UNESCO World Heritage Site #70: Historic Centre of Florence
From the World Heritage inscription:
Built on the site of an Etruscan settlement, Florence, the symbol of the Renaissance, rose to economic and cultural pre-eminence under the Medici in the 15th and 16th centuries. Its 600 years of extraordinary artistic activity can be seen above all in the 13th-century cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore), the Church of Santa Croce, the Uffizi and the Pitti Palace, the work of great masters such as Giotto, Brunelleschi, Botticelli and Michelangelo.
I didn’t know a lot about Florence before I arrived, other than it was the seat of the Renaissance. I found it to be my favorite city in Italy. The single most recognizable feature of the skyline is the Florence Cathedral. It was at the time of its construction the largest dome in the world. I took this photo from across the river using a zoom lens.
View my complete list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
I too was surprised how much I liked Florence. It was so walkable and compact. The ornate architecture and rich history blew me away. LOVED the Santa Croce basilica. Absolutely stunning pic, Gary.
What an amazing shot. I saw it mentioned on twitter and followed here. :) Following you now @CoTravelWriter
This was probably taken from Piazza Michelangelo. I spent three months in Florence as a student and it was amazing. Out of all the Italian cities, Florence is the best. (Visit Gelateria de Medici and Il Grotto de Leo!)
Good photo!
Now climb up the many stairs to the top of the Duomo and have another great view of the city. The claustrophobic climb to the top is well worth the effort and great for photographs.
I saw a doco on the construction of this church, fascinating. One of the places I want to go to. You got up high for this shot, where did you take if from?
Florence wasn’t build of an Etruscan Settlement. I was founded by the Romans. Fiesole, which is a little town on a hill behind the Dome was founded by the Etruscans. Other than that great picture and great description.
Filigiakke
I was surprised that I like Florence better than most major Italian towns. It is swarming with tourists but it is also a college town which meant it has a lot of available hostels and cheap eats.
amazing photos…