Florence is one of the most famous cities in Italy. With stunning Renaissance architecture, winding streets, and picturesque white buildings capped with red roofs. Whether you love art or beautiful scenery there are many places to explore while visiting Florence.
Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is Florence’s premier art gallery and one of the greatest collections of Italian Renaissance artwork on Earth. Built in the 16th century as an office building for the Medici and formerly declared a museum open to the public in 1865.
The structure, designed by Giorgio Vasari, saw its completion in 1581 for the Medici Family. The name literally means “offices” and it was used as governmental offices for some time.
Today, you can see some of the world’s greatest artworks including the Birth of Venus and la Primavera by Sandro Botticelli. This is a must-visit site for visitors to Florence.
The Duomo & Brunelleschi’s Dome
The Florence Cathedral is a must-see attraction and it would be very difficult to miss if you’re visiting. It is located in the center of town and visible from much of the city. It is named the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore which translates to the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower.
The dome, its literal crowning jewel, was the first of its magnitude since the Pantheon. Many thought it was unable to be done but the Medici family pressed on and Filippo Brunelleschi brought it to realization.
By far the most famous moment in this cathedral’s history was the murder of Giuliano dè Medici by the Pazzi family who attempted to dethrone the Medici from power. The idea was to murder both Giuliano and Lorenzo the Great but they failed to kill Lorenzo and were banished from Florence.
Ponte Vecchino
Ponte Vecchio is an excellent example of a medieval bridge. The impressive structure is built from stone and supported by archways. The shops built on either side of the bridge and the famous Vasari Corridor make the bridge unique and attracts visitors from all over.
The Vasari Corridor is an incredible structure if you think about it. The Medici, who practically ruled the Republic of Florence, built a hallway to connect their home, Palazzo Pitti, with the town hall, Palazzo Vecchio.
For a scenic walk around riverside neighborhoods, cross the medieval Ponte Vecchio bridge. A 10-minute walk down the shop-lined Borgo Street leads San Frediano’s eclectic district of trattoria, bars, museums, parks, and artisan workshops. Explore the area for hidden gems and lesser-known attractions like the artisan market at Piazza Santo Spirito or the verdant oasis of Torrigiani Garden.
Accademia Gallery
Known as Galleria dell ’Accademia di Firenze, Accademia is an art museum centered around Michelangelo and his masterpiece. Accademia is centered around the Statue of David which makes it different from the more expansive Uffizi Gallery.
Michelangelo sculpted David from a block of marble abandoned by other artists describing it as, “Un-usable”. Michelangelo not only was able to work with it but sculpted what is arguably his masterpiece.
You can also see four unfinished statues by Michelangelo which sort of frame the corridor that leads up to David. There are also works by other artists in Accademia including Sandro Boticelli and a large collection of paintings by Florentine artists mostly from the period 1300-1600.
Pitti Palace
The Palazzo Pitti, in English sometimes called the Pitti Palace, is a vast, mainly Renaissance, palace in Florence. It is situated on the south side of the River Arno, a short distance from the Ponte Vecchio. The core of the present palazzo dates from 1458 and was originally the town residence of Luca Pitti, an ambitious Florentine banker. The palace was bought by the Medici family in 1549 and became the chief residence of the ruling families of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. It grew as a great treasure house as later generations amassed paintings, plates, jewelry and luxurious possessions. In the late 18th century, the palazzo was used as a power base by Napoleon and later served for a brief period as the principal royal palace of the newly united Italy. The palace and its contents were donated to the Italian people by King Victor Emmanuel III in 1919. The palazzo is now the largest museum complex in Florence.
The Boboli Gardens
The Boboli Gardens is a historical park of the city of Florence that was opened to the public in 1766. Originally designed for the Medici, it represents one of the first and most important examples of the Italian garden, which later served as inspiration for many European courts. The large green area is a real open-air museum with statues of various styles and periods, ancient and Renaissance that are distributed throughout the garden. It also has large fountains and caves, among them the splendid Buontalenti grotto built by the artist, architect, and sculptor Bernardo Buontalenti between 1536 and 1608.
Giardino Bardini
Oltrarno is the Florentine equivalent to Rome’s Trastevere which is a sort of bohemian district. It is home to some really cool viewpoints of Florence including the Bardini Gardens. The Bardini Gardens are a Florence attraction that very few people venture to see which makes it a real treasure.
The gardens are part of a renaissance villa of the Bardini family. These curated gardens are home to phenomenal views of Florence. The gardens are famous for two main attractions. First, a wisteria tunnel best viewed during the summer bloom starting in April and ending towards October. And second, a long medieval staircase that carries you to one of the best views of the city.
Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a beautiful structure that would likely be famous even if the foundation had been poured correctly, but the fact that it was built incorrectly makes it a must-see. The tower leans 5.5 degrees, or about 15 feet according to the Britannica.com and thanks to some restoration projects in 1999, it may never fall. The tower is named after its hometown Pisa.
The Brancacci Chapel
While it is definitely not a museum, the Brancacci Chapel is one of those places you walk into and immediately understand you are somewhere important. The chapel is named after the silk merchant financially responsible for its creation, Felice Brancacci.
If the chapel was located inside the Vatican Museums, it would likely see millions of visitors per year to the likes of the Sistine Chapel. It is actually referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of the Early Renaissance”. While it is not a Florence Museum it is influential, important, and on the top of our list of recommendations.
Dine at Mercado Centrale
Mercado Centrale is the Central market in Florence. San Lorenzo’s artisan food court is the perfect introduction to Firenze’s passion for food, tradition, and community. Each stall features its own Italian specialty, from baked goods and gelato to the famous buffalo cheese. It is separated into two floors. The first floor is traditional Italian style Stahl vendors. Here is where you’ll find all types of Italian produce, meats and even Osteria style restaurants. The second floor you’ll go from the 16th century Medici to the 21st century. Welcome to the types of places the current Italian youth enjoys – modern and cool. The second floor is filled with hyper-focused restaurants that serve a particular style of food. Its cafeteria style. You grab food, sit down, eat, and clean up after yourself.
While you’re in Florence, you can also discover the tradition of Tuscan pasta making. Learn how to cook regional Italian recipes with a private Tuscan pasta making class. A local expert will guide you through preparing your choice of three handmade pastas or one pasta and a meat entree. Then, enjoy the fruits of your labor with a private dinner experience.
For ACA Summer international programs for 2022, CLICK HERE.