The Top 3 things to do in the Renaissance capital.

Florence Cathedral
The Duomo in the Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore was designed at the hands of Arnolfo Cambio at the end of the 13th Century and is, without question, one of Tuscany's most placeable tourist attractions. Upon Cambio's death in 1302 progress on the masterpiece came to a pause. It was not until 30 years after that the Italian master Giotto decided to work on the Duomo, he only managed to complete the bell-tower before his death in 1337. It was further 27 years when the old cathedral was taken down and a new one started. This some one-hundred years after the initial plans were drawn up.

Filippo Brunelleschi was commissioned to design the great dome (the Cupola) of the now infamous cathedral which was in fact formed by way of of two dome's, one dome can be seen in all its glory from the outside while another which can be viewed from the interior of the cathedral. On the inner dome frescoes by Paolo Uccello grace the cupola. It was not until 1436, some 136 years after the project was started that the cathedral was finally completed.

Giotto's Belfry Florence, Italia.
Giotto’s Bell-Tower is an independent bell tower that is housed in the Piazza del Duomo of Firenze,Toscana. It is placed right next to the Firenze Duomo and is one of the clearest examples of Florentine Gothic Architecture from the noted craftsman Giotto. It is 84.7 metres in height and is supported by four buttresses on each corner.

Giotto never saw his Bell Tower completed, he worked on the project from 1334 until his death in 1337, unfortunately only seing the first floor finished. The fine stone used in the bell tower comes from Carrara (white), Prato (green) and Siena (red).

The most staggering view: Piazzale Michelanglo
Piazzale Michelangelo provides the most spectacular view for tourists coming to Florence. It has it all, the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio and the foothills of Fiesole as a backdrop. The main plaza is approximately 100 metres squared, with the main section allocated for cars and coaches that park up to allow tourers to take in this tremendous view. In the balmy summer months the Plaza has a scattering of market kiosks and traders that sell an variety of bags and mementos.

If it's a clear sunny day in Florence you simply must go to Piazzale Michelangelo because there's nothing quite like it, and it will leave a lasting impression. There's also a coffeehouse in the Piazza from which you can take in the view while enjoying a Cappuccino Coffee or cocktail.

It goes without saying that wherever tourism is popular during the evening you need to be especially open-eyed against pickpockets. You'll also find a greater number of market stalls springing up as well as local artists selling their works. The sunset view is one for lovers, perched out on the steps gazing down over the town, but it's really on a clear bright sunny day or towards the hours of sunset that the Piazza really glows.

Article Source: http://www.newsarticlessite.com

You can read more about Tuscany on our dedicated resource pages. I. Jamaica is a travel writer for Tuscany Villas, a portal all about experiencing the Tuscan life.

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