When planning your vacation to Florence, Italy, you will want to make sure that you see some of the city’s most important sights. These include the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, as well as the Accademia Gallery and Basilica San Miniato al Monte. While these are all fantastic places to see, you will also want to take the time to explore some of the city’s lesser-known gems.
Piazza della Signoria
If you’re a history buff, you may want to visit the Piazza della Signoria, located between the Duomo and the River Arno. Since the 14th century, this square has been the center of political life in Florence. It was the scene of many important events, including the public burning of Girolamo Savonarola. You can find a marble plaque on the square indicating the spot where the famous cleric was burned. The Piazza also features many ancient and old structures. In fact, it’s like an open air museum.
While in Piazza della Signoria, you should also make time to visit the Uffizi Gallery. Located right by the Piazza della Signoria’s center, this museum showcases some of the world’s most beautiful paintings.
Another great spot to visit in the city is the Gucci Museum, located in the historic Palazzo della Mercanzia. The museum features a collection of iconic Gucci pieces, as well as contemporary art. The museum also features a café and tiny boutique. The museum is also home to a replica of Michelangelo’s famous David statue, which is considered one of the most famous sculptures in the world.
Another must-see building in Piazza della Signoria includes the Palazzo Vecchio. The towering building is a symbol of Florence’s governing power. During the Renaissance period, it was the venue for many city meetings. Its interiors are filled with beautiful decorations, making this a must-visit for any history buff.
Piazza del Duomo
Piazza del Duo is a central square with replicas of Michelangelo’s statues and a memorial to the artist. The square has an interesting atmosphere with many street vendors and live music. The area is also a great place for shopping and eating.
This is one of the most important sites in the city and is well worth seeing. During your visit, don’t forget to see the opera museum. It houses more than 750 works of art. It’s split into three levels – the first is a sculpture gallery, the second contains artwork from the cupola and the Bell Tower, and the third floor is an outdoor terrace.
Another great place to visit in Florence is the Duomo. This cathedral is the largest medieval building in Europe and is the fourth largest in the world today. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of Florence’s Historic Center. It’s one of the most popular places to visit in Florence. To reach the top of the cathedral, you must climb hundreds of stairs. However, once you’re there, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of the city.
For a better experience, make sure you book a ticket in advance for the Duomo tour. Generally, tickets sell out early each day. You should allow about an hour to see the inside of the Duomo, climb the stairs, and admire the view from the top. It’s also important to arrive early, since the queues can be long, so plan accordingly.
Accademia Gallery
The Accademia Gallery is one of Florence’s most popular museums. Located right next to the Uffizi Gallery, it’s a must-visit for any Florence traveler. The best times to visit are early mornings or late evenings, when crowds are thinner. Also, be sure to bring a water bottle as the Accademia Gallery can be quite warm inside.
The Accademia Gallery houses some of the most famous works by Italian artists. You’ll find works by Sandro Botticelli, Domenico Ghirlandaio, Pontormo, Andrea del Sarto, and Bartolomeo Cristofori, among others. You’ll also find works by Florentines and international artists. Even the red carpet gives off an air of elegance and class.
The Accademia Gallery is one of Florence’s best-known museums, and can be seen on a day trip. A guided tour will give you a comprehensive look at the artwork and artists in the museum. You’ll also get to hear fascinating facts about each artist and their works. Tours are available year-round, but the most popular time is in the summer. The gallery is closed on Mondays.
A visit to the Accademia Gallery is a must-do for any art lover. The museum is home to Michelangelo’s David, arguably the most famous sculpture in the world. The gallery also has works by other great artists, including Sandro Botticelli and Filippino Lippi.
Basilica San Miniato al Monte
One of the best places to visit in Florence is Basilica San Miniato al Monte, which is at the highest point in the city. It is considered the finest Romanesque structure in Tuscany. The church is also considered one of the most picturesque in Italy.
The basilica is home to a number of beautiful chapels and statues. The church is open Monday through Friday, and on holidays it is open from 8am to 1pm. It is a very traditional Italian church and features many sculptures. The church is easily accessible, and you can walk to it from Piazzale Michelangelo.
Basilica San Miniato al Monte is located just 5-10 minutes uphill from the Baptistry and is one of the most beautiful sights in Florence. Despite being slightly outside of the city center, it offers unparalleled views and a quiet atmosphere. The basilica is the oldest structure in the city, and this year it will celebrate its 1000th anniversary. The church is filled with amazing Gothic art, and the interior is full of mystery.
If you’re planning to visit Basilica San Miniato al Monte, it is a good idea to use public transportation to reach the church. Fortunately, there is a shuttle service that will take you there. You can also hire a car service to drop you off at the Piazzale Michelangelo station. The journey to the Basilica takes about 15 minutes. You may want to visit during the spring or summer months, as the weather can get quite cold in Italy during the winter.
Boboli Gardens
One of the best things to do in Florence is to take a stroll through the Boboli Gardens. They are set in an island and are home to a beautiful fountain. There are cypress trees and hedges, making the gardens a beautiful escape from the busy city.
These gardens have exquisite views of the city and are a great place for a romantic walk. They are located right behind the Pitti Palace and are a short distance from the center of Florence. You can purchase tickets online to visit the gardens. They are also popular with locals and tourists alike.
The Boboli Gardens were originally built in the mid-16th century by Cosimo I de’ Medici, the second Duke of Florence and first Grand Duke of Tuscany. The gardens took many different phases of expansion and restructuring, lasting from the fifteenth to the nineteenth century. The gardens were originally designed by the Borgolo family, but were purchased by the Medici family in 1418. During the Renaissance period, Cosimo I de’ Medici decided to build a new grand ducal palace on the grounds.
The Accademia Gallery is another of Florence’s top sites. The Accademia Gallery houses the famous David by Michelangelo. The palace also has beautiful gardens and ornate architecture. In addition, the Boboli Gardens are an area where you can see Florentine craftsmen at work. If you have time, you can also take a tour of the Duchess D’Aosta’s apartments. During the weekends, there are often free tours available.
Grotta di Buontalenti
The Grotta di Buontalenti dates from the 1500s, and was commissioned by the Medici family. It features frescoes and stalactite-style sculptures. It is a must-see when in Florence.
The Grotta di Buontalenti has three cavernous rooms. They are decorated with sculptures and mythical creatures. The facade is decorated with anthropomorphic figures carved by Pietro Mati. Although the Grotta di Buontalenti is closed to the public, it is still worth a visit.
There are three chambers in the Grotta di Buontalenti, each with a different design. The first chamber is decorated with stuccowork decorations by Pietro Mati and Bernardino Poccetti, and was home to the Medicean grotto where Michelangelo carved the famous “Prigioni.” The second chamber is home to a marble statue group representing Paride and Elena’s abduction. Finally, the third chamber contains a beautiful fountain designed by Gimbologna.
The Grotta di Buontalenti provides a wonderful opportunity to contemplate nature in an idyllic setting. You can relax, stroll, or picnic in this green oasis close to Florence. The area is also filled with fountains and shady walkways. You can bring a picnic here, so be sure to bring some food and a drink.
Another attraction that should be on your itinerary when visiting Florence is the Boboli Gardens. This beautiful green garden is an UNESCO World Heritage site. The gardens also contain an array of historic statues and fountains. The gardens are a great place to spend some time and are within walking distance of the Piazza de’ Pitti and the Duomo.
