Things to do in Florence

Geplaatst op 22-09-2022

Many tourists consider Florence (Italian: Firenze) the most beautiful city in Italy. What are the sights of Florence that make this capital of Tuscany so appreciated by tourists? The Top 10 highlights and activities in Florence:

Duomo di Florence

The most famous of the Florence sights is undoubtedly the Duomo, or the cathedral of Florence. The Duomo is also often indicated as Santa Maria del Fiore and has an impressive marble exterior. Climbing Brunelleschi's dome is a must during your visit to the cathedral. At a height of 115 meters, after you have passed the beautiful paintings, you can enjoy a magnificent panorama over the center of Florence.

Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi Gallery, or Uffizi for short, is the most important art museum in Florence. The museum that was originally associated with the Palazzo Vecchio has a collection of works by famous artists such as Caravaggio and Titian. Experience the masterpieces of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. To avoid disappointment, it is always advisable to book tickets for the Uffizi museum in advance, as the Uffizi Gallery is often sold out in high season.The Ponte Vecchio, or the 'Old Bridge', is the bridge full of jewelers over the Arno River. The buildings on the Ponte Vecchio give the bridge its own typical appearance. Above the shops is the Corridoio Vasariano, a secret passageway between Palazzo Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti, which at the time could be used as an escape route by the wealthy Medici family.

Galleria dell'Accademia

In the Accademia, or Florence's old art school, you will find an extensive collection of sculptures that were to serve as inspiration for the art students. Here you will find many works made by these students, but also Michelangelo's world-famous David. Originally this David stood in Piazza della Signoria, but to protect it from further erosion, it was safely displayed in the Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze.

Places to visit around Piazza della Signoria

The most beautiful square in Florence is undoubtedly the Piazza della Signoria. On this square you will find a replica of the David, the Loggia dei Lanzi (the sculpture gallery), the Gucci museum and the main attraction, the Palazzo Vecchio. For many years this city palace was the political heart of Florence and home to the city council.

Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens

On the other side of the Arno River is the Pitti Palace with the impressive spaces of the so-called 'Galleria Palatina', where you will mainly find beautiful paintings in the setting of an old palace. Adjacent are the Boboli Gardens, the enormous palace gardens of Palazzo Pitti where you can stroll along sights in the Boboli Gardens such as the Grotta Grande. The free landmark of Florence is the Piazzale Michelangelo. This is a viewpoint on the hill on the other side of the river with o.s. some replicas of statues by Michelangelo. A little further on you will find the San Miniato al Monte, a Romanesque church which you should definitely visit.This Gothic church is more beautiful in terms of interior than the aforementioned Duomo of Florence. The basilica has a beautifully decorated colorful altar and is especially famous for the many funerary monuments for masters such as Michelangelo and Vasari. Lover of churches? Be sure to visit the Santa Maria Novella near the train station.The Mercato Centrale di Firenze is the covered fresh market in Florence. The Florentines do their daily fresh shopping on the bottom floor. On the top floor you will find a huge food hall, where you should definitely taste one of the many delicacies in the evening.

The Florence area

Florence is a beautiful city where you can easily spend 2 or 3 days with the many museums, churches and palaces. But while you are in the region, make sure to take the time to visit other sights in Tuscany, such as medieval Siena, the wine hills of Chianti or beautiful places like San Gimignano.