City of art and culture, what to visit in Florence?
Ancient palaces, sculptures, art everywhere, choosing what to visit in Florence is not easy, this is why we have prepared a list of things that you can't miss while in town and if you have some spare time, we suggest you visit our section on things to do in Florence.
Piazza del Duomo
We suggest to start from the beautiful square that hosts the main Cathedral of Florence, the beautiful Baptistery and the Bell Tower of Giotto. In addition, by the square you also find the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, where it's possible to admire the sculptures that once adorned the buildings of the square. The square is framed by coffee shops and restaurants where you can rest and enjoy a great Italian coffee.
Piazza della Repubblica
The current appearance of the square, mainly with Palaces from the 1800' is the result of the urban modernization that Florence underwent when it was the capital of Italy. The majestic Column of Abundance marks the point where the Thistle and the Decumanus met and where there was the ancient Roman forum. Advice from our team: go to the terrace of La Rinascente for an aperitif and admire the square and its wonders from a different point of view.
Ponte Vecchio
One of the symbols of Florence, Ponte Vecchio, built in 1345, is considered one of the most beautiful bridges in the world. In the 15th and 16th centuries the bridge was occupied by butchers and slaughterhouses, however when the Medici Family moved to Palazzo Pitti, Fernando I ordered the closure of these commercial activities because of the bad smell coming from those shops. Since then, those butchers and slaughterhouses are replaced by fine goldsmith shops.
Piazza della Signoria
The centre of attention of Florence’s political life since the 14th century. Piazza della Signoria has seen important historical events and great triumphs, here you can find Palazzo Vecchio, the Fountain of Neptune and the splendid Loggia dei Lanzi, containing famous masterpieces such as the Ratto delle Sabine by Giambologna. In 1497 the Vanity Bonfire of Girolamo Savonarola was organized here, where thousands of objects deemed "sinful" were burned, including books and paintings.
Brunelleschi's Dome
The majestic Dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence is a masterpiece of engineering with a diameter of 45.5 meters, it was designed by Brunelleschi and is definitely one of the things to visit in Florence.
It is advisable to climb the 463 internal steps of the Dome to admire the marvelous frescoes of the Last Judgement by Giorgio Vasari, a bit tiring but worth the view. At the top you can also enjoy the breathtaking view from the terrace above the dome.
Uffizi
Galleria degli Uffizi is the richest museum in Italy and a must see for those staying in Florence.
The gallery contains enchanting works from the Middle Ages to the modern age including some of the most beautiful and well-known works in the world, such as the Annunciation by Leonardo da Vinci, Birth of Venus and Spring by Botticelli, the Venus of Urbino by Titian, and other works by Caravaggio, Giotto, Michelangelo and other prestigious artists. The building dates back to 1560, and was designed by Giorgio Vasari.
Piazza Santa Croce
The Cathedral of Santa Croce, whose construction began in 1294 on the foundations of a chapel built to commemorate the death of the friar Saint Francis of Assisi, is located in a beautiful square, that is also the home to the Calcio Storico Fiorentino, a game played today in historical costume. On the side of the Basilica there is a wonderful garden where you can often attend musical performances.
Piazza Santa Maria Novella
The interior of the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is meticulously decorated, on its walls you can admire the frescoes that show the daily life of Florence in the Middle Ages. The two most important works of the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella are "The Trinity of Masaccio", pioneer artist in the use of perspective, and "The Crucifix of Brunelleschi".
Piazzale Michelangelo
The majestic Piazzale Michelangelo is the spot with the best panoramic view of Florence. From there you can admire the whole town and the game of perspectives will leave you speechless. In the square, in addition to a bronze copy of Michelangelo’s David, you will find various restaurants and bars where you can sit and enjoy excellent aperitifs with the view of the Florentine beauties. Two minutes from the square you will find the Rose Garden, perfect for romantics and statue lovers.
Boboli gardens
The most beautiful garden in Florence.
Walking through the Boboli Gardens means walking through the history of the Medici family, the most important family that ruled Florence. Boboli is the largest green area of Florence. Its history began when the Medici family bought Palazzo Pitti in 1550. Today you can still see the beautiful caves, fountains and numerous marble statues. Just 10 minutes walking distance from the Hotel, incredibly beautiful in Spring.
Walking through the Boboli Gardens means walking through the history of the Medici family, the most important family that ruled Florence. Boboli is the largest green area of Florence. Its history began when the Medici family bought Palazzo Pitti in 1550. Today you can still see the beautiful caves, fountains and numerous marble statues. Just 10 minutes walking distance from the Hotel, incredibly beautiful in Spring.
