Museum Firenze

With a personal guide, you'll start your tour of Florence from Basilica Santa Maria Novella, one of the most important churches in Italy with architectural elements spanning almost five centuries, from 1094 to the 1570s. After your guide points out the treasure trove of masterpieces inside, continue to Piazza della Signoria, the heart of social and civic life in Florence. In this piazza you’ll find the Palazzo Vecchio, a prime example of 14 th -century architecture. After your guide shows you the most notable features and shares some historic anecdotes, stroll over to the sparkling river and cross the oldest bridge in the city, Ponte Vecchio, where tiny bottegas still line the sides of the structure. From there your guide will bring you to the Piazza Santa Croce and show you the basilica, all while providing you with the historical and artistic context to appreciate this remarkable site.



ITINERARY
Meet your Guide in Santa Maria Novella at 10.00 am
● Santa Maria Novella
● Santa Maria del Fiore
● Piazza della Signoria
● Ponte Vecchio
● Santa Croce

WHAT IS INCLUDED
● Private guide - 3 hours
● Private tour

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
● Pick-up and Drop-off at your accommodation can bequoted separately



Florence, the capital city of the Tuscany region in Italy, has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries. Here's a brief overview:
Roman Foundation (59 BCE): Florence traces its roots back to Roman times when it was established as a settlement for retired Roman soldiers in 59 BCE. The city, known as Florentia, was strategically located along the Via Cassia, an important Roman road.
Medieval Florence (4th-14th centuries): Florence flourished in the Middle Ages as a center of trade and finance. The city became a free commune in the 12th century, with a government elected by guilds. During this period, Florence developed a powerful and influential merchant class.
Rise of the Medici (14th-16th centuries): The Medici family, particularly Cosimo de' Medici and his grandson Lorenzo the Magnificent, played a significant role in the political and cultural life of Florence during the Renaissance. They were patrons of the arts, supporting artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli.
Italian Renaissance (14th-17th centuries): Florence was a leading center of the Renaissance, a period of immense cultural and intellectual growth. The city became a hub for art, literature, and philosophy. The Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore), designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, is a prominent example of Renaissance architecture.
Savonarola and the Bonfire of the Vanities (1497): The Dominican friar Girolamo Savonarola rose to power in Florence, condemning secular and extravagant items. In the infamous Bonfire of the Vanities, numerous artworks, books, and luxurious goods were burned in the Piazza della Signoria.
Grand Duchy of Tuscany (16th-18th centuries): The Medici rule continued, and Florence became the capital of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. Under the Medici, Florence experienced a period of relative stability and prosperity.
Unification of Italy (19th century): Florence became the capital of the Kingdom of Italy in 1865, following the unification of Italy. The city's central location contributed to its selection as the capital, though it later moved to Rome in 1871.
World War II and Aftermath: Florence suffered damage during World War II, particularly during the German withdrawal in 1944. The city underwent extensive restoration efforts in the post-war period to preserve its cultural heritage.
Today, Florence stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its art, architecture, and historical significance. It continues to attract millions of tourists who come to explore its museums, churches, and streets steeped in history.