Florence Italy is one of the most alluring tourist locations in the world. It is the birthplace of the Renaissance and an artist’s dream with its architectural structures. Florence has some of Italy’s best museums, churches, cathedrals, art, sculptures and shopping markets. When planning a tour of Florence for your vacation, there are a few must see sites to visit:
Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore
Florence’s most common site is its Duomo (cathedral), the Cattedrale de Santa Maria del Fiore. The creation of this huge cathedral that holds 20,000 people, started in 1296. It was consecrated in 1436. People can purchase tickets to climb the 463 steps to the top; or view the 44 stained glass windows.
Piazza della Signoria
Piazza della Signoria has been central to the political life of the city of Florence, Italy for centuries. It has been updates into a lively attraction that is the home of many restaurants, bars and shops and is a must see throughout your Florence trip. Nearby artwork includes a copy of the David by Michelangelo, the Marzocco by Donatello and the Neptune Fountain.
Il Battistero di San Giovanni or Baptistery of Saint John
The Baptistery of Saint John was established in 1152 and was partially funded by the citizens of Florence themselves. The baptistery is 107.24 metres in perimeter, and is the largest Baptistery in Italy. It has a pulpit carved by Nicola Pisano 1255-60 n 1255-60. The baptistery is known for it’s for its perfect acoustics which are demonstrated by the staff every 30 minutes. According to local lore, an undergraduate who walks around the Baptistery will never get their degree. It is open from Monday to Saturday from 12:00-7:00 (except holidays) and 8:30-2:00 on Sundays.
Giotto’s Campanile – Bell tower
This structure is 14.45 meters (47.41 ft) wide and 84.7 meters (277.9 ft) high. It is found near to the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Baptistry of St. John. The first story was designed by Giotto. Tourists can buy a ticket to climb the 414 stairs for breathtaking vistas of the Cathedral and its dome and the city of Florence and surrounding areas. Giotto’s Campanile is open from 8:30 am – 7:30 pm daily.
Ponte Vecchio (old bridge)
The Ponte Vecchio is the oldest and most renowned bridge in Florence that has spanned the Arno River since the age of the Romans. It was built in 1345 and is the only bridge to survive World War II. The bridge still contains shops that sell gold and silver jewellery and provides a picturesque view of the river.
Galleria degli Uffizi
The Galleria degli Uffizi continas some of the world’s most important collections of Renaissance, paintings from medieval to modern times and many antique sculptures from artists including Michelangelo, Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Perugino, and Raphael. It is also the most crowded museum in all Italy. The Galleria is open from Tuesday-Sunday, 8:15 am – 6:50 pm.
Santa Croce
Santa Croce is located in the Piazza Santa Croce and is the biggest Franciscan church in Italy, It contains the tombs of Michelangelo and Dante. The interior contains some beautiful stained glass windows and frescoes as well as the Cappella dei Pazzi, one of Brunelleschi’s most important works. Hours of operation are Monday-Saturday, 9:30-5:30 and Sunday, 1-5:30.
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