¿What to see in Florence? We are going to show you all the most important monuments and places to see in this incredible Italian city.
TIPS: Another way to see the city is to book it a free visitwhere you will see the historic center of Florence.
What to see in Florence. Unmissable places
Florence, capital of the region of Tuscanyis a wonderful city with many churches and palaces full of history and has one of the most beautiful cities in the world. the most important art collections in the world.
TIPS: Since you are in Florence, you can come by a day in Pisawhich is only an hour away by train.
And now we’re on our way to see firenzean open-air museum 😃.
Basilica of Santa Croce
The website Basilica of Santa Croce or the Basilica of the Holy Cross, is the largest Franciscan church in the world. and represents and summarizes 700 years of history of the city of Florence.
Declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1982.it is one of places to see in florence The spectacular interior will leave you speechless.
In the central nave of the basilica, do not miss the magnificent high altar, as well as the the tombs of several Italian personalities such as Galileo Galilei, Michelangelo Buonarroti and Dante Alighieri..
After crossing the central nave you will reach the sacristy and the Pazzi Chapel, from where you will pass into the cloister and at the end of the cloister you will find the exit.
Gallery of the Accademia di Firenze
Located on Via Ricasoli, it was established in the 16th century as an Academy of Fine Arts and is the second most visited museum in the city..
In the Accademia Galleryhighly recommended site What to visit in Florencewhere you will see wonderful paintings and sculptures and where, of course, you can see one of the most famous statues in the world.: Michelangelo’s David.
Did you know that the statue stood in Piazza della Signoria? Its place was supposed to be the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, but it weighed so much that they decided to put it in the square. Later, in the 19th century, to avoid its deterioration, it was moved to the Galleria dell’Accademia.
The perfection with which it is made is indescribable. to say without seeing it, so we can only recommend that you include it in your budget for a trip to florence.
We leave you the direct link so that you can buy your ticket with priority access and which includes a guided tour of the gallery in Spanish.
Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore, a must see in Florence
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is the third largest church in the world. after that of Saint-Pierre in Rome and that of Saint-Paul in London.
Visiting the cathedral, which took two centuries to build, is not only tour of the main buildingbut also to climb its dome, the bell tower and visit the baptistery. located near her.
TIPS: East Florence Mysteries and Legends Free Tour in which, among many other things, you will be informed about the hidden history of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiorecan be a perfect opportunity to get to know the city better.
Florence Mysteries and Legends Self-Guided Tour
The dome
To climb to the dome, you will have to climb 463 steps. However, we assure you that the effort is worth it thanks to the the incredible views of the city.
If you want to know more about the Brunelleschi’s domeBrunelleschi’s Dome, facts about its construction, anecdotes, etc., this guided tour of the dome interests you.
The baptistery
You’ll enter through the north gate and you’ll be happy to know that there are no stairs here 😉 Don’t miss either”The gate of paradise“as the Eastern Gate, the work of sculptor Lorenzo Ghiberti, is popularly known.
The bell tower
Like many churches of the time, the bell tower is separate from the cathedral and can be seen to one side. You can also enjoy a good view after climbing the 414 steps in front of you.
Piazza della Signoria
The website Plaza de la Señoria was the civil and political center of the citywhere public executions took place.
Today it is the heart of the city’s social life and here you will see two of the buildings that are almost obligatory to visit during your stay. trip to florence: The Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery.
Next to them is The Loggia della Signoriaa historic monument built in the 14th century where public assemblies and official ceremonies of the Florentine Republic were held.
Here is the replica of Michelangelo’s Davidthe original of which you can see if you visit the Galleria dell’Accademia, mentioned above.
Palazzo Vecchio, another essential place to see in Florence.
The Palazzo della Signoria better known as Palazzo Vecchio was built between the 13th and 14th centuries to house the city government. Although it has been modified and enlarged several times, its current appearance dates from the 16th century, since Cosimo I de’ Medici had works carried out to transform it into a ducal palace and establish his residence there.
Today, in addition to the City Hall offices, you will find the museum and the Torre di Arnolfo.
It crosses all the rooms of the museum, which are magnificently decorated with impressive fres frescoes and magnificent ceilings. Our favorite rooms were the Cinquecento room and the map room.
You also have the option of to book a guided tour in English and without queuing to discover the history of Palazzo Vecchio.
Then you can climb the 223 steps to the top of the Arnolfo Tower of the Palazzo Vecchio and have a magnificent views of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore..
Uffizi Gallery
Located next to the Palazzo Vecchio, it is one of the best art and sculpture museums in the world. and therefore a place a must in Florence.
Its construction was ordered by Cosimo I de’ Medici, with the idea – initially – of housing the offices of the magistrates and part of the government.
On its two floors, you can admire works as famous as Le Printemps and the Birth of Venusboth by Botticelli, as well as sculptures, incredibly decorated rooms and an important collection of books and manuscripts.
Since it is well known, there is always a long queue to get inSO we recommend this guided tour in English and with priority entry.so as not to miss anything of this marvelous museum.
Ponte Vecchio
The website Ponte Vecchio or Old Bridge is a symbol of the city of Florence there one of the most famous in the world. This medieval bridge over the Arno River, which was the only one to go across the river. until the 13th century.
The current one was rebuilt in the 14th century due to flooding and during World War II it was the only bridge in the city that was not destroyed..
When the Medici family moved from Palazzo Vecchio to Palazzo Pitti they decided they needed an alternative route so they didn’t have to blend into the city and so at the top of the bridge you can see some small windows who are part of Vasarian Corridor.
Today, both sides of the bridge are lined with shops, mostly jewelry stores, and its crossing is one of the most important things to do in Florenceeven if it’s only once in a lifetime. 😊
TIPS: If you want to know everything the history of the MediciThis free tour will be useful.
Self-guided tour of the Medici in Florence
Pitti Palace
The website Pitti Palace It owes its name to the banker Luca Pitti, who had it built in the 14th century, then bought it in the 15th century by Cosimo I de Medici and his wife, to establish their habitual residence there.
After the Medici family, the palace was inhabited by the Habsburg-Lorraine family, the Grand Dukes of Tuscany and later by the Kings of Italy from the House of Savoy.
There are currently 4 museums inside the palace spread over its 3 floors:
- Ground floorIn the rooms of the summer apartment of the Medici, the following items are exhibited furniture, vases and jewelry belonging to the Treasury of the Grand Dukes.
- First floor: You will find the Palatine Gallery with 500 works of art, belonging to the private collection of the Medici saga and the Royal apartmentswith 14 beautifully decorated rooms located in the south wing of the palace.
- First floor: You have the Modern Art Gallery and Museum of Costume and Fashion in the rooms where the Habsburg-Lorraine family lived and from where you have a beautiful view of the city of Florence and the Boboli Gardens, which you access through the inner courtyard on the ground floor.
TIPS: If you want to soak up all the the history of the Pitti Palace and the Palatina Gallery, you can book this guided tour.
Boboli Gardens
Located just behind the Palazzo Pitti, these gardens were designed by the Medici family, creating an Italian garden style that would later become established, will serve as a model for several European courtyard gardens.. They were later extended by the Habsburg-Lorraine family and the House of Savoy dynasty.
TIPS: Don’t miss the Grotta di Madama and the Grotta di Buontalentitwo small chapels built into the rock.
Piazzale Michelangelo
This square was built in 1869 by the Florentine architect Giuseppe Poggi in honor of the sculptor Michelangelo with several replicas of his works. Today is only the bronze replica of one of his most famous works, the David.
It is one of the most beautiful places What to see in Florence for free by the incredible views of the whole citythat you can enjoy at any time of the day, especially at sunset.
You can get there on foot from one of the exits of the Boboli Gardens (Porta Romana) or by bus with lines 12 or 13 from the city center, next to Ponte Vecchio.
Map of places and things to see in Florence.
To see around Florence
If you have some free time left on your trip to Florence, we suggest these interesting visits to towns near the capital. Take a look at each of them, because there are several optionswith guide, on your own, with tickets, without tickets, etc. So you can adapt it to the way you travel and enjoy more excursions. 😉
Excursion to San Gimignano, Siena and Chianti
Excursion to Pisa, San Gimignano and Siena
Excursion to Pisa and ascent of the Leaning Tower
Where to eat in Florence
In Florence, as in all of Italy, you can eat wonderfully. So we’re going to show you some of the best places to eat in Florence. places we tried during our trip to the capital of Tuscany 😀.
Il Bufalo Trippone
If you are looking for a different place to eat in florenceWe recommend this little place which is perfect for buying a panino and having a glass of wine (and without intending to, we made up a verse). 😇
Not only can you eat a good cold meat sandwich, but you can also try an Italian cheese platter and if you want to bring back a nice souvenir, they sell typical products of Tuscanyas well as wine and oil.
- Address: Via dell’Anguillara, 48R
The Botteghe di Donatello
If you are a pasta and pizza lover you will find a huge variety to choose from here and if meat is your thing then you have to give it a try. steak a la fiorentina, one of the most typical dishes of Florence..
TIPS: The menu includes several gluten-free options.
- Address: Piazza del Duomo, 28R
Panini Toscani
Next to the cathedral, you will find it easily. They offer panini (sandwiches) with different types of bread and local sausages.
We thought it was wonderful that they let you taste the sausages (not all…😆) and then decide on your panino to take away or to put on the outdoor terrace.
- Address: Piazza del Duomo, 34R
Gelateria Caffé delle Carrozze
Although the food in Florence is delicious, we’ll have to try some gelato too, right?
The Caffé delle Carrozze, is located next to the Arno river, before reaching the Ponte Vecchio and has, in our opinion, the best artisanal gelato in town..
If, instead of ice cream, you fancy a sweet, they have several types of mini cakes and tarts, perfect for dessert.
- Address: Piazza del Pesce, 3/4/5 R
We hope that this post on What to see in Florence was helpful for your trip and we would love to hear about your experiences in the comments. 😊
Thank you for reading and see you soon….
Other articles you can read about Florence
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