Florence (Firenze) is one of the most beautiful italian cities, capital of the "Reign of Italy" from 1861 to 1870. Italy has been a Monarchy (Reign of Italy) until mid of the last century; it became a Republic on June 2nd 1946, which is why June 2nd is a National Feast.
Thanks to Paolo Francalacci for the following notes which identify possible routes in the city.
Palazzo Vecchio : one of the symbols of Florence, seat of the municipality, with its famous square where you can admire (a copy of) the famous David of Michelangelo. The original statue is in the "Museo dell'Accademia", also worthwhile a visit
Museo degli Uffizi with "La Primavera" and "La Nascita di Venere" by Sandro Botticelli: one of the major italian museum centers. In 2018 it has been the most visited one of all Italy (followed by "Museo Egizio" in Turin and "Musei vaticani" in Rome), with works from antiquity to the Renaissance, testimony of the enlightened government of the Medici, and of the humanistic culture of their court . Highly advised to reserve in advance in order to avoid looong queues.
NOTE --> free access to Uffizi on June 2nd (expected ~20000 visitors!)
Palazzo Pitti with giardino di Boboli: hystorical Palace, first of the Pitti and then of the Medici family. Projected by Brunelleschi, it hosts several works from Raffaello to modern art. Located in the urban contest of a neighbourhood rich of artists and of craftsmen of leather, silver, etc. Close to the Santo Spirito curch, symbol of the night movida
NOTE --> integrated tickets Uffizi+Palazzo Pitti+ Giardino Boboli exist
Duomo con cupola di Filippo Brunelleschi e Battistero con Porta del Paradiso di Ghiberti, campanile di Giotto e Museo dell’Opera del Duomo: another major museum center with possibility of buying a cumulative ticket. I strongly advise not to miss the "cupola del Brunelleschi". Several hundred stairs, but an architectonic masterpiece. Reservation is mandatory; early in the morning is the best time.
Lung'Arno e Ponte Vecchio: Florence and its river, where you can see the reflection of the "fires of San Giovanni, patron of the city. With historical and modern bridges that tell the story of a not always easy cohabitation between the river and the city. Ponte Vecchio, the only bridge spared by German bombing, still today houses the precious goldsmith shops. Above the bridge the Vasari Corridor that connects, through a protected passage, the ancient Medici residences on the two banks of the Arno: Palazzo Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti .
Chiesa di Santa Croce and statue of Dante Alighieri: famous francescan church with statue of Dante on the left corner of the facade. In the square in front of the church the "calcio fiorentino", probably the most violent team sport in Italy, is still played.
Chiesa e piazza di Santa Maria Novella: close to the homonymous train station. Dominican church with the Leon Battista Alberti facade which overlooks the large square where the museum of the 900, recently inaugurated, stands
Palazzo del Podestà e torre della Castagna: in the medieval heart of the historic city, on the edge of the oldest circle of walls, the Palazzo del Podestà houses the Bargello Museum with Michelangelo's Bacchus and the David di Donatello. Close to the ancient "tower houses", including the "Castagna tower" in San Martino square, with the ancient wooden stairs, near the House of Michelangelo
San Miniato al Monte e il viale ottocentesco dell’ing. Poggi fino a Piazzale Michelangelo: splendid itinerary that goes from Arno to Piazzale Michelangelo, with the most beautiful view of Florence and the Arno. Descend through a pedestrian itinerary that leads to the heart of the San Niccolò district with artists, goldsmiths shops, refined restaurants and pubs. Uphill, but strongly advised to go on foot.
Restaurants
Pane e Olio, via Faentina, very good quality, game and fish, touristic menu at lunch
Calandrino, via San Gallo, traditional trattoria
Mercato di San Lorenzo, Mercato centrale within the covered "mercato centrale" (central market), a very interesting food court at the first floor (floor counting start from "zero" in Italy). Many vegetarian options, in particular "bistecca alla fiorentina" and "lampredotto".
Lampredotto is the 4th stomach of the cow; the cow is vegetarian and the 4th stomach is where the foods richest in fibers are grinded and digested. So lots of fibers!
The best Lampredotto you can (and should) get is by a street food truck in "Mercato nuovo" close to the famous "fontana del Porcellino" ("fountain of the piglet", although it is really a boar). If you touch the fountain in some specific shiny parts (one is the nose, the other you should discover yourself) it will bring you luck.
Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio several "trattorie", among which Cibreo, Teatro del sale, pizzerie and pubs . Opened at lunch time.
