| The Basilica
di Santa Maria del Fiore is one of the most famous
Florentine icons. The cathedral (Duomo) was
begun in 1296 but not completed until 1436. The cathedral’s
dome was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. The exterior is
particularly distinct with the many polychrome marble panels
of green and pink bordered by white.
A visit to Florence wouldn’t be complete without crossing
over the Ponte Vecchio, one of Europe’s
oldest wholly stone arched bridges. Spanning the Arno
River, the medieval bridge is now home to many jewellers’,
art dealers and souvenir sellers. The Uffizi Gallery
is another must see destination. The gallery is the oldest
and one of the most famous in the world and is located in
the fascinating Palazzo degi Uffizi. It houses
the single greatest collection of Italian and Florentine art
in the world.
Perched around the hills of Florence, amongst the valleys
of the Arno and Mugnone rivers, are many extremely interesting
and worthwhile locations easily reached from the Viva Hotel
Alexander Florence. Two particular sites we would highly recommend
visiting were property of the famous Medici family, rulers
of Florence during the Renaissance period. Villa Medicea
La Petraia was one of the finest of all the many
Medici Villas and is close to the Hotel Alexander. The villa
was a castle but was then converted to residence for the Medici
family with a magnificent surrounding garden. Also close by
to the 4 star Viva Hotel Alexander is the Villa Medicea
di Castello, the former summer home of Lorenzo il
Magnifico, another of the Medici Villas. |
