Florence Tourist Attractions

Piazza Della Signoria – this is the central square of the city, built in an odd L-shape before the Palazzo Vecchio. The square boasts impressive statuary – an equestrian depiction of Cosimo de Medici by Giambologna, replicas of Donatello’s Marzocco and Judith Beheading Holofernes, one of many replicas of Michelangelo’s David and the restored original Perseus slaying Medusa by Cellini.Palazzo Vecchio was the seat of power in the city for many centuries, including the Medici years. It is built in the form of a fortress, with a high tower. Duomo – the cathedral was built over a period of 600 years, starting from the 13th Century. Its signature dome and lantern atop it is the work of Brunelleschi.Uffizi – the traditional long queues for entering this best known of Italy’s art Galleries pays off with a collection strong in Italian Renaissance and Baroque art. Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus” is possibly the most famous painting in the collection, but there are works by Rembrandt and Durer for a pan European flavour.The Accademia – the original David by Michelangelo was moved here in 1873 to protect it from the elements. Other than this outstanding masterpiece, other sculptures include the unfinished slaves, which demonstrate Michelangelo’s technique of which virtually “releases” the statue within the marble block. There are also some paintings in the collection.Ponte Vecchio – this bridge with shops lining both sides of it was first built in 1345 and spans the Arno River. Goldsmiths and silversmiths occupy the shops here.Piazzale Michelangelo – Overlooking the city from across the Arno, this location offers a great overview of the entire city, punctuated with it Cathedral dome and bridges. It is so named because of the replicas of Michelangelo’s David and other sculptures placed here.

Milan Tourist Attractions

Piazza del Duomo – the main square of Milan leads off to the Duomo – one of the largest cathedrals in Europe, and the Galleria. You can take an elevator to the roof level of the Duomo for a high-up view of the Piazza below. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele is a fine example of 19th Century Shopping complex design. Look out for the picture of a Bull on the floor, which tradition says you ought to spin around its testicles in order to make a wish.La Scala – come out of the Galleria on the other side and you are not far from arguably the best known opera house in Europe. Milanese opera fans are renowned for their fanatic devotion to their favourite stars. Find out more in the museum in the Piazza la Scala, which is now located a little distance away at Corso Magenta, near the Santa Maria Della Grazie.Santa Maria Della Grazie – Visitors to this Gothic Church come for one reason – to gaze upon the Last Supper, by Leonardo Da Vinci. The most famous depiction of this dramatic Biblical scene has been painstakingly restored, but is still much faded compared to the numerous modern reproductions that you can take home with you.Leonardo Da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology – the main attraction is the section dedicated to Leonardo as a scientist. Other exhibits display the progress of technology with an Italo-centric angle, such as the Italian motor scooter industry, the pioneering of radio by Italian Guglielmo Marconi, and the bridge of Italian liner Conte Biancamano.Castello Sforzesco – the seat of the Sforza family, it is a fine example of Renaissance Architecture. Today, it is home to several major museums – the Museum of Ancient Art, Prehistoric and Egyptian collections of the Archeological Museum, and collections of medieval and renaissance furnishing, musical instruments and jewellery.Day trip to Pavia – this town located south of Milan was the residence of one of Milan’s greatest rulers, Gian Galeazzo Visconti. His castle still stands impressively. At the time of his heydays, this was one of Europe’s finest noble homes. Today, it houses several municipal museums, with collections of ancient roman, medieval and renaissance art.Wander the streets of this University town located on the Ticino River. The University is one of the oldest in the world, founded as long ago as AD 825. Finish the day off with a dinner at a local restaurant offering Lombard cuisine and wine.Alfa Romeo Museum – head north to Arese to have a look at this museum dedicated to Milan’s hometown marques. You will need to make an appointment but admission is free. Many past racers from the prewar and immediate postwar era enlighten you to the sporting glories of the Alfa.Meazza – also known as San Siro, it is the site of a race course and Milan’s primary football stadium. In between the stadia stands a giant sculpture of a horse, based upon a design by Leonardo Da Vinci. The football stadium was recently rebuilt and was the site of the opening ceremony of the 1990 World Cup.