Florence

Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance, and its architectural and artistic heritage is arguably unmatched by any city of comparable size. The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore, with Brunelleschi's dome completed in 1436) dominates the skyline, while the Uffizi Gallery houses one of the world's greatest collections of Renaissance art. Piazzale Michelangelo provides the definitive panoramic view of the city against the Tuscan hills. The Ponte Vecchio, lined with gold and jewelry shops since the 16th century, offers atmospheric compositions particularly at golden hour. The Mercato Centrale (open since 1874) and the Oltrarno artisan quarter provide excellent street photography and food subjects. Florence's compact size means most major photography subjects are within walking distance of each other.