In this guide we are going to know the best things to do on Florence Italy.
The city of Florence in scenic Tuscany is a paradise of arts and museums.
From the world-famous Gallerie Degli Uffizi to the Galleria dell’Accademia and the galleries in the Palazzo Pitti, you can admire real masterpieces of art here.
The palaces and cathedrals such as the Palazzo Vecchio or the Cattedrale Santa Maria del Fiore not only bring you closer to the history of Florence, but also offer an incredible picture with their unique architecture that turns the city into a total work of art. There is also no shortage of gardens that promise relaxation in Florence, and for a bit of variety and the best wine you can be in the Tuscan countryside in no time. Which Florence sightsyou shouldn’t miss, we’ll tell you now!
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Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy
The Ponte Vecchio, the symbol of Florence , is the oldest bridge over the more than 200 km long Arno River and is one of the oldest arched bridges in the world. The name is not chosen by chance, because Ponte Vecchio means old bridge. The good piece has truly experienced history and even survived the Second World War unscathed. The bridge leads from the outer parts of the city to the center of Florence. Unlike most bridges, there are small shops here on the bridge – and that has actually always been the case: construction of the bridge began in 1333 and was completed in 1345, including the buildings on both sides.
Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, Italy
As early as the late 13th century , plans began to be built to build an impressive palace to house the government headquarters. In 1314 the construction of the palace was completed. At that time it still bore the name Palazzo Ducale, was inhabited by the Tuscan Grand Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici and thus represented the center of Tuscan power. When the Grand Duke moved into the Palazzo Pitti, the Palazzo Vecchio became the location of various offices of government and served at the same time as a kind of treasury.
Today, the palace is not only one of Florence’s top attractions, but also houses a children’s museum and still serves as the power center for Florence . However, most visitors come to see the impressive construction of the building and capture it with their cameras. And rightly so, because both the external appearance with the almost 100 meter high Arnolfo Tower and the historic inner courtyard and the immense Sala dei Cinquecento offer you an impressive sight. The hall was built in the Venetian style and looks absolutely royal due to the detailed decoration with numerous works of art, round arches, columns and sculptures.
Pitti Palace(Palazzo Pitti) in Florence, Italy
Construction of the Renaissance palace for the merchant Luca Pitti began in the mid-15th century . He died in 1472 – the construction of the Pitti Palace was not yet completed at that time.
About a century later, ownership of the palace passed to the grand ducal family when Cosimo I de’ Medici and his wife moved from the Palazzo Vecchio to the Palazzo Pitti. In the following decades, the exterior of the palace underwent several changes and only got its final appearance in the 17th century . The connection to the Palazzo Vecchio via the Ponte Vecchio was only added later and enabled a seamless transition from one palace to the other. Today there are various museums inside the Palazzo Pitti, which attract countless visitors every day. Some impressive galleries, but also a porcelain, carriage and silver museum have space in the largest palace in the city. In addition, in front of the gigantic building is the Boboli Garden , which belongs to the palace and offers space for relaxation on landscaped paths surrounded by well-tended green areas.
Gallery of the Uffizi in Florence, Italy
The Gallerie Degli Uffizi is one of the most famous museums in the world because it houses important collections from antiquity. Impressive sculptures and paintings, architectural works, drawings and books from the Gothic to the Renaissance can be admired here.
Works by well-known artists, including Michelangelo , Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino, Leonardo da Vinciand many other Italian painters of the early and high Renaissance are on display in the Uffizi Gallery. Dutch and German artists have also immortalized themselves here. Grand Duke Cosimo I de Medici also had a hand in the Uffizi Gallery. It was he who initiated the construction of the building. Originally, however, it served for administrative purposes and not as an art gallery. Giorgio Vasari, architect and Italian artist in the 16th century, gave the gallery its artistic charm. However, the gallery was only made accessible to the public at the end of the 18th century by Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo di Lorena and it took many years to develop into a real art gallery. Today it is one of the most important sights in Florence and even one of themain sights of Italy.
Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence, Italy
This square gives you one of the most beautiful views of Florence . When the Tuscan city was still the state capital at the end of the 19th century. The Piazzale Michelangelo was designed on a small hill as one of the most important places in the city with a terrace where you can enjoy the view over the city. Even today, many visitors are drawn to the viewing terrace every day, where they seek relaxation far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The large statue of Michelangelo , which towers over the roofs of the city, catches your eye from afar . Neatly laid out greenery, flowers and trees give the place a special charm.
Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence, Italy
Although the Gallery of the Academy of Florence is not of the same size and renown as the famous Gallerie Degli Uffizi. It does specialize in a few artists in particular. The number of visitors of almost 1.5 million per year shows that a look at the gallery is worthwhile!
The building in which the gallery is located once belonged to a hospital until Grand Duke Peter Leopold decided to establish a gallery here at the end of the 18th century. At that time only Michelangelo ‘s art was part of the gallery. His David sculpture deserves a special mention here.
But ,you can also marvel at the prisoner sculptures as well as the Pietà and the San Matteo statue by Michelangelo in the Galleria dell’Accademia. It is also said that it is the home of Michelangelo and should once bear the title Michelangelo Museum.
Piazza della Signoria
Another important square in Florence is the Piazza della Signoria. More than 500 years ago, the piazza was the political center with the Palazzo Vecchio as the most important building. But also large events took place here, so it was used, among other things, for an execution at the stake. Various sculptures are still intended to commemorate past events and important personalities. Among them a copy of Michelangelo’s David statue , the original of which is in the Galleria dell’AccademiaBut also the Judith and Holofernes sculpture by Donatello, the statue of Grand Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici on horseback or the beautiful Neptune Fountain are in the square.
Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana in Florence, Italy
The Laurentian Library is housed in the San Lorenzo Monastery, which once belonged to Grand Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici. What makes the Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana special is its history and the architecture that will take you back in time. Noble decorations adorn the ceilings and walls of the reading room, royal staircases connect the rooms and a green garden surrounded by columns and arches forms the beautiful center of the library. Unfortunately, you can’t browse through books here, it’s more about the building itself and its historical value.
Galileo Museum
A particularly exciting museum is hidden in a rather inconspicuous old building. However, the Museo Galileo specializes less in art and more in the history of science , giving you completely new insights into the Florentine past. It is also a rather young museum , founded in 1930 .
If you want to revisit the stations you saw on your tour of Florence’s sights and delve into their history, the Museo Galileo is the place for you. The Medici Collectionnarrated through scientific pieces and maps from the time of the Grand Duke, followed by the Lorraine collection, which deals with history from the end of the 18th century. Scientific pieces from the 20th century round off the exhibition. In the different halls you can walk through several centuries. In addition to the permanent exhibitions, there are also temporary ones: Exciting exhibitions about Pompeii and the prehistory of the car are currently running. The story of Galileo is also told in the museum. A really exciting insight into the history of science awaits you here.
Metropolitan Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Florence Cathedral stands in the popular Piazza del Duomo , the heart of Florence. The piazza is not only one of the most important, but also the most popular squares in the city, even beyond national borders. The Cattedrale Metropolitana di Santa Maria del Fiore reaped at least as much fame. The construction of the important cathedral started at the end of the 13th century. However, it was not completed until 1436, a full 140 years later.
But the effort was worth it. Today the church has world status and people travel from far and wide to visit. It was personally consecrated by Pope Eugene IV and given the title of minor basilica, which is only awarded to important churches.
Belonging to the Archdiocese of Florence, it is the third largest church in the world , measured by the inner length of the so-called nave.
Only the legendary Basilica of Saint Peter in the Roman Vatican and Saint Paul’s Cathedral in London are ahead of her. With a diameter of 42 x 45 meters, the Brunelleschi Cupola is also the largest in the world.
Metropolitan Cathedral visiting.
As you can see, you simply cannot avoid a visit to the majestic cathedral. From a purely artistic point of view, it is a true masterpiece, both inside and out. If you’ve had enough of looking at the outer facade and enter the interior, you won’t be able to stop being amazed. The gigantic dome rises over 100 meters above you like an endless space, the paintings that are hidden in it tell an exciting story, and the large pillars supporting the dome add even more grandeur to the entire cathedral. A visit to the Cattedrale Metropolitana di Santa Maria del Fiore is a must for lovers of history, architecture and religion – everyone gets their money’s worth here.
Basilica of Santa Croce
Florence is blessed with beautiful basilicas, one particularly beautiful being the Basilica di Santa Croce, which dates back to the 13th century . According to stories, Francis of Assisi himself is said to have laid the important first stone. But he is not the only personality who has immortalized her. The tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei and other great personalities are in the Santa Croce.
The Gothic architecture still makes the church appear particularly elegant today: Individual decorations from the 19th century characterize the outer facade and detailed plinths rise above it. If you look closely, you will even discover small paintings carved into the stone of the facade. If you enter the interior, you will be greeted by the majestic sight of the largest Franciscan church in the world. Gigantic pillars hold the building, small works of art adorn the walls and window panes, sculptures adorn the impressive basilica. Through various influences over the last centuries, a whole story is told in the building that you should not miss!
Orto Botanico di Firenze
A place of tranquility on the edge of central Florence is the Giardino dei Semplici , also known as the Orto Botanico di Firenze. The botanical garden alone convinces with its lush green color, small rose bushes, palm trees and fountains.
Mercato Centrale Florence
For a bit of a change from history and art, a detour to the Mercato Centrale is worthwhile . Although there is no less hustle and bustle in the market hall than in the popular squares, the focus in the Mercato is on your senses. A real treat is already the view into the large building: Many small corridors lead you along the most diverse delicacies of Italy – fruit and vegetables from the region, fresh meat, olives, cheese, various types of pasta , freshly baked bread and countless wines are waiting to be tasted to be tasted.
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