About this experience
You will learn why Florence became the homeland of genius artists, scientists, and thinkers. You will discover its amazing past, rich in secrets, mysteries, and curious incidents. You will walk through medieval streets where Dante himself strolled and visit places that remember Da Vinci and Michelangelo.
What to expect
History and legends of Florence
You will find Dante's quarter and the church where his beloved Beatrice rests. You will learn how the largest stone dome in the world was built and why the Florentines first expelled Dante from the city and then tried to get his ashes for centuries. I will also tell you where the locals brought their daughters before the first wedding night and where the rebellious Dominican monk Savonarola was burned.
Main attractions of the city
Examining the square and the church of Santa Maria Novella, you will learn what besides the fight against heresy, the Dominican monks in Florence were famous for. And near the pharmacy of the 17th century, you will hear about the fragrant perfumes of Catherine de' Medici. Besides, I will show you the Baptistery, the first cathedral of the city - the Cathedral of St. Lawrence - and the palace of the Florentine winemakers Antinori. In addition, the excursion program includes:
- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore - the architectural miracle of Brunelleschi. As Michelangelo said: "Not only surpass him, it is impossible to reproduce him. "
- Piazza della Signoria - the political center of Florence. You will examine the statues located on it, made by masters of the early and late Renaissance.
- Palazzo Vecchio - a government palace built in the center of the city during the Middle Ages. You will learn why it resembles a fortress with battlements and what was the rivalry between Da Vinci and Michelangelo, who painted its walls with frescoes.
- Chestnut Tower - this is where Dante worked as one of the rulers of Florence.
- Orsanmichele - the most "Florentine" church in the city, not at all like a church, because it used to be a grain market. I will tell you how the market turned into a temple and why the merchant guilds of Florence decided to take patronage over it.
- Ponte Vecchio - the symbol of the city and the oldest bridge in Florence, known for its overhanging jewelry shops over the Arno River.
- Loggia del Porcellino - here you can make a wish and rub the nose of the Piglet for luck, which inspired Andersen to write the famous story.
- Piazza della Repubblica - you will hear about the times when there were the Forum and the Old Market with a column for public punishments.
Organizational details
The tour is entirely on foot and does not involve any mandatory additional expenses
