Holiday in Florence

Capital

When the last Medici descendant died, the city fell into the hands of the Habsburgs. They took turns governing the city with the French. In 1859, Florence returned to Italian hands. Between 1865 and 1871, it was even the capital of the country, which was not yet fully reunited. As soon as Rome also became part of the Italian kingdom, that city assumed this function.

A holiday in Florence

Florence is a particularly versatile holiday destination. There are many highlights to visit during a holiday in Florence and the surrounding area. We highlight a few of them.

Watch a film of approximately 11 minutes about Florence here to get into the mood.

Nature and culture

The most beautiful piece of nature near the city of Florence is without a doubt the forest of VallombrosaIt is situated on the slopes of the Pratomagno and has an abundance of freshwater springs. Formerly, the forest also included an artificial lake, but that has since disappeared. The forest is important not only because of its size, but also because of its history and the diversity of its vegetation.

Before humans began cultivating the forest, it was composed primarily of hardwoods such as beech and oak. It was the monks who started the artificial cultivation of the silver fir. This is how the most famous fir of the Tuscan Apennines came into existence. From 1866 onwards, intensive reforestation and modernization of the road network began. The old chestnut trees were gradually replaced by pine forest and countless exotic species.

Vallombrosa was and still is an important center for nature education: it was once again the monks who, in the early nineteenth century, taught the first rules for good forest management. Consequently, the Forest School was founded in the Abbey of Vallombrosa in 1869, where it remained until 1912. Afterwards, the name changed to Forestry Institute and it moved to Florence. In 1936, it became part of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Florence.

Anchiano, birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci

The city castelfiorentino It is located near the intersection of the Via Francigena and the Via Volterrana. In 1260, after the Battle of Monteaperti, peace was signed here between Florence and Siena. Since then, this city has been of great importance from a political, economic, and artistic perspective. This is primarily due to Castelfiorentino's central location on the border between Florence, Pisa, and Siena. According to popular tradition, a boy named Membrino saved the city from ruin in the 16th century. He is depicted with his horse on the clock of the town hall.

Another charming city in the province of Florence is CertaldoTraces of the Etruscans can be found in the Certaldo area. In 1164, Emperor Federico Barbarosso ceded the city to the Alberti counts from Prato, who settled in the present-day Palazzo Pretorio. From 1313 to 1375, the family of the poet and writer Giovanni Boccaccio lived in this town. The Mercantia International Street Theatre Festival takes place here annually. This festival is held in the third week of July. Certaldo is also known for the Certaldo onion. See also further in this text.

Certaldo – Photo: Visittuscany[/caption]

The first inhabitants of the area of Empoli were the Etruscans and later the Romans. Remains from the Roman era can still be found in the historic center. An example of this is the fountain with the bronze statue of the three water nymphs in Piazza Farinata degli Uberti.

The village Limit It is situated along the Arno River. Most likely, a harbor already existed here during the time of the Etruscans. Shipping was important to the village, and the local skippers were known for their expertise in transporting goods. Consequently, the first rowing club in Italy was founded in 1861, and it continues to achieve success to this day. Twice a year, a village festival is organized with the main theme being rowing races between the various districts: the Palio di San Lorenzo on the 3rd Sunday of July and the Palio con la Montata on the 3rd Sunday of September.

In the area of ​​the municipality Montaione Traces of Etruscan necropolises (tombs) and Roman brickworks can be found in Poggio all'Aglione, Bellafonte, Iano, and Castelfalfi. Montaione has been an official municipality since 1257. From this period onwards, glassmaking was an important source of income for Montaione. At the beginning of the industrial era, this activity was moved to Empoli.

Montelupo It is situated between the Montalbano mountains and the Arno River and was formerly an important road junction connecting Florence, the Apennines, and the Tyrrhenian coast. Its location along an ancient Roman road connecting Florence with Pisa and the presence of waterways led to the development of various artisanal activities, including ceramics. Every year in June, the Festa Internazionale della Ceramica (International Ceramics Festival) is organized in Montelupo.

Finally VinciThis small town lies at the foot of Mount Montalbano in a green hilly landscape amidst vineyards and olive groves. The ancient fortress dates back to the Middle Ages and was in the possession of the Conti Guidi until 1254, when it was transferred to the Florentines. Leonardo da Vinci was born not in Vinci on April 15, 1452, but in the nearby village of Anchiano. Leonardo spent his childhood in Vinci.  Get to know the genius Leonardo da Vinci in an interactive way..

Culinary facts

Various cities around Florence are known for a particular culinary specialty. For Certaldo are those two types onions: the “Vernina”, a red onion with a strong flavor, and the “statina”, light purple in color with a relatively sweet taste. The latter is only available from local producers. Empoli is together with Certaldo the city of the artichokeThis artichoke is deep green with purple leaves and has a mild, sweet-bitter taste. This artichoke is available from April to June and can be found in various dishes around that time. Montaione is together with Montespertoli the city of the brood: 'la città del pane'. Typical Tuscan bread is saltless. The reason for this lies in the conflicts between Pisa and Florence in the 12th century. At the time, the maritime republic blocked the salt trade to the interior. Since then, bread has been baked without salt, and this tradition is still maintained today. If you want bread with salt in the bakery, ask for it explicitly.

Walking and cycling

The province of Florence boasts very diverse nature: from hilly landscapes to marshes and from olive groves to forests. There are therefore plenty of options for hikers of every level. Elsewhere on our site, you will find descriptions of a number of hiking routes in the province of Florence (here en hereFrom Florence, it is also possible to take a day hike towards the Vallombrosa Forest. The route runs through Vallina and Pontassieve into the forest. You can decide for yourself how long the loop through the forest will be. You then walk back towards the city via Reggello and Bagno a Ripoli. Allow plenty of time for this route: it covers nearly 90 kilometers. View our hiking destinations: Walking in Florence

For cycling enthusiasts, there are various options to be found around Florence, for both sports cyclists and recreational riders. Consider, for example, a tour through the Chianti region, one of the most favorite cycling areas for many, or a loop around the lakes. The Strade Bianche routes also offer a challenge for sports cyclists. Furthermore, the various castles in the area provide a good starting point for a cycling trip. A beautiful route (with various sights worth visiting along the way) runs, for instance, from Florence, via Tavarnelle Val di Pesa and the monastery of Badia a Passignano, Panzano in Chianti, Volpaia (with the historic wine cellars in the Castle of Volpaia), Siena, Gaiole in Chianti and the Castle of Brolio, the Castle of Albola, Greve in Chianti, and back to Florence. In the mood for something different? Then book a vintage bike tour through Florence., with a delicious gelato as a reward!

Castello di Brolio – photo Visittuscany

View our cycling destinations: Cycling and mountain biking in Tuscany

Wellness in Florence

If you enjoy spa treatments and wellness, you can also find a beautiful destination in Florence. Since 1977, Gambassi has been allowed to call itself Gambassi Terme because the town is officially recognized as a spa resort. This is due to its thermal water. The area of ​​Gambassi was already inhabited during the time of the Etruscans and the Romans. There are various thermal baths to be found in Gambassi.

Florence, the city

The city of Florence has a great deal to offer visitors in terms of culture, nature, and events. Below is a small selection from the enormous range on offer.

De Old Bridge It is undoubtedly the most famous bridge in Florence and one of the main attractions. Numerous small shops selling mainly jewelry can be found on the bridge. The current bridge is the second bridge built at this location: the first was completely destroyed by a flood in 1333, after which the current bridge was built in 1345.

Not far from the Ponte Vecchio lies the Piazza della Signoria, to which the Palazzo Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery (with famous works by Michelangelo, among others), the equestrian statue, and the Neptune Fountain are located. It can therefore rightly be called the cultural center of Florence. Admire Michelangelo's David sculpture and other Renaissance masterpieces without waiting hours to get in.

De Boboli Gardens are a true highlight for lovers of neatly laid-out gardens. They are located behind Palazzo Pitti, a palace that once belonged to the wealthy Medici family. In addition to various tree species and shrubs, there are many statues and fountains to admire in the garden. Discover the Boboli Gardens in combination with a visit to Palazzo Pitti.

Boboli Gardens

There is often a party in the city. The Feast of St. John, the feast day of Saint John the Baptist, is celebrated grandly in Florence every year on June 24. Throughout the city, there is feasting, dancing, and eating. There are numerous activities, and residents dress in historical costumes. The day concludes with a spectacular fireworks display. June is also an excellent month for a holiday or city trip to Florence. The most important Easter event in Florence is without a doubt The explosion of the wagon – (the explosion of the cart). After the service in the Cathedral, a decorated float arrives at the cathedral square. Exactly at twelve o'clock, the bishop sets it on fire with the help of a dove, after which a colorful fire erupts. If the dove has difficulty lighting the fire, this predicts a bad harvest.

You can also do just fine in Florence. shoppingThe city of Dante, Boccaccio, and Leonardo da Vinci is small and manageable. Old and new blend together perfectly here. Florence is, after all, a true shopping city. Souvenir shops border boutiques of major Italian brands. Be sure to take a look at Via de Tornabuoni, also known as the PC Hooft of Florence. Or take a peek at the pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella for lovely soaps, lotions, or Eau de Colognes, in a special ambiance.