Duomo
Florence's Duomo, which is the Italian name for a cathedral, is one of the most famous sacral buildings in Italy. It was completed in 1466, after 170 years of work. The most characteristic feature is its domed roof in the shape of a flower, the reason it’s also referred to as the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore. The splendid cupola, which was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, is one of the most impressive achievements of the Italian Renaissance. You can climb to the top of it in order to admire an outstanding view over the city. The interior is covered with frescoes by Renaissance masters, such as Giotto and Donatello. There are also paintings by the poet Dante and scenes from his Divina Commedia (Divine Comedy). Palazzo Vecchio
Palazzo Vecchio is one of the most impressive town halls of Tuscany. It’s situated on Piazza della Signoria, which is famous for its copy of Michelangelo's David statue. This massive fortress-palace founded by the Lorraine family is one of the most significant public places in Italy. Also called Palazzo della Signoria, after the Signoria of Florence, the ruling body of the city, it was previously given several other names, such as Palazzo del Popolo, Palazzo dei Priori and Palazzo Ducale. Today, it contains the offices of the City Council, but tourists can still visit its splendid interiors. The most interesting are the Hall of Five Hundreds and the four monumental appartements. The Baptistery
The Baptistery of St John, called Battistero di San Giovanni, is supposed to be the oldest building in Florence. It’s particularly famed for its three sets of magnificent and artistically important bronze doors. Placed in the Piazza del Duomo, it lies just west of the Duomo. Until the end of the 19th Century, all Catholic Florentines were baptized here. Its origins derive from ancient times, when it was a Roman temple dedicated to Mars, the tutelary god of old Florence. This basilica is especially famous for its magnificent bronze doors which consist of three sets, South, North and East. Many famous artists, such as Lorenzo Ghiberti, Filippo Brunelleschi and Donatello, took part in the construction of these famous doors. Michelangelo called them "Gates of Paradise", and they’re still referred to by this name, enjoying a status as one of the finest masterpieces ever created. Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio is an ideal place for a romantic walk in the evening. This Medieval bridge passes over the Arno River and is the oldest stone bridge in Europe. Dating from Roman times, it was originally made of wood. Designed by Taddeo Gaddi, this bridge consists of three segmental arches. It has always been a centre of trade in Florence, where many merchants and shops displayed their goods on tables. Legend has it that when a merchant couldn’t pay his debts, the table on which he sold his goods was physically broken by the soldiers. This practice was called bancorotto, from which derives the word ‘bankrupt’. Nowadays, Ponte Vecchio remains the main point for shopping, with its luxurious and posh boutiques of the greatest fashion designers.