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Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance, the city of Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s Birth of Venus . It was here that the Italian language was formalized and its literature born under the great poet Dante. Here enlightened Medici princes ruled: Lorenzo the Magnificent encouraged a teenage Michelangelo to pick up a hammer and chisel, and Cosimo II protected Galileo from the Inquisition. If you feel overloaded with art, explore Dante’s medieval neighbourhood or the Oltrarno artisan and antiques quarter across the river; stroll around the Boboli Gardens, or venture to hilltop Fiesole.
For more on Florence (see The Uffizi, Florence, Pitti Palace, Florence andChurches in Florence For more on Florence’s museums (see The Uffizi, Florence, Pitti Palace, Florence) For more on Tuscan museums and art (see Tuscan Masterpieces-
Beloved restaurant with padded benches, soft lighting and assaggi (tasting) dishes allowing you to sample each course.
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Where Florentines go to enjoy old-fashioned dishes – some not for the weak of stomach, such as testicciole (rice stew in a halved sheep’s skull).
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Cosy establishment serving typical Tuscan dishes. Good value set menus.
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Wine bar/restaurant in a 15th-century palazzo. The Antinori family has been making Chianti for generations, and the produce comes from their farms.
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Great pastries and wonderful stuffed focaccia sandwiches are on offer at the Cantinetta del Verrazzano, which is owned by the Chianti wine estate (see Chianti Vineyards).
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Where stylish Florentine 30-somethings gather for aperativi . Don’t miss the Sunday brunch in this elegant spot.
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Michelangelo’s nephew’s house. Carvings by the master are on display.
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Though a neighbour, Dante didn’t live here, but the house is filled with documents recreating medieval Florence. His beloved Beatrice is buried in the tiny church across the street.
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Going since at least the 1500s, and famous for its antipasto table laden with vegetables, fish and meat.
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Andrea del Castagno’s dramatic 1450 Last Supper . Note the turbulent marble panel behind the heads of Jesus and Judas.
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Restaurant price categories
For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
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