You are invited to one of the most important cultural and trading centers of medieval Europe.
Florence is a popular destination for a city break in Italy. It is also the largest city in Tuscany. This region of Italy is known for its beautiful green hills and top-quality wines.
Florence, once a Roman army camp was made into a wealthy European city during the Renaissance art and architectural periods in the Middle Ages.
There are so many things to do in Florence
These flourishing periods have resulted in many beautiful museums and buildings in Florence. Some of these landmarks include the 84-meter tall Giotto bell tower at Piazza Duomo and the 16th-century Forte di Belvedere. You can also find the majestic palaces of the powerful, medieval Medici family.
You can also see the most important works in many galleries. There are many galleries that feature sculptures and paintings by Leonardo, Michelangelo, and other Renaissance artists.
Bargello National Museum and medieval churches are great places to see the incredible renaissance artifacts.
A walking tour to Piazzale Michelangelo is one of Florence’s top activities. It offers a panoramic view of Florence.
You can also take a break from walking tours or exploring museums and enjoy the exquisite wines of Tuscany. You can also try a traditional dish in one of the many cafes and restaurants located in the city center.
You can also take a day trip from Florence to Siena or Pisa or Cinque Terre. Alternately, you can also enjoy a wine-tasting adventure in Tuscany.
Here are 10 amazing things you can do in Florence, Italy
1. The Amazing Accademia Gallery is open!
Did you know that the statue of David is housed at The Galleria dell’Accademia Di Firenze? This sculpture is one of the most well-known in the world.
Additional pieces include Michelangelo’s Bartolini’s “Scorpion Nymph” and the Luigi Pampaloni “Filippo Brunelleschi” statue. There are many other great Renaissance artifacts.
This amazing gallery also houses a large collection of medieval paintings. You will find works by Botticelli and Lippi as well as Gaddi, among other important Florentine artists.
The Department of Musical instruments houses the private collections of the Medici, Lorraine, and other families. Antonio Stradivari’s violin and Bartolomeo Cristofi’s piano are two of the most sought-after items.
2. Explore the Fascinating Uffizi Gallery
Uffizi Gallery attracts 1.5 million people annually. It is located in a 16-century building at the Piazza Della Signoria.
This gallery contains huge collections of Renaissance paintings. The gallery houses masterpieces of famous artists like Titian, Giotto, and Raphael.
You can find many statues depicting medieval rulers, artists, and other notable people on the facade. Francesco Petrarca and Dante Alighieri are just a few of the many statues.
3. Stroll the Ponte Vecchio
One of Florence’s most famous landmarks is the Ponte Vecchio. This bridge of medieval stone was constructed in the 14th century to cross the River Arno.
It connects Piazza Del Duomo to the Palazzo Pitti and Basilica Santo Spirito. Many souvenir and jewelry shops can be found along the bridge, which measures 95 meters long.
You can also visit the pubs and restaurants near Ponte Vecchio in the evening. You can also enjoy the beautiful view of the Arno river.
4. Visit the Boboli and Palazzo Pitti gardens
Did you know that the Pitti Palace, a grandiose palace in the heart of Florence, was once home to the grand-ducal Medici family. It was built in 15th-century and now houses the Palatine Gallery.
A collection of paintings, the Treasury of the Grand Dukes and the Gallery of the Modern Art are on display.
The Museum of Costumes and Fashion is located in the Palazzo Pitti’s left-hand side. It displays costumes from major movies and plays.
The beautiful Boboli Gardens, Florence’s largest park, are located behind the Pitti Palace. Take a relaxing stroll among the sculptures and fountains.
5. View the Iconic Duomo di Firenze (Florence Cathedral)
Florence’s symbol is the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore or Florence Cathedral. It is a beautiful Gothic building dating back to the 13th century that features a stunning hall, amazing mosaics, and the gorgeous Giorgio Vasari frescos.
But that’s not all the cathedral offers. Brunelleschi’s majestic dome is also worth a visit. There are 400 steps to reach the top. There is no elevator. The view alone makes it worth the climb.
The Florence Cathedral, along with the Giotto’s Campanile and the Baptistery, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For a stunning view of Florence, you can take a guided tour through the cathedral. You can also climb up to the top of a cupola.
6. Sightseeing at Piazza della Signoria
Piazza Della Signoria, Florence’s main square. It is located near Palazzo Vecchio, the town hall. It was the center of politics in the city, and the place where locals met over the centuries.
Piazza dei Signoria Square is home to several important buildings. You will find the Loggia dei Lanzi and Palazzo Uguccioni, as well as the well-known Uffizi Gallery.
The square is adorned with many statues. The square is adorned with marble statues of Medici Lions in marble, a sculpture of Hercules & Cacus, the Fountain of Neptune, and a replica of Michelangelo’s David.
7. Visit the Most Beautiful Churches of Florence
Florence is not only home to museums and galleries but also has beautiful medieval churches.
Santa Maria Novella, a Gothic church, receives more than half a billion visitors annually. The entire complex can be visited. It includes the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, with its frescoed chapels, and Museo di Santa Maria Novella.
The Romanesque church of San Miniato al Monte is also recommended. It was constructed between the 11th and 13th centuries. It is enclosed by defensive walls.
The exterior of the building is decorated with white and green marble. The hill from which it is perched offers a spectacular view of the city.
8. The “Pantheon of Florence”,
Did you know that The Basilica of Santa Croce, a Franciscan church, is the largest in the world? It was built in the 13th century. It is located near the Duomo on the Piazza di Santa Croce. There are 16 chapels inside, with frescoes from Giotto, Gaddi, and Donatello.
The beautiful altar and tombs of the Florentines are also found inside the basilica. The Basilica of Santa Croce also houses the tombs of Machiavelli and Rossini. It is also known as the “Pantheon of Florence”.
9. Are you ready for a food tour?
The Mercato centrale is located on the first floor of the San Lorenzo historic market. You will find many stalls selling fish, meat, fruits, vegetables, olive oils, and cheese. There are also cafes and sections with gelatos, chocolates, and Italian wine.
You can also enjoy authentic food from artisans in a large area that has 500 seats and many tables. You can choose from sushi, pizza, Chinese food, and even a traditional Tuscan meal.
A cooking school offers courses in English and Italian for those who want to learn more about local cuisine. San Lorenzo Market is a great place to buy souvenirs.
10. View the Match of the Italian Football Championship
Seria A, the most important Italian football league, is also one of the top European football leagues. Fiorentina, a football club from Florence, was twice the champion of Italy and is well-known for its arch rivalry against FC Juventus. Roberto Baggio, Gabriel Batistuta, and Gabriel Batistuta were two of the most iconic football legends to have played for the club.
Fiorentina hosts domestic matches at Artemiofranchi stadium, which was built in 1931. It was home to World Cup matches in 1934, 1990, and 1990. It has also hosted concerts by Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, and David Bowie.
The Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence is one of the most significant buildings built in the 20th Century. You can reach the stadium easily on foot, as it is located only 2km from the city center.
