Full Description
At the heart of this full-colour and visually inspiring guide is a wealth of well-researched information and over 120 detailed recommendations, written by experts. Florence is a city devoted to art and breathtaking architecture, from the magnificent Duomo to the Uffizi gallery and from the Palazzo Pitti to the picturesque Ponte Vecchio, you will find all the sights and top attractions explored in an easy-to-read A-Z format helping you navigate your way through the almost overwhelming array of sights. Superb 3D laminated illustrations display the key highlights in perspective and include the Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore and the impressive Piazza della Signoria, brought to life at the turn of a page. Clear and concise background texts cover Florence's fascinating cultural heritage and history, tracing key events from its founding as a Roman veterans' colony in 59BC to the Medici and beyond. Special feature pages cover topics of particular interest that give a rare glimpse into everyday life and throughout the guide you will find answers to some of Florence's more intriguing cultural questions such as 'Why is the construction of the cathedral dome a technical tour de force?' and 'What role did the Medici play in the city's history?'. A comprehensive 'Practicalities' chapter covers all the essential travel advice you need, including accommodation, transport, food and drink, health, shopping, money and much more, not to mention useful insider tips for travellers with disabilities and those travelling with children. It reveals when and where you can catch festivals, holidays and events throughout the year. There are plenty of 'Baedeker tips' alongside the relevant places and sights information, making this guide ideal for on-the-spot reference. The guide is accompanied by a large, fully indexed, pull-out map, along with 24 detailed maps and plans within the text that clearly pin-points the best places to stay and top venues to eat and drink en route. There are 4 recommended tours specially designed to ensure you see the very best of this uniquely beautiful and historic city. Whether you want to focus on the absolute highlights, follow in Michelangelo's footsteps, climb Monte alle Croce or see a different side of the city, the 4 specially selected tours range from 1-2 days, so you can choose the tour to suit you. Top sights are clearly plotted along the way with the distances marked between them. All of this invaluable information is contained within a handy plastic wallet that allows you to keep the guide and map together whilst ensuring that both will survive in all weather. Baedeker - setting a new standard in 21st century travel guide publishing.
Contents
BACKGROUND; Cradle of the Renaissance; Facts; Population, Politics, Economy; History; The Beginnings of the City; Medieval Rule by Nobles; Government in the Hands of the Citizens; City Republic under the Medici; Art and Commerce; Residence of Grand Dukes; From Habsburg-Lorraine to the Kingdom of Italy; A Fresh Start; Art and Culture; Art; Cultural Life; Famous People; Courageous Battles of Words; PRACTICALITIES; Accommodation; Arrival, Before the Journey; Cafes and Ice Cream Shops; Children in Florence; Cinemas; Electricity; Emergency; Etiquette and Customs; Festivals, Holidays and Events; Florentine Festivals; Food and Drink; Health; Information; Language; Literature; Lost and Found; Media; Money; Museums; Nightlife; Post, Communications; Prices and Discounts; Shopping; Sports and Outdoors; Theatre, Concerts; Time; Tours and Guides; Transport. Travellers with Disabilities; When to Go; Wine; TOURS; Getting Around in Florence; Tour 1: Absolute Highlights; Tour 2: In Michelangelo's Footsteps; Tour 3: On Monte alle Croce; Tour 4: Everyday Florence; SIGHTS FROM A to Z; Battistero San Giovanni; Casa Buonarroti; Cascine; Casino Mediceo; Cenacolo di Foligno; Cenacolo di San Salvi; Certaldo; Certosa di Galluzzo; Chianti; Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore; 3D: Duomo; Fiesole; Fortezza da Basso; Galleria dellAccademia; Hero of Faith andNude Model; Galleria degli Uffizi; Giardino di Boboli; Loggia dei Lanzi; Loggia di Mercato Nuovo; Museo Archeologico; Museo Bardini; Museo dellCasa Fiorentina Antica/Palazzo Davanzati; Museo della Fondazione Horne; Museo Marino Marini; Muso Nazionale di Antopologia ed Etnologia; Museo Nazionale del Bargello; Museo dellOpera di Duomo; Museo Stibbert; Museo Storico Topografico "Firenze comera"; Ognissanti; Orsanmichele; Ospedale degli Innocenti; Palazzo Antinori; Palazzo Medici-Riccardi; Palazzo Pitti; Palazzo Rucellai; Palazzo Spini-Ferroni; Palazzo Strozzi. High Heels for VIPs; Palazzo Vecchio; Piazza del Duomo; Piazza della Repubblica; Piazza della Santissima Annunziata; Piazza della Signoria; 3D: Piazza della Signoria; Piazzale Michelangelo; Ponte Vecchio; San Firenze; San Frediano in Cestello; San Lorenzo; San Marco; San Miniato al Monte; Santa Croce; Santa Maria del Carmine; Santa Maria Maddalena dei Pazzi; Santa Maria Novella; Santa Trinita; Santissima Annunziata; Santo Spirito; Settignano; Synagoga e Museo Ebraico; Villa Medicee; Index; List of maps and illustrations; Photo credits; Publishers information.
