Your cartThe reasons to spend your holiday time there are many and this stunning city will amaze you for sure. Willing to know ours? Whether you are passionate about Italian Art, history, and fashion or you prefer relaxing in contact with nature and tasting the savory food, that’s the place we suggest you choose.
Florence main historical events date back at Medieval Era, when the city was ruled by two different factions, known as the Guelphs and the Ghibellines, who began to war each other in order to hold power over the whole area.
Tuscany Capital was also the location where the worldwide known writer Dante was born and spent many years of his life as well as others Italian artists.
Also during Renaissance, Florence was one of the Italian most politically relevant cities and this is due to Medici family administration, who ruled over this area for years.
Let’s discover Florence 6 must-see!
1 – Ponte Vecchio
This is the very symbol of Florence: the meaning of its name is “Old Bridge”, in fact it is one of the oldest in town. It’s built with a medieval structure and it’s nowadays known for having shops built on the two sides of it. Ponte Vecchio was erected in the narrowest part of Arno, where the banks of the river are closest to each other.
The Italian artist Giorgio Vasari chose Old Bridge as the location to set and build his secret passage called “Vasari Corridor”, an elevated passageway half a mile long that connects Palazzo Pitti with Palazzo Vecchio. The ruler at that time, Cosimo I of Medici family, ordered him to construct it so to have a more secure way to reach government palace, Palazzo Vecchio, from his residence, Palazzo Pitti.
Every Florence journey must comprehend a stop here, both for its historical relevance and for the astonishing panoramic view over Arno river.
2 – Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria
As you will see, reaching the must-see places it’s very easy as the city center is supplied with plenty of pedestrian areas that makes tourists willing to take a walk and discover Florence main attractions.
Palazzo Vecchio, “Old Palace”, is only 5 minutes away from Ponte Vecchio, and located in the central Piazza della Signoria. Once the city hall of the Tuscan city, part of the building has preserved its original purpose and nowadays it’s still the place where the administration is held. The other side of the building, instead, is destined to Tours and Art exhibitions: Palazzo Vecchio in fact is the main Florentine museum!
At its very entrance, you will have the chance to admire a copy of the masterpiece by Michelangelo: a marble statue of David that represents human intelligence and the power to fight against tyranny.
Inside the museum you will discover Florentine history and art through incredible frescoes and amazing paintings that depicts some of the most important events throughout the history of the city.
--> Discover our Gallery of Accademia Express Tour3 – Piazzale Michelangelo
Every tour must have a relaxing break to admire an overview of the location you have chosen, so our advice is just to go up to Piazzale Michelangelo, located on the other side of Arno river on a beautiful hill area.
Every hour of the day you will decide to go here, you will enjoy a different side and colors of Florence and its monuments, so it’s up to you if going there at sunrise, sunset or during the night time.
Do you want to know why it’s called this way? It was entitled to the Italian famous artist, in fact walking around the terraced square, you will notice a copy of his works “David”.
4 – Florence Cathedral and its dome
This is a majestic church, considered the real masterpiece of Brunelleschi. Florence Cathedral has a gothic style, with original Tuscan pink, white and green marbles on the outside that decorate both the facades and the bell tower.
Actually, artists who contributed to building the Cathedral are many: just to name the most famous ones Arnolfo di Cambio, who began the initial project, and Giotto, who designed the bell tower.
However the most remarkable part of St. Mary of Flowers is the magnificent brick dome by Brunelleschi, the largest in the world, that is available for Tours!
At the time the dome was built, it was the biggest in the world, and now only two churches have exceeded it: Rome St. Peter and London St. Paul.
Despite a large number of decorations on the outer space, the inner part of the Cathedral is simpler, with basically well-preserved frescoes and organized on 3 naves.
Take your time to discover at your own pace this sacred place and don’t forget to enjoy the stunning view by going up to the Bell Tower: you will have the chance to admire Florence and the dome from an unusual point of view!
5 - Boboli Gardens
Boboli Gardens are a historical park in Florence, located on the south bank of Arno, near the panoramic area of Piazzale Michelangelo.
This is a real open-air museum that embraces the impressive Pitti Palace, once the residence of Medici family. A typical Italian style garden with dedicated paths adorned with sculptures, statues, beautiful fountains and panoramic suggestive spots is what you will find here.
We suggest you visit them on sunny warm days to enjoy the best atmosphere with a small walk with your travel partners.
The open green space is organized in different areas that you will easily recognize: the great Amphitheatre, Neptune Fountain, Lemonhouse as well as long boulevards delimited by flowers and trees.
--> Book a Private Tour of Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens
These were our special must-see places in Florence. Have you already visited this unique city? Let us know which are your top 5 locations!
Are you looking for Tours both private and for a small group of people in Florence and all over Tuscany? Contact us to receive our professional assistance to plan your holiday trip!
