ain city of the Italian region of Tuscany, Florence (Firenze in Italian) is known all over the world for its rich history. One of the main finance and trade centers during the Middle Ages, this marvelous city is considered as the cradle of Renaissance.
1) The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral)
The most astonishing site in Florence is the Duomo: called Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, it boasts the world-famous dome built by Filippo Brunelleschi, which is still the world’s largest dome in brick and mortar.
The Duomo forms the city’s center and is the third largest church in the world after Saint Peter’s in the Vatican and Saint Paul’s in London. If you’re sporty enough to climb the 463 steps, you’ll enjoy a fantastic view from the top of the Cupola (dome) built by Brunelleschi, the highest point in Florence.
2) Giotto’s Bell Tower (Campanile di Giotto)
Next to the cathedral, the Campanile di Giotto and the Baptistery make this area a breathtaking and unforgettable architectural heaven. Giotto’s Bell Tower is one of the monuments in the Duomo Complex. The wonderful example of Gothic architecture from the 1300s has a height of 84.7 meters and is a symbol of Firenze. Make your way to the top of the tower for another unforgettable moment. The climb is 414 steps, no elevators, no shortcuts. Don’t venture there is you suffer from claustrophobia. From the top, get a new perspective on the Cupola of Brunelleschi and the Duomo.
“… She is a jewel box of a city – packed with treasures, each more beautiful than the last.” (Marcel Proust)
3) Palazzo Vecchio, Loggia dei Lanzi, Uffizi Museum
Florence’s historic centre was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982.
Another highlight is the Palazzo Vecchio, with a copy of Michelangelo’s David at the entrance. Next to it, the Loggia dei Lanzi and the Uffizi Gallery, among Italy’s most visited museums. The Uffizi Gallery was not created to be a museum. At first, the halls of this U-shaped Renaissance building were only accessible to the Grand Ducal family Dei Medici servants, and selected guests.
Trinità dei Monti and Piazza di Spagna - Night.
4) Accademia Gallery: The real David by MIchelangelo
The Accademia Gallery is home of the most famous statue in the world: Michelangelo’s David, and of many other treasures.
Trinità dei Monti and Piazza di Spagna - Morning.
5) Ponte Vecchio
Walk across the city’s most famous bridge, Ponte Vecchio, to get to the other side of town while admiring tons of jewelry artisan shops.
Ponte Vecchio, meaning Old Bridge, was the only bridge across the Arno in Firenze until 1218. It was also the only bridge across the Arno that wasn’t destroyed during World War II. Since the 13th century there have been shops on this medieval bridge. In 1593, Ferdinand I decreed only jewelers and goldsmiths be allowed to have a shop on the Ponte Vecchio. Famous 16th century goldsmith Benvenuto Cellini was honored with a bust on the bridge. A walk on Ponte Vecchio is a romantic must.
6) Palazzo PItti (Pitti Palace)
On the other side of the river Arno, don’t miss Palazzo Pitti, a gigantic palace built for the Pitti family in 1457. Designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, it was then built by his pupil Luca Fancelli. The property was sold to the Medicis in 1549, becoming the primary residence of the Gran Ducal family.
Today, the palace houses some of the main museums in Florence, such as the Silver Museum, the Palatine Gallery, the royal Apartments, the Porcelain Museum, the Gallery of Modern Art, the Museum of Costume and Fashion.
7) Boboli Gardens
Situated behind Palazzo Pitti, the Boboli Gardens are not only a park, but also one of the best open-air museums in Firenze. Marvelous example of green architecture, the Boboli Gardens host sculptures, centuries-old oak trees, fountains. Great in every season.
8) Piazzale Michelangelo
Go to Piazzale Michelangelo before for the sunset to enjoy the best panoramic view of the city from a hill. This 19th century piazza (square) is decorated with replicas of Michelangelo’s sculptures. Admire the beautiful view at sunset.
9) Santa Maria Novella
Other nice places to visit in Florence include the Santa Maria Novella Church, the main Dominican Church in Firenze since 1221. Admire Masaccio’s Holy trinity and the wooden Crucifix by Brunelleschi.
If you love museums, visit the Leonardo interactive museum.
10) Restaurants
This area is known for Fiorentina steak, Ribollita (reheated vegetable soup), pappardelle pasta with wild boar, Tuscan crostini, but also for Pappa al pomodoro, a typical bread and tomato soup. Our favorite restaurants: La Giostra, Buca dell’Orafo, Buca Mario.
For great gelato, try La Carraia gelateria or Carapina.
