YOUR GUIDE TO - FLORENCE

Transcription

1 Copyright 2006 YOUR GUIDE TO - FLORENCE

2 CONTENTS WELCOME YOUR AUDIO GUIDE YOUR PRINTED GUIDE MAP GETTING AROUND FROM THE AIRPORT BY BUS BY TAXI THE HIT LIST PALACES CHURCHES GALLERIES AND MUSEUMS EATING & DRINKING CAFES RESTAURANTS BARS SHOPS CLOTHES ACCESSORIES TOILETRIES & COSMETICS TOYS FOOD

3 1.0 - WELCOME Your audio guide: Thanks very much for choosing this MP3 city guide to Florence. If you've already done any of our walks before you'll know how it works but if not, I'll tell you now. As you've probably already noticed, each of these sections of the walk that you've downloaded on to your machine has a name. The first is 'Duomo'. Just consider each of these walks as individual tracks on an 'album' which is the complete tour. You'll hear directions about where to go next at the end of each section but the route and the stopping points are also marked on your map which is part of this Printed Guide. When you get to a stopping point find somewhere to stand or sit which is out of the way of people and traffic and then play the next section of the walk. At some sites though, we'll suggest you walk while we talk so that we can point out other interesting buildings or statues to you or just so that you can start making your way to next stop on the tour. The map has been especially produced to help you find your way while you're listening to the audio guide which means that it's not drawn exactly to scale. Top tip: When you print out this Printed Guide or, at least, the map, set your printer to high quality or fine print so that the map is as clear as possible and easy to read. Please take care when you're using the audio guide: Florence is a relatively safe, law abiding city but do keep an eye out for pick pockets and watch out when you're crossing the road. When we get to something like a church or museum, after I've described it you might want to go in or you might want to buy a ticket for later if it looks crowded. Or you might just want to carry on and come back and visit it afterwards now that you know where it is. Top tip: Play a few sections of the tour on your MP3 player or ipod before you go just to check that they've downloaded OK Your Printed Guide This printed guide complements your audio guide. We know that exploring a city can take more than one visit - and possibly even a life time so we've pared our guide down to what we think are the essential things to see and do. They're included in The Hit List. We've done our best to get it right and, because we're an internet based guide rather than a conventional guide book, we can update our information very quickly. That said, many places change their opening times at very short notice so please accept our apologies if you arrive somewhere and, despite what we've said, you find it's shut. As with your aduio guide, if you find that something - museum, gallery, church, bar or restaurant - is not as we've described it then please do let us know by contactingus as feedback@mp3cityguides.com.

4 2.0 - MAP - FLORENCE STOPS > MERCARTO CENTRALE VIA DEI' GINORI 1 DUOMO 2 PIAZZA DELLA REPUBBLICA PIAZZA DELL' UNITA ITALIANA 10 VIA D AVELLI VIA DEL MELARANCIO 11 VIA DELLA SCALA VIA DELL' ARIENTO PALAZZO MEDICI RICCARDI 3 PIAZZA DELLA SIGNORIA 4 MERCATO NUOVO 5 PONTE VECCHIO 6 PALAZZO PITTI 7 SANTO SPIRITO 8 SANTA MARIA DEL CARMINE 9 PONTE SANTA TRINITA 10 SANTA MARIA NOVELLA 11 SAN LORENZO RAILWAY STATION PIAZZA M D ALDOBRANDINI FINISH 1 START VIA DELLE BELLE DONNE VIA DEL SOLE VIA DELLA SPADA 2 VIA DEI SPEZIALI ORSANMICHELE VIA DEI CALZAIUOLI VIA DELLA VIGNA NUOVA VIA DEGLI STROZZI VIA DELLA PORTA ROSSA 8 VIA SANTA MONICA BORGO SAN FREDIANO VIA DE' SERRAGLI LUNGARNO GUICCIARDINI SANTA TRINITA VIA TORNABUONI 9 PIAZZA SANTA TRINITA PALAZZO STROZZI 4 VIA POR SANTA MARIA VIA CALIMARUZZA 3 PALAZZO VECCHIO UFFIZI BORGO SAN JACOPO VIA SANT AGOSTO 7 5 UFFIZI VIA MAZZETTA VIA MAGGIO VIA DE' GUICCIARDINI 6 PIAZZA SAN FELICE

5 3.0 - GETTING AROUND From the airport: Flying from Pisa: the train goes direct from the airport to Florence Santa Maria Novella railway station and takes about an hour to an hour and half. There is also a coach service which takes just over an hour. Both cost about EURO 15. Increasingly flights are coming into the city's own airport Amerigo Vespucci, also as known Peretola. The bus takes about 30 to 45 minutes and arrives at the bus station which is near the railway station. It costs EURO 4. A taxi takes about 20 to 30 minutes and costs about EURO By Bus: You can walk around the centre of Florence very easily but the bus can be useful. Bus tickets are available from tabacchi, newsstands and bars and cost EURO 1. Stamp them in the machine on the bus. You can also get a ticket which is valid for unlimited travel over 24 hours called a biglietto venitquattro ore for EURO 4.50 For more information visit and click 'English version' in the top left hand corner By Taxi: Taxis are not easy to find and can be expensive. There are ranks in the Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza Santa Maria Novella and Piazza del Duomo amongst other places. The best bet is to ask your hotel or restaurant to order you one otherwise call or

6 4.0 - THE HIT LIST 4.1 Palaces: Palazzo Vecchio The seat of Florentine government with state apartments and a spectacular great hall. Open 15 June to 15 September Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday 9am - 7pm Thursday and Sunday 9am to 2pm Monday and Friday 9am - 11pm. 16 September to 14 June Saturday to Wednesday 9am - 7pm and Thursday and Sunday 9am - 2pm. Piazza della Signoria Palazzo Pitti The Medici's residence in Oltrarno, across the river has several museums with works by Filippino Lippi, Titian and Caravaggio. The state rooms are sumptuous and the Boboli gardens are beautiful and calm. Galleria Palatina and royal apartments and the Galleria del Arte Moderna are open Tuesday to Sunday 8.15am pm. The Museo degli Argenti or Medici Treasury opens daily at 8.15am and closes at: 4.30pm (November to February) 5.30pm (March and October) and 6.30pm (April, May, September and October) and 7.30pm (June to August) The Boboli Gardens are open daily November to January 9am pm, March 8.15am pm, April May, September and October 8.15am pm, June and August 8.15am pm. Closed first and last Monday of the month. Piazza di Pitti Palazzo Medici-Riccardi Richly decorated home of the Medicis. The Capella dei Magi with its beautiful frescoes is a must. Open daily 9am - 7pm. Closed Wednesday. 1 Via Cavour Churches: NB Most of these are working churches - please be respectful during services. Duomo Florence's great cathedral Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday Friday 10am, - 5pm, Saturday 10am pm and Sunday 1.30pm pm. First Saturday of the month 10am pm. Piazza del Duomo Baptistry Stunning interior with mosaics and gothic figures. Open Monday to Saturday noon - 7pm Sunday and holidays 8.30am - 2pm. Piazza del Duomo Church of Santo Spirito Open, elegant church interior, the last by Brunelleschi Open Monday to Friday 8am - noon and 4pm pm Saturday and Sunday 4pm pm but closed Wednesday afternoon. Piazza di Santo Church of Santa Maria del Carmine Stunning frescoes by Masaccio which changed the course of art history. Open Monday and Wednesday to Saturday 10am - 5pm and Sunday 1pm -5pm. Piazza del Carmine Church of San Lorenzo Almost overwhelmingly opulent church and crypt built for the Medicis Open Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm. Piazza San Lorenzo

7 Church of San Marco Beautiful church and monastery with monks' cells decorated with delicate frescoes. The subtle, highly refined works of Fra Angelico are the highlight. Open Monday to Friday 8.15am pm, Saturday 8.15am pm, Sunday 8.15am - 7pm. Closed first, third and fifth Sunday and second and fourth Monday of the each month. Piazza di San Marco Church of Santa Trinita Don't miss the Cappella Sassetti with frescoes by Ghirlandaio. Open daily 8am - noon and 4pm - 6pm. Piazza Santa Trinita Church of Ognissanti Works by Ghirlandaio including portrait of Amerigo Verspucci after whom America is thought to be named. Open daily 8am - noon and 4pm - 7pm. 42 Borgo Ognissanti Church of Santa Maria Novella Magnificent church with shady cloister and works by Giotto and Brunelleschi amongst others. Open: Monday to Saturday 7am - noon and 3.30pm until 6pm Sunday 3.30pm - 6pm. Museum Monday to Thursday Saturday and Sunday 9am pm. Piazza de Santa Maria Novella Church of San Miniato al Monte Richly decorated Romanesque church that is worth the walk up the hill. Open daily 8am - noon and 2pm - 7pm April to September and then 8am - noon and 2.30pm - 6pm. 34 Via delle Porte Sante Church of Orsanmichele - formerly a warehouse for wheat, is has some beautiful, delicate frescoes. Open daily 9am - noon and 4pm - 6pm. Via dell'arte della Lana Galleries and Museums: The Uffizi One of the greatest collections of art in the world with Northern European works as well as Italian Renaissance and Gothic paintings. Take a break half way through your visit in the cafe which is small but has good views of the city. Advance booking strongly advised, especially during the summer. Open Tuesday to Sunday 8.15am pm. Occasionally until 10pm. Piazza della Signoria Galleria dell'accademia Most people come to see Michaelangelo's David but the collection of paintings and sculptors from the Renaissance and earlier is vast. Open Tuesday to Sunday 8.15am pm Via Riscassoli Museo Nazionale del Bargello Sculptures by Michaelangelo and Giambologna amongst others Open daily 8.15am - 6pm. Closed 2nd and 4th Monday of the month. 4 Via del Proconsolo (by the Piazza della Signoria) NB Italian street numbers come in two varieties - black are residential or private while red numbers are commercial (and include restaurants) and these are written with an 'r' after them. Make sure you look out for the red number plates in the streets.

8 5.0 - EATING AND DRINKING Cafes: Duomo/central Caffe Rivoire Great view of the Palazzo Vecchio and particularly good for hot chocolate and ice cream. Open Tuesday to Sunday 8am - midnight. Piazza della Signoria Caffe Gilli Belle Epoque decorations and wonderful hot chocolate. Open daily except Tuesday 8am - midnight. Piazza della Repubblica Caffe Concerto Paszkowski Great for just watching the Italians in action at the bar - both serving and gossiping over their espressos. Concerts during the summer. Open Tuesday to Sunday 7am pm. Piazza della Repubblica Giubbe Rosse The name comes from the waiters' distinctive red jackets. Grand but slightly more bohemian that its neighbours. Open daily 7.30am - 2am Piazza della Repubblica Santa Croce/San Lorenzo Casa del Vino Tiny cafe and bar with wooden shelves lined with bottles and an endless supply of crostini, anti pasti and sweets. Open Monday to Friday 9.30am - 7pm and Saturday during the winter. 16r Via dell'ariento Santa Maria Novella/San Lorenzo Amerini Imaginative anti pasti and snacks. Popular with shoppers. Open: Monday to Saturday 8am - 8pm. 63r Via della Vigna Nuova Restaurants: Prices: Budget : main courses up to EURO 15 Moderate: EURO Expensive: EURO 25 and upwards NB If you're ringing a restaurant, note that you keep the first '0' of the code for Florence which is 055. Duomo/Central Angels Cool, minimalist restaurant and bar. Open: Daily lunch and dinner. Price: Moderate Via del Proconsolo T: Santa Maria Novella/San Lorenzo Rosticceria della Spada Solid Italian cooking with an impressive display of roast chicken, veal and beef in a traditional restaurant. Open: Daily lunch and dinner. Price: Moderate. 62r Via della Spada T:

9 Osteria delle Belle Donne Can be difficult to find because there is no sign. But good, unpretentious food and regular changing menu on the blackboard. Italian language students sit next to smart shoppers in this busy, comfortable eatery. Open: Monday to Friday lunch and dinner. Price: Budget/Moderate 16r Via della Spada T: Uvafragola Good quality standard Italian cooking especially pizzas. Open: Daily (except Wednesday) lunch and dinner. Price: Budget 9-10 Piazza Santa Maria Novella T: San Lorenzo/Santa Croce Ristorante Leo Well established restaurant with friendly atmosphere which serves hearty Tuscan food and specialises in the famous steaks called Bistecca Fiorentina. Open: Daily lunch and dinner. Price: Moderate 7r Via Torta T: Da Sergio Simple well made pizzas and pasta in busy but friendly surroundings. Open: Monday to Saturday lunch and dinner Price: Budget 8r Piazza San Lorenzo T: Tirovino Simple but well made Tuscan cooking in a family run restaurant with hearty portions and an emphasis on meat. Open: Tuesday to Sunday lunch and dinner. Price: Moderate 70r Via Ghibellina T: www.tirovino.com Enoteca Pinchiorri With its two Michelin stars, this is said to be the best restaurant in Florence. Imaginative international cooking includes lobster risotto and dark chocolate and banana tart. Jackets essential for gentlemen. Open: Daily dinner, lunch Thursday to Saturday. Price: Expensive - up to EURO 125 per person. 87 Via Ghibellina T: (difficult to navigate - click language then four square symbol at the bottom of the page) Baldovino A restaurant and a cafe/wine bar/enoteca opposite each other Restaurant: Classic Tuscan dishes but with a lightness of touch a modern twist. Open: Tuesday to Sunday lunch and dinner Price: Moderate. 22r Via San Guiseppe T: Cafe: Light, modern international cooking such as chicken and fennel salad or sweet pepper and ricotta quiche. Buy bottles of wine to take away. Open: Tuesday to Sunday lunch and dinner. Price: Budget 18r Via San Guiseppe T: Cibreo Classic but imaginative Tuscan cooking. Open: Tuesday to Saturday lunch and dinner. Price: Moderate/Expensive. 118r Via dei Macci T: Cibreino Round the corner at 35 Piazza Ghiberti (T: ) Although it shares a kitchen with its pricier neighbour, food is simple and hearty such as stuffed rabbit and veal and ricotta meat balls. You'll probably find yourself sharing a table. Price: Budget/Moderate. Oltrarno Osteria Santo Spirito Cosy restaurant with excellent pizza and modern Italian food. Decent vegetarian range. Open: Daily lunch and dinner. Price: Budget/moderate. 16r Piazza Santo Spirito T:

10 Cavolo Nero Modern takes on some classic Tuscan cooking as well as dishes from elsewhere in Italy such as spaghetti alla bottarga - spaghetti with a rich, smoked fish roe sauce. Lovely garden available in the summer but you'll need to book to get a table there. Open: Monday to Saturday lunch and dinner. Price: Moderate 22r Via dell'ardiglione T: Pandemonio Fresh take on classic Tuscan dishes are mixed with good Bistecca Fiorentina at this family run restaurant with its own garden. Extra rich ice cream with pine nuts is a speciality. Open: Monday to Saturday lunch and dinner. Price: Moderate 50r via del Leone T: Bars: Duomo/Central Angels (for details see Restaurant section) Santa Maria Novella/San Lorenzo Art Bar The deco might be a bit naff with its faded prints of jazz singers but the young, student crowd provides a good atmosphere. Open: 7pm - 1am Monday to Thursday and 7pm - 2am Friday and Saturday. 4r Via del Moro San Lorenzo/Santa Croce Nannini Coffee Shop Great for cakes and deserts including panforte, a Siennese speciality a bit like nougat. Open: 7.30am pm daily (until 8.30pm Saturday) 7r Via Borgo Bar Vivoli Gelateria Small and always busy, this Florence institution serves wonderful ice cream in every flavour you could dream of. Open: 7.30am - midnight. 7r Via Isola delle Stinche Oltrarno Dolce Vita Relaxed bar with seating inside and outside on a little terrace. Open: 5pm - 2am daily. 6r Piazza del Carmine

11 6.0 - SHOPS Via Tornabuoni and Via Strozzi are the smartest shopping streets for designer labels. Via dei Calzaiuoli is more accessible. Around the Mercato Centrale you'll find some real bargains. Most shops are open all day from Monday to Saturday unless otherwise stated. Some are closed on Monday morning Clothes: Stockhouse Il Giglio Monday to Saturday 9.30am - 7pm. Discount designer outlet popular with Florentines. 86r Borgo Ognissanti T: Francesco da Firenze This family run business has been hand making wonderful shoes for men and women for years. Open Monday to Saturday 9am - noon and 3pm - 7pm. 62r Via di Santo Spirito T: Luisa Via Roma Well known designer and label and smaller brand name accessories and shoes are available here as well as an in-house espresso bar. Open Monday to Saturday 10am - 7pm. 24 Via Roma T: Space This dramatic minimalist space amongst the glitz of Florence's smartest street is the backdrop for a range of celebrated and less well known designers. Open 9.30am pm. 17r Via Tornabuoni T: Replay Cool, relaxed womens and menswear. Open Monday to Saturday 10am pm and Sunday pm. 7-9r Via dei Pecori T: The Mall Luxury and designer labels at knock down prices are to be found in this smart factory outlet just outside the town of Leccio near Florence. Take the train from Santa Maria Novella Station or ring The Mall for the shuttle bus direct from Florence (costs about EURO 25). Open: Monday to Saturday and Sunday afternoon but ring beforehand. 8 Via Europa, Leccio. T: Accessories: Madova Wonderful range of leather gloves in all sizes, styles and colours. Open Monday to Saturday 9.30am pm 1 Via Guicciardini T: Bojola Smart but practical and beautifully made leather bags, wallets and purses. Open Monday to Saturday 9.30am - 7pm. 25r Via dei Rondinelli T: Toiletries/Cosmetics: Erboristeria Inglese Since 1843 the English herbalist shop has been supplying face cream, soaps and other toiletries all made from natural ingredient such as local flowers and herbs. Open Monday to Friday 10am - 8pm and Saturday 10am - 2pm. 19 Via de' Tournabuoni T:

12 Officina Profumo Farmaceutica Santa Maria Novella More like a cathedral than a shop but then it was founded in 1221 by a group of Dominican friars. It sells beautifully decorated fragrances and cosmetics. Open Monday to Friday 9.30pm pm and Sunday 10.30am - 6pm. 16 Via della Scala (street next to the church of Santa Maria Novella) T: Toys: Bartolucci Family run business which carves attractive, imaginative toys, games and models - even motorbikes - out of pine. Open daily 9.30am - 7pm 12r Via della Condotta T: and 11r Borgo dei Greci T: Food: Procacci Impressive range of Tuscan wines, preserves and sweets. The famous white truffle is available in jars and pates and fresh during the season at the end of year. Open Monday to Saturday 10am - 6pm. 64r Via de' Tornabuoni T: Enoteca Romano Gambi Luxurious deli/grocers selling Tuscan specialities including wine, olive oil, truffles and chocolate. Open Monday to Saturday 10am - 7pm r Borgo SS Apostoli T: La Bottega dell'olio Olive oil by the bottle including some very grand varieties plus soaps and lotions made from olive oil and kitchen accessories in olive tree wood. Open Monday to Saturday 9.30am - 7pm. 2r Piazzo del Limbo T: