If you plan to visit Italy, you should study the photo of the sights of Florence in advance. There are many monuments of architecture and culture in the city, you may not even be able to appreciate them all in one trip, but you definitely need to have time to see the most significant objects that will be listed below.

To appreciate the atmosphere and fully feel the spirit of Italy, you can study the culture of Florence in advance, which is somewhat different from the general Italian one. This city was founded personally by Julius Caesar, in 59. But, the dawn of the former capital of the Italian Republic falls on the XIV-XVI centuries, when it became the center of the country's economic development.

Today Florence is a unique city that combines the spirit of antiquity and modernity. Despite the fact that there are historically valuable places at every turn, it is impossible not to appreciate the many opportunities for entertainment, excellent shopping and amazing restaurants with delicious cuisine.

- the center of the dawn of the Renaissance, which is noticeable in its architecture. Such famous personalities as Dante Alighieri, Francesco Petrarca, Giovanni Boccaccio and many others were born here, so the city will be of interest to fans ancient art and literature. The Renaissance culture also originates from here, outstanding architects worked here, who influenced the design style of buildings all over the world. Today Florence is deservedly called a museum under open sky, each object here is of great cultural value.

To get to, if this particular city is the center of your trip, it is best to fly by plane. There are no direct flights, but you can make one transfer in European city and from there get to Vespucci airport.

The Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is one of the visiting cards. This cathedral was built 7 centuries ago, on the site ancient church Santa Reparata, which, in turn, was erected on the site of an ancient Greek temple. The main feature of the cathedral is the multifaceted dome, which was erected over the course of 15 years under the guidance of Filippo Brunelleschi personally. The dome, as it were, hovers over the cathedral, it has 8 faces. Frescoes were painted on the dome only 100 years later. The height of this building is more than 150 m - it is one of the five largest cathedrals in the world.
Entrance to the cathedral is free, tourists can also climb to the observation deck, which is open daily. You can buy a ticket to visit the museum, the bell tower and the baptistery at a price of 30 euros.

“I highly recommend going up to the dome, where you will see the frescoes by Vasari, see the panorama of Florence and appreciate the tools and mechanisms used in the construction. The most beautiful cathedral, it is necessary to see it. Crowds of tourists get in the way a bit, but you can’t get away from it.”

The Uffizi Gallery contains unique paintings by prominent artists from around the world. This museum was built in a specially erected building for the Medici dynasty, the project was developed by Giorgio Vasari. The building was erected in 1580, initially it was supposed to collect all government agencies under the same roof.

Initially, representatives of the Medici dynasty themselves brought paintings and sculptures to the gallery, who were fond of painting and wanted to show all their greatness in this place. Unique works by Sandro Botticelli, works by Raphael, Leonardo Da Vinci, Rembrandt, Michelangelo and many other painters appeared here. The attention is also struck by the collection of sculptures, the main of which was the Venus of the Medici.

Museum, which covers an area of ​​13 thousand square meters. m is located at Galleria degli Uffizi Piazzale degli Uffizi 50123 Firenze. The entrance fee is 8 euros. The museum is closed on Mondays, on other days it is open until 18.45.

“I had to stand in line for a long time, but it was worth it. It is impossible to get around the gallery and see all the sights even for the whole day, in the 2 hours that we were there, we saw a small fraction of the unique exhibits. On the first floor, you can take a Russian-language audio guide, it's even more interesting. We will definitely visit the gallery again on our next visit.”

The Ponte Vecchio Bridge is the oldest in. It is noteworthy that earlier it was the most foul-smelling bridge of the Middle Ages and cost several miles, but now it is a pretentious attraction that is included in the top 10 must-see.

The bridge appeared in the days of the Roman Empire, then it was made of wood and constantly broke down under the influence of the waters of the Arno River. When the bridge was made of stone in the 15th century, butcher shops began to appear around it, hence the unpleasant smell in the area. Butchers built shops so that they stick out above the water - it was more convenient to dump waste into the river. Now expensive jewelry stores are open in these same shops.

Above the bridge there is a Vasari corridor, which was built so that Duke Cosimo could take walks over the river. Today, one of the best galleries in the world is located in this corridor, where 700 original paintings by outstanding artists of the 16th-17th centuries are collected. There are self-portraits of Raphael, Rubens, Kiprensky and Vasari. Only tour groups can visit the gallery, you need to book a place in the Uffizi Museums. The guide is in English only. The cost of the tour is 90 euros.

“Amazing place, very beautiful gallery. But the tour will be interesting and understandable only to those who know English well. We ordered a guide not in the museum, but in the travel agency of the city. I liked everything very much, it’s a pity that you can’t take pictures. ”

academy fine arts- one of the most popular museums. It was opened in 1561, so it has very valuable exhibits. This is the largest educational institution that controlled all art schools in the 17th-19th centuries. It is here that Michelangelo's original David, the statue of St. Matthew, the Evangelist Luke and much more are located.

There is also a rich collection of paintings by local masters, there are works by Andrea Orcagna, Ghirlandaio, Fra Bartolomeo, Filippino Lippi, Bronzino and other artists. The gallery is located at Piazza Pitti, 1 and is open daily from 8.15 am to 6.45 pm, except on Mondays. The entrance fee is 15.75 euros.

"Very interesting place for everyone who is interested in the culture of Italy. Beautiful works, originals, original statues – the tour made a huge impression and gave a lot of new and useful information.”

Piazza Michelangelo - largest square with a great view of the Ponte Vecchio. It is located on top of a hill and offers a panoramic view of the city, the city looks especially beautiful after dark, when the lights are on. For all tourists, this is one of the main attractions.

The square is located between the gardens of Boboli and Bardini, there is a bronze copy of the figure of David, and at the foot of the mountain there are sculptures depicting the seasons.

“I liked it very much luxurious look opens. You can enjoy the beautiful sights of Florence completely free of charge, you can see them all here at a glance.”

Piazza della Signoria is located in front of the Plazzo Vecchio, it has many interesting sculptures by Michelangelo, Donatello and Cellini. In ancient times, it was here main square cities, bonfires of the Inquisition were lit and performances of officials were held.

This is the only allegorical cycle of statues in the world where copies of real masterpieces are located. Here you will find David, Hercules and even the Gorgon Medusa - a very interesting place for tourists. Of the original sculptures, only Perseus is here.

“A square with an unusual history and atmosphere, a very interesting place, you can walk for hours and look at the sculptures. Nearby is also the entrance to the Old Palace. This is a unique square, the likes of which I have never seen in any other city.”

The Palazzo Vecchio is considered the most luxurious building in Florence. This is an obligatory point of the excursion program for any tourist. The building itself was built at the turn of the 13th-14th centuries and is a unique work of architecture. Inside it are special frescoes and paintings. The palace has 3 courtyards and its own chapel, there is also a dressing room and this is an incomplete list of unique rooms.

Palazzo Vecchio became the first seat of government. Acquaintance with the object begins at the entrance - the facade was decorated in the 16th century. Inside you can see the statues of Verrocchio and the frescoes of Vasari.

The main room of the palace is the Cinquecento Hall. Its size is 52 by 23 m, the ceiling and walls are decorated with frescoes with historical significance. On the second floor, you should definitely see the hall of the elements with frescoes, as well as the terrace of Saturn. The palace is located right on Piazza della Signoria and is open on such days Friday-Wednesday: 09:00 - 19:00, Thursday: 09:00 - 14:00. The entrance fee is 6.5 euros.

“A magnificent palace, the courtyards impress with luxury. In addition, here you can feel the spirit of antiquity and enjoy it to the fullest, see the meeting rooms, receptions, see original sculptures and paintings by famous masters.”

The Boboli Gardens are famous all over the world, they are located next to the residence of the Medici Palazzo Pitti. In these gardens, luxurious plants that bloom all year round, many terraces, fountains, gazebos. Also, they are famous for a large number of sculptures from different centuries of creation. It was according to the Boboli Gardens that the main parks of Europe were created, including, palace park at Versailles.

From the terraces of the garden there is an excellent view of the. The territory is divided by wide axial alleys, in the center there is a fountain of Neptune. Previously, magnificent receptions and balls were held here. On the territory there are also grottoes and copies of famous statues of historical value. The entrance fee is 7 euros, the gardens are open all year round from 8 am. Closing time depends on the season.

“Great park, spent half a day here. Such a beautiful territory has never been seen anywhere else, not only are the sculptures gorgeous, but there is a lot of greenery, a luxurious place. Definitely worth a visit if you are not passing through Florence, but at least for a few days.

Villa Medici di Castello is one of the oldest country residences of the Medici, which belonged to the dynasty since 1477. Here, to this day, the original statues, which Duke Casimo personally chose, have been preserved.

Today the park is planted with citrus trees, flowers and decorated with renaissance monuments. There is a fountain in the center of the courtyard. The villa itself has a beautiful facade, it has 2 floors and balconies with pilasters. Unfortunately, almost nothing from the first owners has been preserved in this villa, only some of the original windows remain. The garden and the villa are located in via di Castello 47, the museum is open all week from 8.15 to 16.30-19.30 (depending on the season). Entrance to the territory is free.

“I liked it very much beautiful garden and villa with interesting history. Free entrance, which is also a big plus, excursions in Florence are not cheap. The place for a walk is wonderful, the ancient paths of sculpture, fountains - all this immerses you in some special atmosphere.”

John the Baptist is the patron. The Baptistery of Saint John the Baptist is located on Duomo Square, in front of the Cathedral. The building was erected on the remains of an ancient Roman temple. The exact date of construction is unknown, but the first mention of the baptistery dates back to 897. In 1128, the Pope awarded him the title of city baptistery, before that, it was just a church.

The building is remarkable in that it has an octagonal shape. Inside the walls and the dome are covered with frescoes, which were applied during the XIII-XVI centuries. It was the gates of this baptistery that Michelangelo called "the gates of paradise". The gates were covered with tiles with scenes from the Old Testament, which personified the vices of people. But in the middle of the 20th century, the tiles were damaged by floods and today they are replaced by copies.

The baptismal is located in Piazza Duomo, at Santa Maria dela Fiore. To the Piazza del Duomo. Entrance is free from 11 to 19.00, but a visit to the museum is paid separately.

“This is the pearl of all sights, I saw it a year ago, but I am still impressed. Before that, I read “Inferno”, where there is information about the baptistery, it was very interesting to see everything with my own eyes. The frescoes were especially impressive – inside the baptismal they are everywhere and create an indescribable atmosphere.”

Florence is a true paradise for art and culture lovers. You can come here at any time of the year, the pleasant climate of the country will allow you to enjoy the sights both in winter and in summer. Great place for family vacation or a romantic trip.

It is located right here, in the cradle of the Renaissance. Sights of Florence are found at every step, literally every house here requires a careful study of facades, windows, doors, gates and other details. This city is full of love for art; hundreds and thousands of talented masters of the past and present drew inspiration here. Florence plays great on contrasts: the monumentality of the Duomo is harmoniously combined with the tiny streets in the labyrinths of the Old City, the luxury of palaces - with picturesque garden alleys.

Duomo Cathedral

The Duomo temple complex is the symbol of Florence, most often found on tourist postcards. It consists of a grandiose Gothic cathedral with the world's largest brick dome, a bell tower and a baptistery. The first stones in the foundation of the temple were laid back in 1296, and the completion of construction took place already in 1887. Six architects worked to create a masterpiece with incredible amount facade sculptures. Both outside and inside, the Duomo looks more luxurious than many royal palaces.

Academy Gallery

The Academy Gallery was conceived as something like a teaching aid for young talented artists. Inspired by the works of great creators, they had to continue to create and create new masterpieces. Thus, the Academy Gallery is a collection of perfect works of fine arts throughout world history. Many visitors admit that when visiting the museum they were covered by a culture shock, the concentration of brilliant masterpieces is so great within its walls.

Campanile Giotto

Soaring up 90 meters, Giotto's bell tower was at one time the only way to notify Florentines about services and church holidays. It is located to the right of the main entrance to the Duomo Cathedral and is part of this temple complex. Having overcome more than 400 steps, you can climb to the very top of the campanile and enjoy a breathtaking view of the cradle of the Renaissance.

Uffizi Gallery

On an area of ​​13 thousand square meters, there are numerous masterpieces of the 13th-18th centuries, which half the world comes to see. The ingenious creations of eminent masters are collected in the Uffizi Gallery, accessible to the public since the 16th century. Over time, the collection expanded and replenished. Today in the exposition you can see the works of Raphael and Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Rubens, Andrea Botticelli and Rembrandt and other great artists of the past. The gallery is located in a building surrounded by picturesque hanging gardens.

Basilica of Santa Croce

The snow-white facades of Santa Croce can be seen from afar, this church is so conspicuous and beautiful. It was built in the 13th century and managed to bring to our days masterpiece frescoes, architectural delights of the exterior and interior, as well as an incredible sense of belonging to something ancient and great. The church contains the graves of many famous Florentines, including Rossini, Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Galileo.

Palazzo Vecchio

The ancient building on Piazza della Signoria strikes the imagination with its monumentality and austerity. The powerful walls are crowned with massive battlements, above which the 94-meter Arnolfo tower rises. Palazzo Vecchio was built in the 13th century, and during its long history it managed to visit both a palace and a prison. Now the Vecchio building is shared by the Florentine Town Hall and the Palazzo Museum, in the mansions of which such a valuable exhibit as the Stradivarius violin is stored.

Baptistery of San Giovanni

A small, squat building on Cathedral Square, in the shadow of the splendor of the Duomo, is the Baptistery of San Giovanni, or in other words, the baptismal of John. The place for the construction of the baptistery was not chosen by chance; since the 1st century AD, the sacred temple of martial Mars has stood here. In the 11th century, the building received its present form. The famous master Antonio Pisano contributed to the creation and decoration of the baptistery. Inside, the building looks no less luxurious than outside - in marble, gilding and ancient frescoes.

Bridge Ponte Vecchio

This bridge is really old, even during the Second World War, it was the only one of all Florentine bridges that was not damaged by bombing. Perhaps this is due to the fact that shortly before the start of the war, Hitler himself came to the Ponte Vecchio, and especially for him, an observation deck was equipped in the center of the bridge. Until now, from this site you can admire the charm of Florence, stretching along the banks of the Argo River.

Loggia Lanzi

In the 14th century, the loggia, which at that time was called Signori, served as a venue for meetings, forums, receptions and other official events. Having corrected all traditions, in the 16th century, Duke Cosimo de Medici gave the loggia to the Lanzi mercenaries. Since then, it has acquired its current name. Currently, the loggia is a museum of sculptures - here you can see mythical and religious characters. Most of the works are copies, the originals of which are kept in eminent Florentine galleries.

Palazzo Pitti

The grandiose Pitti Palace is now a collection of the most interesting museums. Here are the Palatine Gallery and the Medici Treasury, the Porcelain Museum and the Costume Museum. The backyard of the palazzo is decorated with the famous Boboli Gardens. The incredible monumentality of the palace buildings will also be an excellent topic for an exciting excursion. To completely bypass the entire territory of Pitti, it will take more than one day.

Florence - amazing city, rich in magnificent natural landscapes and historical architectural sights. Going on a trip to fabulous Florence, you should learn in advance about the most significant places and architectural monuments.

To make the most of your trip, learn more about the city and understand the true character of Florence, it's best to take a guided tour with a local!

And below we list 5 main attractions of the historic center of Florence, which you need to see at least once in your life.

Cathedral Square in Florence (Piazza Duomo)

Located in the very historical center cities. Here rises the monumental building of the cathedral, the bell tower and the baptistery. Throughout the ages, this place has evoked admiration and respect for art among visiting guests. Experienced travelers advise starting the route of walking around Florence from here.

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

The impressive size building is located in the center of the great city in Florence on the main square of the city, which was discussed above. From afar, the room is distinguished by a tall terracotta dome. The creation of the cathedral belongs to the most famous architect of his time - Brunelleschi. The second name of the cathedral is Duomo, it smells of ancient Gothic from it. The decorated walls of the temple, decorated with slabs of marble of different and rare varieties, leave an indelible impression.

Belfry of Giotto (Campanile di Giotto)

Another name for the bell tower is campanile. It harmonizes perfectly with the Gothic beauty of the Duomo. A tall tower with a graceful silhouette can be observed along with the neighboring Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. The height of this monument is 85 meters, and therefore the bell tower is clearly visible from afar. The surface is richly decorated with marble slabs of different colors and shades; these ancient stones have retained their natural palette to this day. Tallest, elongated windows and outdoor decor - an exotic mixture of Gothic and proto-Renaissance of the Middle Ages.

Baptistery of San Giovanni

This magnificent baptistery is one of the three components in the building ensemble of the Florentine Duomo. The most colorful and interesting monument. The exterior decoration of the baptistery looks amazing with the decoration of the remaining buildings on cathedral square. The painted dome with the image of Jesus and the martyrs is quite surprising. Frescoes with scriptures and other colorful icons amaze the imagination.

Palazzo Strozzi

The cottage of the Florentine rich man is truly the eternal and most expensive building, built according to the standards of the early Renaissance. In appearance, the room is a harmonious three-story building. The heart of the palazzo is courtyard and the exterior of the palace. The Center for Advanced Art, which operates here today, periodically hosts the most diverse museum expositions.

Piazza della Signoria

This place was a kind of sign of power in the era of the Florentine country. Until now, it makes a strict impression with the help of a cruel castle-fortress. Beautifully decorated with sculptures of the Renaissance: the famous "David" of the genius of Michelangelo and the sculpture "Judith" of the famous Donatello.

Palazzo Vecchio

Enough ancient palace, 13th century building. It was erected by Arnolf di Cambio. Since its construction, this building has been used for public affairs. The appearance of the palazzo, in fact, is an expression of monumentality and impregnability. The house is decorated with a jagged impressive crown and a tower with an original clock. At different times, influential people sat in the castle, and even the baron of Tuscany Cosimo I lived. This building is interesting by the visual difference between the exterior and interior design. The slender patio, designed by Michelozzo, is filled with views of European settlements. Within the walls of the castle, the colossal Hall of Five Hundred, created in honor of the military successes of Cosimo Medici, surprises.

Capital of the province of TuscanyFlorenceis the center of concentration of art and architecture of the Renaissance, since the Renaissance, Florenceserved as a rich and important center of medieval trade and commerce. Florence isone huge open-air museum. She attracts millions of tourists every year.

Top 10 attractions in Florence

1. Santa Maria del Fiore

Santa Maria del Fiore orDuomo Cathedral in Florence, the most famous landmark of the capital of Tuscany. The Duomo Cathedral is the end result of years of work spanning more than 7 centuries of history. The main architectural project was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio at the end of the 13th century, the dome, which has become a symbol for the whole of Tuscany, was created by the genius of the Renaissance Filippo Brunelleschi.

In 1293, the Florentine Republic decided to build a magnificent cathedral. The project was directed by Arnolfo di Cambio in 1294, and he solemnly laid the first stone on September 8, 1296.It was here on the morning of April 26, 1478 that Giuliano de' Medici was killed, and his brother Lorenzo the Magnificent managed to escape death at the hands of the assassins.

2. Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio is one of the oldest and most photographed bridges in Florence.The famous three-arch bridge was built by the Etruscans and then rebuilt in the 14th century.

The footbridge is often teeming with tourists and buskers, portrait painters and other street performers creating a vibrant holiday atmosphere. On the bridge is line of high quality jewelry stores. Many tourists come here to shop and take photos. Nighttime presents a stunning view as the lighting from the bridge reflects on the water. To visit all the sights of Florence be sure to book a city tour.

The Uffizi Gallery, Florence's must-see attraction. Considered today as one of the world's greatest museums of art, the Uffizi Gallery is located at Piazza Signoria.

The Uffizi Gallery is being built under the architect Giorgio Vasari in 1560, for Cosimo I Medici to house there the offices of the Florentine judges, hence the nameUffizi "offices". Constructioncompleted in 1581. WhenThe ruling Medici dynasty renounced their power, the palace was placed in a museum, which houses a magnificent collection of treasures of Renaissance art. The Uffizi Gallery, as a museum, was opened to the general public in 1765, the museum houses thousands of works of art by such masters as Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Titian and Michelangelo.

Official website: www.uffizi.com

4. Signoria Square (Piazza della Signoria)

The origin of the square dates back to the thirteenth century, when the area was owned by the Uberti family, at that time the richest family in Florence. Square was the center of political life in Florence from 14 century . It has been the scene of great triumphs such asreturn of the Medici in 1530, as well as tragic events, here, in 1498 after he was condemned as a heretic by the Inquisition, the priest and dictator of Florence, Savonarola, was burned at the stake.

Near the square are the iconic landmarks of Florence such as the Palazzo Vecchio, the Uffizi Museum and the Ponte Vecchio. There is a statue of David in the square.Michelangelo, fountain of Neptune, Hercules. and also Perseus with the head of Medusa.

5. Palazzo Vecchio

Palazzo Vecchioor the Old Palace- massive, Romanesque, the fortress is one of the most impressive urban structures Tuscany, overlooking Piazza della Signoria with her statue of David by Michelangelo, this is one of the most famous attractions in Florence. Palazzo Vecchio has been the home of the Medici family since 1540.

Center for urban political and cultural life for many centuries, Piazza della Signorini has been surrounded by the most iconic and famous buildings Florence. Its main decoration is the Palazzo Vecchio, the seat of government. This grandiose fortress-palace, which seems to be carved out of the rock, is crowned with gallery battlements and high tower. Built at the beginning of the XIV century. as an administrative building for the meeting of the highest rulers of Florence, the Palazzo Vecchio changed its name many times. The residence was reconstructed and completed, but
has always been the most recognizable building in the city. The building received its current name, meaning "old palace", thanks to the Duke of Tuscany, who moved his residence to new palace. Numerous halls of the Palazzo Vecchio were ideal for government officials. The interior decoration of the rooms reflected the greatness of the Florentine Republic and the wealth of its nobility.

6. Basilica di San Lorenzo

Church of San Lorenzo is the oldest in Florence. She was consecrated in 393, but there is almost nothing from it have been preserved to this day.The church of San Lorenzo in Florence was rebuilt 2 times, the first time in 1059 and the second time to its present form, thanks to the Medici family , in accordance with the project Brunelleschi in 1418-1421.

The latest reconstruction, what we see today, is considered one of the best buildingsrenaissance. The church was painted by the most famous Florentine artists of that time, the painting still remains intact, despite several reconstructions of the 19th century. The old sacristy was designed by Brunelleschi and decorated with frescoes by Donatello. The tomb is located in the new sacristy Lorenzo the Magnificent.

7. Boboli Gardens

The Boboli Gardens were created for the Medici family in the 16th century.The beautiful and varied garden is home to a large number of statues and fountains.The garden went through several stages of expansion and renovation,enlarged in the 17th century.

8. Piazzale Michelangelo

Piazzale Michelangelo is one of the best and most famous observation deck to enjoy the stunning view of Florence.

9. Palazzo Pitti

Pitti Palace, which was formerly the residence of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany and later of the King of Italy. It currently houses several important collections of paintings and sculptures, works of art, porcelain and galleries of costumes from a bygone era.

10. New Market (Mercato Nuovo)

Mercato Nuovo is a covered market located in the historic center of Florence. The first market appeared on this site in the 11th century, and a loggia was built in the sixteenth century to protect merchants from the weather and was named Mercato Nuovo (new market) to distinguish the new market from the ruined Mercato Vecchio (old market). Inside the loggia, merchants sold luxury items such as silk and gold.

Florence so full of exquisite art and architecture that it would take a lifetime to see it all. Of course there are some attractions in florence, which are must-sees, but it is even more interesting to watch everything that happens from the side, sitting on the terrace of a local cafe or escape from the crowds in the Boboli Gardens.
We offer you a short roundup of the top attractions in Florence that covers all the key must-see sights, as well as some fun things that a visit to Florence is not complete without. You don't have to see it all at once, so take your time and make a few stops for pizza or delicious gelatto ice cream while exploring this historic city:

Florence attractions map

1. Duomo in Florence (Duomo)

Most visitors tend to visit the most important attraction in Florence -Cathedral or cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore which is open to the public free of charge. The western façade, covered in intricate pastel-coloured marble, looks ancient, but was actually built only in the 19th century. The most famous of all the cathedral's sights is the terracotta dome, designed by Filippo Bruneleschi, who studied the Roman Pantheon and came up with a two-layered profiled dome structure, which you can climb inside today. You can buy a ticket to visit it for € 15 at the office opposite the entrance to the Baptistery, and you can simultaneously visit the Baptistery, Campanile, Duomo Museum and climb the dome of the cathedral itself, including the additional option of visiting at a certain time so as not to stand in lines.

2. Baptistery in Florence (Baptistry)

Directly in front of the cathedral is the octagonal Baptistery of St. John, whose external facade is decorated with patterns of white, pink and green marble. Inside, small arched windows illuminate the magnificent golden mosaics on the roof, depicting scenes of the Last Judgment. The northern doors of Gilberti's Gates of Paradise are a tourist magnet, showing scenes from the Old Testament, although they are just bronze copies of the gold original currently in the Duomo Museum.

3. Climb Johto's Campanile (bell tower)

You should plan your time in advance, and decide where it is better to climb - to the bell tower, or to the Duomo dome itself for a panoramic view of the entire city. But the 85-meter high Campanile Joto is best because it is less crowded with tourists, cheaper and you can get a better view of the Duomo dome from a bird's eye view, at the same time from a very close distance. The queues for the bell tower are usually long, so you can buy a ticket for a certain time. After that, a long path of 415 steps to the top of the bell tower will begin. As you climb up, there are three flights of stairs where you can rest and take in the view before reaching the very top and seeing the dome from below. Although the views here are mesmerizing, be aware that the stairs are stone and rather narrow, plus there is a long stream of tourists along them, and if you suffer from claustrophobia, this entertainment is not for you.

However, if you're wondering how the dome itself was built, climb up and take a look at Brunelleschi's method of weight distribution and herringbone brickwork.

4. Stroke Porcellino's nose in Florence (Il Porcellino)

Under the covered loggia, known as the New Market or Straw Market, you will find Il Porcellino, the famous bronze statue of a wild boar. This "pig" is a copy of an earlier marble statue and is a popular mascot for visitors to Florence. Place a small coin in his mouth and make sure that it falls through the grate located under the boar, then flick his nose and your dreams will come true!

5. Stroll through the Central Market (Mercato Centrale)

Morning itself best time to admire the fresh produce at Mercato Centrale, as part of the market dissolves in the afternoon. It is pleasant to wander and admire the work of merchants, butchers skillfully chopping meat, fish merchants cutting it into fillets, a mosaic of fruits and vegetables to attract the eye of idle passers-by. The stalls sell a variety of delicacies - from cheeses, dried mushrooms, to bottles of limoncello, which you can buy home as a souvenir. You can also try cantucci, a double-baked almond biscuit that is perfect with your morning coffee.

6. Try tripe, a Florentine delicacy

While most tourists are squeamish about trying tripe (the largest section of a cow's four-chambered stomach - sounds even better than it looks raw in real life), in Florence it is considered a local delicacy, so for a change, we recommend trying it as well. You can find it raw on the butchers' stalls in the market - the white spongy stomachs of a cow, or you can find it ready-made on the menu of many traditional Florentine trattorias - a home-made dish with a tomato or wine sauce. At Mercato Centrale, crowds flock around Da Nerbone, a ground-floor market stall that serves Florentine tripe as a light lunchtime snack in a bun (à la burger).

7. Shop Windows on the Ponte Vecchio

One of Florence's main must-see attractions is the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge with an arcade of jewelery shops that seem to be precariously anchored on the bridge over the river. The shops were originally inhabited by butchers and tanners, until in 1593 Florence Medici did not decide that the smell around the bridge had become unbearable, and ordered the shops to be populated by jewelers. Since then, shop windows are buried in gold jewelry and until today, and this is one of the most popular tourist spots to admire the view of the Uffizi and take pictures against the backdrop of the river flowing under the bridge.

8. Eat Gelato Ice Cream

One of the attractions of Florence and the best of the pleasures of Italy are frequent stops for tasting Italian ice cream. gelatto in order to cool off in the summer heat and perk up before embarking on the next excursion route. look out gelato artiginale, where gelatto is made from fresh ingredients, without artificial colors, which can often be found in gelaterias. One of the best is La Strega Nocciola (Via de’ Bardi, 51), near Ponte Vecchio on the south side of the river, with a stylish, contemporary design and delicious flavors. You can also enjoy gelato at Vivoli near Santa Croce (Via dell'Isola delle Stinche, 7) and Neri (Via dei Neri, 9/11), which are saturated with local color and packed with local families who stop here to rest after lunch.

9. Palazzo Vecchio

Piazza della Signorina is where Cosimo I, Grand Duke of Tuscany lived with his wife Eleonora until she wisely moved with her eleven children across the river to the Pitti Palace. Palazzo Vecchio is the old city hall of Florence, built in the 14th century. Its grandiose interior, which has seen a fascinating history, consists of beautifully designed rooms and patios with ornate ceilings, tapestries on the walls, carved doors, and fine art including works by Michelangelo, Vasari, and Da Vinci (one of Vasari's walls in Salone dei Cincesento).

In the Palazzo there is a statue of Cosimo himself on a horse and an imposing statue of Neptune in the fountain with his own appearance. At the door of the Palazzo stands a copy of Michelangelo's David, which stood there until 1873, after which it was moved to the Galleria dell'Academia and is now under a glass dome. Even if you don't have time to visit the Palazzo apartments, be sure to go to the first courtyard to see the beautiful frescoes on the roof and walls of the loggia.

10. Statues in the Loggia of Lanzi (Loggia dei Lanzi)

On one side of the Palazzo Vecchio is the Loggia dei Lanzi, which forms a gallery of outdoor sculptures sheltered from the weather by the roof of the Uffizi terrace. The sculptures show scenes of struggle and violence, with a tortuous sculpture of the Rape of the Sabine Women by Giambologna and a bronze statue of Perseus by Benvenuto Cellini with the severed, bloodied head of Medusa raised triumphantly.

11. Hot chocolate at Café Rivoire

In Piazza della Signoria, stop at Café Rivoire for hot chocolate and cannoli filled with whipped cream and candied orange peels. You will be required to pay an additional tip for table service, but if you do not have enough time, do like all the locals - order directly from the bar, which is much cheaper. This is a great place to watch the crowds go by in Piazza della Signoria, one of the busiest places in Florence.

12. Old Masters at the Uffizi in Florence

Uffizi in Florence is the main art gallery with all the masterpieces of the Renaissance. You can easily spend a whole day in the gallery, but a two-hour tour will be enough to cover the museum's most famous highlights, such as Botticelli's Venus and Primavera and Filippo Lippi's charming Madonna with Two Angels (portrait of the nurse who became his lover along with his children).

13. L'Accademia - Michelangelo's David Statue

One of Florence's popular attractions is the Galleria dell' Academia, where most people come to see Michelangel's statue of the shepherdess David, who slew the giant Goliath. The figure was carved from a piece of marble, which was rejected by other sculptors, and, according to the author's idea, was to be placed on top of the cathedral. After completion of the work, the sculpture proved to be too heavy, so it was placed outside the Palazzo Vecchio, and later moved to l'Academia under a beautifully lit dome. After admiring David, take a look at the "Prisoners" - a series of unfinished sculptures by Michelangelo, which seem to be struggling to free themselves from their marble shackles.

14. Costume Museum at the Pitti Palace in Florence

Walk across the river along the Ponte Vecchio and you will reach the Oltrarno area at Palazzo Pitti, a residence that was purchased by Eleanor de' Medici, wife of Cosimo I, and where she later moved her large family away from the bustle of the city. A special delight is the Museum of Costumes in Florence, which houses haute couture collections of notable Italian women, as well as a stunning exhibition of burial clothes from the tomb of Eleanor de' Medici, her husband Cosima I and their son Don Garcia.

15. Enjoy the beauty of the Palatina Gallery

If you want to enjoy fine art but don't want to crowd the Uffizi, try visiting the Palatine Gallery instead. Housed inside the massive Renaissance Palazzo Pitti on the other side of the Arno River, the Palatine Gallery features works by both some Florentine masters, including Raphael and Andrea del Sarto, and non-Florentine masters such as Caravaggio, Rubens and Titian.

After visiting the Pitti Palace, wander through the Boboli Gardens, climb up along the parterres and gardens to a small lake with a fountain at the top of the hill. The garden was commissioned by Cosimo I and is one of the favorite places for relaxation among Florentines, although few tourists know about this place. Especially on a sunny day, this one of the most beautiful sights in Florence is a must-see. You can enter the park with entrance ticket above mentioned Galleria Palatina.

Continue to the very top towards the back of the garden to look out over the olive grove and countryside that surrounds Florence and look inside the small but lovely Porcelain Museum of Florence.

17. Find peace in the Bardini Garden

The Bardini Garden is not as majestic as the Boboli Gardens, but it is also much less well known. The garden is famous for its exceptional views of Florence, and the flowers that bloom splendidly here in spring and summer. There is also a restaurant and a cafeteria with a terrace.

You can get to the Bardini Garden either from the street in the Oltarno quarter (Via de Bardi 1r) or by taking a short walk through the Boboli Gardens. Entrance to Bardini is included in the ticket price of the Boboli Gardens.

18. Dine at the top of the Mercato Centrale

The Mercato di San Lorenzo or Mercato Centrale is one of the great places to eat in Florence. On the second floor is an open, modern food court with a row of stalls each stocking a variety of Italian delicacies, as well as waiters scurrying around to take your drink order. We advise you to try baked mozzarella balls, which are immediately languishing in a wooden pizza oven, beef and fresh fish, which are laid out on ice. Finally, stop at the truffle stand and grab a plate of their antipasti topped with a generous layer of truffle shavings - it's manna from heaven!

19. Designer shops in Florence on Via d'Tornabuoni

Most of the best design shops in Florence can be found on Via d'Tornabuoni, where Prada, Pucci, Gucci and Tiffany boutiques are located, and this is not a complete list. At the end of the street, on Ponte Santa Trinita, stop by the Museo Salvatore Ferragamo, a must for shoe collectors and fashion lovers. Salvatore Ferragamo started out in Italy but emigrated to California in the 1920s, where he made a name for himself selling shoes to stars and celebrities before returning to Florence.

20. Walk to San Miniato al Monte above Florence

Descend along the Lungarno (on the road that leads along the river) to Viale G. Poggi and follow the winding path. Then stop at Piazzale Michelangelo and then walk to the church of San Miniato al Monte.

The church is one of the oldest in Florence (founded in 1018) and an excellent example of Romanesque architecture. Inside you can see the mosaics above the altar and a small chapel on the right corner of the church. Walk around the grounds of the church, explore the cemetery and admire the views of Florence and the surrounding area.

On your way back down to the adjacent Giardino della Rose (Rose Garden) at Viale G. Poggi 2.

21. Visit the Palazzo Strozzi Museum

This museum of modern and historical art of both Italian and international artists. Visit it on a Thursday evening for free admission to some of the exhibits and weekly social gatherings in the museum's courtyard. Visitors relax in hammocks and order drinks and snacks at a local cafe - definitely the place to visit in Florence on a Thursday evening. Also, check out the excellent selection of books for adults and children. Details can be found on the museum's website or in, which we advise you to purchase in order to get many discounts and free visits to museums and attractions in Florence.

22. Walk the Ponte Vecchio early in the morning or at dusk

This bridge is constantly filled with tourists, but it really is a special place that you must visit one day. It is believed to have been built in Roman times, but the Ponte Vecchio you see today was built in 1345.

23. Visit Santa Maria Novella

Santa Maria Novella is one of the most beautiful churches in Florence. The façade is a fine example of Renaissance forms (with the exception of the Gothic base, which was built earlier). Pay 3 euros and go inside, where you will be visited by an airy feeling from contemplation on the arches. The church is full of great art worthy of your attention - from the fresco of the Trinity by Masaccio opposite the entrance, to the Tornabuoni chapel behind the altar, painted by the workshop of Ghirlandaio, including the teenager Michelangelo.

24. Visit Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

This centuries-old pharmacy/herbalist/perfume shop is an interesting part cultural heritage Florence. All rooms are decorated with decorated ceilings. It houses so many historical objects related to the production of medicines, natural creams and perfumes that it is also considered a "museum of tradition". It's free, so pick up an information brochure, ask questions, and watch a unique piece of Florence's history. Open every day from 10:30 to 7:00 and is located behind the church of Santa Maria Novella on Via della Scala 16.

25. Visit an artisan's workshop

There are many craft shops in Florence that are free to visit, most of which are located on the other side of the Arno River in the Oltarno quarter. A perfect example is Bruscoli, a workshop that produces both quality leather goods engraved with gold leaf and traditional Florentine paper. The owner, Paulo Bruscoli, is a 4th generation artisan who continues the tradition even as leather goods are increasingly produced on an industrial scale in factories. He speaks English and is always happy to see visitors (from 8:30-13:00 or 15:00-19:00, Via Montebello 58R). Fine leather goods and Florentine paper products are sold in the local shop attached to the workshop.

26. Eat pizza

Although Florence is not as famous for its pizza as Rome and Naples, the pizza here is damn good! Pizzeria O'Munaciello (Via Maffia, 31, in the Oltrarno district) is a real paradise. Try pizza 7 seasons, in which the chef will place whatever he pleases. Another Florens pizzeria (Via San Gallo 40r, in the San Marco area) is a great option for a quick and inexpensive snack option.

27. Buy chocolate at Venchi

Visit this elegant shop near Piazza della Signoria and buy some delicious chocolates to take home as a souvenir, and taste some small pieces by weight on the spot, paying per gram. Also pay attention to fruit candies.

28. Drink a cappuccino (but only in the morning!)

Cappuccino in Italy is so good that even if you don't usually drink coffee, you should try it. Remember that standing at the bar in a cafe, it will cost you less than sitting at a table. For Italians, it's best to order a cappuccino after 11:00 am, as that's when they usually switch to espresso.

29. Visit the Bargello National Museum

Bargello is one of best museums Florence, which is usually ignored by tourists who do not know about its collection or often miss it because it does not quite look like the famous museum. The building dates from 1225 and used to be a prison. Inside you will find a large collection of works of art, mostly sculptures by the best sculptors of the Renaissance, including Michelangelo and Donatello. Seeing the sculptures live is wonderful and it is exactly what you should not miss when visiting Florence.

30. Visit the Pazzi Chapel

The Pazzi Chapel is a place that few tourists know about, but it is one of the best examples of Renaissance architecture. It was built by Brunelleschi, the same genius who designed the Florence dome, and shows important renaissance principles of geometric forms and spatial harmony. It's right next to the Church of Santa Croce, so stop by after seeing the tombs and frescoes of Santa Croce.

31. Check out the food stalls you can find on every little street.

We all know about Tuscany's food wealth, from its cheeses and salami to fresh produce and olive oil. Why don't you take some time to visit some of the tiny food stalls in town and have something to eat?

32. Go back in time to San Marco

San Marco offers a more relaxed way to experience Florence's history. This is an old monastery where you can see monastic cells and frescoes on the walls. Fra Angelico, a monk and early renaissance painter, painted these frescoes to decorate the monks' cells and give them something sacred so that the monks could focus on prayer.

33. Experience the Early Renaissance at the Brancacci Chapel

The fresco cycle located in the church of Santa Maria del Carmine in the Oltrano quarter is probably the best place in order to see all the innovations that took place during the early Renaissance. It's a stunning sight, but you must do pre order to visit the chapel (even day-to-day), which is unlikely unless you have taken care of it in advance.

34. Check out Florence's doorknockers

Jokes aside? Yes. Florence's doorknockers are impressive, but easy to miss while taking in Florence's local sights. Try to find your favorite and you'll be surprised how many cool knockers (and doors) you'll see!

35. Stop by Santa Trinita

This church, located near the Arno River, is worth seeing the work of the Renaissance master Domenico Ghirlandaio. Inside the church is the Sassetti Chapel, frescoed by Ghirlandaio and his workshop. It is worth noting that he used views of Florence and faces local residents to depict scenes from the Bible. The Adoration of the Shepherds altar is one of the finest examples of the Renaissance. (Entrance to the church is free)

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