Hotel Victoria, Florence ***
Florence, Tuscany  This attractive three-star hotel in downtown Florence enjoys a lovely central location just a short walk from the wonderful historic centre (centro storico) with its amazing collection of medieval and Renaissance buildings. The square of Santa Maria Novella with its striking black-and-white church. View hotel Double rooms from €35
Hotel Embassy, Florence ****
Florence, Tuscany  Hotel Embassy, Florence - lying on Via Jacopo Da Diacceto, very close to the main railway station at Santa Maria Novella, this Florence hotel is great both for the 'centro storico' and for the Congress Centre. Combining the very best of the old and the new. View hotel Double rooms from €87
Hotel Pendini, Florence ***
Florence, Tuscany  A real gem, this hotel in Florence maintains the charming atmosphere of an old-fashioned Florentine pensione, while offering the best in modern comforts. The Hotel Pendini occupies a superb location between the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo (Florence's Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore), and so is terrific for exploring... View hotel Double rooms from €53
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It was during the nineteenth century that the rest of Europe (and America too) rediscovered Florence, and it quickly became an essential stopping point on the Grand Tour of Europe, for artists and moneyed toffs alike. Stendahl, the Brownings and EM Forster all rhapsodised the beauty of the Tuscan city, where great works of art and architecture seemed to appear round every corner. So what does Florence (Firenze) hold for the visitor today? Florence has its dramatic signature buildings to be sure: Santa Maria Novella cathedral; the remarkable Ponte Vecchio, with shops crammed onto the medieval bridge over the river; and San Miniato al Monte, which shimmers irresistibly on the hills behind the town. But perhaps the real beauty of Florence lies in the treasures within its buildings. In Venice the city itself is the most dramatic thing; in Rome one has the Colosseum, the Forum and the Vatican City. But it is within galleries, museums and chapels such as the Uffizi and the Accademia (Michelangelo's David), the Bargello, the Pitti Palace, the Museo dell Opera del Duomo, of Santa Croce and the Cappella dei Pazzi (to name a few among dozens) that the treasure lies. Florence, it has been said, has more artistic treasures than the rest of Europe combined. The Roman settlement of Florentia was built in 59BC, but it is as a medieval town that we really know Florence. More specifically, this city was to become the cradle of the great artistic movement that became the Renaissance. Money was at its root. The enormous wealth generated by trading families such as the Medici created a whole new class which demanded portraits, music, fine homes and chapels. Today though, Florence is firmly back on the map. Sometimes the crowds can become unbearable, and if you can make your visit outside the core tourist months you'll be grateful. For with fine restaurants, good shopping, some marvellous hotels and some of Italy's best food, this is an essential stop on your own Grand Tour of Italy. To the left you'll find a selection of Florence hotels, just to whet your appetite. See also Florence hotels (full listings) and our Florence hotel map. |
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