Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Venerable cafés and stores line the square. During the 19th century, intellectuals met in
cafés here. The La Rinascente department store, facing Piazza della Repubblica, is one of
the city's mainstays (WC on fourth floor, continue up the stairs from there to the bar with a
rooftop terrace with great Duomo and city views).
Palazzo Davanzati
This five-story, late-medieval tower house offers a rare look at a noble dwelling built in the
14th century. Currently only the ground, first, and second floors are open to visitors, though
the remaining floors can be visited with an escort (usually at 10:00, 11:00, and 12:00; ask
when you arrive or call ahead to be sure there's space). Like other buildings of the age, the
exterior is festooned with 14th-century horse-tethering rings made out of iron, torch hold-
ers, and poles upon which to hang laundry and fly flags. Inside, though the furnishings are
prettysparse,you'llseerichlypaintedwalls,alongchutethatfunctionedasawell,plentyof
fireplaces, a lace display, and even an indoor “outhouse.” While there's little posted inform-
ation, you can borrow English descriptions in each room.
Cost and Hours: €2, covered by Firenze Card, Tue-Sat 8:15-13:50; also open first,
third, and fifth Sun and second and fourth Mon of each month; Via Porta Rossa 13, tel.
055-238-8610.
On and near Piazza della Signoria
The main civic center of Florence is dominated by the Palazzo Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery, and
marble greatness of old Florence littering the cobbles. Piazza della Signoria still vibrates
with the echoes of Florence's past—executions, riots, and great celebrations. Today, it's a
tourist's world with pigeons, postcards, horse buggies, and tired hubbies. If it would make
your weary companion happy, stop in at the recommended but expensive Rivoire café to
enjoy its fine desserts, pudding-thick hot chocolate, and the best view seats in town. It's ex-
pensive—but if you linger, it can be a great value.
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▲▲▲ Ufizi Gallery
This greatest collection of Italian paintings anywhere features works by Giotto, Leonardo,
Raphael, Caravaggio, Titian, and Michelangelo, and a roomful of Botticellis, including the
BirthofVenus. NorthernRenaissancemasters(Dürer,Rembrandt,andRubens)arealsowell
represented.
Cost and Hours: €6.50, €11 with mandatory exhibits, extra €4 for recommended reser-
vation,cashrequiredtopickupticketsreservedbyphone;Tue-Sun8:15-18:35,closedMon,
last entry 30 minutes before closing, no photos, museum info tel. 055-238-8651, reservation
tel. 055-294-883, www.uffizi.firenze.it .
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