Florence by GRAHAM BRITTAIN

10) Mercato Nuovo

grahampbrittain — 2014-05-12 18:07:08 UTC

The Mercato Nuovo means new market. The Mercato Nuovo is a covered market located in the historic center of Florence. it was intended for the sale of silk and luxury goods and then for the famous straw hats, but today mainly leather goods and souvenirs are sold.

9) Palazzo Pitti

grahampbrittain — 2014-05-12 18:14:02 UTC

The Palazzo Pitti is a large palace located on the south bank of the Arno river. The palace belonged to Florence’s rulers until 1919, when it was handed over to the Italian state, which changed the palace into a museum.

8) Boboli Gardens

grahampbrittain — 2014-05-12 23:09:53 UTC

Locaed behind the Palazzo Pitti, the Boboli Gardens were created by the Medici family in the 16th century. The beautiful and extravagant garden has very many statues and fountains. The gardens have passed through several stages restructuring work. They have become an outdoor museum of garden sculpture that includes Roman antiquities as well as later works.

7) Basilica di San Lorenzo

grahampbrittain — 2014-05-12 23:15:50 UTC

This is the center of the city’s main market district. the Basilica di San Lorenzo is one of the oldest churches of Florence and was the burial place of the Medici family. The church is a great representation of Renaissance architecture. Inside the church is pure Renaissance neo-classical splendor.

2) Ponte Vecchio

grahampbrittain — 2014-05-13 01:44:07 UTC

This bridge is known for having merchant shops lining the bridge. In the 1500's there were butcher shops along the bridge but now they are occupied by stores that sell: gems, gold, jewelry, and souvenirs. This bridge is a medieval stone closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge over the Arno River. This bridge was a very popular spot then and it remaines that way today

5) Palazzo Vecchio

grahampbrittain — 2014-05-13 01:53:25 UTC

The Plazzo Vecchio a grand palace overlooking the Piazza della Signoria. This is one of Florence's most important buildings and has one of the highest rate for tourist attraction. Built in the 12th century, the Palazzo Vecchio was where the powerful Medici family lived as well as Florence’s supreme governing body for six centuries.

4) Piazza della Signoria

grahampbrittain — 2014-05-13 02:00:31 UTC

This is a site you can't miss. Being the center of important politics and where many historical events have occurred, this is a beautiful square with a important historical background. The reason this town square is such an important place is because of its sculptures such as Michelangelo’s Statue of David, the Fountain of Neptune, Hercules and Cacus as well as Perseus with the Head of Medusa.

3) Uffizi Gallery

grahampbrittain — 2014-05-13 02:05:37 UTC

Now a days referred to as one of the worlds greatest art museums, is located on the Piazza della Signoria. This former palace was first built in 1560 to house the offices of the city magistrates. After the Medici family gave up their power, the palace evolved into an art gallery to showcase its stunning collection of Renaissance art.

6) The Statue Of David

grahampbrittain — 2014-05-13 02:13:58 UTC

One of Michelangelo's most famous works, It is 5.17-meter marble statue of a man standing nude. This amazing work of art was created between 1501 and 1504. Originally commissioned as a statue of aprophet to be positioned along the roofline of the east end of Florence Cathedral, the statue was placed instead in a public square, outside the Piazza della Signoria

1) Santa Maria del Fiore

grahampbrittain — 2014-05-13 02:20:28 UTC

This domed cathedral that is a stunning and breath taking site. Known today as the world’s largest masonry dome, this cathedral features 600 years worth of stunning architecture and art works. This is a gothic architecture style church with beautiful marble and wonderful stained glass windows