Florence - sightseeing

This huge palace was commissioned to the famous architect Brunelleschi by the merchant Luca Pitti in 1440; Pitti was first an ally, then a rival of the Medici, and the palace was intended to dwarf the Medici’s residence in Florence. It windows were designed to be bigger than the Medici’s palace’s entrance door, and the inner courtyard to be bigger than the whole Medici palace. It is ironic that the Pitti palace was, little more than a century later, sold to the wife of Cosimo I De’ Medici by Buonaccorso Pitti, and became the official residence of the Medici first, then of most future rulers of the city, be they kings, dukes or counts.

Its façade is a great example of the so-called bugnato fiorentino, and is covered with large stones that protrude from the walls. The palace has been continually enriched by all of its residents, and is full of frescoes and fascinating rooms. It is the site of several museums and exhibitions.

While the countless churches are testimony to the long-lasting importance of the Church, and religion in general, in the history of Florence, this Piazza, dominated by the imposing mass of the Palazzo Vecchio and its beautiful tower, has been and still is the symbol of secular power and its importance. The square (which is actually L-shaped) was created in 1268 by destroying the houses of the most prominent families belonging to the Ghibellini faction (who were loyal to the Emperor and opposed the winning faction, the Guelfi, who were loyal to the Roman Curch).

The Palazzo Vecchio, also known as Palazzo della Signoria, has been the palace of the Medici for over a century, and is the result of several reconstructions, the last one directed by the famous architect Vasari. It has a beautiful bell tower, which is called torre d’Arnolfo, from the name of the architect who is responsible for the first project of the building. It is the site of Florence’s public administration, but in spite of this most of its beautiful interiors are open to the public.

The square hosts a number of statues, including copies of the famous David by Michelangelo, the original of which has been transferred in the 19th Century in the Museo dell’Accademia, and a beautiful bronze of Jiudith and Olophern by Donatello, the original of which can be found in the Sala dei Gigli in Palazzo Vecchio.

Definitely the best museum in Italy for both Medieval and Renaissance painting (together with the Vatican Museums), the Uffizi is an inevitable for all Florence visitors with an interest for art. Its collection comprises more than 2000 paintings (and we’re only talking about the stuff that’s actually exhibited to the public), ranging from the re-birth of the arts in Italy with the religious painters of the 12th century and late Middle Ages, such as Cimabue and Giotto, to the 16th and 17th century with Rubens and Van Dyck, with pictures by painters like Tiziano, Leonardo, Piero della Francesca, Perugino, Michelangelo, Raphael, El Greco and Tintoretto.

The Uffizi is almost always very crowded, so a booking is recommended in every season if you don’t want to stand in line for ages. You can reserve by phoning (+39) 055 294883. You can also check the museum’s site at www.uffizi.firenze.it, even though it’s not particularly new or updated.