDICI VILLAS FIESOLE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AREA
Why not venture out from the city centre?
You do not need to go far to discover interesting new places
and unforgettable views.
South of the city centre, not far from Galluzzo, stands the
CERTOSA. Of 14th-century origin, it has an austere fortresslike appearance and is still occupied by Cistercian monks.
Visitors can see the monumental quarters of the convent and
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VISITING
THE CITY
FIESOLE is very close to the city but has a distinct character of
its own. It is situated in a splendidly panoramic position on
the hill overlooking Florence.
Unlike Florence, Fiesole is of Etruscan origin, and both Etr-
the Pinacoteca, which houses important art works produced
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over the centuries.
VISITING
THE CITY
Other unmissable attractions in the local
area include the MEDICI VILLAS between
Florence and Sesto Fiorentino: VILLA LA
uscan and Roman remains can be found in the extensive AR-
PETRAIA and VILLA DI CASTELLO. The for-
CHAEOLOGICAL AREA. Also of great historical value are the Ro-
mer is dominated by a large tower and
manesque cathedral of San Romolo, with its characteristic
surrounded by an Italian-style terrace
tower-shaped campanile, Palazzo Vescovile, founded in the
garden. To the rear of the villa, there is a
11th and rebuilt in the 17th century, and the ancient church
large romantic park added in the 19th century. After the
of Santa Maria Primerana, which was built over an earlier Etr-
Medici, the villa was also used as a residence by the House
uscan construction. One good idea for a stroll is to head in
of Savoy in the period when Florence was the capital of uni-
the direction of the ancient acropolis, where you will find the
fied Italy. A pleasant walk leads to Villa di Castello, which has
basilica of Sant’Alessandro (exhibitions are held here), and
a beautiful Italian garden with citrus fruits and numerous rare
the church, convent and Missionary Museum of San
plant varieties. The garden is also worth seeing for the Grot-
Francesco. The beautiful surrounding scenery makes Fiesole
ta degli Animali, something of a marvel in the Medici period
a popular area for walking, with paths heading towards
with its ingenious water effects. The imposing villa is home
Monte Ceceri and the Caldine.
to the prestigious Accademia della Crusca.
visiting the city
independently
If you want to visit Florence and explore its rich artistic and museum
heritage on your own, we would advise you to drop in at an information
office to pick up an updated list detailing opening times and ticket prices.
Alternatively, you can visit the APT’s website at: www.firenzeturismo.it .
Opening times change quite frequently,
also in relation to the time of year, and ticket prices may
vary if there is an exhibition on at the museum.
At the offices of the Florence Tourism Board you can
also purchase a copy of the Guide to museums in the city
and province, a useful aid in planning what to see.
26
VISITING
THE CITY
As this guide goes to press, Florence still does not have a tourist card
granting admission to a range of museums. However, it is possible
to purchase inclusive tickets covering certain museums, and to book
admission to the more popular museums in advance.
This will enable you to avoid queues, which, especially in spring and
summer, is something to be borne in mind.
Admission to state-run museums can be booked through Firenze Musei,
tel. 055 294883 (for school parties: tel. 055 290112)
www.firenzemusei.it .
There is a booking fee of € 3 or € 4, depending on the museum, for
each ticket, irrespective of the type (full, concession, free).
Admission to state-run museums is free for everyone under 18 and
over 65. There are reductions on admission tickets to museums
run by Florence City Council for children aged 3 to 17, for young people
aged 18 to 25, and for anyone over 65 years of age.
Other museums in the city are managed by public and private bodies or
associations. Some of the city’s historic gardens, for instance the Boboli
and the Bardini Gardens, also charge an admission fee.
visiting
the city
independently
There are more than ninety museums in Florence. The following is a selection:
STATE-RUN MUSEUMS
. Museum
of the Medici Chapels
. Cenacles
(frescoed refectories)
of Ognissanti,
Santa Apollonia,
San Salvi, Fuligno
. Chiostro dello Scalzo
. Museums of Palazzo Pitti
(Palatine Gallery;
Gallery of Modern Art;
Silver Museum;
Porcelain Museum;
Costume Gallery;
Boboli Gardens)
. Uffizi Gallery
. Accademia Gallery
. Archaeology Museum
. Bargello National Museum
. Davanzati Museum
. Museum of the Opificio
delle Pietre Dure
. Museum of San Marco
COUNCIL-RUN MUSEUMS
. Palazzo Vecchio
(Monumental Apartments
and Children’s Museum)
. Brancacci Chapel
. Fondazione Romano in
the Cenacle of Santo Spirito
. Bardini Museum
. Museum of Santa Maria Novella
. Museo di Firenze com’era
. Alberto Della Ragione
Collection
MUSEUMS
RUN BY OTHER BODIES
. Palazzo Medici Riccardi
. Horne Museum
. Museo dell’Opera del Duomo
. Casa Buonarroti
. Casa di Dante
. Museo dell’Opera
di Santa Croce
. Galleria dello Spedale
degli Innocenti
. University Museum
of Natural History
. Galileo Museum
. Marino Marini Museum
27
guided tours
of the city
One way of getting to know Florence better is to go on
a guided tour of the city and its major attractions.
There are tours practically every day, at different times and
in various languages. It is advisable to turn up 10-15 minutes
before the tour is due to start.
BY BUS
28
VISITING
THE CITY
morning tour (generally includes Piazzale Michelangelo, Accademia
Gallery or Bargello National Museum or Medici Chapels, Cathedral)
afternoon tour (generally includes Piazza Santa Croce, Piazza della
Signoria, Uffizi Gallery or Palazzo Vecchio, Fiesole)
. Caf Tours tel. 055 283200, www.caftours.com, Departure point:
Piazza Stazione (on the corner with Piazza dell’Unità)
panoramic tour (morning and afternoon, with audio guide)
. Caf Tours tel. 055 283200, www.caftours.com, Departure point:
Piazza Stazione (on the corner with Piazza dell’Unità)
tourist bus (Line A: Piazza Stazione; Line B: Porta San Frediano)
city sightseeing red two-storey bus which goes all round the city;
you can get on and off at the various stops; tel. 055 290451
www.firenze.city-sightseeing.it
florence open tour a yellow two-storey bus; you can hop on and off
at the 19 stops; tel. 348 8814984 www.opentour.it/florence
guided
tours
of the city
. Florapromotuscany tel. 055 210301, www.florapromotuscany.com
Departure point: Piazza della Repubblica, c/o Caffè Giubbe Rosse
. Florence Town tel. 055 0123994-800736755, www.florencetown.com
Departure point: Piazza della Repubblica, c/o Caffè Gilli (on Tuesday,
from Caffè Paskowsky)
. Solo Italia Tours tel. 055 213355 www.mercurio-italy.org, Departure point: Ponte Vecchio (arches)
. The Original & Best Walking Tours of Florence, tel. 055 2645033,
www.artviva.italy.com, Departure point: agency office in Via Sassetti 1
. TuscanyAll tel. 055 713655, www.myflorencetours.com, Departure
point: Piazza della Repubblica, c/o Caffè Giubbe Rosse
From 15 March to 15 November the agency Florapromotuscany also
offers guided walking tours with guaranteed departures (booking not
necessary). Tours are in English, French or German.
VISITING
THE CITY
BY TAXI AND MINIVAN (morning and afternoon)
. Accord tel. 055 282825, www.accordsolutions.it, Departure point:
Piazza della Repubblica (column).
Departure from hotel can be arranged by prior request.
BY BIKE (morning and afternoon)
ON FOOT
The following agencies run guided walking tours in the centre of Florence. The programme may include a visit to a museum or a major
church, or may be devoted exclusively to one or more museums.
There are tours in various foreign languages, besides Italian. Booking obligatory.
. Caf Tours tel. 055 283200 www.caftours.com, Departure point:
Piazza Stazione (on the corner with Piazza dell’Unità)
29
. Florapromotuscany tel. 055 210301, www.florapromotuscany.com,
Departure point: Piazza Stazione
. FlorenceTown tel. 055 0123994, www.florencetown.com, Departure point: Via de’ Lamberti 1 (corner with Via Calzaiuoli)
BY SEGWAY (morning and afternoon)
. Segway Renter Toscana tel. 055 2398855, www.segwayfirenze.com
information
offices
protecting the rights
of tourists
The Florence Tourism Board (APT) and Florence
City Council’s Tourism Department run five tourist information
offices in the city. In these offices you will find informative
materials in various languages and professional, well-informed
staff who can give you accurate and helpful information
about the attractions of the city and surrounding area,
services, accommodation, transport and all the main cultural,
sports and traditional events.
In a city visited by millions of tourists each year,
there is unfortunately always a chance of encountering a poor
or unprofessional level of service.
If the service is not up to scratch, the price is unclear, your
booking has not been respected or you find yourself
in some other unpleasant situation of this kind, you can make
use of a number of mechanisms designed to protect your rights
as a guest of the city.
31
30
CITY
SERVICES
information
offices
protecting
the rights
of tourists
FLORENCE
TOURISM BOARD
Via Manzoni 16
50121 Florence
tel. 055 23320
fax 055 2346286
www.firenzeturismo.it
apt@firenzeturismo.it
INFORMATION OFFICES
Via Cavour 1r
tel. 055 290832-3
fax 055 2760383
infoturismo@provincia.fi.it
Via Manzoni 16
tel. 055 23320
fax 055 2346285
info@firenzeturismo.it
“A. Vespucci” Airport
tel. and fax 055 315874
infoaeroporto@aeroporto.firenze.it
FLORENCE CITY COUNCIL
i
Borgo S.Croce 29r
tel. 055 2340444
fax 055 2264524
turismo2@comune.fi.it
Piazza Stazione 4
tel. 055 212245
fax 055 2381226
turismo3@comune.fi.it
CITY
SERVICES
OFFICE FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE RIGHTS OF TOURISTS
At the Information Office of the Florence Tourism Board in Via Cavour
1r, there is a special counter devoted to safeguarding the rights of
tourists. Expert, multilingual staff help tourists to fill out complaint
forms which are then sent on to the pertinent authorities.
OFFICE OF CONCILIATION
The Florence Chamber of Commerce (piazza dei Giudici 3) has set up
a reconciliation service to settle financial controversies that may arise
between businesses and tourist consumers, the aim being to avoid
lengthy and costly legal proceedings. For visitors who cannot follow
the reconciliation procedure in person, the office appoints a representative chosen from a list drawn up by consumer protection bodies.
The procedure can also be activated on the Chamber of Commerce’s
website at: www.fi.camcom.it
getting around
in the city
getting
around
in the city
With your own car
City buses
If you arrive in Florence by car, it is worth parking it and using public and
tourist transport to get around. Particular attention should also be given to signs
indicating that you are entering the Restricted Traffic Zone (‘Zona a Traffico
Limitato’, ZTL), which covers the area of the historic city centre.
Access is controlled by video cameras, and you will need prior authorization
to enter if you want to avoid a hefty fine. If you are looking for accommodation,
the hotel you decide to stay in or the garage where you intend to park
can enable you, by means of a specific procedure, to enter the ZTL temporarily.
Further information about the Restricted Traffic Zone is available at
www.muoversiafirenze.it or www.serviziallastrada.it
Florence and some of the adjoining towns are served by ATAF city buses.
These buses are orange, and enable you get around anywhere. Timetables are posted at bus
stops or at www.ataf.net
Ordinary bus tickets should be purchased before getting onto the bus, from a newsagent,
tobacconist or bar, or from the ticket office situated under the shelter (arrivals side) outside Santa
Maria Novella railway station. Tickets cost € 1.20 and are valid for 70 minutes (you can change
bus without buying another ticket) from when they have been validated on board the bus (punch
the ticket in the machine situated just inside the entrance to the bus). A 24-hour ticket costs € 5.
A multiple 4-journey ticket costs € 4.50 and can be used by 4 different people, for example
a family. Remember that children under a metre tall travel free.
Another practical option is the Carta Agile, an electronic ATAF card that can be used for 10 or 21
journeys. Info: 800 424500 (from a land line) or 199 104245 (from a cell phone).
With a hire car
32
GETTING
AROUND IN
THE CITY
If you decide to hire a car in Florence, you will find rental companies both in the
terminal building of the A. Vespucci Airport and in the city centre.
The majority of car hire companies are in streets close to the central railway
station (SMN). Remember that this area is inside the Restricted Traffic Zone and
that the above comments apply.
As this guide goes to press, work is being completed on Line 1 of the new
tram service. This will run between Santa Maria Novella railway station and the
south-west outskirts of Florence as far as Scandicci.
Other means of transport
Auto Europa
Borgo Ognissanti 100 r
Call centre 800 334440
AVIS
Borgo Ognissanti 128 r
Call centre 199 100133
City Car Rent
via Alamanni 3a c/o
Garage La Stazione
tel. 055 2399231
Easy Car
via della Scala 53 r
tel. 055 284366
Europcar
Borgo Ognissanti 53 r
Call centre 199 307030
Hertz Italiana
via Maso Finiguerra 33
Call centre 199 112211
Italy by Car
Thrifty dollar
Borgo Ognissanti 134 r
Call centre 800 846083
Maggiore
via Maso Finiguerra 13 r
Call centre 199 151120
Maxirent
Borgo Ognissanti 133 r
tel. 055 2654207
Sixt
Borgo Ognissanti 153 r
tel. 055 2399696
Travelcar
Borgo Ognissanti 108 r
Call center 199 180 180
How do I park?
Car parking spaces in Florence are divided into areas reserved for residents
(white markings on the ground) and pay-and-display areas (sky blue markings).
Near the pay-and-display areas there are ticket machines, which accept coins.
There are also many covered and attended car parks in the city centre. These are
all run by Firenze Parcheggi.
Santa Maria Novella
central railway station
(SMN),
open round the clock
Sant’Ambrogio
piazza Annigoni,
open round the clock
Beccaria
piazza C. Beccaria,
open round the clock
Alberti
piazza Alberti,
open round the clock
Parterre
via Madonna della Tosse 9,
open round the clock
Fortezza Fiera
piazzale Caduti
nei Lager,
open round the clock
Oltrarno
piazza della Calza,
open round the clock
Porta al Prato
Via Gabbuggiani,
open round the clock
Sito
www.firenzeparcheggi.it
Florence, being relatively
small, lends itself
to the use of a bicycle,
thanks also to a large
number of cycle tracks.
BICYCLE
1000 e 1 bici
(social cooperative)
has cycle points at the
railway stations of Santa
Maria Novella and
Campo Marte,
Piazza Santa Croce,
Piazza Annigoni (market
of Sant’Ambrogio).
Alinari
via San Zanobi 38R
tel. 055 280500
www.alinarirental.com
Florence by bike
via San Zanobi 120 R
tel. 055 488992
www.florencebybike.it
Rentway
piazza San Benedetto1R
tel. 333 9619820
www.rentway.it
RICKSHAW
Bicycle rickshaws carries
two adults or an adult
and two children,
and are an usual way to
discover the city.
Tre Rote
tel. 338 6389245
www.pedicabfirenze.it
SEGWAY
The Segway is a silent
and convenient
way of getting around
Info 055 2398855
www.segway.it
OPEN CARRIAGE
It is hard to resist the
romantic charm of a ride
on an open carriage.
You can pick one up
in Piazza Duomo,
Piazza San Giovanni or
Piazza della Signoria.
33
GETTING
AROUND IN
THE CITY
TAXI
Taxis are white.
They can be booked
by phone or picked
up by going to
a taxi rank. There are
ranks in front of the
main railway stations
and in many
BOATS
city centre piazzas.
From June to September Radiotaxi SOCOTA
it is also possible to take tel. 055 4242
a trip along the River
Radiotaxi COTAFI
Arno on one of the typi- tel. 055 4390
cal local boats, called
If you arrive in
barchetti. The embarka- Florence by plane, the
tion point is near Piazza taxi ride into the city
Mentana, and the boats centre takes about
go as far as Lungarno
15 minutes. The taxi
Corsini. Booking obliga- cooperatives have
tory (minimum 6 peoestablished a fixed
ple). Call the Associrate (€ 20) to
azione I Renaioli,
and from the airport
tel. 347 7982356.
and city centre hotels.
getting around in
the surrounding area
getting
around in the
surrounding
area
By bus
CAP
largo Fratelli Alinari 9
www.capautolinee.it
COPIT
largo Fratelli Alinari 9
www.copitspa.it
LAZZI
piazza Stazione 1
www.lazzi.it
e
z
turis
n
e
r
i
f
.
m
w
t
o.i
SITA
via Santa Caterina da
Siena 15
www.sitabus.it
ww
The area surrounding Florence is served by non-city buses, which may
be blue or green. The bus stations are all in the immediate vicinity of the
central railway station (SMN). The following companies operate services:
Main destinations served by bus in the province of Florence
34
GETTING
AROUND
IN THE
SURROUNDING
AREA
SITA: Barberino di Mugello - Barberino Val d’Elsa - Bivigliano (comune di Vaglia) Calenzano - Castagno d’Andrea (comune di San Godenzo) - Castelfiorentino - Cerbaia
(comune di San Casciano Val di Pesa) - Certaldo - Compiobbi (comune di Fiesole) Consuma (comune di Pelago) - Dicomano - Falciani (comune di Impruneta) - Firenzuola - Gambassi Terme - Giogoli (comune di Scandicci) - Grassina (comune di Bagno a Ripoli) - Greve in Chianti - Incisa in Valdarno - Ginestra Fiorentina (comune di Lastra a Signa) - Le Sieci (comune di Pontassieve) - Londa - Marcialla (comune di Barberino Val d’Elsa) - Marradi - Montaione - Montesenario (comune di Vaglia) - Montespertoli - Panzano (comune di Greve in Chianti) - Pelago - Pontassieve - Pratolino (comune di Vaglia) - Reggello - Rufina - Santa Brigida (comune di Pontassieve) - San Casciano in Val di Pesa - San Godenzo - San Piero a Sieve - Scarperia - Strada in Chianti
(comune di Greve in Chianti) Tavarnelle in Val di Pesa - Vaglia - Vallombrosa (comune
di Reggello) - Vicchio di Mugello.
CAP: Borgo San Lorenzo - Campi Bisenzio - Capalle (comune di Campi Bisenzio) - Impruneta - Palazzuolo sul Senio - Ronta (comune di Borgo San Lorenzo) - San Piero a
Sieve - Tavarnuzze (comune di Impruneta) - Vaglia.
COPIT: Cerreto Guidi - Vinci (from Empoli station)
LAZZI: Campi Bisenzio - Empoli - Figline Valdarno - Fucecchio - Incisa in Valdarno - Lastra
a Signa - Montelupo Fiorentino - Pontassieve - Roveta (Comune di Scandicci) - Signa.
35
GETTING
AROUND
IN THE
SURROUNDING
AREA
By train
Florence’s central train station is
Other stations include
Santa Maria Novella
(in the heart of the city centre).
Campo di Marte
(trains from Arezzo/Rome, Mugello, Val di Sieve)
Rifredi
(trains from Pisa, Bologna)
Airport
Florence’s airport is
Amerigo Vespucci Airport
via del Termine 11
www.aeroporto.firenze.it
The airport is about 5
km from the city centre.
National and
international flights.
The Vasari Corridor is a
raised passageway built by
Giorgio Vasari for Cosimo I.
It links Palazzo Vecchio
with what was the new
residence of Palazzo Pitti.
The Corridor runs along by
the Arno and then crosses
it above Ponte Vecchio.
health
information
If you have health problems during your stay in Florence, you
can use the accident/emergency and medical assistance services.
For specialist tests you will be required to pay a ‘ticket’, that is a
contribution to the cost of the test.
HEALTH EMERGENCIES:
call 118
(round the clock, free of charge)
HOSPITALS WITH AN
ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY
DEPARTMENT
36
HEALTH
INFORMATION
Santa Maria Nuova
(city centre),
Piazza S. Maria Nuova 1,
Florence - tel. 055 27581
Careggi
Via delle Oblate 1, Florence
tel. 055 794111
Careggi Accident
and Emergency Department
tel. 055 7949644
Nuovo Ospedale
San Giovanni di Dio
Via di Torregalli 3, Florence
tel. 055 71921
Santa Maria Annunziata
Via dell’Antella 58
Bagno a Ripoli (Florence)
tel. 055 24961
Meyer
(paediatric hospital)
Viale Pieraccini 24, Florence
tel. 055 56621
health
information
The on-duty doctor service is operative every day during the nighttime hours
(8pm–8am); on Saturdays and Sundays (24 hours a day); and, when there is a public
holiday during the week, from 10am on the day before the holiday to 8am on
the first normal post-holiday working day, including 24 hour coverage on the public
holiday(s). The service is free and is not subject to the payment of a ‘ticket’.
GUARDIA MEDICA
(ON-DUTY DOCTOR)
EMERGENCY EYE UNIT
Palagi (ex IOT)
Viale Michelangiolo 41, Florence
Quartiere 2
tel. 055 679293
Surgery for urgent needs
Tel. 055 65771
open Monday–Friday, 8am–8pm
(last admission 7.45pm)
Quartiere 3
tel. 055 2320082
(Galluzzo)
055 6536899
Careggi (see above)
tel. 055 7947260
TRAUMA ACCIDENT AND
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
CTO
Largo Palagi 1, Florence
tel. 055 7948077
EMERGENCY DENTAL CARE
Careggi
Via delle Oblate 1
tel. 055 7947401
Monday–Saturday,
8.30am–12.30 noon
Nuovo Ospedale
San Giovanni di Dio
(see above)
tel. 055 7192501
Monday–Saturday, 8–9am
and 12 noon–1pm
(only 6 people per day)
Quartiere 1
(city centre)
tel. 055 2339456
055 215616
(Oltrarno)
Quartiere 4
tel. 055 700536
24-HOUR
PHARMACIES
Farmacia Comunale
n° 13
inside Florence SMN
railway station
tel 055 289435
055 216761
Molteni
via Calzaiuoli 7r
tel. 055 289490
All’Insegna del Moro
piazza S. Giovanni 20r
tel. 055 211343
Quartiere 5
tel. 055 42691
(Rifredi, Careggi,
Vittoria, Le Panche,
Tre Pietre, Romito)
tel. 055 419779
(Ponte di Mezzo,
Firenze Nova,
Olmatello,
Viale Guidoni)
tel. 055 315225
(Novoli, Peretola,
Brozzi, Osmannoro)
37
HEALTH
INFORMATION
post offices
banks
At post offices it is possible to buy stamps, send letters, packages
and faxes, and wire money. Foreign currency can also be exchanged.
Banca Antonveneta
via Ricasoli 8
tel. 055 27811
Post offices open:
Monday–Friday, 8.15am–7pm; Saturday 8.15am–12.30 noon
Firenze V.R. (city centre) via Pellicceria 3, tel. 055 2736481
Firenze 7 - via Pietrapiana 53, tel. 055 22674231
Firenze 10 - via Magenta 13r, tel. 055 261981
Firenze 39 - via Alamanni 18r, tel. 055 219485
Banca di Roma
via Vecchietti 5
tel. 055 277141
Post office open:
Tuesday–Sunday, 10.30am–6.30pm
Uffizi Gallery tel. 055 284709
38
POST
OFFICES
BANKS
banks
bureau de change
Post offices open:
Monday–Friday, 8.15am–1.30pm; Saturday 8.15am–12.30 noon
Firenze 4 - via Barbadori 37r, tel. 055 288175
Firenze 18 - via Cavour 71a, tel. 055 463501
Firenze 20 - piazza Brunelleschi 20, tel. 055 212396
Firenze 21 - piazza Ludovico Antonio Muratori (Statuto train station),
tel. 055 480314
Banca Intesa
- via Vecchietti 5
tel. 055 272091
- via Por Santa
Maria 19r
tel. 055 295126
- via Pescioni 1
tel. 055 27851
Banca Nazionale
del Lavoro
- via Cerretani 6
tel. 055 23301
- via Cavour 59
tel. 055 495340
Banca Sella
via Cavour 74r
tel. 055 291074
The banks generally close between 1.15pm and 2.30pm, and
reopen in the afternoon for about an hour.
The majority of exchange agencies remain open during the lunch
hour and at weekends. However, it is worth checking opening
times at tourist information offices or at:
www.firenzeturismo.it
Banca Toscana
- piazza Signoria 22r
tel. 055 216906
- via Cavour 82a
tel. 055 5001865
- piazza Stazione 9r
tel. 055 211991
- via Por Santa Maria 2r
tel. 055 210458
Cassa di Risparmio
di Firenze
- via Bufalini 6
tel. 055 26121
- via Tornabuoni 23r
tel. 055 214034
Monte dei Paschi
di Siena
- piazza San Lorenzo 1
tel. 055 268429
- piazza Stazione 1
tel. 055 2399074
- via dei Pecori 6
tel. 055 273411
San Paolo
- via Vecchietti 5r
tel. 055 272091
Unicredit
- via Vecchietti 11
tel. 055 27941
- via Brunelleschi 11
tel. 055 23921
Arcudi
via Ricasoli 81r
tel. 055 210275
Change Exchange
Carlo Alunno
via della Ninna 9r
tel. 055 217611
Change
Passeri Silvia
Omega Viaggi
piazza Stazione 14
Interno 37 - Galleria
Commerciale S.M.N.
(shopping gallery)
tel. 055 291312
post offices
banks
bureau
de change
Maccorp
- via Calzaiuoli 42r**
tel. 055 215805
- via Alamanni 7r
tel. 055 218471
- via Por S.Maria 3r**
tel. 055 287309
- piazza del Mercato
Nuovo 2/r***
tel. 055 284598
- piazza
S. Giovanni 7r***
tel. 055 2302354
- Inside SMN
Railway Station
tel. 055 9061052
** tax free service
with Global Refund
*** tax free service
with Première
Morandini
Alessio
- via Calzaiuoli 84r
tel. 055 212482
- via Panzani 59r
tel. 055 293022
Interchange
lungarno Acciaiuoli 6r
tel. 055 289781
www.interchange.eu
Touriservice
via Santa Caterina
da Siena 9r
tel. 055 213973
39
BANKS
BUREAU DE
CHANGE
public
lavatories
The following is a list of internet points in Florence city centre.
For opening hours and details about the services
offered (not all of them have a wi-fi connection), it is worth
checking at a tourist information office or on the site of
www.firenzeturismo.it
IL CAIRO PHONE CENTER
via de’ Macci 90r
tel. 055 2638336
CARUSO JAZZ CAFE’
via Lambertesca 14/16r
tel. 055 281940
www.carusojazzcafe.com
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INTERNET
POINT
CYBER LINK
via del Giglio 29r
tel. 055 5370531
www.cyberlinkplus.com
CLICKING
via Giusti 3/5 r
tel. 055 244108
EASY INTERNET
inside the Libreria Martelli
via Martelli 22 (secondary
entrance in Via Ricasoli)
tel. 055 280119
www.easyinternetcafe.it
INTERNET PITTI
piazza de’ Pitti 8r
tel. 055 2728836
INTERNET TRAIN
- Guelfa
via Guelfa 54/56 r
tel. 055 2645146
- Oriuolo
via dell’Oriuolo 40r
tel. 055 2638968
- Pontevecchio
borgo San Jacopo 30r
tel. 055 2657935
- Santacroce
via de' Benci 36r
tel. 055 2638555
- Portarossa
via Porta Rossa 38r
tel. 055 2741037
- Station
S.M.N. train station
Galleria Commerciale
(shopping gallery) 38
tel. 055 2399720
www.internettrain.it
LA CH@T
via Ghibellina 98r
tel. 055 2466472
www.lachat.it
VENUS POINT CENTER
S.M.N. train station
Galleria Commerciale
(shopping gallery) 18
tel. 055 2776250
WEBPUCCINO
piazza Madonna Aldobrandini
corner via de’ Conti 22r
tel. 055 2776469
www.webpuccino.it
internet
point
public
lavatories
The public lavatories managed by Florence City Council are
usually open until sundown (only the ones in the markets close at 2pm).
It generally costs € 0.60 to use the lavatories.
Santa Maria Novella Station
(underground arcade and Platform 2)
disabled access
via della Stufa 25
disabled access
via Filippina
corner with via Borgognona
disabled access baby changing facilities
borgo Santa Croce 29r
disabled access - baby changing facilities
piazza Ghiberti
(inside the Sant’Ambrogio Market)
disabled access - baby changing facilities
via dell’Ariento 14
(inside and outside the
Central Market) - disabled access
piazzale Michelangelo
(San Salvatore al Monte side)
disabled access baby changing facilities
via dello Sprone
disabled access - baby changing facilities
Fortezza da Basso
(giardino della vasca) disabled access
baby changing facilities
lungarno Pecori Giraldi
(tourist bus terminal, multiethnic area)
via Sant’Agostino 8
showers also available
piazzale Kennedy
Parco delle Cascine
disabled access - baby
changing facilities
piazza Madonna della Neve
piazza de' Ciompi
(inside the garden) - free
Loggia del Grano
(via de’ Castellani)
Various services including
baby-changing facilities, are also
available at the Arts and Culture
Centre of the Opera di Santa Maria
del Fiore, Piazza San Giovanni 7.
ww
w
internet
point
The establishments
(bars, cafes, wine bars, pubs)
that display this sign
have been selected
by Florence City Council
and provide bathroom facilities
for customers.
41
PUBLIC
LAVATORIES
zeturismo.it
n
e
r
.fi
major events
in florence
At the city’s tourist information office you can find full details
about all the day’s and month’s events. The following is a list of
just some of the main ones:
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SCOPPIO DEL CARRO
Easter Sunday morning - Piazza del Duomo
The ‘Explosion of the Cart’ takes place in Piazza del Duomo on Easter Sunday morning. Known as the Brindellone, the cart is laden with
a Catherine wheel of fireworks and crackers and hauled half way
across the city by a pair of white oxen. It is then set off by the ‘flight’
of a dove, a fuse which shoots out from inside the Cathedral and runs
along a wire to the cart.
CALCIO STORICO
Three matches. Final on 24 June - Piazza Santa Croce
White, Sky Blue, Green, Red – these are the colours of the teams that
take part in Calcio Fiorentino, one for each of the city’s four historic
quarters. The most celebrated of all games was played on 1530 between the Whites and the Greens, while the city was under siege
from Imperial troops. Nowadays the matches are preceded by a big
procession during which over 500 participants dressed up in 16thcentury costume parade through the city streets.
Info: 055 2616052
FEAST OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST
24 June
Florence has always paid solemn religious and civic tribute to Saint
John the Baptist, the city’s patron saint. And still today, on the morning of 24 June, a short procession leaves Palazzo Vecchio carrying
candles to offer to the saint. But the event that attracts Florentines
the most is the spectacular firework display held in the evening. Big
crowds gather along the Lungarni, enthusiastic but demanding – the
fireworks, in fact, must be nothing short of perfect.
major
events
in florence
THE RIFICOLONA
7 September (eve of the Nativity of the Virgin)
Piazza SS. Annunziata
On 8 September a fair used to be held in Piazza della Santissima Annunziata to mark the Feast of the Virgin. It attracted country folk, especially women, known as fierucolone, who came bearing lanterns –
after all, there was no street lighting in those days. Inspired by these
lanterns, the Florentines began to create the early rificolone, lamps
made from coloured paper lit by a candle. Nowadays, the Rificolona
is an event for children, who proudly carry their lanterns, hanging off
a short pole, through the city centre piazzas.
PITTI IMMAGINE
January, June-July - Fortezza da Basso
The fashion parades organized by Pitti Immagine, which are reserved
for trade operators, are amongst the most important such events in
the world for menswear, children’s fashions (0–14 years) and yarns.
Pitti Immagine is held twice a year, in winter and summer.
Info: 055 36931 www.pittimmagine.com
MAGGIO MUSICALE FIORENTINO
May-June - Teatro Comunale
The Maggio Musicale Fiorentino is one of Florence’s most traditional
and successful musical events. First held in 1933, famous conductors, directors and dance companies have taken part in the event
over the years. The programme attracts audiences from around the
world, and involves the Orchestra and Choir of the Maggio, and a ballet company called MaggioDanza.
Info: 055 2779350 www.maggiofiorentino.com
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major events
in florence
CITY LIFE
FABBRICA EUROPA
May - Stazione Leopolda
This European festival is held in the immense space of the Stazione
Leopolda, and features concerts, dance, plays, performance, installations and various meetings. A different theme is chosen each year.
Fabbrica Europa is a big showcase for figures of undisputable talent
but also for new and innovative work by emerging artists.
Info: www.fabbricaeuropa.net
FESTIVAL DELLA CREATIVITÀ
End of October - Fortezza da Basso
The Festival of Creativity is a major event designed to attract innovation, research and development in the public and private sector.
There are seminars and stands but also concerts, music and performances. Four days packed with events and absolutely free of
charge, organized by the Region of Tuscany.
Info: 055 49721 www.festivaldellacreativita.it
MOSTRA INTERNAZIONALE DELL’ARTIGIANATO
End of April, beginning of May - Fortezza da Basso
The International Arts and Crafts Fair dates back to 1936, and is an
absolute must for anyone interested in buying curious and top-quality items and goods from every region in the country and from the
four corners of the world.
Info: 055 49721 www.mostraartigianato.it
FLORENCE MARATHON
Last Sunday of November
The Florence Marathon is an annual event, a panoramic 42 km
course starting in Piazzale Michelangelo and ending in Piazza Santa
Croce, for professional and amateur athletes from around the world.
The awards ceremony is held in Piazza Santa Croce.
Info: 055 572885 www.firenzemarathon.it
ESTATE FIESOLANA
June-August - Fiesole, Roman Theatre
The Estate Fiesolana is held in the splendidly atmospheric setting of
the open-air Roman Theatre. The dance, music and theatre programme covers various different genres and traditions, featuring
top-quality work and performers.
Info: 055 5978403 www.estatefiesolana.it
Besides these events, numerous art exhibitions are held in
Florence during the course of the year, both in the
main museums and in dedicated spaces such as Palazzo Strozzi
(Piazza Strozzi), Palazzo Medici Riccardi (Via Cavour),
Fort Belvedere and Villa Bardini.
BIENNALE INTERNAZIONALE DELL’ANTIQUARIATO
End of September, beginning of October (odd-numbered years)
Palazzo Corsini
The International Antiques Biennale is the oldest antiques fair in Italy
and one of the most important of its kind in the world. It is attended
by many internationally prominent antiquarians, representing all the
sectors of the trade and offering a broad view of different schools
and styles of every age and provenance.
Info: 055 282635 www.mostraantiquariato.it
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major
events
in florence
turismo.it
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CITY LIFE
florence
for children
46
CITY LIFE
Every place and museum, even the most seemingly boring ones,
can offer something to interest children. In the warmer months,
Florence has plenty of parks and gardens where children
can run around, play and generally let off steam (see Parks and
Gardens in Florence).
As for the kind of shopping that children like, the city centre has
a host of toy shops, bookshops, and stores managed by important
creators of cartoons.
In the winter months, various theatres organize their
programmes (especially at the weekend) so as to cater for the
young – puppet shows, clowning and so on.
Ask at a tourist information office for more details.
In recent years Florence’s museums have become much
more child-friendly, and many now run workshops and guided
tours designed especially with their needs in mind.
Children’s Museum
Tel. 055 2768224 - 055 2768558
www.palazzovecchio-museoragazzi.it
Workshops, experiments, simulations, secret paths through the various museums led by youth workers and actors. The Children’s Museum takes in Palazzo Vecchio and the Monumental Quarters; the
Stibbert Museum; the Brancacci Chapel in the church of the Carmine;
the Museo Storico Topografico Firenze com’era; and the Museo
Leonardiano in Vinci. Most of the activities are available in English,
French, Spanish and German.
florence
for
children
Children’s Workshop at the Museo degli Innocenti
Via de’ Fibbiai 2 (Piazza Santissima Annunziata) - Tel. 055 2478386
www.istitutodeglinnocenti.it
Runs more than 70 creative play workshops relating to art, the history of Florence, the ancient hospital and children’s rights. Suitable
for children aged 3 to 11. Workshops in English, French, Spanish
Horne Museum
Via de’ Benci 6 - Tel. 055 244661- www.museohorne.it
Organizes lively guided tours and workshops for school and family
groups. After learning about the works on display, the children take
part in a manual or creative activity.
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CITY LIFE
Marino Marini Museum
Piazza San Pancrazio - Tel. 055 219432 - www.museomarinomarini.it
Activities for mixed groups of adults and children at weekends, inspired by the works in the museum or those on display during temporary exhibitions.
The world of the sciences is a perennial source of curiosity for
children, and Florence has a fine tradition of collections
(dating back to Medici times) and centres of scientific research.
Museum of the History of Science
Piazza dei Giudici 1 - Tel. 055 265311 - www.imss.fi.it
A large collection of astrolabes, dividers, compasses, armillary
spheres and other scientific instruments collected by the Medici. A
whole section is devoted to the great scientist Galileo Galilei. In 2010
the layout will be revamped and the museum will be renamed as the
Galileo Museum.
florence
for
children
The Garden of Archimedes. A Museum for Mathematics
Un Museo per la Matematica - Via San Bartolo a Cintoia 19/a
Tel. 055 7879594 - www.archimede.ms
A visit to this museum provides an opportunity to start having some
fun with the most ancient of sciences. Practical exercises, experiments and workshops designed to demonstrate that mathematics is
not difficult and is a part of our everyday lives.
The University of Florence’s Museum of Natural History has six
different sections. The most interesting ones for children are:
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CITY LIFE
- ‘La Specola’ Zoology Section
Via Romana 17 - Tel. 055 2288251 - www.msn.unifi.it
Spectacular collection of anatomical waxes and some 5,000 animal
specimens (only a small part of the entire collection), including birds,
mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. A selection of
large vertebrates are on display in the Skeletons Room.
- Geology and Palaeontology Section
via La Pira 4 - Tel. 055 2757536 - www.msn.unifi.it
Palaeontological finds from throughout Tuscany. The highlight of the
museum is the Elephant ‘Peter’, a probisicidean from the Upper Valdarno.
Planetarium
Via Giusti 29 - Tel. 055 2343723 - www.planetario.fi.it
The Planetarium is a space for educational activities, designed to
help people learn more about the skies. A large dome reproduces the
movement of the stars and planets, and simulates the sky at any latitude of the Earth. The Planetarium organizes sessions for school
parties and family groups, led by astronomers from the Arcetri Observatory.
A journey back through time is a fascinating prospect
for young children. That is why there are at least two places to
recommend to children in Florence:
Archaeology Museum
piazza SS. Annunziata 9 - Tel. 055 23575 - www.firenzemusei.it
The museum covers the distant roots of our civilization, including
Etruscan, Greek and Roman finds, with a number of truly breathtaking pieces like the Chimera of Arezzo and the François Vase. Surprisingly, there is also a fabulous Egyptology section (second only to
the Egyptian Museum in Turin), with mummies, sarcophagi and other fascinating objects.
Paolo Graziosi Museum of Prehistory
Convento delle Oblate, via Sant’Egidio 21 - Tel. 055 295159
www.museofiorentinopreistoria.it
The museum illustrates the history of our forbears from the Early
Stone Age through to the Metal Ages. Children aged three to ten can
get to grips with prehistory under the guidance of specialist staff.
For sport enthusiasts:
Museum of Football
viale Aldo Palazzeschi 20 (Coverciano) - Tel. 055 600526 - 800428499
www.museodelcalcio.it
For anyone who wants to play, read or watch a cartoon in a
colourful, relaxing space:
Biblioteca delle Oblate
Convento delle Oblate, via dell’Oriolo 26 - Tel. 055 2616512
www.bibliotecadelleoblate.it
On the second floor of Florence’s newest library is a special children’s
area. The books, in Italian and the main foreign languages, can be taken directly from the shelves. There are also games for Playstation3
and films on DVD. Ideal for a pleasant, relaxing break. Free admission.
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food
and drink
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CITY LIFE
If you want to sample the flavours of Florentine
cuisine, start with a good breakfast in one of the city’s
many bars. Like the majority of Italians, the Florentines
enjoy having breakfast at a bar, generally opting for a
cappuccino (creamy, not too hot and perhaps with a sprinkling
of cocoa on top) or a coffee – normale, macchiato ( i.e., with a
dash of hot or cold milk) or some other variant – and a pastry,
often a warm brioche, either plain or filled with confectioner’s
custard, jam or chocolate. For a breakfast of this sort, it is worth
seeking out a confectioner that bakes their own pastries.
For lunch there is an embarrassment of choice: restaurants,
trattorias, pizzerias and so on. But Florentines often do
not sit down for lunch. In many areas of Florence you can find
open-air stalls and kiosks selling so-called street food: a hearty
sandwich with lampredotto (a kind of tripe), offal or roast pork
(porchetta). A quick meal consisting of a sandwich or roll
with cold meats, cheese and dressings of various kinds, flat
focaccia bread or a salad can also be found in the many small
delicatessens dotted around the city. And to round it all off,
a coffee (never cappuccino!). Remember though, to check prices
and service charges – often it costs more to sit down than it
does to eat at the counter.
The afternoon snack, otherwise known as the merenda, varies
according to season. In the summer, locals and tourists of all
food
and drink
ages gravitate towards the ice-cream parlours
(keep an eye out for the signs produzione propria
or gelateria artigianale, which means they make
it themselves), which can also be found in the city
centre; or kiosks selling slices of cool cocomero
(watermelon). For a more substantial bite, all you need
to do is look for a baker and buy a slice of schiacciata con
olio, a flat bread that is either plain or filled, or some other bakery CITY LIFE
product, such as schiacciata dolce con uva (grape bread), pan
di ramerino (rosemary-flavoured bread) or quaresimali (though these
can generally be found in the lead up to Easter).
On cold winter days, on the other hand, the ideal is a cup of
hot chocolate or a sugary doughnut filled with custard or chocolate,
which are served, piping hot, in the middle of the afternoon.
51
As the evening draws in, students and workers, the young and not so
young, often go out for an aperitif, usually a cocktail such as a
Negroni (a mix of Campari, vermouth and gin, invented in Florence
by Count Camillo Negroni), or just a glass of wine with,
in the worst of cases, peanuts and crisps. In fact, more
and more frequently aperitifs are accompanied by an
extensive buffet that makes a ready substitute for dinner
and which is included in the cost of the drink.
food
and drink
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CITY LIFE
For Florentines dinner never starts before 8pm,
though the majority of eateries welcome tourists well
before then. For an informal, relatively cheap meal out, one
option is a pizza, but there is also a wealth of other
possibilities. There are lots of restaurants of every type and
price, traditional, more creative or ethnic; then there are the
osterie and trattorias, which serve Florentine and Tuscan menus;
and enoteche and wine bars that often lay on some traditional
dishes to accompany a wine tasting. During the warmer
months, take advantage of establishments with a terrace, garden,
or tables out in the city-centre streets.
A ‘typical’ meal will start with an antipasto, which in a
traditional menu consists of things like ham, salami, toasted
bread with various toppings (crostini misti) or rubbed with
garlic or served with tomatoes (bruschette).
This is followed by the first course, generally a bowl of
pasta or soup. Traditional dishes include pappardelle al
sugo, ribollita (a thick vegetable and bread soup) or pappa
al pomodoro (another thick soup, made of bread and tomato).
For the second course, allow yourself to be tempted by the meat
dishes, starting with a steak (which only the tourists call
alla fiorentina). But you will not be disappointed by recipes made
from game, poultry and so on.
food
and drink
Many restaurants also serve excellent fish or vegetarian dishes.
It is always best to choose places that serve vegetables that are in
season, and also, to stick to the vegetarian theme, it must be said
that some dishes, for instance vegetables that have been
boiled and then cooked up with various condiments, or fagioli
all’uccelletto, consisting of beans and tomatoes cooked in a glass
flask, are a valid and cheap alternative to a steak.
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CITY LIFE
To accompany a typical Florentine meal, the best advice is to stick
to Chianti Classico, indicated by the historic black cockerel label.
The production zone is limited to four municipalities in the province
of Florence and four in that of Siena. Lots of top-quality
wines are produced in the Florence area.
Besides Chianti Classico, the DOCG Chianti appellation, which in
the province of Florence is also designated ‘Superiore’, also
encompasses the sub-zones of Colli Fiorentini, Rufina, Montalbano
and Montespertoli. There are also many DOC
(Bianco dell’Empolese, Colli dell’Etruria Centrale,
Pomino) and IGT (Alta Valle del Greve, Colli della Toscana
Centrale, Novelli di Toscana) wines, many of which are
of good quality.
Finally, a typical meal is rounded off with a dessert –
try almond biscuits dipped in Vin Santo – and coffee.
shopping
in florence
With its wealth of stores, markets and workshops,
Florence is an ideal place for shopping. Many of the best
shopping areas are in the city centre, but there are also
streets and neighbourhoods in the suburbs where you
can buy food items, clothing and accessories, souvenirs
and lots more besides.
Starting in the city centre, no trip to Florence would be complete
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without a visit to the market of San Lorenzo: the piazza in front
of the church and the streets around the covered market are
crowded with stalls selling souvenirs, accessories, clothing and
shoes. On the other hand the covered market is perfect if you
want to buy food of various kinds: fruit and vegetables, meat,
fish and typical Florentine and Tuscan specialities. All of this can
also be found in the covered market of Sant’Ambrogio.
And nearby, in Piazza dei Ciompi, there is an interesting flea and
second-book market. Another space with open-air stalls is the
Mercato Nuovo, beneath the Loggia del Porcellino, which lies
between Via Calimala and Via Porta Rossa. Here you can find
leatherware, clothing and some fun souvenirs. On Tuesday it is
worth heading out to the park of the Cascine, where there is a
large weekly market.
Crossing Ponte Vecchio, with its dazzling shop-windows full of
jewellery and fine goldsmith’s items, brings you to the Oltrarno.
The ‘other side of the Arno’ is still characterized by a host of
craft studios and workshops (jewellery, vases, furniture, textiles,
wood and paper items), restorers and antiques’ dealers,
especially in the areas of Borgo San Frediano and Piazza Santo
shopping
in florence
Spirito. Near Piazza Santa Croce, along Via de’ Benci, Borgo de’
Greci and Borgo Santa Croce, there are lots of shops selling
leatherware such as jackets and bags.
For less ‘typical’ and more international goods, you can head for
the shops along Via Calzaiuoli (which links the Cathedral and
Piazza della Signoria), Via Roma (which leads to Piazza della
Repubblica, home, among other things, to some of Florence’s
historic bars where you can relax with a coffee or aperitif), Via
Panzani and Via de’ Cerretani, which connect the central train
station to Piazza del Duomo. Then, of course, there are the chic
boutiques in the nearby Via della Vigna Nuova.
Moving out from the city centre, there are other good shopping
areas around Piazza Beccaria, for instance in Borgo la Croce and
Via Gioberti, also known as the ‘street of a hundred shops’; in the
Campo di Marte area, around Piazza delle Cure, there are plenty
of clothes and food shops, while in the piazza itself there is a
daily fruit and vegetable market (mornings). A lot of the produce
is sold direct by local farmers.
In the northern suburbs of the city, the Peretola area has many
stores, as does the area around Piazza Dalmazia, near Rifredi
railway station.
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arts
and crafts
56
Florence has been a lively centre for craft activities ever since
medieval times. The heart of the city has always been home
to a wealth of artisan and art workshops, where many of the great
masters of the Renaissance received instruction and training.
Unfortunately, few craft workshops continue to operate in the city
centre today, partly as a result of various phases of urban renewal,
the most recent of which took place following the flood in 1966.
CITY LIFE
However, within the circle of the ancient walls (which can be seen
along the viali di circonvallazione or inner ring-road), there are still
a number of neighbourhoods with a lively craft tradition, especially
in the Santa Croce area and in the Oltrarno.
In the streets around the church of Santa Croce, which have an
abundance of leather shops and were once the focus for the city’s
tanning and leather workshops, there are many restoration
businesses, especially of antique furniture. There are a wide range
of workshops in this area, some run by non-Florentines who have
learnt the trade over the years.
But the area with the greatest concentration of craft businesses is
undoubtedly the Oltrarno. The neighbourhoods of San Frediano,
Santo Spirito and Piazza Pitti contain the majority of antiquarians,
restorers and woodworkers. The workshops are mainly clustered
around the main piazzas (Piazza Santo Spirito, Piazza del Cestello
and Piazza Pitti), but can also be found in the streets of historic
neighbourhoods such as Via Pisana or Borgo San Frediano.
arts
and crafts
Craft enterprises are now less frequent in the more up-market city
centre around the Cathedral, Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza della
Repubblica.
They have given way to modern shops selling clothes, accessories
and a host of other goods, even though a few historic workshops
can still be found around San Lorenzo or San Marco. Some have
kept their name and moved into the suburbs “beyond” the walls,
in the neighbourhoods of Piazza delle Cure, Campo di Marte and
Porta Romana.
Florence City Council has established a
special professional association called
Esercizi Storici (‘Historic Businesses’),
which comprises around a hundred craft
trades, shops, bars, confectioners and
restaurants. Membership is entirely
voluntary. The main requisites are that the
business must have been active for at least fifty years, operate
within the council boundaries on premises which, if not the
original ones, have at least preserved some traditional historic and
cultural features. The statute of the association can be viewed by
the general public on the council’s internet site.
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florence
nightlife
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CITY LIFE
Each neighbourhood has its own particular nightlife scene, which
you can enjoy exploring: Santo Spirito, San Niccolò and the
Oltrarno, Santa Croce… The Florentines like eating out late as
well, at a restaurant or pizzeria, and then moving on to catch some
music or to dance. It is not hard to work out whether you are going
into a bar or club popular with students, the over-30s or the
fashion-conscious. Besides the music, style and clientele, the
prices can vary greatly as well, as can the way things are
organized: free admission, obligatory purchase of a drink, table
service, club membership, etc.
Theatre, cinema, festivals, concerts – keep a lookout for posters
listing what’s on when you are visiting the city, or better still,
check the APT’s website for upcoming events when planning your
trip. And remember that the nightlife options proliferate in the
warm summer months. Museums and galleries not infrequently
extend their opening hours until late in the evening, and open-air
shows and cinema are laid on so people can enjoy the cool of the
evening. Piazzas, parks, gardens and various hidden corners of the
city are transformed into big or small venues for events (often
free) that really can satisfy everyone’s tastes.
If you are looking for the big discos or dance halls, then you will
need to move out from the city centre. And that is not the only
reason for exploring the province. Every municipality in the
Florence area is proud to present at least one event, festival or
concert, offering further opportunities for a rather different and
special night out.
Florence has a wide range of clubs and venues.
The ones listed here offer live music and dancing:
FLOG
via Michele
Mercati 24b
tel. 055 487145
www.flog.it
TWICE
via Verdi 57r
tel. 055 2476356
www.twiceclub.com
OTEL VARIETÉ
via Generale
Dalla Chiesa 9
tel. 055 650791
www.otelvariete.com
TENAX
via Pratese 46
tel. 055 308160
www.tenax.org
VIPER THEATRE
via Lombardia /
via Pistoiese
tel. 055 318231
www.viperclub.eu
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CITY LIFE
www.firenzeturismo.it
www.firenzeturismo.it
Though Florence is hardly a metropolis, there is no shortage
of things to do in the evenings.
In fact, there is something for all tastes in the city centre, where
practically every street corner has a pub or cafe, club or disco.
florence
nightlife
www.firenzeturismo.it
FLORENCE
CITY GUIDE
2009
TEXTS
APT Firenze
PHOTOS
APT Firenze Archive
Museo Marino Marini
Opera Santa Maria
del Fiore
TRANSLATION
Jeremy Carden for NTL
GRAPHIC DESIGN
ClaimCommunication
PRINTED BY
Stabilimento Poligrafico
Fiorentino
EDITING COMPLETED
July 2009