Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Museo di Storia Naturale - Zoologia La Specola
MAP
HISTORY MUSEUM
GOOGLE MAP
(
www.msn.unifi.it
;
Via Romana 17; adult/child/family €6/3/13; 9.30am-4.30pm Tue-Sun Oct-May, to
5.30pm Jun-Sep)
One of several sections of Florence's natural history museum dating to
1775, La Specola showcases 5000-odd animals (out of a depository of 3.5 million). The
big highlight, not recommended for the squeamish or young children, is the collection of
wax models of bits of human anatomy in varying states of bad health.
Via de' Bardi
Walking east from Ponte Vecchio, the first stretch of Via de' Bardi shows clear signs of its
recent history. This entire area was flattened by German mines in 1944, and hastily rebuilt
in questionable taste after the war. The street spills into Piazza di Santa Maria Soprarno.
Follow narrow Via de' Bardi away from the square and you enter a quiet corner of
Florence once practically owned by the powerful Bardi family.
By the time Cosimo the Elder wed Contessina de' Bardi in 1415, the latter's family was
on the decline. Via de' Bardi ends on Piazza de' Mozzi, surrounded by the sturdy facades
de' Mozzi 2)
when brokering peace between the Guelphs and Ghibellines.
STREET
Forte di Belvedere
( 055 29 08 32; Via di San Leonardo 1; admission €5; 10am-8pm Fri-Wed summer)
Forte di
Belvedere is a rambling fort designed by Bernardo Buontalenti for Grand Duke Ferdin-
ando I at the end of the 16th century. From the massive bulwark soldiers kept watch on
four fronts - as much for internal security to protect the Palazzo Pitti as against foreign at-
tack. After five lengthy years of renovation works, the imposing fortress is once again
open to visitors: it hosts fabulous contemporary art exhibitions and the sweeping panor-
ama from its walls is among the city's most breathtaking.
To get here from Piazza de' Mozzi, turn east down Via dei Renai, past leafy Piazza Nic-
ola Demidoff, dedicated to the 19th-century Russian philanthropist who lived nearby in
Via San Niccolò. At the end of Via dei Renai, 16th-century
Palazzo Serristori
was home to
Joseph Bonaparte in the last years of his life until his death in 1844; a humble end to the
man who, at the height of his career, had been appointed king of Spain by his brother Na-
poleon. Turn right and you end up on Via San Niccolò; walk east along this street to
FORTRESS, GALLERY
