Video:Tips for Visiting Florence

Transcript:Tips for Visiting Florence

Hi, I'm Gina Miller and today for About.com we are going to go over tips for visiting Florence.

Florence, Italy

Firenze, or Florence, Italy is one of the most popular cities to visit in Europe. It's in the Tuscan region of the country and boasts world famous works of art, old architecture, great food and a fun atmosphere featuring some very interesting people.

The Palazza della Signoria

The first place you'll want to visit is the Palazza della Signoria which is in the historic center of town and has an open-air sculpture exhibit that includes a copy of Michelangelo's statue of David. The original is kept at the Galleria dell'Academia museum in Florence a few blocks away.

Also in the Palazza is the famous Fountain of Neptune by Ammannati. This piece was created between 1563 and 1565. It depicts Neptune, the god of the sea and is meant to symbolize Floretines power over the sea.

The Uffizi Gallery

Next to the Palazza is the fantastic Uffizi Gallery which houses many of the world's great pieces of art. Now here's a tip: taking pictures of the outside of these great historical buildings is absolutely fine, but in most places your camera won't be allowed inside, so buy a postcard for those places where you can't film.

The Brunelleschi Dome

Next, you'll want to check out the gothic cathedral, or duomo. It began its construction in 1296 and was finished and consecrated in 1436. This masterpiece was designed and created by the master, Brunelleschi, and is usually referred to as the Brunelleschi dome. It is the largest masonry dome in the world and it's still the tallest building in Florence today.

The Bapistery of John the Baptist

Finally one of Firenze's oldest buildings is the Baptistery of John the Baptist built in the 11th century and it's located right next to the duomo. Getting around Florence is easy. You can take a cab or bus but the easiest method of transportation is simply walking. You'll work up an appetite and finishing your day at a fantastic Florentine restaurant is simply amazing.

And those are tips for visiting Florence. Thanks for watching and for more information visit us on the web at About.com.