statues in the adjacent Loggia dei Lanzi. It is one of the most significant public places in Italy. The actual David itself is housed in the Accademia dell'Arte del Disegno, founded in 1561 with patronage of the Medici by Giorgio Vasari, Agnolo Bronzino and Bartolommeo Ammannati, three of the central artists of Mannerism. Michelangelo died in Rome in 1564

aged 89 and whilst that city wanted to offer itself as his final resting place his wishes were fulfilled and he is buried in the Basilica di Santa Croce (Basilica of the Holy Cross), the principal Franciscan church of Florence. It lies to the east of the central area close by the National Library, another magnificent building but dating only from 1935. The Uffizi Gallery is one of the oldest and

most famous art museums in the world. In 1560, Giorgio Vasari built the palace for Cosimo I de' Medici as the offices for the Florentine magistrates.

Florence at sunset (Frank Slack)

Map Copyright: firenzeturismo.it

The massive cathedral church, called

the Duomo, was begun in 1296 but its elaborate neo-Gothic facade was not added until towards the end of the 19th century. The adjoining bell tower offers a unique view of the city and the surroundings. But be warned, there is usually a long queue and it has 414 steps! It is impossible to mention everything regarding this iconic city in a short review, suffice to say that all of the following either lived within its environs or were closely involved. Boccaccio, Botticelli, Brunelleschi, Roberto Cavalli, Dante, Donatello, Galileo, Guccio Gucci, Machiavelli, Catherine de' Medici, Michelangelo and Emilio Pucci. And many others too. Building after building has its connections. If you have not been, then add

Florence to your ‘to do’ list. You will not regret it. 

Close-up of windows on the Ponte Vecchio (Mariette Budel – www.flickr.com/photos/jetje63/)

www.italiantouristboard.co.uk I www.firenzeturismo.it

View of Florence from the Piazza Michelangelo (Arthur / Flickr:Optical illusion)

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