Guide to Florence

Florence boasts a proud history of art and architecture, unsurpassed elsewhere in Europe. An absolutely breathtaking city, Florence has so much to offer to the international visitor that new cultural experiences are being introduced daily. The streets of Florence radiate the charm of Italian culture. Students from all around the world are discovering the 'Flower' (Florence or Florentia in Italian / Latin) and the birthplace of the Renaissance.

You will not only find the flair of this city in the numerous museums and palaces, but in private galleries, bars, cafes and even in the clubs and discos. Anyone who comes here and studies in such an inspiring environment and conditions cannot fail to obtain a reasonable grasp of the language and culture, whether it is something modern, classical, ancient or rustic, we know that if it comes from Florence it's "IN" and has its own unique style.

The city is a must for trend-setters, furniture designers, craftsmen, artists, architects and fashion designers. It all came as a result of the interaction between tradesmen from many countries who not only brought their goods, but introduced new cultures in the past.

Florence is located 120 kilometers inland from Italy's west coast and 200 kilometers northwest of Rome.  The city's Mediterranean climate gives it hot summers and cool winters.

Home of Dante, Machiavelli, Michelangelo and the Medici, Florence is overwhelming with its wealth of art, culture and history, and is one of the most enticing cities in Italy. Find art of Giotto, Sandro Botticelli, Michelangelo, Raffaello, Tiziano, Leonardo da Vinci.

Also make sure to visit the following highlights:

• Palazzo Strozzi, the Dome by Brunelleschi, splendid mosaics and frescos.
• Ognissanti church's frescos by Ghirlandaio and Sandro Botticelli.
• Galleria dell´ Ospedale degli Innocenti built by Brunelleschi.
• Museo Nazionale: Michelangelo´s "Bacco", "Bruto", Donatello's "David".

The colorful street market "San Lorenzo" (daily) and "Cascine" (on Tuesday morning) offer you women´s fashion and leather ware at reasonable prices. Shop for shoes in the "Via Nazionale" and the "Borgo San Lorenzo" in Florence. Versace´s boutiques, Ferré, Max Mara, Armani and Krizia are located in "Via Vigna Vecchia", "Via Brunelleschi" and "Via Tornabuoni".

Buy beautiful presents like Florentine writing paper, art calendars, and straw wares at the market "Mercato del Porcellino".

Typical meals like Pappardelle, Ribollita. Main dishes: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Pollo alla Diavola and all types of fish. "Chianti Classico", Tuscany wine, "Brunello di Montepulciano".

During the summer, do not forget to go to the famous disco "Central Park" or the bar "Sull'Acqua Theater," or the "Lido", along the Arno River. In winter, do not forget to stop by the bar on the right bank of the river, "La Dolce Vita", the "Cabiria," both always overflowing.