FLORENCE TOUR BY BOAT

Founded by the “Romans” in the first century BC, “Florence” began its rebirth after the decline of the “Barbarian Empire”, in the Carolingian period, and reached the highest level of civilization between the 11th and 15th centuries, as a free city, balancing the authority of the Emperors with that of the Pope, managing to overcome the sad internal dispute between “Guelphs and Ghibellines”. In the 15th century, the Medici dynasty began, later becoming the “Grand Duke of Tuscany”. During this period “Florence” reached the pinnacle of glory in art and culture, politics and economics. The Grand Dukes of Medici were succeeded in the 18th century by the House of Lorenza, until in 1860 Tuscany became part of the Kingdom of Italy and Florence became the capital from 1865 to 1871. In this century, the city once again became an important cultural and artistic center.

The beating heart of “Florence” is Piazza del Duomo, with the monumental complex of the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore – surmounted by “Brunelleschi’s” majestic dome -, the Baptistery of San Giovanni – a magnificent example of Florentine Romanesque architecture – and Giotto’s Bell Tower – a masterpiece of Florentine Gothic architecture.

Behind the Duomo stands the “Museo dell’Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore”, where you can admire a precious collection of works from the Cathedral, the Baptistery and the Bell Tower.

“Piazza della Signoria” is the historic center of civic life and is home to the 14th-century Loggia dei Lanzi, the Neptune Fountain and Palazzo della Signoria or Palazzo Vecchio, one of the city’s symbolic monuments, in front of which stand several famous statues, including a copy of “Michelangelo’s” famous “David”.

Next to the square is the majestic “Uffizi Gallery”, home to one of the world’s most important museums, which includes works by “Botticelli”, “Michelangelo”, “Leonardo da Vinci” and many other great artists. An architectural element of particular note in the Gallery is “the Corridoio Vasariano” designed by “Vasari” in the mid-16th century, which connects the building with “Palazzo Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti”.

Crossing the ancient and evocative “Ponte Vecchio”, dotted with historic goldsmiths’ shops, you reach the Oltrarno district, where you will find the spectacular square dominated by “Palazzo Pitti”, the imposing and opulent palace that was the residence of the Medici and Lorraine families, with its marvellous park, “the Boboli Gardens”, a splendid example of an Italian garden.

Still in the Oltrarno, don’t miss the panoramic “Piazzale Michelangelo”, a favourite destination for tourists for its wonderful view over “Florence” and the surrounding hills, and the Church of San Miniato al Monte, one of the best examples of Florentine Romanesque architecture.

Join us in this remarkable tour of Florence by boat in the Arno river!