Florence city is the capital of the region of Tuscany in
Italy. The city is also the most populated in Tuscany and a World Heritage Site of UNESCO as of 1982. Florence is considered the mother of the Renaissance, and it attracts numerous tourists to itself owing to its strong and rich cultural history.
Renaissance artwork and architectural masterpieces are significantly featured in the cityscape of Florence. For instance, the iconic Duomo is a paradigm of the great artwork of two great structural engineers. One is Brunelleschi, who is behind the design of the terracotta-tiled dome, and the other is Giotto, the man behind the iconic bell tower.
Florence is home to the works of great artists showcased through displays of their works. Leonardo Da Vinci's "Annunciation" is one such example, preserved away in the Uffizi Gallery. In the Galleria dell'Accademia, there is displayed the "David" sculpture by the famous Michelangelo, as well as the renowned Botticelli's work in "The Birth of Venus" displayed within the Uffizi Gallery.
Scenic views of the surrounding region are made possible from Ponte Vecchio, a contemporary stone architectural design that assumes the arch shape, creating a beautiful pedestrian walk bridge. Along the Ponte Vecchio, visitors shop for stunning pieces of jewelry from the dozens of jewelry stores lining the bridge.
Close by to the beautiful bridge, on the southern part of the Arno River's banks, stands the majestic Palazzo Pitti, which was once the residence to the mighty Medici Family. Today, the Palazzo Pitti is home to the great works of some of Italy's best artists like Raphael and Titian. To the northern bank of the River Arno, stand the most visited squares of Italy, the Piazza del Signoria. On this square, the Palazzo Vecchio that now functions as the town hall, and the highly admired statue of "Perseus with the Head of Medusa" by Cellini form some of the most attractive tourist features.
Florence enjoys a humid subtropical climate and is tolerable all year round. During summer, from
June to
August, Florence experiences hot and humid days that are occasionally accompanied by light showers of rain. During winter, between
December and
March, the days turn cold and wet with the periodic relief rainfall being experienced.
During summer, especially in August, the people of Florence may leave town for holidays in other destinations, and most shops and stalls, and other businesses remain closed most of the time.
From
April to June, the people of Florence celebrate the Maggio Musicale and Opera Festival, with the primary aim of representing the forgotten operas in visual productions. Then, on the 24th of June, the feast of San Giovanni, who is considered Florence's patron Saint, is held. The celebration is complete with organized parades and processions with the ultimate culmination in the Renaissance-style association football match that is held in the Santa Croce.
On varying dates in March and April, Florence celebrates the Holy Easter weekend amid long religious processions and celebration, and closes it up with beautiful and elaborate firework performances from the Duomo front, lighting up the night sky.