"Nestling on the banks of the Arno River, against a backdrop of hills, is the elegant city of Florence, historically a centre of art, science and political idealism since the Middle Ages. A wealth of beautiful churches, palaces and museums house collections of art without equal anywhere in the world. Sumptuous paintings by Botticelli, Raphael and Titian, exquisite fresoces by Fra Angelico and magnificent sculptures, the work of such great artists as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, are displayed to perfection in and around the buildings that are, themselves, gems of architectural design. The lofty Gothic cathedral of Santa Maria de Fiore, begun in 1296 by Arnolfo di Cambio, and its nearby Campanile, a masterpiece by Gioto, look out over the city's other stupendous monuments. In Florence stands the world famous Uffizi Gallery, a legacy of the powerful Medici family who ruled Florence for many years, and the majestic Pitti Palace, built in the middle of the 15th century, once the home of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany and now a treasure house of art. Behind the palace are the Boboli Gardens which, with their grottoes and elaborate fountains, statues and groves of cypresses, laurels and pines provide a haven for the visitor in which to think, and reflect on the wonders of this most special of cities; this city that is so far removed, in many ways, from contemporary life. The superb colour photographs in this beautifully produced book provide a lasting record of the unique beauty that is Florence."--Publisher's description.