Amore! As the “Cradle of the Italian Renaissance,” Florence inspires and humbles you to fall in love with life. Here, the Renaissance remains alive and well in the architecture, museums, piazzas and gardens. And it’s a wonderful place for a walking tour because most historic sites are within walking distance. Florence is one of my personal favorite destinations in the world and I’ve visited it numerous times. So, I love reliving and sharing the 12 Florence Italy’s top attractions.
Background of Florence or Firenze
Florence is the capital of Tuscany in the center of Italy. It lies in a basin with the Arno River running through it. Florence is most known for being the “Cradle of the Renaissance” lasting throughout the 15th and 16th centuries. Back then, the culture flourished in painting, architecture, sculpture, music, literature, philosophy, science and technology. From this, came the most notable artists of all time, creating their masterpieces. For example, the Renaissance geniuses included Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Giotto, Raphael, Boticelli, Titian and Donatello. Overall, much of their art is exhibited throughout the museums and architecture throughout Florence.
The Medici Family ruled Florence throughout the Renaissance. This wealthy dynasty was a major influence on the growth of the Italian Renaissance through their patronage of the arts. Moreover, the family gifted most of their art to the city of Florence, largely displayed in the famous Uffizi Gallery.
Renaissance means rebirth. Moreover, through the proliferation of art and sciences, the Italian Renaissance symbolically carried Europe from the Middle to Modern Ages. Florence was the epicenter of this movement. Now, when in Florence you are constantly humbled and reminded of this, especially through its top attractions explained below.
12 Florence Italy’s Top Attractions
Piazzale Michelangelo:
The Piazzale Michelangelo was built in 1869 south of the historic center on the left (south) bank of the Arno River. This square is dedicated to Michelangelo, with bronze copies of his marble works. For example, the bronzed version of David and the 4 allegories of the Medici Chapel of San Lorenzo stand here. And the panoramic view is the best in Florence. It looks out over iconic landmarks, such as, bridges across the river, the Duomo, Bargello and the Palazzo Vecchio. (see first photo)
Uffizi Gallery:
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most important art museums in the world. At the end of the Medici rule, the family gifted their art to the city of Florence, mostly exhibited here. It’s been open to the public as a museum since the 16th century.
Don’t overlook the Loggiato, a courtyard between the 2 long galleries at the entrance. It poignantly displays sculptures of 28 famous Tuscans, such as, Galilei, Donatello and Giotto. (Left Photo)
The first and second floor are filled with ancient sculptures and paintings, from the middle ages to modern. The Uffizi is especially known for the masterpieces from the Renaissance period.
For example, notable Renaissance art includes Boticell’s Birth of Venus, and La Primavera, Raphael’s Madonna del Cardellino, Da Vinci’s Annunciation, Caravaggio’s Medusa and Titian’s Venus of Urbino.
Piazza del Duomo or “Cathedral Square” Attractions:
This square is the heart of the historic center of Florence. It includes the cathedral complex sites, such as, Florence Cathedral, Giotto’s Campanile and Florence Baptistery. Moreover, this complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other sites in the square include Loggia del Bigallo and Opera del Duomo Museum.
Florence Cathedral:
The Florence Cathedral aka “Cathedral of Saint Mary of the flower” is one of Italy’s largest churches. Until the modern times, its Renaissance dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, was the largest in the world and remains the largest brick dome ever constructed. The overall exterior is a Gothic Revival style, adorned with marble in shades of green and pink, bordered by white. The interior’s main attractions are the mosaic flooring and its biggest artwork, Giorgio Vasari’s frescoes of the Last Judgement.
Baptistery of St. John:
The Baptistery of Saint John is an octagonal-shaped minor basilica across from the Florence Cathedral. Almost 1,000 years old, it’s the oldest building in Florence in a Romanesque style. Similarly, to the cathedral and campanile, its exterior is ornate with pink and green marble panels with white borders. On the south side are the iconic paired bronze doors. Made in 1330, these 28 quatrefoil panels depict scenes from St. John’s life.
Giotto’s Campanile:
Next to the Florence Cathedral is this elegant and slender Gothic bell tower, standing almost 85 m (278 ft) tall. Overall, the exterior matches the cathedral with panels of pink and green marble, bordered by white. Also, the 414 steps take you to a panoramic view, looking out over the square and Florence cityscape.
Ponte Vecchio:
The Ponte Vecchio was the only bridge across the Arno River until 1218. It withstood floods and even wars including WW II. Yet, it miraculously serves as not only a bridge, but a venue for shopping. At one time, it had all kinds of shops. However, in the 16th century it was decided that only goldsmiths and jewelers keep shops here. Overall, it’s very romantic, especially lit up at night for a nice stroll across the bridge or along the riverbanks.
Palazzo Pitti:
Firstly, purchased in 1550 by Cosimo de’ Medici, the Renaissance Palazzo Pitti became the residence of the Medici Dynasty ruling Tuscany for centuries. It also became the palace for their successors, the Habsburg-Lorranie and the Savoy until 1865. It’s located on the south side of the River Arno, close to the Ponte Veccio. Now, it’s the location for 4 museums: Palantine Gallery Renaissance paintings, Imperial and Royal Apartments, Gallery of Modern Art and Museum of Fashion and Costume. In addition, the beautiful Boboli Gardens immaculately display behind the palace. The vast green landscaping with Renaissance statues became a model for European courtyards and Italian gardens.
Galleria dell’Accademia – Florence Italy’s Top Attractions:
The must-see Galleria dell’ Accademia is most famous for its marble sculptures by the Renaissance artist, Michelangelo. The incredible David, sculpture of the Biblical figure, stands 5 m (17 ft) high within the Tribune.
In addition, Michelangelo’s Prisoners (or Slaves) are 4 unfinished statues. Intriguingly, they display Michelangelo’s working practice of ‘non-infinito’ or incomplete. In this, Michelangelo expresses the struggle of man to free the spirit from the matter. Also, the main halls include other great Italian artists, like Boticelli.
Bargello Museum:
The National Museum of Bargello is in one of the oldest buildings in Florence, dating back to 1255. It was the residence of the Bargello, the head of police and even used as a prison. Five must-see attractions here are the following: Michelangelo’s Bronze David and Pitti Tondo; Donatello’s St. George Sculpture and Bronze David. Also, the bronze door panels from a competition for the Baptistery from the runner ups, Ghiberti and Brunelleschi.
Mercato Centrale Firenze:
This is the Central Market of Florence located near the Piazza del Mercato Centrale. It goes back to the 19th century. Inside the market, vendors sell goods, such as, spices for Tuscan cuisine, seafood, nuts, fruits and vegetables. Also, outside the Central Market is the Mercato di San Lorenzo, selling the famous Italian leather products.
Galileo Museum:
Near the Uffizi Gallery is the Galileo Museum. This is a nice complement to all the art museums of Florence. Overall, it’s one of the most important scientific collections in the world, spanning over 500 years. The Medici Collection includes Galileo’s telescopes along with fascinating terrestrial and celestial globes. In addition, the Lorraine Collection from this dynasty displays their progress in electricity and chemistry.
Overall, Florence Italy’s Top Attractions
Especially since the pandemic, we all know the limitations of learning through books or computers. Once tourism gains momentum again, consider a trip to Florence for activation of your inner genius. This epicenter of the Renaissance still awakens a rebirth for all who wander its sites.
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