10 things to see (and do) in Florence
The city cradle of the Renaissance, one of the most precious jewels of the world’s artistic and cultural heritage, Florence, opens up to the visitor as an infinite scenery of beauty. For its visitor, especially on his first visit to the Tuscan city, it can be difficult in a short time to orient himself in his visit, precisely because of the vastness of things to visit and do. To help you on your Florentine holiday, here is a (non-exhaustive) list of 10 things to see (and do) in Florence.
1) Piazza del Duomo
The starting point for a visit to Florence is certainly Piazza Duomo. The architectural harmony of the square leaves every visitor speechless. A visit to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is not to be missed, climbing up to Brunelleschi’s dome, the Baptistery and Giotto’s bell tower to admire a unique view of the Tuscan hills and the Arno.
2) Uffizi Gallery
One of the most important and famous museums in the world. A visit to Florence cannot be separated from admiring the works of Botticelli, the room of Leonardo or Caravaggio. Impossible to visit everything in one visit, but for art lovers never say never!
3) Ponte Vecchio
On the Arno one of the most famous attractions is the Ponte Vecchio. Its peculiarity is the passage flanked by two rows of artisan shops, obtained in ancient arcades then closed, which made it famous, as if it were the continuation of the road. The shops, mainly jewelers, attract millions of tourists every year for their originality and their unique view of the river.
4) Piazzale Michelangelo
For a 360 degree view of the Tuscan capital, Piazzale Michelangelo is the right choice. By day or at sunset, the view of Florence from this point is truly postcard-worthy!
5) Piazza della Signoria
If Piazza del Duomo is the seat of the spiritual power of the city, Piazza della Signoria with its Palazzo Vecchio is instead the center of the political and social life of Florence. An excellent example of Renaissance harmony that winds through the historic buildings and the access roads to the square, which make the place unique.
6) Boboli gardens
The city park par excellence, born as the garden of the Pitti Palace, is a destination for walks for all Florentines and tourists. Many works scattered in the green area, fountains, historic buildings, with a unique view of Brunelleschi’s dome and the Arno.
7) Piazza Santa Croce
One of the most famous squares in the center of Florence, dominated by the homonymous Basilica. Center of the artistic and cultural life of Florence, the Basilica houses the tombs of the greats of Italian history and culture, Michelangelo, Machiavelli etc.
8) Accademia Gallery
Another must-see museum in Florence is the Accademia Gallery. In addition to the famous David by Michelangelo, the museum houses works of inestimable value, such as a vast collection of paintings from the fourteenth to the sixteenth century. Unmissable.
9) Santa Maria Novella Basilica
With its unique colors and style, the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is one of the first beauties you come across if you arrive in Florence by train. In fact, it is located a few steps from the railway station of the same name, an excellent starting point for an unforgettable visit to the city.
10) Enjoy a good Fiorentina
One of the unmissable things, except for vegerarians, is to enjoy a good “Fiorentina”, the Florentine steak, a cut of beef or scottona which, combined with the specific preparation, makes it one of the most popular dishes of Tuscan cuisine . All accompanied by an excellent red wine!