Introduction

Even among Italy's cities Florence is something special, rising from the beautiful landscape of Tuscany as a living piece of history. Even the most ordinary street or building is a work of art in itself and demonstrates the simple classical beauty that defined the Renaissance. Everywhere you turn you'll see works by Michelangelo, Donatello, Brunelleschi and any number of Masters of Italy's Golden Age. It is in the museums and galleries of the city that most of Florence's treasures are concentrated. The city's major institutions might not rival museums such as the Louvre in terms of size but in terms of quality they are paralleled by few places in the world. However, rich as Florence's art collections are, one single piece shines above all others - Michelangelo's David. It's no exaggeration to say that the sculpture is the focus of the entire city, its simple majesty never failing to move even the casual observer. Carved by the artist when he was just 29 years old the statue is among the world's most incredible artworks. But even amidst this wealth of culture it is impossible to forget that Florence is a living city as well - the piazzas are full of fashionable boutiques and ever more fashionable people, and the café is still central to Florence social life. In the evening the city lights up and its squares and streets are thronged with visitors and locals taking their "passeggiata" as the denizens of the city have done for thousands of years.