フィレンツェの観光スポット

ウフィツィ美術館には世界で最も重要なフィレンツェ芸術のコレクションが収蔵されており、世界中から訪れる観光客で常に賑わっています。行列がスキップ出来る優先入場券がなければ、長蛇の列に並ぶ覚悟でお越し下さい。フィレンツェ芸術が誕生した11世紀からボッティチェッリ、ルネッサンス芸術の開花まで、収蔵コレクションにはフィレンツェ芸術の豊かな歴史が反映されています。ウフィツィ美術館は18世紀に遺贈されたメディチ家歴代の美術コレクションが中心となっています。

フィレンツェに着くとサンタ・マリア・デル・フィオーレ大聖堂の赤タイルのドームが聳え立っているのが目に付きます。 13世紀シエナ出身の建築家アルノルフォ・ディ・カンビオは、フィレンツェの建造物の建築に携わり、大聖堂はその中でも傑作と言われています。1420年代にブルネッレスキによってリブ状の美しい天蓋が付け加えられました。 大聖堂が完成するまで170年という歳月がかかりました。そして、正面は、19世紀にカンビオのデザインを反映させながら改造されました。 大聖堂の中に入ると、巨匠ドナテッロによって作成された色の塗られた天蓋やステンドグラスに間違いなく目を奪われるでしょう。ブルネッレスキの墓石がある地下室を見学したり、巨大な天蓋の頂上に上って、息を呑むほど美しいフィレンツェの景色を見渡してみてはどうでしょう。

典型的なフィレンチェの美しい街のパノラマは、ミケランジェロ広場に広がります。小高い丘の上にあるこの広場から、街の城壁、アルノ川、ヴェッキオ宮殿の塔やランドマークである大聖堂の赤いドームを含むフィレンチェ市街を一望できます。 日中は、ミケランジェロのダヴィデ像のレプリカに見守られながらルネッサンスのプロムナードを散策してみては。夜には、光に溢れたフィレンチェの美しい夜景に魅了されてみるのもどうでしょう。

The Piazza della Repubblica is a public square in the center of Florence that sits on some of the city’s most important historic sites. It was once the city’s Roman Forum — then subsequently its market and old ghetto, after the forum was extensively built over in the early Middle Ages. The present square was established in the 19th century Risanamento during the period in which Florence was briefly the capital of a reunited Italy. The expansion of the square meant the demolition of many significant structures. The square was revitalized after the war, and today is the home to many street performers and artists as well as historic literary cafes and traveling exhibitions. Sitting in the piazza you can see the Colonna dell'Abbondanza (Column of Abundance) and the Arcone, the most prominent remaining structures of the past.

アカデミア美術館（Galleria dell'Accademia）と言えば驚異的な美しさを誇るミケランジェロのダビデ像。26歳の天才が大理石の塊を彫って創り上げたこの像の実際の大きさやディテールは想像をはるかに超えるすごさ。 この像は元々シニョリーア広場（Piazza della Signoria）に設置されていましたが、1873年に天候や歳月などからの損傷を防ぐという理由でアカデミア美術館に移されました。現在広場にはレプリカが設置されています。 その他にもミケランジェロの奴隷達の像や13世紀から16世紀のフィレンツェ芸術が展示されています。

Historic Palazzo Vecchio ('old palace') has been at the political heart of Florence for more than 7 centuries. With its late-medieval crenellated roofline and soaring defensive tower, it dominates the lovely buildings and sculptures of Piazza della Signoria in the heart of Florence. The striking building was built in the early 1300s, and was redecorated by the ruling Medici family in the 16th century. Inside you can imagine how life at the top was lived in Renaissance Florence by touring the luxuriously decorated chambers. From the courtyards to the chapel and private rooms, you’ll see elaborately decorated ceilings, frescoes by the celebrated Renaissance painter Vasari, and statues by such luminaries as Donatello and Michelangelo. Climb to the top of the tower for stupendous views of Florence and the Arno valley.

There are so many churches worth visiting right in the streets of central Florence that you might think it’s no big deal to skip San Miniato al Monte, sitting as it does high above the city in the hills. But couple the fact that it’s an incredibly beautiful church with the fact that you’re rewarded for your uphill efforts with some of the finest views of Florence and you’ll see why it’s such a highly recommended stop. The church of San Miniato al Monte was started in the early 11th century on the site where Saint Miniato is said to have died. The interior of the church features beautiful multi-colored marble and a sparkling 13th century mosaic over the altar. The remains of Saint Miniato are said to be in the church’s crypt, but there is only one tomb in the church itself - that of Cardinal James of Lusitania, who was the Portuguese ambassador in Florence in the 15th century. There is a monastery next to San Miniato al Monte, where the monks produce the sought-after honey and liqueur

The Pitti Palace was built by rivals of the powerful Medici family in the mid-1400s. A century later, the Medicis took over the huge Renaissance palace, and it was the home of Florentine rulers until the early 20th century. Today the massive palace houses a number of picture galleries and museums, and is surrounded by gardens and ornate fortifications. To see the entire collection would take days if not weeks, so choose your favorites and plunge in! A tour of the royal apartments reveals the Medicis' taste for over-the-top decor. An impressive collection of Renaissance masterpieces is housed in the Palatina Gallery, with works by Raphael, Titian and Rubens. To see the Medicis family's silverware, head to the Silver Museum, or take a stroll around the Renaissance Boboli Gardens, with its statues and grottoes.

Giotto's elegant bell tower (Campanile di Giotto) flanks Florence's Duomo and Baptistery, rounding off Piazza del Duomo's prime attractions. Designed by Giotto in 1334, the Gothic tower is faced in the similar nougat-hued marbles of the Duomo. The design features five distinct tiers decorated with arched windows, sculptures and geometric patterns of different colored marbles. Take a close-up look at the lovely plaques decorating the tower at ground level, sculpted by Pisano. The originals are housed in the nearby Duomo Museum. More than 400 steps climb to the top of the 82-meter (25-foot) bell tower, for wonderful views of Florence and the River Arno.

When you hear people talk about shopping in the San Lorenzo Market, there are actually two markets they may be referring to. One is the popular-with-tourists outdoor market full of leather goods as well as Tuscan and Florentine souvenirs. The other is right next to the street market, but it's indoors with food vendors selling everything from meat and fish to vegetables and bread. Both are worth visiting. The indoor San Lorenzo Market - more commonly known as the Mercato Centrale di San Lorenzo - has two floors of food stalls, and it's an excellent place to stroll through if you're wondering what ingredients are fresh and seasonal (and therefore what you should look for on menus) or picking up supplies for a picnic or the kitchen in your rented apartment. Some of the deliciousness can be brought home as souvenirs, too, although be sure you know your country's laws regarding bringing meats and cheeses back home before you spend the money on something that may get confiscated.

Entering the neighborhood of San Frediano means historically passing through the Porta San Frediano, which was once a door to the walled city, leading to one of Florence’s most popular residential areas in the present day. The trendy area has a variety of culture, cuisine, and art that contribute to its cosmopolitan feel. The neighborhood is home to many artisans that have kept their workshops here for decades. It has been compared to the SoHo neighborhood of New York City. Many will cross the bridges on the river from the historic city center to enjoy a greater variety of food and drink in a less expensive price range. After crossing through the Porta San Frediano, the Chiesa San Frediano in Cestello becomes visible. The 17th century church was built on the site of an older monastery, Santa Maria degli Angeli, which was founded in 1450.

At first just a busy square and basilica in the middle of Florence, at a closer glance the church and museum reveals much about the city. It was decreed to the Dominicans in 1287 by the Florentine Republic, to decorate as the new church was being built on site. The piazza quickly became a popular public gathering place, home to artists, theater, festivals, tournaments, and more. It later became the sight of the carriage race, or Giambologna show, which took place between the basilica and the Hospital of San Paulo. Today the piazza remains central to Florentine life. It faces the intricately designed green and white marble facade of the basilica, which was built in the 13th and 15th centuries and is considered a masterpiece of Renaissance art. As it was recently renovated and surrounded with hotels and restaurants, it is popular with visitors as well — particularly at night when the square is spectacularly lit up.

Italy is known for a number of expensive and high quality designers. As a result, shopping is a popular activity with locals and tourists alike. Just 30 minutes from Florence, you can go shopping at the Barberino Designer Outlet and find designer clothing for up to 70% off the regular prices. There are more than 100 boutiques located here selling Italian and international brands including the big fashion names like Dolce & Gabana, Prada, and Polo Ralph Lauren. You can also find brands like Guess, Tommy Hilfiger, and Calvin Klein. For more sporty purchases, you can shop at Puma, Adidas, Nike, and more. Aside from clothing, you can also shop for home goods and accessories. When you get hungry after all that shopping, take a break at one of the restaurants where you can find coffee, Tuscan cuisine, and desserts. If you're a non-EU citizen, ask for a tax refund form at the shops, which can be redeemed at the airport on your way home.

In pride of place at the center of the busy Piazza della Signoria, the Fountain of Neptune has long been one of Florence’s most memorable landmarks, set against a backdrop of the grand Palazzo Vecchio (Town Hall). Inaugurated in 1565, the striking artwork is the masterpiece of sculptor Bartolomeo Ammannati and was commissioned to celebrate the wedding of Francesco I de’ Medici and Johanna of Austria. The elaborate bronze and marble statue portrays a 5.6-meter-high image of Neptune, the Roman God of the Sea, with the face of Cosimo I de 'Medici, stood on a high pedestal above the water, around which Satyrs and horses frolic. Despite sustaining considerable damage over the years, including losing one of its hands to vandals back in 2005, the statue has now been painstakingly restored and remains a popular meeting place for both locals and tourists.