Florence is a historical city with great architecture and many significant places. It is the capital of Tuscany and is home to 4 Lacs people. Florence connects to Pisa and Bologna through rail networks. Florence was once a medieval community in Rome, and its history is considered ancient. Renaissance took birth in Florence and remained an important trade center from the 12th to 16th century. Some greats like Machiavelli, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Dante live in this city. Today Florence is a great tourist place with almost 13 million visitors every year. Besides tourism, Florence is also known for its huge industrial output in rubber, furniture, food, and chemicals. In this article, we compiled a list of the best things to do in Florence. Book your flight tickets with Agoda it is the best and easiest way for booking.
10 Best Things to do in Florence
1. Florence Cathedral
Florence Cathedral, commonly referred to as Duomo, is the city’s crown gem and perhaps the world’s most famous cathedral. Although it was first built in 1436, the stunning front facade wasn’t finished until the 19th century. The Duomo, situated in the heart of the ancient city, stands out between the other medieval structures for kilometers and makes an impressive sight to behold. The cathedral’s front face and exterior are also magnificent; they are coated in white marble with stunning crimson, pink, and green polychrome patterns. Besides this, a huge dome accessible through a set of steps is located at the top of the cathedral. This is one of the best things to do in Florence.
2. Giotto’s Campanile
Many believe Giotto’s Campanile to be part of the Duomo, although it is a different building. One of the most well-known designs in the city, this building is a genuine masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The tower’s external walls are decorated with polychrome marble in dazzling pink and green colors, also seen on the Duomo. The tower is divided into five separate floors.
The renowned artist Giotto conceived the monumental masterpiece and built it between 1334 and 1359, although Talenti constructed the last floors following Giotto’s death in 1343.
3. Palazzo Vecchio
The Duomo is Florence’s most significant religious structure, the same way the Palazzo Vecchio is its most significant civic structure. This building served as the palace of the Signoria of the Republic of Florence and as the town hall in subsequent years. The Duomo and the Santa Croce church were also built by the same architects who created the Palazzo in 1299. The structure resembles a castle due to its square shape, many crenulations, and huge bell tower. Several coats of arms representing different families and significant figures in the city’s history may be seen on the front face of the Palazzo.
4. Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio is an old bridge that’s quite famous amongst other structures of Florence.
It is laid over the Arno river and is famous for numerous shops on the sides of bridges, its primary walkway is full of shops, and a rich history makes it unique. On the bridge market, you will find many shops, including souvenir shops, art galleries, and jewelers. Although its actual origin is not clear, some historians believe it was built around 996. When the bridge opens up at the center, you can witness excellent views of the Arno river.
5. Basilica of Santa Croce
The basilica of Santa Croce is famous for its beautiful gothic architecture that leaves you spellbound. It was constructed almost in the same year when Duomo was built, and it adorns a front face made of red, pink, and green polychrome marbles with white stone contrasting it. The basilica is located in the Piazza di Santa Croce. It is placed at the center position, thus giving the square a perfect look. Inside this monument, you will find graves of a few of the renowned Renaissance scholars and artists, including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli.
6. Baptistery of St. John
Baptistery of St. John is one of three buildings that form the Cathedral of Florence. It is a completely separate structure placed in front of the main face of the Duomo. The exteriors of the Baptistery are made with a “Florentine” design that is the same as that of Giotto’s Campanile and the Duomo. As one of the ancient structures of the city, it is appreciated. In the front of the Baptistery, you can notice three pairs of bronze doors representing various religions and human values. Some other key highlights of the Baptistery are golden Byzantine fresco laid over the upper walls and ceiling that depicts many stories from Genesis and Bible.
7. Uffizi Palace and Gallery
Situated beside the Piazza Della Signoria, the Uffizi Palace and Gallery is a well-known museum touted as the most crucial Italian museum, home to many important artifacts from the Renaissance period which make this one of the best things to do in Florence for art lovers. The courtyard Inside this museum contains beautiful intricate arches and columns decorated with marble statues. This museum hosts a diverse collection of artifacts from Renaissance artists like Titian, Da Vinci, and Botticelli.
8. Basilica di San Lorenzo
The Basilica di San Lorenzo, located adjacent to the Duomo, was built by the plans drafted by the influential Medici family, who were rulers of Florence for a long period during the Renaissance. If you are planning to visit Florence and want some comfy stays, you can find many Florence hotels in the area. Florence, Italy’s weather, art, and architecture will never disappoint you. With its enormous dome and distinctive terracotta tiled top, this church is a striking structure, though not comparable to the grand stature of the Duomo. The church’s interior is full of exquisite artwork and frescos, including a ceiling gilded in white and gold and a dome interior exquisitely decorated. Admiring the beauty of Basilica di San Lorenzo is one of the best things to do in Florence.
9. Piazza dellaSignoria
The Piazza Della Signoria, second only to the Piazza del Duomo in importance, is equally significant and is home to several structures and works of classical art. The square is close to the Piazza del Duomo, and its central location makes it readily accessible. The beautiful Palazzo Vecchio, with its enormous clock tower and splendid sculptures of David and Hercules, is considered the best structure of the Piazza.
10. San Miniato al Monte
San Miniato al Monte is an amazing church with a front look that is very similar to a cathedral and is located at a high inclination on the hill beside the Arno River. A stroll to the church and monastery adjoining it warrants stunning views of the old center. You can also witness Duomo and the Palazzo Vecchio from this church. The church is a spectacular design with a front look made of white and green marble. Inside the church, you will find beautiful artwork and stellar frescos.
Conclusion
Florence is an ancient city home to world-class museums, art galleries, churches, and royal palaces, depicting its rich Renaissance architecture and artwork. In this heritage city, one cannot feel bored as you have many places to visit and explore. All of you planning to visit Florence must go through the above article, which enlists all the important places and things to do in Florence while traveling there. We also recommend you to visit the official website of Trailfollow to get more information about things to do in Florence.
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