Florence

Florence, the capital of Tuscany, concentrates an exceptional artistic and architectural heritage within a historic centre listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, easily recognisable by its dome designed by Brunelleschi, dominates the skyline and is worth visiting for both its interior and exterior architecture. Nearby, the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge lined with shops, spans the Arno and remains one of the city's key landmarks. The Palazzo Vecchio, once the seat of Florentine political power, and the Uffizi Gallery, home to a major collection of Renaissance paintings, rank among the city's main cultural attractions. The Boboli Gardens, laid out behind the Pitti Palace, provide a green space well suited to a leisurely stroll. For panoramic views over the city and its landmarks, Piazzale Michelangelo, on the southern bank of the Arno, is a popular vantage point, particularly at the end of the day. About thirty kilometres away, the fortified town of San Gimignano, known for its medieval towers, makes for a worthwhile day trip from Florence. Walking remains the most common way to explore the historic centre.