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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-
Florence’s sculpture gallery, installed in a medieval town hall and prison, contains early Michelangelos, Mannerist Giambologna’s gravity-defying Flying Mercury (1564) and the city’s best Donatello collection, including Davids in marble and bronze (the first nude since antiquity) and a puzzled St George (1416).
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Crostini (grilled bread topped like a pizza) and more substantial dishes at long wooden tables.
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Prosciutto hanging from the rafters and communal seating. All you can eat (and drink) of Tuscan stand-bys.
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Crowded pizza parlour also serving tasty Neapolitan pasta dishes. Expect a wait even with reservations.
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This establishment is a lowkey, jazzy wine bar situated in the Oltrarno district.
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Excellent hand-painted ceramics from some of central Italy’s best artisans.
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Service with a flourish from a bona fide Medici prince and his progeny.
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High-quality, butter-soft leather. Artisans will personalize your purchase in gold leaf.
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Etruscan artifacts include a silver Antioch amphora, wooden Hittite chariot and the Roman bronze Idolino .
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This Englishman’s private collection includes works by Giotto and Beccafumi.
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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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