Florence Italy: Top 6 Attractions

 

The motherland of the Renaissance and the gateway to Italy's famous Tuscany region, glorious Florence is worth a visit at least once. Top-notch galleries and museums with artwork to be found nowhere else in the world, gorgeous medieval architecture, and mouthwatering local cuisine, are only some of the major reasons to add this town to your travel plans. To help plan your time in the city, we've put together a list of the best things to do in Florence as well as the simply unmissable Florence sights to see.

1. The Florence Duomo
Florence Cathedral, Florence

Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, the mighty and gorgeous Florence Cathedral, stands in the heart of town and always tops the list of the most famous Florence attractions. Set on the Piazza del Duomo square, it's actually on the UNESCO World Heritage list and adorns the Florentine skyline. Its construction began at the end of the 13th century and took almost 200 years to complete, among the contributors was the dome's designer, Filippo Brunelleschi. As a highlight, rise to the top of the dome (with beautiful tiles) for outstanding city views.

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2. The Florence Baptistery
Florence Baptistery

The Baptistery of St. John is one more of the attractions in Florence situated on the Piazza del Duomo. This fabulous city will definitely blow you away during your Italy tour. The Baptistry of San Giovanni is actually over 2 whole centuries older than the Duomo, yet its octagon shape and marble exteriors are still unique till this day. The small basilica boasts lush mosaic decorations on the inside, brilliant works by Donatello, and impressive doors. As such, scenes from the life of St. John the Baptist can be seen in the sculptures of the South Door.

3. Uffizi Gallery, Florence
Uffizi Gallery, Florence

One of the unmissable places to visit in Florence, the Uffizi Gallery, is a real treasure trove of priceless artwork. Even if you aren't an art nut or don't have much knowledge of the distinctive features of the Renaissance era, touring the Uffizi is a "must". Whether you decide to traverse the collections of the glorious museum with an experienced guide or not, the highlight exhibits worth checking out include the "Primavera" and "Birth of Venus" by Botticelli, as well as the masterpieces by Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci, among others.

4. Galleria dell'Accademia, Florence
Galleria dell'Accademia, Florence

Another notable place to put on your Florence sightseeing itinerary is the Gallery of the Academy of Florence. Did you know that the Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze is the proud home of the fascinating statue of "David" by Michelangelo? This jaw-dropping work of art is the major magnet for visitors, yet apart from the statue, there are so many more things to see. As such, the museum displays more Michelangelo works as well as the San Lorenzo library, not to mention the fabulous "Madonna of the Sea" by Botticelli.

5. Ponte Vecchio, Florence
Ponte Vecchio, Florence

Crossing the Arno River, this famous medieval Florence bridge is the oldest one in the city. Being one of the most popular sights in Florence, the story of Ponte Vecchio is very curious. Small shops of local vendors and the workshops of goldsmiths, artists, and other specialists have long occupied the bridge, they were the ones who've built the "extensions" (seen hanging off the side of the bridge) as to broaden the area of their shop and to not block the walkway. Without a doubt, this authentic spot in town is not only a crossing point but a notable historical location as well.

6. Palazzo Vecchio, Florence
Palazzo Vecchio, Florence

What's for more outstanding Florence landmarks, the Palazzo Vecchio is surely a peculiar stop. This old Florence palace is actually the town hall, and the building is more than 700 years old! Inside you can find the ornate Hall of Five Hundred with fabulous frescos on the walls and ceilings. An interesting fact about the site is that you can find a popular photo spot right by the Palazzo walls, it's a reproduction of the "David", so make sure to place it on your agenda.