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A veritable who’s who of the greatest Renaissance masters installed in the former offices (uffizi ) of the ruling Medici family.

The crowds come for Michelangelo’s David (1501–4), then stay for his Slaves , carved for the tomb of Julius II, and paintings by Botticelli, Lorenzo di Credi, Orcagna, Perugino and del Sarto.

Brunelleschi’s noble dome, Giotto’s slender belltower, Ghiberti’s robust gates, Michelangelo’s tortured Pietà and two panoramic terraces, all wrapped in red, white and green marble.

A grassy “Field of Miracles”. The Campo is studded with masterpieces of Romanesque architecture: a Baptistry and Cathedral containing Gothic pulpits by Pisano and, of course, that ridiculously leaning, famous belltower.

A striped giant of a cathedral stuffed with carvings, frescoes, Michelangelo’s sculptures and Bernini’s chape.

This sloping brick scallop shell is Siena’s living room, its public palace a museum celebrating maestros of Gothic art.

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.

See Elba for the best spas and free springs.

Florence’s major churches are covered fully on and the cathedral on (see The Duomo Group, Florence).

The Galleria Palatina features Raphael Madonnas and Titian beauties alongside works by Andrea del Sarto, Perugino, Signorelli, Caravaggio and Rubens. Palatial décor is the backdrop to collections of costumes, silverware and carriages (see Pitti Palace, Florence).

Italy’s top sculpture gallery, with the world’s best collection of Donatellos. Other sculptures by Cellini, Giambologna and Michelangelo.

A super-thick, juicy T-bone steak, best cut from snowy white Chiana cattle, simply brushed with olive oil and cracked pepper and grilled (medium-rare) over a wood fire. (A different cut is being used during the BSE scare.)

“Ugly but good” cakes, slightly chewy in a crisp shell.

Small, hard, half-moon almond biscuits – best from Prato – called biscotti outside Tuscany. Dip them in Vin Santo (a white dessert wine).

Michelangelo’s nephew’s house. Carvings by the master are on display.