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The Giotto Campanile also known as the Giotto bell tower is part of the Piazza del Duomo complex, and serves as a bell tower tot eh complex’s Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Its construction was initiated by Giotto but was finished by Andrea Pisano and later Francesco Talenti.

The tower is a sight to behold with its richly carved sculptures, polychrome marble adornments and further such embellishments. It has a Gothic structure and attracts a large number of tourists. However most of its original statues are not present here. They’ve been replaced by copies, while the originals are preserved the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo.

The three colours of the Duomo, pink, green and white are also the colours of this campanile. Its slender structure resides on a square base of side 14.45 meters or 47.41 ft. its vertical height is as large as 84.7 meters.

The tower is divided into five levels by four horizontal lines that join the four polygonal buttresses at the corners. Out of these five, the first and second is the most sumptuously decorated. The second level features several exquisite statues made by Donatello, Andrea Pisano and Nanni di Bartolo. They are basically prophets of the Bible. The first level is decorated by a number of diamond shaped lozenges.

The third and the fourth offer such a view of the city that no adornments are required to enhance its beauty. You get picturesque views of the Baptistery nearby and the best view of Brunelleschi’s dome in the entire city. The fifth story which is the tallest also features seven bells and a viewing platform.

Among the best tourist attractions in Florence is the Ponte Vecchio, or old bridge, which happens to be the oldest bridge crossing the Arno River. The bridge survived the World War II and it was reconstructed in 1345 after a flood and shops were added. Initially, the shops on both sides of the bridge were favored by butchers and tanners but later the shops were used to sell gold and silver and the place still holds fame as a top selling point for jewelry as well as tourist souvenirs.

The Ponte Vecchio spans the Arno River from Via Por Santa Maria to Via Guicciardini and is a hot spot for photography in Florence as the bridge offers spectacular views. However, a word of caution here for the tourists would be to be mindful of their belongings and money as the area is a prime target of pickpockets. Be mindful of your belongings when browsing the baubles.

The bridge being a prime location in Florence is beaming with quality hotels like Hotel Continentale, Hotel Hermitage, Hotel Lungarno, Gallery Hotel Art and many more. Pick out the one which suits your needs as well as your pocket.

Florence is a green city which offers many spots for people to step in and relax in the lap of nature, take a stroll around or enjoy with outdoor activities. Florence has parks ranging from large ones like the Cascine, to tiny ‘pocket parks’ in the neighbourhoods. Here is a list of some of the best known parks of Florence;

Boboli Gardens and Bardini Gardens
Boboli gardens stand at Piazza Pitti and is closed every first and fourth Monday of the month. The Entrance fee is €6 which includes admission to the Bardini Gardens. Bardini Gardens are a favourite of the locals as it features a sweeping baroque stairway, hidden statues, fountains, grottoes, a small amphitheatre and breathtaking views shaded by oak and cypress trees.

Le Cascine
Standing near Porta al Prato, alongside the Arno, on the west side of Florence, Le Cascine was once a private hunting reserve for the Medici dukes. A bike path meanders through the entire park, with plenty of space for rollerblading as well. A bit of advice here would be to avoid the park after dark or on Tuesdays and Sundays when it gets crowded with people.

Giardino Comunale di Borgo Allegri
The park stands at Borgo Allegri 18, in the Santa Croce neighbourhood, nestled between two residential, historic buildings of Borgo Allegri. There are lots of shady trees, and people of all age group flock here. This is also a hot spot for those who love picnicking.

Giardino Alessandro Chelazzi
The park stands near the Piazza dei Ciompi, lies in the heart of the Ciompi antiques area. So, you can first have a look at the antiques in the surrounding area and then can rest in one of the many benches in the shade. The park allows pets inside.

Piazzale Michelangelo
When you go up to the Piazzale Michelangelo from the Torre di San Niccolò, you find on the way scattered along the curving road benches half-hidden among the trees and a magnificent view of the skyline of Florence. The dazzling view of the Duomo, the diverse trademark bell towers of Florence, and the Arno with its graceful bridges is breathtaking.

Japanese Rose Garden
This is one of the most panoramic gardens in Florence offering a breathtaking view of the Florence and the hills. This is a terraced garden with over 1,000 varieties of roses. The Japanese Rose Garden can be reached by following the curving road up to the Piazzale Michelangelo from the Torre di San Niccolò.

Florence – the name itself suggests serenity as well as knowledge. The beginning of the renaissance took place here and may be this is the reason why this place is so important. If you are a frequent traveler out to see the world, this is one place that must be included in your list at all costs. Here are a few of the top attractions of Florence.

Il Duomo: This is the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and is one of the most famous places here. Built in 1296, this Duomo is Gothic in its design and has a capacity of 20,000 people. The giant dome is one of the masterpieces of the architect Brunelleschi. Green, pink, and white marble has been used to make its exterior.

The Baptistery of John Baptist: This is one of the oldest buildings of Florence and was built in the 11^th century. Its original doors made of bronze now reside in the Duomo Museum. However their replacements are also a sight worth seeing. Mosaics cover the interior while the exterior comprises of green and white marble. It also features a marble pavement of Zodiac.

Campanile, Bell Tower: This tower located in Piazza del Duomo is often called Giotto’s Campanile since its first story was designed by Giotto. With a ticket and with much sweat you can climb the tower’s 414 steps to look at spectacular view it features.

The Ponte Vecchio: Built in 1345, this is an old bridge. It is significant since it was the only bridge of Florence that belongs to the medieval times. Also, it is the first bridge to have been built across the Arno River. Shops selling gold and silver jewelry are found along this bridge and it also features a picturesque view of the river and the city.

Boboli Garden: Located in the middle of Florence behind the Pitti Palace, the Giardino di Boboli park is a must visit. Its beautiful surroundings calm your mind and fill you with serenity. It opens daily 8:15 (except some Mondays in winter) while its closing times are seasonal.

The Pitti Palace: This is one of Florence’s largest palazzo. Once the seat of the Medici family, this palace today features 8 different galleries, including art, costumes, jewelry, and apartments. This is another place worth a visit.

These are just the names of a few places that may pique your interest. However, the list of places worth seeing in Florence is not this short. Once you reach your destination you will realize yourself just how magical that place is. If you want your trip to be hassle free and memorable, you should book your hotels in advance before visiting Florence.