No visitors to Florence will ever forget their first view from the surrounding hills of the city's roofs and domes. From a distance, this extraordinary panorama exerts its influence, but it is in the winding streets of the old city centre-- with its bustling life, its varied sights, sounds and smells-- that Florence excites the senses in a way like no other place on earth. Italy is home to a vast quantity of the world's cultural treasures, and Florence itself is rich in medieval and Renaissance artefacts, both artistic and architectural.This book guides the first-time visitor through this cultural treasure trove, and sheds light on the beauty and importance of the masterpieces on display. For those familiar with Florence, the volume shows an unfamiliar face of an old friend, presenting some of the city's famous monuments and palaces in a new and distinctive manner, with a blend of stunning photography and a focus on the hidden, everyday details that somehow capture the very spirit of the place. The result is a vivid, living portrait of this unique and ancient city.