Places to Visit in Florence

The Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Firenze or the National Archeological Museum of Florence is one of the oldest and famous archeological museums of Italy. This state museum has a colossal collection of artifacts from the Roman, Greek, Egyptian and Etruscan epochs. You can also attend the temporary exhibitions organized in the museum to learn more about world history and ancient civilisations. 

The Riccardi Medici Palace is one of the prime attractions of Florence and is a classic example of Renaissance architecture. It was the residence of the Royal Medici family of Florence and was transformed into a museum later on. The museum tells you a lot about the glorious history of Florence that later on became the workplace for the legendary artists such as Michelangelo, Paolo Uccello, Boticelli, etc.

The Casa Buonarroti offers the visitors with the most unique experiences among all the museums of Florence. A place of both memories and celebration of Michelangelo, it hosts impressive exhibitions of rich art collections of Michelangelo. The place where Michelangelo lived for years is now a museum with archives and a library, with a great number of models and sketches.

Basilica di Santo Spirito, a great work of architecture from the fifteenth century, is amongst the best examples of Renaissance architecture in Florence. The Basilica houses 38 side chapels enriched with the works of famous artists such as Filippino Lippi, Andrea Sensovino and others. It also houses marvellous artworks such as Altarpiece by Filippino, young Michelangelo’s Crucifix and the Christ and the Adulteress among others. 

Plan your trip to Museo Galileo, one of Italy's most famous museums in Florence. Check out the globes, microscopes and barometers from the early 13th century, preserved here for centuries. One major attraction of the Museo Galileo museum is the original telescope used by the Galileo itself. It is also one of the city's most mesmerising buildings.  

Craving an extraordinary experience which will take you back in time? If so, a tour of the world's most renowned museum, Leonardo Da Vinci Museum in Florence, is a must. At the Leonardo Da Vinci Museum, you get a chance to admire Leonardo Da Vinci's most remarkable works. So, if you're planning a tour to Florence, Italy, adding this place to your itinerary promises an experience of a lifetime.

Discover the artistic brilliance of Giotto's Bell Tower in Florence, Italy. This iconic masterpiece, adjacent to the Florence Cathedral, showcases stunning Gothic architecture and intricate marble carvings. Climb its 414 steps for breathtaking views of the city's skyline and the renowned Brunelleschi's Dome. A must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and travelers seeking to admire the exquisite craftsmanship and historical significance of Giotto's Bell Tower in the heart of Florence.

Constructed in the 2nd half of the 15th century, Pitti Palace is one of Florence's most visited sites by locals and tourists alike. Known to be one of the oldest functioning museums of Florence, you can soak up some panoramic experience here during your visit. In 1550, this building was purchased by Eleonora da Toledo, thus becoming the official residence of Duke Cosimo I de Medici's family. 

Discover the historic grandeur of Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, Italy. This iconic medieval fortress turned city hall boasts stunning Renaissance architecture and artistic treasures. Immerse yourself in the rich history and opulent interiors, including the Salone dei Cinquecento with its magnificent frescoes. A must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and travelers seeking to explore the cultural heritage and political significance of Palazzo Vecchio in the heart of Florence.

A truly unique structure popularly known as Cappelle Medicee, Medici Chapels was built during the 16th and 17th centuries. It is the resting house of one of Italy's most renowned and illustrious dynasties, the Medicis. This place mainly displays the belongings of Medicis' family members. While walking through the passage, you can admire the architectural work at regular intervals. 

Villa Bardini is a historic villa in Florence, Italy. Situated near the Boboli Gardens, the villa was built in the 17th century and was later bought by Stefano Bardini who restored its ornamental mediaeval garden. Villa Bardini offers breathtaking views of Florence and the surrounding countryside. The villa is also home to a museum which houses a collection of art and artefacts from the Renaissance period. 

The Square of Miracles is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Pisa and is one of the most sought after landmarks in the city. It is located close to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and is a symbol of 12th century architecture. In fact, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is actually the bell tower of this structure. The Square of Miracles has a Romanesque architecture made with marble and bronze doors.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is the main church of Florence, Italy. The construction of the Duomo, as it is ordinarily called, began in 1296 in the Gothic style to the design of Arnolfo di Cambio and completed structurally in 1436 with the dome engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi. The cathedral complex, located in Piazza del Duomo, includes the Baptistery and Giotto's Campanile.

These three buildings are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site covering the historic centre of Florence and are a major attraction to tourists visiting Tuscany. The basilica is one of Italy's largest churches and remains the largest brick dome ever constructed.

The Baptistery of St. John is a religious structure and one of the most authentic icons in Florence, Italy. It is one of the city's oldest buildings, and was constructed between the 11th and 12th centuries. The baptistery is famed for its three sets of ornately carved bronze doors, designed by different artists in the 14th century and is also known for its octagonal shape and the mosaics.

Piazzale Michelangelo is a square located in Florence, Italy, which was designed by architect Giuseppe Poggi and built in 1869. It sits atop a hill in the Oltrarno district of Florence, offering breathtaking views of the city below. The square is named for the Italian Renaissance artist Michelangelo Buonarroti, who was born in Florence in 1475.

The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most famous art museums in the world, and for good reason. Located in Florence, Italy, the Uffizi is packed with priceless paintings and sculptures by some of history's most celebrated artists, including Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli. A visit to this incredible museum is a must-do for any art lover.

The Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence is one of the largest Franciscan churches in the world. Construction of the basilica began in 1294, just four years after the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, and it was consecrated in 1442. The basilica is most notable for its ornate architecture and for its association with some of Italy’s most famous historical figures. Many of the country’s greatest artists, including Michelangelo and Galileo, are buried within its walls.

The Tower of San Niccolò is one of the most popular tourist attractions located in the San Niccolò neighbourhood of Florence, on the south bank of the River Arno. The tower was built in the 12th century as part of the city's defensive walls. The tower is 65 metres (213 feet) tall and has 160 steps and offers panoramic views of Florence and the Tuscan countryside.

The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is a church in Florence, Italy, situated just across from the main railway station which shares its name. Santa Maria Novella is one of the city's largest and oldest churches, housing important artworks by artists including Masaccio, Ghirlandaio and Filippino Lippi. The church and its accompanying cloisters are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site covering the historic centre of Florence.

The Strozzi Palace is a Renaissance palace which was originally built by Filippo Strozzi the Elder in the 15th century. The palace is one of the largest in Florence, and was once one of the city's wealthiest families. The Strozzi Palace is notable for its simple yet elegant facade, which is similar to that of the Palazzo Vecchio. 

The Bardini Garden is a historical Florentine garden located on Via dei Renai in Florence, in the Oltrarno quarter of the city. The garden used to be part of the Boboli Gardens until it was purchased by Stefano Bardini in 1883. Today, visitors can enjoy beautiful views of Florence from the Bardini Garden, as well as admire its many sculptures and works of art.

The Cappella Brancacci is a chapel located in the church of Santa Maria del Carmine in Florence, Italy. It is one of the most famous and influential examples of early Renaissance art. The frescoes on the walls and ceilings are some of the most important and well-known paintings of the Renaissance period. Today, the Cappella Brancacci allows the visitors to see these remarkable frescoes up close and experience the art for their use of perspective and light, which create a sense of depth and space on the flat surface of the walls.

The Boboli Gardens are a historic site in Florence, Italy. The gardens are located behind the Palazzo Pitti and were created by the ruling Medici family. The Boboli Gardens are considered to be one of the first and most influential formal Italian gardens. They cover an area of approximately 111 acres and feature a wide variety of plants, sculptures, fountains, and structures. The main features of the gardens include the Isolotto (a small artificial island), the amphitheatre, the grotto, and the cascades.

The Palazzo del Bargello, also known as the Bargello Palace or Gallery, is a former palace in Florence, Italy. It houses the Bargello National Museum, which consists of a large collection of sculptures by Italian artists from the 14th to the 17th century. The palace was built in 1255 and houses the largest collection of Renaissance and Gothic sculptures in Italy. In 1859, after the unification of Italy, it became a national museum.

The Loggia del Mercato Nuovo is a market pavilion in Florence, Italy. It is so called because of the bronze sculpture of a wild boar found at its centre, which attracts rubs from visitors for good luck. The Loggia del Mercato Nuovo was built around the sixteenth-century as a market structure to house stalls for silk and luxury goods. 

Piazza dell'Indipendenza in Florence is a historic square located just a short distance from the city's main train station, Santa Maria Novella, and close to major attractions. This peaceful and elegant square dates back to the 19th century and holds significant historical and cultural importance for Florence.

Giardino delle Rose, located in Florence, Italy, boasts over 1,000 varieties of roses and stunning panoramic views of the city. It's a serene retreat blending nature, art, and tranquility.

The San Marco Museum in Florence is a treasure trove of Renaissance art and history, housed in a former Dominican convent. Established in the 15th century, the museum is renowned for its collection of frescoes by Fra Angelico, a friar and early Renaissance painter whose works are celebrated for their spiritual intensity and ethereal beauty. Each cell of the convent is adorned with his frescoes, designed to inspire meditation among the monks who lived there.

The HZERO Museum in Florence offers an enchanting experience for train enthusiasts and art lovers alike. This unique museum features an impressive 280-square-meter model railway, one of the largest in Europe, showcasing intricate landscapes and realistic train models. The project, initiated by Giuseppe Paternò Castello di San Giuliano in 1972, continues to thrive with contributions from his family and curator Alberto Salvadori.

Piazza della Repubblica is located in the city centre of Florence, Italy and was originally designed by architect Angelo Masucci in 1858 and later completed in 1871. The attraction is not only of historical importance but also adds a great commercial value to the city of Florence. Also avail the opportunity to visit the museums dedicated to the history of the Piazza.

The Campanile di Giotto, a stunning Gothic bell tower in Florence, Italy, stands next to the Florence Cathedral. Designed by Giotto di Bondone, it boasts intricate marble decorations and offers breathtaking views of the city from its top.

Piazzale Donatello, a tranquil and charming square in Florence, offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich history while providing a serene escape from the bustling tourist hotspots. Located just a short distance from the city center, this lesser-known piazza is steeped in artistic and cultural significance, making it a hidden gem worth discovering.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Piazzale Donatello is its historical connection to the city’s artistic heritage. The square is named after the renowned Florentine sculptor Donatello, one of the most influential figures of the Renaissance. His legacy and impact on the world of art are echoed in the atmosphere of the square, where the spirit of creativity and craftsmanship lives on.

What sets Piazzale Donatello apart from other squares in Florence is its unique and peaceful setting. Unlike the bustling streets surrounding landmarks like the Duomo or Piazza della Signoria, Piazzale Donatello feels like a quiet retreat, perfect for those seeking a moment of relaxation amidst Florence’s vibrant culture. Tall trees, well-maintained gardens, and benches invite visitors to pause and soak in the surroundings.

The Abbey of San Miniato al Monte is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture with its white-marble façade and marble reliefs. The Abbey is located on a hill just outside Florence, Italy and overlooks the entire city.

Visitors can take in the stunning views of Florence while also exploring Abbey’s interior, which includes several interesting historical artefacts.

The Basilica di San Lorenzo, one of the largest churches in Florence, is one of the most prominent examples of Renaissance architecture. It is also one of the oldest churches as the Basilica was originally built in the 4th century and was rebuilt in the 15th century. The church contains many works of art by famous artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Donatello. 

Piazza della Signoria is the main public square in Florence, Italy. It is named after the Palazzo Vecchio, which has housed the city's government since 1299. The Palazzo Vecchio is still the seat of local government in Florence today. The piazza is also notable for its numerous statues and sculptures.

The Accademia Gallery is best known for its collection of Renaissance art, including paintings by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli. The gallery was founded in 1784 by Pietro Leopoldo di Lorena, the last grand duke of Tuscany. Today, the Accademia Gallery is the second-most-visited art museum in Italy where you can gaze at some well known paintings, tapestries and sculptures.

The Stibbert Museum in Florence is a hidden gem, showcasing an eclectic collection of art and historical artifacts amassed by Frederick Stibbert, an English-Italian collector. 

The Opera del Duomo Museum, located in Florence, Italy, is a treasure trove of Renaissance art and architecture. This remarkable museum houses an extensive collection of masterpieces originally created for the Florence Cathedral, the Baptistery, and Giotto's Campanile. Among its prized exhibits are Michelangelo's unfinished Pietà, Donatello's Penitent Magdalene, and Lorenzo Ghiberti's renowned Gates of Paradise.