THE HISTORIC CENTER OF FLORENCE

Very few cities in the world can offer what Florence can....to an art lover. After all, it is the birthplace of Renaissance, with some of the mightiest names of Italian renaissance associated with Florence. Personally, my interest in the European architecture developed only after I visited Florence.  Florence is an experience and the Historic Center is where it  starts. Located by the banks of river Arno, the Historic Center is known for its squares (piazzas), palaces (palazzos), cathedrals, basilicas, fountains, museums and statues.  So as to get an Italian flavor, it is interesting to follow the local nomenclature of these beautiful locations and structures. It starts with the Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo) which is the most visited area of the Florence. Dominating the Piazza del Duomo, stands the most identifiable landmark of Florence...the gigantic Florence Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore) with its red dome and bell tower. Designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, the construction of the Florence Cathedral had commenced in 1296, but it was not until 1436 when the Cathedral was finally ready after Filippo Brunelleschi  successfully designed the dome. This dome is biggest brick dome in the world. Free-standing adjacent to, but as a part of the Cathedral Complex, is the Giotto's Bell Tower (Campanile). This Bell Tower houses seven bells. 

In front of the Cathedral...is located one of the oldest structures of the city, The Baptistery of St. John, an octagonal structure with high religious and historical significance.  Such is the relevance of this structure that Michelangelo christened the eastern doors of the Baptistry  as the "Gates of Paradise" and many notable citizens of Florence including Dante and the members of the Medici family were baptized here. It is also believed that the Baptistery has an ancient Roman connection as a temple dedicated to the Mars. Needless to say, the Baptistery, through many of its earlier forms, is a storehouse of mysteries and legends which have enriched the stories from Florence from as early as a few years Before Christ.

Just one lane away from the Piazza del Duomo is another important square of Florence, the L-shaped Public Square (Piazza della Signoria). This square is the home to the power center of the Florentine Republic of the medieval world, and continues to remain so...as the political center of the Florence. It houses some of the treasures of the Renaissance including the Fountain of Neptune (Fontana del Nettuno), Hercules and Cacus (Ercole e Caco), Equestrian Statue of Cosimo Medici (Statua equestre di Cosimo Medici) and a copy of Michelangelo's David. The Town Hall of Florence or the Old Palace (Palazzo Vecchio), with its typical fortified look and bell tower, is located right here. In front of the Palazzo Vecchio, on the left, there is an open gallery of statues, preserved  carefully in a building whose name is Loggia della Signoria.With wide open arches, the Loggia della Signoria houses some of the renaissance gems. Just adjacent, towards the river Arno, is the Uffizi Gallery, arguably one of the most visited museums in the world and which houses many invaluable creations. Originally designed by Vasari for the legendary Medici family to house some offices, the final destiny of Uffizi was something different...to  house the rarest of creations of medieval Italy.

Another few minutes walk takes to the Piazza di Santa Croce.  The Basilica of Santa Croce, the principal Franciscan church of Florence is located here. This Basilica is notable as the final resting place of most, if not all, giants of renaissance....Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, Rossini, Bruni are just a few names. 

Decorating the vista of Florence, are quite a few bridges on the river Arno. Notable among them is the Old Bridge (Ponte Vecchio),  a medieval stone bridge, believed to have been constructed originally by the Romans. Ponte Vecchio, unlike the other bridges on the Arno, survived the German destruction during the World War II and coupled with the Vasari Corridor, holds immense historical significance in Florentine history. The two neighboring bridges to Ponte Vecchio are the Holy Trinity Bridge (Ponte Santa Trinita) and Ponte alle Grazie.  Built during the renaissance era, Ponte Santa Trinita is the oldest elliptic arch bridge in the world. After getting destroyed during the World War II, this bridge was rebuilt in 1958. The other bridge is the Ponte alle Grazie which is the longest in Florence. Again, destroyed during the war and rebuilt later.

Another notable location is the Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti) which is on the south side  of the river Arno.The Palace was owned by the Medici Family and was the chief residence of the ruling families. This Palace is now donated to the Italian public and is the largest museum in Florence with numerous art-forms stories to share.

Again, Florence is as an experience and it is difficult to capture the experience in words. After experiencing the Historic Center on the foot, it is worthwhile to visit the Michelangelo Square (Piazza le Michelangelo), which is on a hill top on the South of river Arno. This place offers the best panoramic view of the city and is also ornated with bronze copies of some of the creations of Michelangelo including that of the David. 

The Historic Center of Florence holds quite a venerable reputation in the list of UNESCO world heritage sites. The only thing more intriguing than the architecture of Florence is its history. From its early days during the first century BC when Julius Caesar established Fluentia....till  the modern day capital of Tuscany, Florence has seen eras and centuries...as it sits about two hours from Rome.

Closing with a panoramic view of the open museums in Florence.