In addition, the city’s peaceful parks and lovely gardens offer respite from the hordes of tourists and towers scattered around the city offer splendid, panoramic views. Battistero di San Giovanni: known in English as the Baptistery of St John, it is considered to be Florence’s oldest building, erected on the site of Roman ruins, just opposite the Duomo. The present structure, dating from the Renaissance (mid-11th century) boasts a stunning exterior, featuring richly-adorned bronze doors. It was in this minor basilica that all Florentines were baptised up until the late 20th century. Its imposing height was meant to ensure that the ringing of its bells could be heard throughout the city to signal the beginning of religious services, or to warn residents of impending danger. Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore: is Florence’s most awe-inspiring structure. This cathedral, the Duomo, is located at the western side of the Piazza del Duomo, in the heart of the city. This magnificent edifice dominates the city’s skyline and its massive dome is visible from miles around. Giardino dei Semplici: translating as ‘the simple gardens’, these lovely mid-16th century botanical gardens boast a wide range of mature plants and trees and also many types of medicinal herbs, numerous greenhouses and specialist museums. The gardens are situated north-east of the centre and are easily reached from Piazza del Duomo, by simply walking along via Ricasoli. Palazzo Strozzi: is an enormous and very striking Renaissance palace constructed between 1489 and 1536 for a rich Florentine banker. The three-storey palace today houses art exhibits and a library, in rooms of grand proportions. Ponte Vecchio: this bridge dates to the mid-14th century and is the oldest of Florence’s bridges. Today, the bridge is an active shopping street, noted for its three arches and the secret passageway at its top. Portraits of the great artists of Florence are visible on the secret passageway above. | 
