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After reading our review, you will know what every tourist should see in Florence. We will not only list the main attractions of Florence, but also give you a brief description with a photo.
What to see in Florence in the first place
It would be endless to talk about all the interesting places in Florence. Therefore, we have included in our rating only the most popular and visited excursions in Florence:
1. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence Bruce Stokes on Flickr
As well as many other attractions of Florence, you can see this one in the photo in guidebooks and souvenir postcards. Church of St. Mary is the calling card of the city and its true treasury. The interiors, in their luxury and majesty, do not lose to the unique facade of the building. Inside are priceless paintings by Donatollo – “Mary Magdalena” and Michelangelo – “Lamentation of Christ.” Visitors are allowed to climb to the upper level of the building – there is a beautiful observation deck. Guest reviews about visiting this temple are invariably enthusiastic.
Official website: https://www.museum
2. Cathedral Square
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Cathedral Square in Florence Helder da Rocha
If you do not know what to see in Florence in 1 day, come to Duomo Square. Here you will find such architectural masterpieces as the Town Hall, the Cathedral, the Baptistery of San Giovanni, Giotto's Campanile, etc. Most of the buildings were created in the late Gothic style. Even a simple walk along the Duomo turns tourists into an unforgettable journey.
3. Uffizi Gallery
Uffizi Gallery in Florence
When listing the best attractions in Florence for art lovers, always start with this wonderful gallery. Every year the number of its guests approaches 2 million people. In the exhibition halls there are truly precious works, including those created during the beginning of the development of European art. You can admire the work of da Vinci “The Adoration of the Magi”, the painting “The Birth of Venus” created by Botticelli, as well as the works of other brilliant masters of the world.
Official website: https://www .uffizi
4. Palazzo Pitti
Palazzo Pitti in Florence
Guides in Florence advise you to definitely visit this largest castle (and at the same time the largest museum) of the city. On the territory of Pitti there are park areas, various palace buildings, buildings with museum expositions and gallery exhibitions. It is impossible to see all the sights of this palazzo during the day. Best of all, if your trip here is two days.
Official site: https://www.uffizi.
5. Ponte Vecchio or Old Bridge
Old Bridge in Florence
The most popular and famous bridge in the city. The structure stretched across the waters of the Arno. Every day in the evening, multi-colored illumination is turned on here. It is here that you can take the best photos of your trip.
Check out the magnificent views of Florence in this beautiful video!
6. Basilica of Saint Lawrence
Basilica of Saint Lawrence in Florence
Initially, the basilica served as a church for representatives of the Medici family. By the way, this Renaissance building is now the last refuge for some members of this great family. The building, designed by the architect Brunelleschi, was not completed. However, thanks to its rich history and impressive scale, it is included in all lists of “the main sights of Italy“. The interior design of the huge halls is made in the Renaissance style. The architectural complex includes a bell tower, which was added to the main building in 1740.
Official website: https://brunelleschi.
7. Gallery Academies
Galleria dell'Accademia in Florence Dimitris Kamaras
The date of foundation of the museum complex is the 16th century. The exhibits of the gallery are examples of fine arts. The local collection is considered the most extensive and valuable not only in the country, but also in Europe. It was here that the most priceless sculptures and canvases of the Earth were placed, including the original of Michelangelo's masterpiece “David”. In addition to paintings and sculptures of the 13th-14th centuries, polyptychs and triptychs, carved gothic tabernacles (tabernacles) and tapestries are exhibited. If you don't know where to go in Florence, but want to make your trip more educational and cultural, go here.
8. Giotto's Bell Tower, Giotto's Campanile
Giotto's Bell Tower in Florence
The design is part of the complex of the temple of Santa Maria del Fiore. This is a real work of art, over 80 meters high. There is an observation platform at the top of the bell tower. In order to climb it, you will have to overcome four hundred steps. However, such a long journey will pay off completely: from the site you can see the sights, shops, nature and hotels of Florence.
Official website: https://www.museum
9. Palazzo Vecchio
Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace) in Florence
The castle is within walking distance of the Ponte Vecchio. As conceived by the architect, the palace was to become a defensive fortress. However, in the end, the palazzo passed into the possession of the Medici family, and was for them a temporary residence and a place to receive important guests. Currently, the palazzo is used as the city hall. Despite this, guests of Vecchio will be offered an introduction to both the facade of the building and its interiors. The interior decoration of the castle is made in the unchanged traditions of the aristocracy of Italy. Particular attention should be paid to the exquisite Hall of Five Hundred. Here are the paintings of the most famous Renaissance artists and uniquely beautiful frescoes.
Official website: http://museicivicifiorentin
10. Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
Basilica of Santa Maria Novella in Florence
An architectural masterpiece of the 13th-14th centuries, built on the former territory of a Romanesque church. Today, this basilica is considered the main Dominican church in the city. Its facade is decorated with openwork prints, and looks like a painting on a souvenir box. The interiors are presented with marble bas-reliefs and ancient Greek frescoes.
Official website: https://www.smn.
Sights of Florence: what else to visit in Florence?
We have briefly listed the main attractions of Florence for you. However, our recommendations do not end there:
11. Basilica of Santa Croce
Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence
Another “folk” name of the basilica is the city's pantheon. This name was given to the object due to the fact that the most famous Florentines, cultural figures and politicians, are buried here. The total number of tombs inside the temple is about 300 units. Each tomb depicts a resident of Florence buried in it. The building, built in the Renaissance, has a solemn and monumental appearance.
Official website: http://www.santacroceopera
12. Piazzale Michelangelo
Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence Leandro Neumann Ciuffo
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A famous tourist site that will give you a colorful panorama of the whole of Florence. A particularly bewitching sight awaits you if you arrive at the square at nighttime: at those hours when the whole city is illuminated by numerous lights. It is on Piazzale Michelangelo that Florentine artists create their main works. Note that you can always watch the work of the masters here. The piazzale itself is adorned with a bronze sculpture of David, a highly accurate copy of one of Michelangelo's creations.
13. Forte Belvedere
Ancient Fort Belvedere in Florence
The largest defensive building in Florence, created at the end of the 16th century at the direction of F. Medici I. The fortress was supposed to prove to everyone around the power and greatness of the Florentine Republic. For the same reason, the location of the object was chosen – the peak of the Boboli Gardens.
Official website: http://museicivicifiorentini
14. Piazza della Signoria
Signoria Square (Piazza della Signoria) in Florence Samuli Lintula
The square gained its wide popularity thanks to the important historical events that took place here in the past and the cultural monuments located on the territory. Arriving here, you can see the figures and sculptures of famous Italians, including the brilliant Donatello and Michelangelo. It was here that several centuries ago those who became inconvenient to important politicians or representatives of the Holy Inquisition were burned at the stake.
15. Boboli Gardens
Boboli Gardens in Florence
Don't know what to visit in Florence? Then go for a walk in this wonderful garden and park area. On the square of a natural landmark, created with the help of man, there is a beautiful fountain, a small reservoir, parterres, a porcelain city museum and an olive grove. The arrangement of the territory began thanks to the instructions of Cosimo the First. This area is very loved by city dwellers, but not so popular with travelers (since not every tourist knows about it). Let's just say that the entrance to the Boboli Gardens is not free. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the nearby gallery.
Official website: https://www.uffizi
16. Baptistery of San Giovanni
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Medieval Baptistery of San Giovanni in Piazza Duomo in Florence Txllxt TxllxT
Walking through an important historical place – the Florentine Cathedral Square, it is impossible to ignore the Baptistery of San Giovanni. Ever since its foundation in the 5th century, the baptistery served as a baptismal for almost all Florentines for 14 centuries! The baptistery itself bears the name of the famous biblical saint – John the Baptist, who is also considered the heavenly patron of the city. Outwardly, this is a rather modest building, but its gates, located on three cardinal points, are a true masterpiece – their jewelry-created bas-reliefs can be looked at for hours, admiring the finest art. The interior decor is striking in its value and depth of elaboration – the white marble dome is a truly amazing sight – the ceiling faces converge at a single point where the image of Jesus is surrounded by angels, and the rest of the surfaces are painted with scenes of the Last Judgment and other plots of Holy Scripture.
< em>Official site: https://operaduomo
17. Basilica of San Lorenzo
View of the 15th-century Basilica of San Lorenzo in Florence from the west sailko
The interior of one of the oldest churches in Florence – the Basilica of San Lorenzo Nathan Hughes Hamilton
The top 10 attractions in Florence are worthy of entering the Basilica of San Lorenzo, located on the square of the same name – an ancient city temple, where almost all representatives of the Medici family are buried. Architects from around the world worked on the creation. The first building on this site appeared here in the 4th century – it was the city's cathedral. An extensive renovation, financed in the 15th century by Giovanni de' Medici, aimed at building a tomb for the Medici family. The façade of the basilica is quite ascetic, while the interior decoration strikes the imagination with its richness, which makes up a noticeable contrast with the external design. The floor is decorated with church-themed drawings, the ceiling is white relief caissons with gilding, and the bas-reliefs, doors, pulpits, cherubs are made of bronze by Donatello, Michelangelo himself worked on the chapel of the princes and the library.
Official site:< /em> https://brunelleschi
18. Monastery and Church of San Marco
Facade of the Church of San Marco from St. Mark's Square in Florence sailko
In the northern part of the city, on Piazza San Marco, there is an ancient building of the monastery of the same name, which was abandoned by the monks of the Sylvester Order in the 19th century. The order was once founded by Saint Dominic as a community of preachers whose goal was to protect society from the temptation of false teachings. And already at the end of the 19th century the monastery was turned into a museum and an important spiritual center of Florence. According to historical data, the buildings of the Church of St. Marks and the monastery were built in the 13th century, and the talented architect Bartolomeo took part in their restoration. The painter Beato Angelico also worked within the walls of the monastery, leaving here the world's largest collection of his paintings, which are now on display in the museum. Among the paintings painted by Angelico on the boards, the famous “Descent from the Cross” and “The Last Judgment” are kept for guests.
19. Bargello Museum
One of the halls of the National Museum Bargello Nicola Quirico
The museums of Florence are among the most visited in the world, where masterpieces of famous Italian masters await you. And in addition to world-famous institutions – such as the Academy Gallery in Florence, other galleries, unique in their own way, occupy a worthy place. So, for example, the Bargello Museum, located within the walls of a medieval castle, throughout history served as the residence of the chief judge, and the palace of justice, and served as a prison, even executions were carried out here. And since 1865, the Museum of Medieval and Renaissance Art, established by King Victor Emmanuel, began working in the castle. The main direction of the museum is sculpture and arts and crafts, therefore, since the 19th century, the treasures of many demolished temples and museums have been brought here – bas-reliefs, figurines, medals. The most valuable part of the exposition is the Donatello Hall, masterpieces by Michelangelo, as well as collections of weapons, objects made of Venetian glass and ivory.
20. Stibbert Museum
An extensive collection of armor from Eastern and Western civilizations in the Stibbert Museum sailko
Enchanting Florence, whose museums are famous all over the world, in one of the old original villas keeps a priceless collection of exhibits and historical artifacts collected by one of the art lovers – Frederick Stibbert .
Once the collector lived in this luxurious villa, consisting of 57 rooms, and his main dream was to turn his own house into a museum, so he devoted his whole life to collecting weapons and antiques, which he bought on numerous trips to different parts of the world. The walls of the villa-museum are covered with tapestry and leather, and in 60 rooms there are paintings, portraits, porcelain, uniforms of Napoleonic soldiers, pieces of furniture, Tuscan crucifixes and much, much more. The most numerous collection is represented by the armor and armaments of the armies of Japan, Europe, and Islamic countries. Before his death, Stibbert bequeathed all this wealth to the Museum of Florence.
Official website: http://www.museostibbert
21. Davanzati Palace
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Exposition of the Museum of the ancient Florentine house Sailko
During a walk in Florence, in the very heart of the city, you can see a number of medieval houses united in a common architectural ensemble. This is Palazzo Davanzati – a Florentine palace, within the walls of which today there is a museum of an old house. The palace was built back in the 14th century for the wealthy family of Davizzi, repeatedly passed from hand to hand, until in the 16th century it was sold to the Davanzatti family, who owned it for more than one century. And only at the beginning of the 20th century it was transferred to the ownership of the state. A distinctive feature of the palace is its architecture, which is a vivid example of a residential building of the 14th century. The interior of the palace-museum is designed by floors – there is a huge hall for receptions, marriage rooms, a dining room. The entire interior environment recreates the original appearance of the house – for example, there are chests with linen in the bedrooms, antique ceramics in the wardrobes, in the kitchen you can see utensils, a knitting machine and spinning wheels.
22. Dante Alighieri House Museum< /h3>
Dante Alighieri House Museum in an old stone house in the center of Florence sailko
The great Italian poet Dante Alighieri once lived in a beautiful Florentine mansion in an old medieval quarter, but today's building is a skilful replica of a 13th-century residential building. The expositions on the 3 floors of the house present objects that reflect not only creativity, but also the cultural and historical environment in which Alighieri lived. For example, the expositions on the first floor are devoted to the guild of pharmacists, in which he was a member, and the political life of Florence in the 14th-15th centuries. The collections on the second floor tell about the poet's exile, another room shows the poet's bedroom, and the third shows a film about the Divine Comedy with drawings by Gustave Dore.
In order for the planned excursion to be successful, do not forget that Florence has a rest on Monday, and for many museums in the city this day is a day off, Dante Alighieri is no exception, who is open from October to March from Tuesday to Sunday.
23. Palazzo Medici Riccardi
Room with murals in Palazzo Medici-Riccardi in Florence Sailko
Once the Palazzo Medici Riccardi was the ancestral castle of the Medici family and the first building in the Renaissance style in Florence, the appearance of which was carefully thought out and designed by the architect Michelozzo. A simple and at the same time elegant building, finished with golden stone, captivates with its laconic restraint. It is worth noting that the original design of the palace was entrusted to another architect – Brunneleschi, who conceived a luxurious building with elaborate ornaments and decoration. However, Cosimo de' Medici rejected the project, not risking teasing his compatriots with his wealth. The first floor is occupied by a patio with an arcade around the perimeter and a Medici Garden with lemon trees. On the first floor of the museum are collected ancient frescoes, busts, objects of the Roman era. On the second floor – the Chapel of the Magi with frescoes illustrating the birth of Christ, the Gallery of Mirrors, painted by Luca Giordano, and the hall with the painting “Madonna and Child”.
Official website: http://www.palazzomedici
24. Bardini Garden
Flowering wisteria in the garden of Villa Bardini on the banks of the Arno River in Florence g.sighele
A magnificent place for walking and contemplation is the Bardini Garden, a corner of silence, peace and serenity with a beautiful view of the Arno River and the historic city center. The park has magnificent green arches made of hanging lianas and laurel, and hedges divide the space into three zones – an Italian garden, an English garden and an agricultural area. Although only fruit trees remained from the latter – most of the land has long been ennobled, gardens have been laid out, fountains and grottoes have been erected, and a coffee house has been equipped. Visiting this zone, you can feel yourself floating above the fantastic flower clouds. The English garden is distinguished by picturesque elements of the water system in the form of a long pond and beautiful waterfalls. The English ambience is also supported by the characteristic cut lawns and landscape-style flower gardens.
Official site:https://www.villabardini
25. Cascine Park
Cascine Park is a popular holiday destination for Florentines sailko
Guests arriving in Italy are primarily interested in tourist Florence, reviews of which often testify to the historical uniqueness of some parks, including the Cascine Memorial Park. Once it belonged to the influential Medici family, who allocated most of the territories for agriculture – peasants lived and worked right here, who grew fruits and vegetables, mowed grass and put it in special barns – kashiny, this is where the name of the park came from. At the end of the 18th century, with the advent of fashion for landscape design, former meadows, vegetable gardens and arable land began to be ennobled, and alleys with slender rows of trees, benches, arbors, fountains and flower beds appeared in their place. The park became a place for ceremonial receptions of the local nobility, and only in the 19th century was access opened to the general public. On 160 hectares there was a place for a hippodrome, a velodrome, a swimming pool, tennis fields and a summer school.
We hope that you will want to personally see all those sights of Florence, the photos with names and descriptions of which are now in front of you. Read also about the sights of Venice and be inspired to travel further in Italy.