Sights to See
The following is a curated list of sights that all travellers should have the chance to visit while in Florence…
Piazza del Duomo
The most visited destination in Florence, Piazza del Duomo, is in the heart of the historic centre of the city and is home to four of the must-see sights in Florence: the Florence Cathedral (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore), Giotto’s Campanile (Bell Tower), Florence Baptistry (Battistero di San Giovanni) and the Museu dell’Opera del Duomo. At a minimum we recommend you visit this square where you can gaze upon the majesty of these buildings, however if you have time, all are worth exploring in more detail.
Florence Cathedral, universally known as the Duomo, is the third largest church in the world and is an important religious and historic sight in central Florence. Construction began in 1296 and the famous dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, was completed in 1436. Inside the Cathedral you can admire the elaborate marble floor design, gaze at the amazing wall frescoes and look up towards the soaring ceiling and the beautiful cupola, with its frescoes by Vasari. You can also climb to the top of the cupola, passing close by the amazing frescoes by Vasari and up to the lantern where you can enjoy unparalleled views of Florence. Please note, to get to the top you need to climb 463 stairs through quite narrow passageways, so do not attempt it if you are afraid of heights or have health problems.
Note: for a brilliant view of the Duomo, head to the La Rinascente Department Store in Piazza della Repubblica and make your way to the top floor cafe which boasts an excellent view across the rooftops of Florence towards the Duomo!
Giotto’s Campanile (Bell Tower) is located next to the Cathedral and is a beautiful example of 14th century Gothic architecture. Standing 84.7 metres tall and clad in white, red and green marble, the bell tower, designed by Giotto and completed in 1359 stands proudly in the Piazza del Duomo. Today, you can climb to the top of the tower where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and beyond, as well as spectacular views of the Florence Cathedral. As with the Cathedral, there are 414 steps to the upper terrace and so do not attempt it if you are afraid of heights or have health problems.
The Florence Baptistry is one of the oldest religious monuments in Florence. Built on the remains of a 4th/5th century baptistry, it was constructed in the 12th century, in a unique octagonal shape. Clad in white and green marble, the building is famous for both its shape, as well as its spectacular doors. Inside, you will find intricate marble mosaic flooring and spectacular 13th century mosaics on the walls and in the dome. The three sets of doors, designed by Andrea Pisano (South Door) and Lorenzo Ghiberti (North & East Doors), depict episodes from the life of St. John the Baptist (namesake of the baptistery), Christian values and scenes from the Old and New Testaments. Michelangelo believed Ghiberti’s East Doors to be so spectacular he called them the “Gates of Paradise”, a name that has stuck to this day. Today, the original doors can be found in the Museu dell’Opera (just next door) and copies are in place at the baptistry.
The Museu dell’Opera (Opera Duomo Museum) is the museum of the Duomo and Baptistry, home to many of the treasures originally showcased in those buildings. It is also responsible for the restoration of both the Duomo and Baptistry. Today, the museum houses the largest collection of Florentine monumental sculptures in the world, featuring medieval and Renaissance works in marble, bronze and silver by artists including Ghiberti, Donatello and Michelangelo. Particularly popular are Ghiberti’s original “Gates of Paradise” as well as Michelangelo’s “The Deposition”.
Access to the Florence Cathedral is free, however, to climb the Dome or access the Campanile, Baptistry or Museu dell’Opera you need to purchase a ticket which costs €18. You must reserve a time to access the Dome, after which your ticket is valid for 72 hours from the day of reservation.
Galleria dell’Accademia
60, Via Ricasoli, 58, 50122 Firenze Fl
There is one main reason to visit Galleria dell’Accademia, Michelangelo’s masterpiece, David. David was originally created by Michelangelo between 1501-1504 and for almost 400 years stood proudly in front of the Palazzo Vecchio (home to the city government) in Piazza della Signoria. The Galleria dell’Accademia was founded in 1784 and when David began to show signs of deterioration, he was moved to the gallery for conservation. Today the gallery houses several other Michelangelo sculptures, as well as many other impressive paintings, sculptures and instruments from the 13th to 16th century. However, most people flock to the gallery to see the 5.17 metre, 5.56 tonne marble masterpiece that is David. As with the Uffizi, the gallery is very popular, so it is best to book your tickets online and reserve a specific entry time.
Tickets cost €16 (including €4 booking fee) and you can reserve a 15 minute time window between 8:00am and 5:00pm.
Piazza della Signoria
The Piazza della Signoria is a large central square, considered the traditional political heart of Florence. The square is surrounded by some of Florence’s most important buildings, including the Palazzo Vecchio (Florence’s city hall and heart of government) and the Uffizi. The piazza is also known for its statues. At the heart of the piazza is the Neptune Fountain. There is also Donatello’s Il Marzocco, the lion that is the symbol of Florence, as well as a copy of Michelangelo’s David, standing in front of the Palazzo Vecchio where the original stood. Finally, there is the Loggia dei Lanzi, an open-air sculpture gallery featuring Cellini’s Perseus with the Head of Medusa. The piazza is a popular meeting spot for locals and tourists alike and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants in this area too.
Ponte Vecchio
One of the most famous sights of Florence, Ponte Vecchio is a bridge crossing the river Arno. Thought to have been the site of a bridge originally constructed as far back as Roman times, the current bridge was built in 1345. The bridge is made up of three stone arches and has had both homes and shops across it since its beginnings. In 1565 Cosimo I de’ Medici had a corridor built atop the bridge as part of an enclosed pathway from Palazzo Vecchio (the home of government) to Pitti Palace (the Royal residence). This pathway became known as the Vasari Corridor, named after the architect who designed it. In 1595 it was decided that the butchers who had previously occupied the shops along the bridge would be outlawed and replaced by goldsmiths. Today, the shops along the bridge are still dominated by jewellers. The Vasari Corridor is currently closed to the public for renovations but is expected to reopen in 2021. Visitors will then be able to walk the one kilometre path lined with priceless artworks by artists including Rembrandt, da Vinci and Michelangelo.
Uffizi Gallery
Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Firenze Fl
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the great art museums of the world. Housed in a former Medici palace built in the 16th century, today the museum is home to a world class collection of sculpture and painting from the Middle Ages to the Modern period. The collection includes works by Botticelli, Caravaggio, Da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raffaello among many more masterpieces. Perhaps the most famous work is Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus. The Uffizi is the most visited art museum in Italy and attracts huge crowds. To ensure you can get in and to avoid wait times of up to 5 hours, book your tickets online and reserve a specific entry time.
Tickets cost €16 (including €4 booking fee) and you can reserve a 15 minute time window between 8:00am and 5:00pm.
Note: It can be worthwhile to book a short, guided tour as the guides provide a good introduction to a selection of the more famous works.
