10 Best Attractions In Florence

Italy is among the most visited countries in the world. The most visited city in Italy is not surprisingly Rome, but Italy has much more to offer than just Rome. If you visit the wonderful region of Tuscany for either a wine tour, a road trip, or just a short visit, you must visit Florence, Tuscany’s capital. Florence has a lot to offer, and most of its attractions are within proximity from one another, which makes it very comfortable to explore by foot.. Here are the top attractions you should explore on a visit to Florence.

 

1. Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore) 

The main church of Florence, Italy. Construction begun in 1296 in the Gothic style and completed in 1436 with the completion of the dome. The exterior of the basilica is faced with marble panels in various shades of green and pink bordered by white and has an elaborate 19th-century Gothic Revival facade

 

2. The Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi is one of the oldest and most famous art museums of the Western world. It holds the world’s finest collection of Renaissance paintings. All the famous and important Italian artists are there, from all eras. The Uffizi is definitely one of the world’s best museums

 

3. See “David” in the Accademia Gallery

David is a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture created between 1501 and 1504, by the Italian artist Michelangelo. It is a 5.17-metre (17.0 ft) marble statue of a standing male nude. The statue represents the Biblical hero David. The statue is one of the most famous statues in the world, and is located in the Accademia Gallery in Florence since 1873

 

4. Ponte Vecchio

The “old bridge” is a medieval stone arch bridge, famous for still having shops built along it as was once common. It is the only bridge in Florence to survive the second world war. In the past the shops were owned by butchers but today the shops are mostly owned by souvenir sellers as well as art dealers and jewelers. The Ponte Vecchio is one of the most famous bridges in the world

 

5. Piazza della Signoria

The Piazza della Signoria is the main city square of Florence, and has been for many centuries. Every visitor to the city must visit it in order to really feel the city. The square is located near the Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery that we mentioned, and close to the Piazza del Duomo, so you can’t miss it. Also in the square itself you’ll find the Palazzo Vecchio, another main attraction of the city

 

6. Basilica di San Lorenzo 

Built in the 15th century, the Basilica di San Lorenzo is one of the cities oldest churches. The exterior was never completed, giving it a unique look, while the interior style is Renaissance neo-classical

 

7. Loggia del Porcellino (Mercato Nuovo)

The Loggia del Porcellino or Loggia del Mercato Nuovo is a building that accommodates an indoor market. The 16th century structure is located near the Ponte Vecchio. If you’re looking for souvenirs from Florence or Italy, or some leather clothing, the Mercato Nuovo (New Market) is the place to go. In the market you’ll also find the Fontana del Porcellino – a bronze statue of a boar, that according to the legend, everyone who rubs its nose will come back to Florence. A picture of yourself rubbing the nose of a bronze pig is picture. A picture of a line of people waiting to so is even funnier

 

8. Piazzale Michelangelo 

Most of the attractions of Florence are located right in the center of the city and very close together. A visit to Piazzale Michelangelo will get you out of the city center and across the Arno river. The famous square offers a wonderful panoramic view of the entire city with all its major attractions, a view that captures the true beauty of Florence. This is probably the best viewing point of the city and a must for every tourist

 

9. Palazzo Vecchio 

The Palazzo Vecchio or “Old Palace” stands right in the Piazza della Signoria. Once the home of the famous Medici family, this 12th century palace is not town hall of Florence. The famous building also acts partially as a museum and is known to be as one of Italy’s most important public buildings

 

10. Boboli Gardens and Pitti Palace

The Palazzo Pitti is a large 15th century palace located in the middle of the city. Once the residence of the rulers of Florence, the beautiful palace is now a museum with a view of the city. Behind the palace, you’ll find the Boboli Gardens. The gardens were created in the 16th century and with a large and impressive collection of statues and fountains, the gardens act as an outdoor museum