Italian Vacations: Florence

Italian Vacations - Florence

The Renaissance city of Florence is choke-full of architectural gems, beautiful squares and unforgettable views. The city can be quite overwhelming for the first time visitors, so here is our list of top places to visit in Florence on yourItalian vacations.

Piazza del Duomo
Piazza del Duomo

Piazza del Duomo

The stunning square is dominated by the famous Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, or Il Duomo. It took more than 100 years to complete and today it is a real feast for the eyes: impressive pink, green and white marble exterior matches the grand vast interior with stunning frescoes and stained glass. You can climb 436 step up to the top of the cupola for an awe-inspiring panorama of the city. If you want to avoid the line, head to the Palazzo Vecchio Tower for breathtaking views without the hassle.

Galleria degli Uffizi

Immerse yourself in Renaissance art in one of the world’s greatest galleries. Book the tickets online to skip long lines. Decide beforehand what you want to see as you will be spoiled for choice with thousands of masterpieces by Rembrandt, Rubens, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael all around you.

Stained glass window in the Basilica di Santa Croce
Stained glass window in the Basilica di Santa Croce

Santa Croce

The largest Franciscan basilica in Italy houses countless masterpieces, including fresco cycles by Giotto. Many famous people buried here, including Michelangelo, Dante, Machiavelli, and Galileo.

Ponte Vecchio

One the most photographed bridges in the world, the 14th century Ponte Vecchio miraculously survived bombings of the World War II. Just like in medieval times, there are shops along the bridge selling souvenirs, jewelry and antiques. It is a popular spot during sunsets for unforgettable views the Arno river. The next bridge to the west, Ponte Trinita, also has spectacular vistas, without the crowds.

The Oltrarno quarter

This old area of the city, located on the south side of the River Arno, feels like a small town. Stroll along the narrow streets to see local artisans at work: bookbinders, mosaic-makers, wood carvers, and goldsmiths have been preserving centuries-old traditional trades.

View of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo
View of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo

Piazzale Michelangelo

Florence’s famous square with a magnificent panoramic views of the city get packed with tourists during summer months, however the picture-perfect vistas are certainly worth your time.

 Photos by: Rutger Blom, Nathan Rupert, Ricardo Zappata.

 

 

Anna Lebedeva