Florence is the economic and cultural capital of Tuscany and a must for every traveller to Italy! It is divided by the river Arno, which meanders through the city. The most beautiful view is from the “Piazzale Michelangelo”: On the weekends, the locals are also attracted by the view of its beauty with the red tiled roofs, church towers, palaces, and the cathedral dome of Brunelleschi. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety in 1982. Already in the 1st century B.C., Florence is said to have been founded as a Roman military camp at the foot of the Etruscan town Fiesole. In the 12th century, under the power of wealthy merchants, it became a coveted trading town. The political crisis of the 14th century was exploited by rich merchant and banker families to take over the power of the city.

In 1434, Cosimo de Medici seized power for the Medici dynasty and his successor led the city to its highest peak. It became the centre of art and science. After the Medici became too powerful, they expelled the Florentines, who had always been bourgeois. With the annexation to the Kingdom of Italy, Florence even became the capital of Italy from 1865 to 1871.

The historical centre of the city has its centre north of the Arno on the “Piazza della Repubblica”. The distances are short and the old town has been traffic-calmed – perfect for a relaxing stroll along the most important Renaissance sights! In addition, the striking “Piazza della Signoria” has many Renaissance buildings, such as the “Palazzo Veccio”, the old town hall and museum, the bridge “Ponte Vecchio”, the “Basilica San Lorenzo”, the “Palazzo Pitti” and the world-famous Uffizieni.

Pisa and the Leaning Tower

The landmark of Pisa is undoubtedly the Leaning Tower on the beautiful “Piazza dei Miracoli”, which you should not miss on a trip to Tuscany! Also known as the “Square of Miracles”, it impresses with the incredibly large “Duomo Santa Maria Assunta” from the 11th century and the “Battistero San Giovanni”, the largest baptistry in the world. The “Campanile”, the Leaning Tower, with its fine white marble arches, is probably the most photographed building on the square and offers the most beautiful view of the “Piazza”. The “Piazza dei Miracoli” ensemble was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

Pisa also boasts an almost completely preserved city wall crowned with battlements and an enchanting cityscape on the banks of the Arno. One of the most charming squares of Pisa is the “Piazza dei Cavalieri” with the magnificent “Chiesa di Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri” and the “Palazzo della Carovana”.