The surroundings – Florence

Visiting Florence is always a really exciting experience! The capital of the Tuscan region, the cradle of the Renaissance, and UNESCO world heritage, it is unrivalled, both in terms of its spectacular position and the presence of monuments and places of interest. In its history we come across rulers, writers, scientists, architects and art characters who have given their names to beautiful palaces and churches. There is plenty to explore in the city of Italian masters and to make the most of your trip, make sure you include the following places to visit in Florence.

Places to visit in Florence

Basilica di San Lorenzo

Among the most ancient cathedrals in Florence, the Basilica di San Lorenzo, was consecrated in 393, when it was still outside the city walls. At one time a stronghold of the Medici family, the Basilica is now both a museum and a place of worship, with sculptures by Donatello and Michelangelo, the 15th and 16th century Medici chapels and the dome of the church designed by Filippo Brunelleschi.

Da Vinci Museum

Leonardo da Vinci, an artist-physiologist-anatomist, maintained that the eyes are the windows to the soul, but his art and inventions provide more than a simple window to his entrepreneurial and innovative spirit. The artist’s drawings introduced new worlds beyond the canvas and even promoted astronomy. During a tour of the Da Vinci Museum, visitors can undertake a fantastic trip through history and into the brilliant mind of Da Vinci through interactive displays with various models that show the study of gravity, mechanics and design.

Galileo Museum

The places to visit in Florence include the Galileo Museum, located inside Palazzo Castellani, housing one of the most important scientific collections in the world. The museum is also a scientific research centre for many Italian and international researchers. In fact, a visit to the museum is equivalent to a 500 year long trip into the past discovering instruments and inventions, from the Renaissance period to the 19th century, and also includes Galileo’s famous telescope. Among the museum’s vast collection you can admire ancient globes and celestial spheres, microscopes and special lenses.

Bargello Museum

Housed in one of the most ancient buildings in Florence, the Bargello Palace dates back to 1255. The walls of the Museum have witnessed important events in the civic history of Florence. These also include the meetings of the Council of One Hundred, in which Dante himself took part. The tour of the national museum also includes a visit to the two halls and the courtyard, with works by Donatello (including the first David made of marble and the subsequent bronze sculpture), unique panels by Brunelleschi, masterpieces by Michelangelo and Bacco, Roman and Byzantine treasures and renaissance jewels. Visiting Florence is a journey to discover priceless beauty and indescribable emotions.

Michelangelo’s David /Galleria dell’Accademia

Standing in front of the famous sculpture by Michelangelo is an exciting and unforgettable experience. Without really noticing, you find yourself turning slowly around to see every tiny detail of this marble masterpiece, housed in the Galleria dell’Accademia and rising over 4 metres in height. The massive slab of marble used to make David remained intact for 25 years before the statue was commissioned in 1501, when the artist was only 26. Michelangelo’s David is portrayed before the battle with Goliath in the moment between choice and consequence.

Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral (Dome)

A trip to Florence isn’t complete without a visit to the Cathedral. The splendid cathedral of Florence and symbol of the city, Santa Maria del Fiore, is a construction from the end of the 13th century which took 200 years to complete.  Built on the remains of a 7th century church, which can be seen during a tour of the crypt, the outside of the cathedral displays emerald green and pink marble slabs, whereas the inside is rather more subdued in order to show off the works of art. The cathedral includes frescoes of the Last Judgement by Giorgio Vasari (1572), scenes of Florence by Dante (1465) and mosaic works laid out like enormous mats. The majestic dome was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi.

Palazzo Vecchio

This medieval fortress contains a charming world where history, art and politics are combined. Palazzo Vecchio is an eternal symbol of the civil power of the city-state, housing the supreme government body for centuries. Built in 1299 on the ruins of an ancient Roman theatre, the fortress belonged to the Ghibellina Uberti family before they were expelled. It later became the residence of Cosimo I de’ Medici. It now houses Florence’s municipal administration offices and a museum with Roman ruins, renaissance paintings, sumptuous secret halls and the evocative Salone del Cinquecento (1494). Not to be missed among the places to see in Florence are the hidden passages of the palace and the impressive Tower of Arnolfo which can be reached after climbing 416 steps. The view over the city will leave you breathless!

The Uffizi

Home to some of the most important sculpture and painting collections in the world, the Galleria degli Uffizi is a treasure of unique works dating back to the Middle Ages and the Modern Era. The journey through the priceless works of art in the gallery includes masterpieces by Giotto, Piero della Francesca, Botticelli, Correggio, Raffaello, Michelangelo, Caravaggio and Leonardo da Vinci, as well as works by German, Dutch and Flemish painters.

Palazzo Pitti

Purchased by the Medici family in 1550 as the official residence of the Grand Duchy, Palazzo Pitti is a symbol of the pre-eminent dominion of the Tuscan family, which included the Habsburg-Lorraine and Savoy dynasties. Located in a privileged position at the foot of the Boboli hill and connected to the Boboli Garden, the palace houses the largest museum complex in Florence, with the treasures of the Grand Duchy, the Galleria Palatina, a Gallery of Modern Art and the Museum of Costume and Fashion.

Basilica Santa Maria Novella

This 13th century church is one of the most important structures in Gothic style in the city and should not be missing from a tour of Florence. The inside houses precious works of art including the Crucifix by Giotto, the Holy Trinity by Masaccio and the frescoes by Ghirlandaio in the Tornabuoni Chapel. It took 80 years to complete before its consecration in 1420. The inside contains intelligent and harmonious drawings for extending the space, such as fine works of art by the masters of the era.

Ponte Vecchio

The historical documents refer to its first appearance in 996. Ponte Vecchio was rebuilt in the 14th century after a flood which devastated Florence, it was spared by Hitler during the second world war and survived the great flood of 1966. When the Medici family moved into Palazzo Pitti, they decided to build a path connecting Ponte Vecchio but hidden from the public and ordered the construction of the Vasari Corridor in 1565, which still runs along the top of the bridge. In 1593 Ferdinando I ordered that only goldsmiths and jewellers could open stores on the bridge, banning butchers, fishmongers and tanners.

Boboli Gardens

Founded by the Medici family, the Boboli Gardens are a sort of crossroads between nature, architecture and science. In the impressive landscape of this open-air museum there are 16th century sculptures, the famous grotto by Bernardo Buontalenti, the gardens of the sanctuary, fountains and exemplary architecture. Through the tidy, levelled gardens visitors can have picnics, relax and wander through pleasant paths. The views of Florence, and the surrounding Tuscan hills of the Boboli Gardens are breathtaking, especially in spring.

Piazza Santa Croce / Basilica di Santa Croce

When you visit Florence you can’t miss Piazza Santa Croce, the main square of the city, for nightlife and history. In fact, here you can find the largest Franciscan church in the world, the Basilica di Santa Croce, which is really worth a visit. The original structure was built in 1212 when St. Francis of Assisi visited Florence for the first time. Its immense artistic heritage is impressive, including masterpieces by Gaddi, Giotto and Donatello.

Central Market

The Central Market is above the most ancient indoor market in Florence, San Lorenzo, located in one of the busiest areas of the city. The modern food market is housed inside a place of great historical and architectural importance in Florence, in a beautiful building built in 1874 by the architect Giuseppe Mengoni during the renaissance, when Florence was the capital of Italy.

The new space built on the second level pays tribute to Italian culture and history, where the authentic culinary traditions progress and inspire both creators and visitors. From 10 am to midnight, seven days a week, you can watch recipes being transformed into a wide range of dished presented impeccably, complete with places for sitting down and a schedule of events.

Piazzale Michelangelo

Located on the left bank of the Arno, Piazzale Michelangelo was built on the hills overlooking the city in 1869, during a period in which Florence was the capital of Italy. Designed by the architect Giuseppe Poggi, the panoramic terrace is dedicated to the great renaissance artist Michelangelo and offers an indescribable view of the city: particularly stunning at sunset!

Baptistery of San Giovanni

The Baptistery of San Giovanni is one of the most charming architectural jewels of the city. The exact age of the structure is unknown, but ancient fragments and inscriptions and marble slabs from the ruins of Roman Florentia suggest that it was a pagan temple. The highlight of the church is the magnificent bronze doors by Lorenzo Ghiberti (1425–52), on the west side. It was described by Michelangelo as the “Gates of Paradise”.

Visiting Florence means enjoying an unforgettable experience among history, culture and food, a magical mix in one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. Discover the best tours organised by Chiantilive and book straight away!