Florence is the capital of Tuscany, one of the most beloved regions in Italy and located on the Arno River and at the foot of the Apennines. This city is undoubtedly an architectural jewel in the region Tuscany and can be considered as one of the most visited places by tourists in Italy. The historic center is recognized by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1982 and attracts yearly millions of tourists worldwide.

You can spend weeks in Florence and still haven’t seen all the beautiful buildings in this city. The Ponte Vecchio is the oldest and most famous bridge in Italy. When you walk in this area, you walk along many shops, especially jewelry and you can enjoy beautiful sights. It is recommended to be careful because it is a dangerous area for pick-pocket.

The Duomo or cathedral “Santa Maria del Fiora” is undoubtedly the most famous building in Florence and is also the third largest one of the word. This cathedral is located in the religious center of Florence, on the northern side of Piazza del Signora. The original project is a design of Arnolfo di Cambio who started in 1296 with the construction. After his dead in 1302, his work was continued through Giotto who started also the construction of the nearby Bell tower. Together with the Baptistery, the three buildings forms now the Cathedral complex and is located in the Piazza del Duomo. The façade of the Duomo is colorful and made of white (from Carrara), green (from Prato) and red marble (from Sienna).

The cupola of the Duomo is a masterpiece of Filippo Brunelleschi and was built between 1420 and 1434 in a new revolutionary Renaissance style. This octagonal cupola has a diameter of 45 meters and a height of 114 meters. The frescoes in the cupola were made by Yasari and depict the Last Judgment.

Another important church in Florence is the Basilique Santa Croche. It is maybe the most beautiful gothic church of entire Italy and located on the Piazza di Santa Croche, south east of the Duomo. However, a legend is saying that St. Francis himself founded Santa Croche; records show the construction of this wonderful church started in 1294, 65 years after the death of Saint Francis, and probably by Arnolfo di Cambio.

 You can find tombs of artists like Michelangelo, Dante, Galileo and many other important persons. That is also the reason why they call this church “the Pantheon of Florence”. It is a church with masterpieces of the greatest Italian artists and you can admire the famous frescoes of Giotto. The façade which dates back from 1865 and designed by architect Niccolo Mattas is impressive and constructed in multicolor marble. On the entrance of this beautiful church, you can view a statue a Dante.

The Basilica di San Miniato al Monte is a wonderful Romanesque church and located on one of the highest points of Florence. Minias was Florence’s first martyr and lived as a hermit. He was beheaded and a legend was saying that after his decapitation he picked up his head, put it back on his shoulders and died in a cave on Monte alle Croci. From there, the church was given his name.The church has a beautiful façade and covered with green and white marble. You can admire there the beautiful mosaic of the blessing Christ flanked by the Madonna and Saints.

Piazza della Signoria can be called the political heart of Florence because it houses buildings and statues with can be associated with political events. Palazzo Vecchio (town hall) with its tower “Torro d’Arnolfo” is impressive. This tower has a height of 94 meters and can be viewed from a far distance.

This Piazza is an enjoyable place in Florence with many terraces and you can admire the beautiful statues where most origin from the times of the Medici. The Neptune Fountain with the mythical figures Scylla and Charybydis, a copy of the David of Michelangelo, the statue of Perseus holding Medusa’s head, statue of Hercules and Cacus are some of the most important ones.

Another beautiful piazza in Florence is “Piazza San Marco” which is located on the northeast of the Duomo. Most everyone will know Piazza San Marco of Venice and you find also here in Florence pigeons in the green area of this piazza. This piazza in Florence is dominated by the church of San Marco from where the name is taken. It is either the green area with trees and the statue of General Manfredo Fanti from the sculpture Papi which makes this place so attractive. You may never think you can compare this piazza with the one in Venice; otherwise you will be disappointed but it is surely a visit worth.

Piazzale Michelangelo is a breathtaking place in Florence and located on a hill on the south bank of the Arno River. This square is designed by architect Giuseppe Poggi and is a popular tourist attraction and you can admire a replica of the famous Italian sculpture and painter Michelangelo Buonarotti, well known for its works “the Pietà and David”.

This square looks like a park above the city Florence where you have a panoramic view of the entire city and enjoy beautiful sights of the Duomo, Campanile, river Arno, Ponte Vecchio, Santa Croche and many others. You may enjoy a walk in a green environment with olive trees, beautiful flowers and it is a perfect place for a picnic.

The beauty of Florence can’t be described in words. You have to visit this wonderful city in Tuscany to know how beautiful Florence is. One thing is sure; Florence can be considered as a heaven on earth for its art. The best months for traveling to this paradise in Tuscany are May, June and September. July and august can be extremely hot and may not be excellent for walking in a city which is crowded with tourists from all places of the world.

Florence is also a city where you can enjoy one of the world’s best cuisines. Italy is the country with world’s best pastas, tomato sauces, ice-cream, excellent seafood and of course the delicious Chianti wine. It is maybe best to take the public transportation instead of the car because it is hard to find a place to park your car.

Florence is a top attraction of art worldwide and can't be missed in your top ten places to visit in Europe. This travel destination may be the first choice for travelers who are searching for a destination with famous architectural buildings, a green landscape, delicious cuisine and an excellent climate. It is maybe best to combine your visit in Florence with one of the nearby beaches on the Italian coast, for example Amalfi and you may be sure you enjoy one of the best holidays you can imagine.