What should i visit in florence

Located in close proximity to the Piazza del Duomo and the Basilica di San Lorenzo, the Gallery of the Academy of Florence is a hugely important museum. Aside from this original piece of genius, the museum also houses other sculptures and works from Michelangelo and is split into several different interesting halls. Here you can find a wealth of historical art, and also a great deal of history pertaining to 14th and 15th century Florence.

Finally, there is also a museum of musical instruments that contains a myriad of old and unique musical inventions. A grand square sits at the front of the palace and frames the symmetrical front facade perfectly. Inside the palace, there are a myriad of different galleries that are all richly decorated, but also contain a host of Renaissance artwork.

The Jupiter room for example contains some amazing frescos but also the famous Veiled Lady by Raphael. Covering an area of 45, square metres, the gardens are some of the largest in Florence and are a true delight to walk through. Created in the 16th century, the Boboli Gardens feature a myriad of different sections including a main lawn with a fountain and obelisk, a selection of worldly trees, plants and flowers, and several large ponds complete with water features. If you want to escape the city, you can find solace in this wonderful place and enjoy the beautiful designs and natural specimens.

In the centre of the square stands a wonderful Bronze statue of David, and at the edge of the square there is a series of vendors and artists selling their wares. The view from the Piazza is unrivalled and you can truly see Florence in all its glory, framed against the River Arno. Located in front of the main railway station, the Church of Santa Maria Novella is a beautiful structure that has a similar design to both the Duomo and the Basilica of Santa Croce — Another fine example of Renaissance architecture using polychrome and white marble to create a striking front facade.

Whilst the exterior and surrounding Piazza are magnificent in their own right, the interior is a true marvel too. Contained within the church is a myriad of chapels dedicated to various wealthy and prominent Florentine families during the Renaissance era. Detailed frescos cover the walls and ceilings and the church contains artwork from famous artists including Botticelli and Ghiberti.

Located high up on a hill on the far side of the Arno River, the San Miniato al Monte is a charming church that has a fantastic front facade that is similar to Florence Cathedral. If you take the time to walk to the church and adjoining monastery, you will be rewarded with stunning views across to the old centre of Florence — From here you can see the magnificent Duomo and the Palazzo Vecchio. Aside from the views, the church itself is truly spectacular with a white and green marble front facade.

The interior is just as decorative and features some amazing frescos, artwork and marble columns. Furthermore there is a plethora of ancient artwork on the walls and a funerary monument to Cardinal James. Located in the centre of Florence, the Piazza del Duomo is one of the main squares in the city and contains some sublime architecture.

John and the Loggia del Bigallo. Aside from the buildings, there is also a myriad of shops, restaurants and cafes to enjoy , plus a range of souvenir stalls and vendors. As one of the most thriving and busy parts of the city, the Piazza del Duomo is an absolute must! Starting at the Palazzo Vecchio, the enclosed corridor stretches alongside the Arno river, and then cross over the Ponte Vecchio and continues on to the Palazzo Pitti on the other side.

Inside the corridor there is a host of artwork and refurbished paintings that have been damaged in years past. Although the corridor is currently closed for renovations, you can still marvel at its design and trace its passage from start to finish. Standing in the grounds of the Boboli Gardens, the Belvedere Fort is the second largest fort in Florence and takes a commanding position on the southern banks of the River Arno.

Today you can admire the fantastic architecture and design of this Renaissance fortification and understand why it held such a strategic position. Building, Museum, Historical Landmark. This seemingly silent medieval fortress contains a hidden inner world where history, art and politics converge. Piazza della Signoria, Firenze, Toscana, , Italy.

Building, Cathedral. The 85m ft tower is adorned in marble and features hexagonal panels and lozenge reliefs diamond shapes that represent the universal order, as well as statues of kings, patriarchs and prophets made by sculptors Andrea Pisano and Donatello. Climb up the steps for panoramic views over the terracotta-coloured city. Museum, Art Gallery. Pre-booked tickets and comfortable shoes are the way to go here.

Piazza Santa Croce has been a centre for public gatherings and events in Florence since the 14th century, with seasonal markets and Florentine football Calcio Fiorentino matches still held here today. Perhaps equally as famous as the square it sits in is the largest Franciscan church in the world, the Basilica of Santa Croce, which truly merits a visit. The original structure was built in , when St Francis of Assisi first visited Florence.

Firenze, Toscana, , Italy. The church was built on the site of a 9th-century oratory and took 80 years to complete before its consecration in Interiors feature clever and harmonious designs to elongate the space, as well as fine works of art conceived by masters of the time.

Museum, Historical Landmark. Photo by Faruk Kaymak on Unsplash. A mysteriously resilient bridge — historic documents refer to its first appearance in — Ponte Vecchio was rebuilt in the 14th century after a flood that devastated Florence, was spared by Hitler during World War II and survived another flood in When the Medici family moved to Palazzo Pitti, they decided to build a connecting route from Ponte Vecchio that was hidden from the public and ordered the construction of the Vasari Corridor in , which still runs above the bridge.

In , Ferdinand I decreed that only goldsmiths and jewellers be allowed to open shops on the bridge, banishing butchers, fishmongers and tanners. Look out for the bust of Benvenuto Cellini, a 16th-century goldsmith, who is honoured on the bridge.

Ponte Vecchio remains strong and is a beloved spot for photographers and romantic walks. Ponte Vecchio, Firenze, Toscana, , Italy. Inaugurated on 24 June , Museo Novecento is dedicated to modern and contemporary art from the 20th century. Rotating installations are featured in the open courtyard, while inside, a permanent collection showcases works by important Italian artists, many of them included in the Alberto Della Ragione collection — Giorgio de Chirico, Gino Severini, Giorgio Morandi and Felice Casorati, among others.

The museum also offers workshops and guided tours. Market, Italian, Vegetarian. Why go: Around the Piazzale Michelangelo neighbourhood, you'll find carts overflowing with souvenirs and buskers, as well as an unbeatable and spectacular view.

Look out over the crumbling, old city wall in the west, to the Duomo, the Arnolfo Tower of the Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi across the river. Gazing over the sea of terracotta is surely an unforgettable panorama. What is it: Two floors of foodie heaven. Why go: Dodge the fast food places that are popping up around the center of town and instead head inside the nineteenth-century Mercato Centrale.

Here, you'll find vendors selling wine, fruit, meat, fish, cheese, oil and spices on the ground level, which is frequented by locals as much as tourists. The upstairs food court is a great place for groups that can never decide on what to eat. Expect fresh pastas, Florentine meat or vegetarian burgers, pizza, dumplings, a truffle bar, fried fish, cold cuts and gelato. To really enjoy your meal here, try visiting outside the usual dining times as it gets a bit crowded.

What is it: A piazza of markets and aperitivo destinations in the district of the Oltrarno. Pop into the church for some peace and quiet or sit on the steps and people-watch. If you want to catch the most spectacular view, have a drink up on the balcony of Hotel Palazzo Guadagni.

What is it: While everyone flocks to the Boboli gardens, few venture further to the Bardini, which happens to be the home of the beautiful staircase you can see from the Arno. What is it: The go-to for finding the best leather products in Florence are local markets and shops. Why go: In addition to art, banking and political intrigue, Renaissance Florence was famous for its leatherwork.

That tradition survives today everywhere from the San Lorenzo street stalls in the daily leather market to high-end shops. What is it: A sixteenth-century pharmacy founded by Dominican friars. Why go: Not content with being a European capital for art, architecture, political theory and craftsmanship, Renaissance Florence was also known across the continent for its herbalists. The most famous is the Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, adorned with frescoes and chandeliers, chapels and a history lesson, all while selling beautiful creams, perfumes and even products for your pet.

What is it: One of the oldest and best gelato shops in Florence. Why go: Did we mention that Florence might have invented gelato in the sixteenth century? Whether the stories are true or not, the city's leading gelaterie are still competing for your pleasure today, starting with Vivoli. They started producing their gelato back in the s, when ice had to be shipped down in blocks from the Apennine mountains. It's a good thing there are so many leather shops around, because you might need a new belt after this.

What is it: Coffee and pastries in a swanky, historic setting. Why go: In this city where some things never change, there are plenty of businesses still doing things the old way. Situated on the corner of Piazza Repubblica, you can sip your espresso at the marble counter just like the rest of the Florentines that stop by. Why go: There's no denying the beauty of Florence, but if you're looking to explore further afield on the quieter hillsides, head out to Fiesole.

A short journey north of the city even by public bus number 7! From the main piazza, you can tour a Roman theater, the San Francesco convent where you can even explore the rooms of the monks or head to the wilder side of town and the hiking trails of Monte Ceceri, where Da Vinci first tried out his flying machines. What is it: The famous building in Piazza Signoria that has been the city hall of Florence. Make sure you climb the tower during your visit. What is it: One of the most incredible and unique museums and collections in Florence, hidden away on the outskirts of the city.

After being a private collection for years, Frederick Stibbert donated his villa, gardens and his treasures to the city and now you can tour his house and see his lavish displays of armour from the Middle East and Japan, artwork lining the walls and furniture all in a museum almost devoid of tourists.

Standing in the great hall with a fully reconstructed army complete with their horses in battle armour will take your breath away, and the prized possession of the entire collection has to be the cloak that Napoleon yes, that Napoleon wore when he was coronated.