A Glimpse of Florence

The historical centre of Florence is a city where visitors can be marveled and awed by the many historical buildings of magnificent design.

The Florence Cathedral or Duomo di Firenze is probably one of the most visited attractions in Florence. Since we were staying in an airbnb within walking to this building, I have lost count of the number of times I had to pass by this magnificent structure just to access to other attractions in Florence..

Formerly known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary of Flower, its shear size can best be appreciated from the sky. Its cupola is still the largest brick dome ever built, boasting an outer diameter of 54.8m (180ft) and an inner diameter of 45.5m (150ft). It is no wonder that it took 140 years to complete (1296 -1436).

The Baptistery of Saint John, an octagonal shaped building built just across the front entrance of the massive Florence Cathedral dwarfs in comparison.

We had wanted to go in to have a look at the interior of the Cathedral. But, a check with the counter confirmed that all tickets had been fully booked for the period when we were there. Even if we could purchase the tickets, the time consuming waiting in the massively long cue to enter would have deterred us anyway! The time would be better spent looking at other attractions nearby.

The Baptistery of Saint John

Just 500m west of Florence Cathedral and adjacent to the Railway Station is the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, a Dominican Church completed in 1470.

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It is probably not wrong to say that each great city has a river. Florence is no exception. River Arno which passes through Florence is the pride of Florentines and is equally their hazard. History records the flood on 4 November 1966 had caused the collapse of the river embankment resulting in at least 40 deaths and the damage of millions of works of arts and rare books.

Arno River.

Walking alongside River Arno..

Another old bridge, Ponte Santa Trinita, an elliptic arch bridge is unique for the three flattened ellipses spanning across the river. The edge spans at both ends each measured 29m and the central span is 32m in length.

Ponte Santa Trinita or Santa Trinita Bridge 
at the background.

Ponte Santa Trinita.

We walked to the west of Florence via the famous Ponte Vecchio, an old medieval stone bridge built across Arno River. The shops along the bridge once used by butchers are now outlets selling mainly jewelry and souvenirs.

Ponte Vecchio.

Jewelry shop along Ponte Vecchio.

Palazzo Pitti or Pitti Palace.