Explore Florence, a Medieval cultural center that also serves as a hub for international trade, culture, and fashion in Italy. Ancient ruins, excellently preserved cathedrals, antique paintings, and stunning architecture are the best places to visit in Florence. Keep reading to find out about Florence top attractions.
Campanile di Giotto
The Campanile di Giotto is located in Piazza del Duomo. The 84 m tall structure serves as the bell tower of the Florence Cathedral. It is regarded as Italy's most magnificent tower, made of vibrant white, green, and red marble. You can reach the tower top to enjoy the beautiful view of the city.
Despite being named after Giotto, several painters have participated equally in the architecture of this tower. Giotto died three years before the completion of this tower, while Andrea Pisano carved the first two floors and Alberto Arnaldi embellished the exterior.
Galleria Dell’Accademia
Located on Via Ricasoli, The Galleria dell'Accademia is a historic art museum in Florence. The Galleria is home to Michelangelo's David, which is one of the most spectacular masterpieces of art. Paintings by Domenico Ghirlandaio, Andrea del Sarto, Alessandro Allori, and Pontormo are the highlights of Galleria Dell'Accademia.
This museum is heaven for art enthusiasts since it has works by renowned painters. Some other famous paintings include Giambologna's Rape of the Sabine Women, Sandro Botticelli's Madonna and Child, and Madonna of the Sea in the Hall of Colossus. Some of Michelangelo's unfinished works, such as Slaves, may be seen in the Hall of the Prisoners.
Basilica San Miniato al Monte
San Miniato al Monte Basilica is located near Piazzale Michelangelo, with a stunning Medieval architecture interior. You can get breathtaking views of the city because the cathedral is located on a hill. The Cimitero Monumentale delle Porte Sante, a cemetery of prominent Florentines, is also here.
The exquisite Cappella del Crocefisso, created by three talented artists, Agnolo Gaddi, and Luca Della Robbia, stands in the middle. This cathedral is built in patterns of green and white marble in honor of Saint Miniato.
Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio is a medieval-era stone bridge that connects the city's north and south sides. Situated over the River Arno, the Ponte Vecchio originates from the 12th century and is widely recognized for its distinctive stonework.
Often known as the Old Bridge, it links Palazzo Vecchio with Palazzo Pitti. This 12th-century bridge is a treat for the eyes of Medieval architecture enthusiasts. It has become one of the most visited places in Florence.
Piazza Della Signoria, Florence
The Piazza Della Signoria is a public plaza located between the Arno and the Piazza del Duomo in Florence, Italy. It is a popular gathering location for residents as well as tourists. The Piazza's grounds include various noteworthy buildings and monuments.
The Uffizi gallery is directly near the Piazza, and the Ponte Vecchio can be seen from here. The Palazzo Vecchio, the Loggia dei Lanzi that houses exquisite sculptures such as the Rape of the Sabine Women and the Head of Medusa, and the Fountain of Neptune are all found here.
Bardini Gardens
The Bardini Gardens is an Italian Medieval Garden beside Florence's Ponte Vecchio. Despite its small size, it is one of the top attractions in Florence. This elevated garden provides a spectacular bird's-eye spectacle of the city. Apart from plants and vegetation, it houses various statues and fountains.
A wide variety of flowers makes the environment more vibrant and colorful. A section of this garden is designed in the Anglo-Chinese style that looks stunning, with a water canal running alongside it. Fruit trees such as plums, apricots, cherries, and peaches are also found in this orchard.
The Church of Santa Maria Novella
The church of Santa Maria is one of the best places to visit in Florence with family and undoubtedly the greatest Tuscan architecture. Fra Jacopo Talenti, Brunelleschi, and Leon Battista Alberti designed the exterior of this church, and it was built between 1259 and 1357.
The interior artworks of Santa Maria Novella were done by Masaccio's Trinità and Giotto's Crucifix. It is among the best cathedrals in Florence and attracts millions of tourists every year.
The Basilica of Santa Croce
It is said that St Francis himself founded Santa Croce. Arnolfo di Cambio and some of the city's wealthiest families helped the construction of the present church to replace the older building in 1294. Galileo and the famous philosopher Machiavelli and Michelangelo are all buried at the Basilica of Santa Croce.
The entrance to this location resembles the construction of the Statue of Liberty. The marble facade on the exterior was erected in 1853.
The Ufizzi Gallery
The Ufizzi Gallery houses magnificent pieces of art from various Italian painters from the Medieval era. It is close to Piazza Della Signoria in Florence's historic center, with bronze gates leading to the Gates of Paradise, a historic location.
This museum houses treasures by Medieval-era Italian painters and sculptors. The gallery's U-shaped construction dates back to ancient Rome and features statues and paintings of Rome. It is one of the best things to do in Florence as it has a lot of paintings and sculptures of the Roman era.
Piazza del Duomo
The Piazza del Duomo is situated in Florence's historic center. Many significant religious monuments have been constructed in this space over time, including the Campanile di Giotto, the Battistero di San Giovanni, and the Ponte Vecchio, which is also located in the plaza.
These skyline-dominating towers are the masterpieces of iconic architecture in Italy. Pizza del Duomo is a spiritual place in Florence with well-preserved buildings that date back to ancient Rome.
Conclusion
With its rich tapestry of art, history, and culture, there are a lot of extravagant places to visit in Florence. It stands as an unrivaled gem among travel destinations, with the iconic masterpieces of the Uffizi Gallery and the timeless beauty of the Florence Cathedral. Plan a trip to Florence top attractions for an enchanting journey through time. Cheers!