The capital city of Italy’s Tuscany region, Florence is internationally esteemed for its high concentration of Renaissance art and architecture. There are over 140 historic buildings in Florence, many of which are constructed of adobe brick. The city is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, and has been called "the Athens of the Middle Ages".
The Florence Townsite Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 and is noted for its concentration of buildings that represent the growth of Florence from the nineteenth to the middle twentieth century.
Some of the great artistic treasures lie in this lovely city and the main historic center is not so spread up so it is easy to walk and explore the beauty.You can spend a day learning some new delicious dishes or you can shop from luxury boutiques or craftsmen shops or antique stores to decorate your home. You can rent a farm-house if you would like to enjoy nature in quiet and calm environment.
Florence's museums, palaces, and churches house some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world. The most popular and important sites in Florence include the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Uffizi, the Bargello, and the Accademia. The churches of Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce are veritable art galleries, and the library of San Lorenzo is a magnificent exhibition of Michelangelo's architectural genius.
Wander some of the oldest streets in the city until you reach the Arno River, cross the Ponte Vecchio, and experience the "newest" area of Florence, the Oltrarno. In front of the Palazzo Vecchio, wander through the outdoor sculpture gallery Loggia dei Lanzi, buy a coffee or snack in one of the nearby restaurants and bars, and watch other visitors to the city react to this piazza’s art-filled charm.
The Saint Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery is the most recent of 10 monasteries started in North America by Father Ephraim of Mt. Athos in Greece. Forty monks live at the monastery where the elder directs the daily routine. St. Anthony’s welcomes all visitors who may view the chapels and walk the grounds. All guests are to be appropriately and modestly dressed.
Photo source: wikipedia.org
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