Florence, Italy: Find more than famous fashions

[The Patriot]

Florence, Italy: Find more than famous fashions

03-23-2012 04:36 AM

Published:
Fri, 2012-03-23 11:34


Florence, Italy: Find more than famous fashions


Heather Joy


feature_story_photo:
The Museo Nazionala del Bargello whose main attractions include bronzes and marbles. Courtesy Photo






Florence, Italy: Find more than famous fashions

Heather Joy
This extremely popular tourist destination in Tuscany has plenty to offer both the art and shopping enthusiasts.
Start at the Gallery of the Accademia where you may encounter a bit of a wait as the admission line often stretches a few blocks. Inside visitors can view Michelangelo’s iconic sculpture, “David” as well as his unfinished work “Slaves”.
More of Michelangelo’s works including his only panel painting can be seen at the popular Uffizi Gallery; where you can find a masterpiece in almost every room. Popular works housed here include Sandro Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus” an elegant look at the goddess of love and Leonardo da Vinci’s “Annunciation” complete with its illusion of depth.
Also worth visiting are the Museo Nazionala del Bargello whose main attractions include bronzes and marbles by Giambologna and Michelangelo alongside a vast collection of works by Donatello and the Gothic Cathedral S. Maria del Flore with its marvelous dome.
Visit the square in front of the cathedral to have a caricature done, to hear local musicians play or just to enjoy watching people.
Not to be missed is the lavishly decorated Pitti Palace where tourists have the opportunity to see lavishly decorated rooms, a costume gallery and a modern art museum.
To shop for famous fashion brands such as Roberto Cavalli, Gucci and Salvatore Ferragamo visit via Tornabuoni and via della Vigna Nuova. For a chance to haggle visit one of the cities open-air markets selling leather goods or clothes.
Holidaymakers with any energy left after a day of sightseeing or shopping can visit one of Florence’s many dance clubs that really start pumping around 2 a.m.








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