Florence: The Cradle of Renaissance

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pehr fah-voh-reh/preh-goh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [grah-tsyeh]
• Excuse me/SorryScusi/Mi dispiace
  [skoo-zee/mee dee-spyah-che]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stah-ee]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh. eh too]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [nohn kah-pee-skoh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menu, per favore
  [vohr-eh-ee veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, pehr fah-voh-reh]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [nohn mahn-joh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vohr-eh-ee pah-gah-reh, pehr fah-voh-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vai via!
  [vah-ee vyah]
• Call the Police!Chiama la polizia!
  [kyah-mah lah poh-lee-tsya]
• Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore!
  [kyah-mah oon doht-toh-reh]
• I'm lostSono perso
  [soh-noh pehr-soh]
• I'm illMi sento male
  [mee sehn-toh mah-leh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-eh-ee kohm-prah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwahr-dahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwahn-toh koh-stah]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh trohp-poh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwah-ee ab-bah-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh]

• What time is it?Che ora è?
  [keh oh-rah eh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)Sono le dieci e mezza
  [soh-noh leh dyeh-chee eh meh-tsah]
• MorningMattina
  [maht-tee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [oh-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Due
  [doo-eh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Quattro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [seh-ee]
• 7Sette
  [seht-teh]
• 8Otto
  [oh-ttoh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [dyeh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è...?
  [doh-veh]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-dee-rit-soh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwah-ee mohs-trar-mee (sool-lah mahp-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh pahs-sah eel prohs-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon beel-lyet-toh (pehr)]

Florence, originally known as 'Florentia,' was established by Julius Caesar in 59 BC as a settlement for veteran soldiers. Its strategic location along the Arno River made it a crucial hub for trade and commerce. The grid layout of the city, typical of Roman planning, can still be seen in Florence's historic center.

The Medici family, wealthy bankers, rose to power in the 15th century and became the de facto rulers of Florence. They were great patrons of the arts and fostered the Renaissance, a cultural movement that profoundly influenced European art, architecture, and science. Notable Medici figures include Cosimo de' Medici, Lorenzo the Magnificent, and Catherine de' Medici.

Florence is often hailed as the cradle of the Renaissance. Between the 14th and 17th centuries, the city was a vibrant center of artistic and intellectual activity. Iconic figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli created some of their masterpieces here. The construction of architectural marvels like the Florence Cathedral (Il Duomo) and the Palazzo Vecchio also took place during this era.

In the mid-16th century, Florence became the capital of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany under the rule of Cosimo I de' Medici. This period saw significant urban development and the construction of important landmarks, including the Uffizi Gallery. The Grand Duchy era lasted until the unification of Italy in the 19th century.

In 1865, Florence was chosen as the temporary capital of the newly unified Kingdom of Italy, a status it held until Rome became the capital in 1871. This period saw rapid modernization and expansion, including the demolition of the city’s medieval walls to make way for new boulevards and infrastructure.

Florence experienced significant turmoil during World War II, including the destruction of its historic bridges by retreating German forces. In 1966, the city faced another catastrophe when the Arno River flooded, causing extensive damage to art and architecture. The international community rallied to aid in the restoration efforts, preserving Florence's cultural heritage.

Today, Florence is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and continues to be a global center for art, culture, and scholarship. The city's museums, galleries, and historic sites attract millions of visitors annually, ensuring that Florence remains a living testament to its rich and varied history.

Florence is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The nearest international airport is Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR), located about 6 km from the city center. You can take a taxi, shuttle bus, or the T2 tram line directly to the city center. Florence is also a major hub on Italy's high-speed train network, with regular trains arriving at Santa Maria Novella (SMN) station from cities like Rome, Milan, and Venice. For those traveling by car, the city is accessible via the A1 and A11 motorways.

Florence is a compact city, and many attractions are within walking distance. Public transportation includes buses and trams operated by ATAF. Tickets can be purchased at tabacchi (tobacco shops), newsstands, or via the ATAF app. Taxis are available but can be expensive. Ride-sharing apps like Uber are not available. For a unique experience, consider renting a bike or a Vespa to explore the city. Note that the historic center is a ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone), so driving is restricted in certain areas.

The official currency in Florence is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash, especially for small purchases or at markets. ATMs are readily available throughout the city. Be aware that American Express and Diners Club cards are less commonly accepted.

Florence is generally safe for tourists. However, like any other tourist destination, it's essential to be vigilant. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas such as markets, train stations, and tourist sites. Avoid the area around the Santa Maria Novella train station late at night. Always keep your belongings secure and be cautious of overly friendly strangers. Stick to well-lit and busy areas after dark.

In case of emergency, dial 112, the European emergency number, which covers police, medical, and fire emergencies. The main hospital is Santa Maria Nuova, located in the city center. Pharmacies are identifiable by a green cross and often have extended hours. It's a good idea to carry your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or travel insurance details with you.

Fashion: Do dress stylishly; Italians appreciate good fashion. Avoid overly casual clothing, especially when dining out. Religion: Do respect religious sites by dressing modestly. Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding buses and trams. Don't talk loudly or eat on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Buongiorno' (Good morning) or 'Buonasera' (Good evening). A kiss on both cheeks is a common greeting among friends. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like Bistecca alla Fiorentina and gelato. Don't ask for cheese on seafood pasta; it's considered a faux pas.

To experience Florence like a local, visit the Oltrarno district, known for its artisan workshops and less touristy vibe. Enjoy an aperitivo (pre-dinner drink) at a local bar; many places offer free snacks with your drink in the early evening. For a unique view of the city, climb the Duomo or Piazzale Michelangelo. Don't miss the local markets like Mercato Centrale for fresh produce and Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio for a more authentic experience. Take a leisurely stroll along the Arno River at sunset for a picturesque end to your day.