Florence Vacations

Regarded as one of the most important cities in the development of Western culture, Florence, Italy is known for its art, architecture and scenic views. The center of Florence dates back hundreds of years and retains its historic walls, built in the 14th century to defend against invaders. The city center received UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1982. The Fountain of Neptune by Bartolomeo Ammanati ranks among one of the finest preserved works of art in the world. Cut from marble, the sculptural fountain maintains its link to the Roman aqueduct that originally fed it. The Ponte Vecchio, or Old Bridge, once connected the Medici palace, or Palazzo Pitti, to the Uffizi. Though Etruscans originally built the bridge, the Florentines rebuilt it in the 14th century. Visitors will marvel at its construction: the bridge was the first in the Western world to employ segmental arches to limit weight upon the riverbed and bridge height. Shops resting on stilts line along the edge provide one of the more unusual shopping experiences in the world. Just a short walk from the bridge is the Uffizi Gallery, which contains Renaissance Period treasures from across Italy. Built with a vast monetary gift from the final member of the Medici line, the Uffizi Gallery contains the Vasarian Corridor, priceless Renaissance sculptures and a tribute to the Medici family, who encouraged Florentine art for centuries.