The yearly Opera festival was founded by Vittorio Gui in 1933 and has become one of the most important of its kind worldwide. One of its distinctive features is the importance of visual realization of the various operas.  It takes place every year in either May and / or June. The Teatro Comunale, however, has events all year round.

The Medici Chapels are part of the San Lorenzo church that became the official church and therefore the tomb of the de'Medici family. Michelangelo worked  on the sculptures of the graves until 1533, but only finished the sculptures on two of them.

The impressive building was finished in 1314 and was home to the Parliament until 1540. The bell tower which stands at 94 meters is still shaping the city's picture and today its home to the city council and seat of the mayor.

If you are visiting Florence, you should not miss seeing the Boboli Park, which is situated behind the Palazzo Pitti. An amphitheater, sculptures, fountains and artificial grottos make you go back the times of the Renaissance. A beautiful stroll through a museum outside.

The actual name of the cathedral is Santa Maria del Fiore church. Its construction started in 1296, but the building was only completed in 1887. Today it's the fourth biggest cathedral in the world. You should not miss the climb up into the cupola! However, it is nothing for the faint hearted as you will have to walk a small gallery inside the cupola about 50 meters above the ground. Unfortunately, you cannot turn around! The view of the city and the construction of the cupola make it all worthwhile though!

San Lorenzo is one of the most popular and famous quarters of Florence.  Its pretty market along the Basilica San Lorenzo offers great opportunities to buy souvenirs, cloths or leather goods. Unfortunately, it is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

The Ponte Vecchio is the first bridge over the Arno River and was built in 1345. It is the only one of the bridges of that time still standing. You can still shop for silver or gold jewelry in one of the many little stores on it.