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FLORENCE

Florence has after Venice the most tourists per square meter in the downtown. But dont worry, its not bad. The city is small, and you can ask each inhabitant after the cathedral or the Duomo. They are always within reach. Florence is still one of the most interesting and most beautiful cities in Europe and especially one of the art capitals of the world. Delicious fill restaurants and wine bars and select with a view of anexpert ham, cheese, wine and olive oil. A hint of happiness is all over. Florence is especially art. The ensemble of churches and palaces, squares and streets, fountains and statues is grown over the centuries is unique on the world.

Teatro della Pergola
Historic Theater Box (1755), where chamber music concerts and shows are take place. Via della Pergola, 18

San Miniato al Monte
Widely visible, is this jewel of romanesque architecture on a hill south of the Arno. From the forecourt of the church, you have a dream view over Florence. Left of the church facade - past the shop where herbal liqueur is sold - is the Cimitero delle Porte Sante, where Florentine citizens deserved their final resting place. daily in summer 8.30am-7pm, in winter 8am-12.30pm and 2.30pm-7.30pm Via del Monte alle Croci

Duomo di Santa Maria del Fiore
The cathedral with its dome provides mighty widely the silhouette of the city. Its construction was somehow a late triumph, because Pisa, Lucca, Pistoia, Prato and Siena already had all their magnificent cathedrals, as the city government finally decided in 1296 to build a new cathedral of Florence. The cathedral of Florence is the fourth largest church of the christians. Its base is 8300 m2, its length 160 meters, the long ship is 43 m wide, the transept 90 m. One of these proportions impresses you when you enter the cathedral. Beside the cathedral stands the campanile (bell tower), the Giotto designed and built 1334-59. It is due to its harmonious proportions and colors as one of the most beautiful in Italy. Campanile daily 8.30am-6.50pm, entrance 6 Euro;

Ponte Vecchio
The "Old Bridge" is one of the landmarks of Florence. The Ponte Vecchio is remained as the only bridge which was not destroyed in 1944 from the Germans. Today is the bridge with her jewelry shops one of the attractions of the city.

Piazza della Signoria
This from the Palazzo Vecchio dominated square is simply impressive. Through the many sculptures set, the big square has a relaxed atmosphere. In front of the Palazzo Vecchio the great David by Michelangelo is standing.

Forte di Belvedere
When the castle was built in 1590, overlooking Florence, the cannons were also directed to the city: The Medici were never really sure about their power. From here and on the wide green walls, you have a magnificent view over the city. entrance 6,50 Euro. Via S. Leonardo

shopping Major fashion houses have opened glitzy stores in the city, albeit by bulldozing some of the characterful old shops in the centre. For shoes, leather goods and elegant Italian style, visit via Tornabuoni, via della Vigna Nuova, piazza della Repubblica.

where to stay
Gallery Art Hotel
is the newest and most exclusive small hotel near the Ponte Vecchio. You will receive at any time of day on the shaded Piazzetta also delicious snacks in the Fusion Bar (Shozan Gallery). 65 rooms. Vicolo dell'Oro, 3-5
Morandi alla Crocetta
Small, stylish and relatively quiet hotel near the archeological museum in a former monastery. Good for families. 10 rooms. Via Laura, 50
Lungarno
Modern and comfortable on the southern shore of the Arno. Exquisite restaurant. 66 rooms. Borgo S. Jacopo                                  JK Place (Piazza Santa Maria Novella 7, €315-€740) is a sophisticated boutique hotel with an enviable roof terra.                           Residenza Johlea Uno (via San Gallo 76, €95-€105), whose well-furnished, comfortable rooms are great value.


food
Vino & Carpaccio
If you want to keep eating? In this pleasant bistro atmosphere, it is possible. A small but exquisite menu and a wide selection of excellent wines force the enjoyment. Tue-Sun Via Capponi, 72/A
Taverna del Bronzino
Elegant restaurant with fine Tuscan kitchen and a good wine cellar. Mon-Sat Via delle Ruote, 27r
Il Latini
In this popular, typical Florentine trattoria you get at long tables in a former horse stable traditional Tuscan food. Tue-Sun Via Palchetti, 6r                                                                                                                                                                  Try Ristorante San Jacopo (Borgo San Jacopo 62, closed Tue); if you’re lucky, you will be given one of the tables on the tiny terrace.                                                                                                                                                                        Try Targa (lungarno C Colombo 7, closed Sun), where a warmly lit wood and glass interior provides a relaxed background for creative versions of Tuscan classics.

Plane
The Amerigo Vespucci airport is located just a few kilometers outside the city. An airport shuttle will take you from 6am-11.30pm in 30 minutes to the central station. Fare: 4 Euro. In the taxi, the price for one person depending on time of day 15-18 Euros, plus 60 cents per piece of luggage. You come with cheap flights to the airport to Pisa Galileo Galilei. From there you can travel to Florence Central Station with a train. Journey time 80 minutes, price 4,95 Euro.

Trains
You arrive via Switzerland (Basle-Milan) or Austria (Munich-Brenner). Most trains come to the main railway station SM Novella in the center, but some hold on the transit station Florence Campo di Marte. A shuttle takes passengers to the railway station

Public Transport
A ticket with 60 minutes validity (biglietto semplice) costs 1 Euro a ticket for four rounds (quattro corse) 3.90 Euro, a 24-hour valid biglietto 24 ore 4 Euros and a 7-day ticket (biglietto sette giorni ) 12 Euro.