Florence

Florence is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. There are many things to see and do in Florence, depending on how much time you have and what your interests are. Here are some suggestions:

- If you have one day in Florence, you can visit the main highlights of the city, such as the Duomo complex, the Ponte Vecchio, theUffizi Gallery, and theAccademia (where you can see Michelangelo’s David). You can also do a self-guided Renaissance Walk through the heart of the old town and enjoy the views fromPiazzale Michelangelo or San Miniato al Monte. This is a very busy day, so make sure you book your tickets in advance and plan your route well. You can find more details about this itinerary here.

- If you have two days in Florence, you can add some more attractions to your first day, such as theMuseum of San Marco, theChurch of Santa Maria Novella, Palazzo Vecchio, and theOltrarno district. You can also explore theMercato Centrale and have lunch nearby. On your second day, you can visit thePitti Palace and its gardens, theBargello Museum, and theBrancacci Chapel. You can also do some shopping at theSan Lorenzo market or along Via Tornabuoni. You can find more details about this itinerary here.

- If you have three days in Florence, you can spread out your sightseeing and enjoy some more leisure time. You can choose to visit some off-the-beaten-path places, such as theMedici Chapels, theBasilica of Santa Croce, theGalileo Museum, thePalazzo Davanzati, theMuseo Horne and theChurch of Santo Spirito. You can find more details about this itinerary here.

Duomo of Florence

Sure, I can tell you some facts about the Duomo of Florence. The Duomo, also called Florence Cathedral or Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, is the Roman Catholic church in Florence, Italy. It is one of the greatest masterpieces of Gothic art and the first Italian Renaissance. It was built on the site of an ancient basilica dedicated to Saint Reparata. The Duomo was begun in 1296 in the Gothic style by Arnolfo di Cambio and was structurally completed by 1436, with the dome engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi. The dome is the largest brick dome ever constructed and a symbol of the city’s artistic and engineering achievements. The exterior of the basilica is faced with polychrome marble panels in various shades of green and pink, bordered by white, and has an elaborate 19th-century Gothic Revival façade by Emilio De Fabris. The cathedral complex, in Piazza del Duomo, includes the Baptistery and Giotto’s Campanile. These three buildings are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site covering the historic centre of Florence and are a major tourist attraction of Tuscany. The cathedral is one of Italy’s largest churches, able to accommodate 30,000 worshippers. The cathedral is also the mother church of the Archdiocese of Florence, whose archbishop is Giuseppe Betori. The interior of the cathedral is vast and contains many artworks, such as frescoes by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari, stained glass windows by Donatello and Lorenzo Ghiberti, sculptures by Luca della Robbia and Michelangelo, and a famous clock by Paolo Uccello. The cathedral also houses the relics of Saint Zenobius, the first bishop of Florence.

The Duomo is open to visitors every day from 10:00 to 16:30, except on Sundays and religious holidays. The entrance is free, but you need to book your visit online in advance. You can also visit the dome, the bell tower, the baptistery, the crypt, and the museum with a combined ticket that costs 18 euros.

Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio, or Old Bridge, is a medieval stone bridge over the Arno River in Florence, Italy. It is one of the most famous and oldest bridges in the world, and a symbol of the city’s history and culture. The Ponte Vecchio was built in 1345 on the site of an ancient Roman bridge that was destroyed by a flood. It has three wide, low arches that span the narrowest part of the river. The bridge is noted for the shops that are built along it, which were originally occupied by butchers, tanners, and farmers, but later replaced by jewelers, art dealers, and souvenir sellers12. The shops have wooden shutters that create a distinctive look at night. The bridge also has a covered walkway on its upper level, called the Corridoio Vasariano, which was built in 1565 by Giorgio Vasari for the Medici family. The corridor connects the Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery on one side of the river with the Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens on the other side. It allowed the Medici to move between their residences without mingling with the public. The corridor is lined with paintings and windows that offer panoramic views of the city. - The Ponte Vecchio is a popular tourist attraction and a romantic spot in Florence. You can admire the bridge from different angles, such as from Piazzale Michelangelo, from a boat ride on the river, or from underneath during a theater or concert performance. You can also walk across the bridge and browse the shops or visit the Corridoio Vasariano with a guided tour.

Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi Gallery is a prominent art museum located adjacent to the Piazza della Signoria in the Historic Centre of Florence in the region of Tuscany, Italy. It is one of the greatest museums of the world, housing the premier collection of Italian Renaissance art, featuring works by such masters as Botticelli, Titian, Michelangelo and da Vinci. The Uffizi Gallery was built in 1560 and designed by Giorgio Vasari as the offices (uffizi) for the Florentine magistrates. It was later used to display the art collection of the Medici family, who ruled Florence for centuries. The Medici bequeathed their collection to the city of Florence in 1743, under the condition that it never leave the city. The Uffizi Gallery opened to the public in 1769 and became one of the first modern museums. The Uffizi Gallery occupies the first and second floors of the large building and has 101 rooms arranged in a U-shaped plan. The rooms are organized chronologically and thematically, showcasing paintings from the 13th to the 20th centuries, as well as sculptures, drawings, prints, and other artworks. Some of the most famous paintings in the Uffizi Gallery are The Birth of Venus and Primavera by Botticelli, The Annunciation and Adoration of the Magi by Leonardo da Vinci, The Venus of Urbino by Titian, The Doni Tondo by Michelangelo, and Madonna of the Goldfinch by Raphael. The Uffizi Gallery also has a covered walkway on its upper level, called the Corridoio Vasariano, which connects it with the Palazzo Vecchio and the Palazzo Pitti across the river. The corridor is lined with paintings and windows that offer panoramic views of the city. The corridor is not usually open to the public, but can be visited with a guided tour.

The Uffizi Gallery is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:15 am to 6:30 pm. The entrance is free on the first Sunday of every month. The ticket price varies depending on the season and the exhibitions. You can book your tickets online in advance or buy them at the ticket office. However, booking online is highly recommended, as the Uffizi Gallery is very popular and often has long queues.

Accademia

The Accademia Gallery in Florence is an art museum that is best known as the home of Michelangelo’s sculpture David. It is one of the greatest museums of the world, housing the premier collection of Italian Renaissance art. The Accademia Gallery was founded in 1784 by the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Pietro Leopoldo, as a school of fine arts. It was later enriched with the art collection of the Medici family and other donations. The museum occupies a former convent and hospital, as well as a new wing built in the 20th century. The Accademia Gallery exhibits paintings, sculptures, drawings, musical instruments, and other artworks from the 13th to the 20th centuries. Some of the most famous artworks in the Accademia Gallery are: - David by Michelangelo: This is the iconic masterpiece of the Florentine Renaissance, depicting the biblical hero who defeated Goliath. It was carved from a single block of marble between 1501 and 1504 and originally placed in front of the Palazzo Vecchio. It was moved to the Accademia Gallery in 1873 to protect it from weather and vandalism. It stands over 5 meters tall and weighs more than 6 tons. - Prisoners by Michelangelo: These are four unfinished sculptures that were intended for the tomb of Pope Julius II, but were never completed. They show different stages of Michelangelo’s carving process and reveal his concept of “non-finito” or “unfinished”. They were donated by Michelangelo’s nephew to the Grand Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici in 1564 and placed in the Accademia Gallery in 1909. - San Matteo by Michelangelo: This is another unfinished sculpture by Michelangelo, representing Saint Matthew, one of the twelve apostles. It was commissioned by the Opera del Duomo in 1503, but was abandoned by Michelangelo when he left Florence for Rome in 1505. It was rediscovered in 1868 and transferred to the Accademia Gallery in 1906. - Madonna of the Sea by Botticelli: This is a painting by Sandro Botticelli, one of the most influential painters of the early Renaissance. It depicts the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child and two angels on a seashore. It was painted around 1475-1480 for a private chapel in Florence. It is one of the few paintings by Botticelli that survived the “Bonfire of the Vanities” in 1497, when many of his works were burned by fanatical followers of Savonarola. - Musical Instruments Museum: This is a collection of musical instruments from different periods and countries, including some rare and precious examples. It includes instruments that belonged to famous musicians, such as Bartolomeo Cristofori, Antonio Stradivari, Niccolò Paganini, and Luigi Cherubini. It also displays some paintings and sculptures related to music.

The Accademia Gallery is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:15 am to 6:50 pm (last admission at 6:20 pm). The entrance is free on the first Sunday of every month. The ticket price varies depending on the season and the exhibitions. You can book your tickets online in advance or buy them at the ticket office. However, booking online is highly recommended, as the Accademia Gallery is very popular and often has long queues.

Piazza Michelangelo

Piazzale Michelangelo is a square with a panoramic view of Florence, Italy, located in the Oltrarno district of the city. It is one of the most famous and scenic spots in Florence, where you can admire the entire cityscape from above, including the Duomo, the Palazzo Vecchio, the Ponte Vecchio, and the Arno river. Piazzale Michelangelo was built in 1869 by architect Giuseppe Poggi as part of a major urban renewal project when Florence was the capital of Italy. It was named after one of the most important Florentine artists of the Renaissance: Michelangelo Buonarroti. In the middle of the square, there is a bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David, along with copies of his sculptures from the Medici Chapel in San Lorenzo. The original marble statue of David is displayed at the Accademia Gallery museum. Piazzale Michelangelo also has a covered walkway on its upper level, called the Corridoio Vasariano, which connects it with the Uffizi Gallery and the Palazzo Pitti across the river. The corridor was built in 1565 by Giorgio Vasari for the Medici family and is lined with paintings and windows that offer panoramic views of the city. The corridor is not usually open to the public, but can be visited with a guided tour. Piazzale Michelangelo is a popular tourist attraction and a romantic spot in Florence. You can admire the view from different angles, such as from Piazzale Michelangelo itself, from a boat ride on the river, or from underneath during a theater or concert performance. You can also walk across the square and browse the souvenir stalls or visit the nearby church of San Miniato al Monte, which is another beautiful viewpoint.

San Miniato al Monte

San Miniato al Monte is a basilica in Florence, Italy, located on one of the hills surrounding the city, not far from Piazzale Michelangelo. It is one of the most beautiful and ancient churches in Florence, dating back to the 11th century. San Miniato al Monte was built in honor of Saint Minias, an Armenian prince and martyr who was beheaded by the Romans in the 3rd century. According to legend, he picked up his head and walked up the hill to his hermitage, where a shrine was later erected. The basilica was founded in 1018 by Bishop Hildebrand and was endowed by the Holy Roman Emperor Henry II. The basilica was completed in 1207 and has a Romanesque style with a façade of green and white marble. The interior of the basilica is richly decorated with frescoes, mosaics, sculptures, and paintings. Some of the highlights are: - The crypt, which contains the relics of Saint Minias and other saints, as well as a Roman sarcophagus and a 15th-century altar by Michelozzo. - The choir, which is raised above the crypt and has a beautiful wooden ceiling and an impressive marble screen carved by various artists. - The apse, which has a stunning mosaic of Christ between the Virgin and Saint Minias on its vaulted ceiling, dating from 1297. It is one of the finest examples of Florentine medieval art. - The sacristy, which houses a famous fresco cycle by Spinello Aretino depicting the life of Saint Benedict, painted in 1387. - The chapel of the Cardinal of Portugal, which is a Renaissance masterpiece by Antonio Manetti, Antonio Rossellino, and Luca della Robbia. It was built in 1473 as the burial place of Cardinal James of Lusitania, who died in Florence. It has a splendid marble tomb and a dome with glazed terracotta decorations.

San Miniato al Monte is open to visitors every day from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm and from 2:30 pm to 7:00 pm. The entrance is free, but donations are welcome.

Museum of San Marco

The San Marco Museum is an art museum that occupies the oldest part of an ancient Dominican monastery in Florence, Italy. It houses the largest collection in the world of the works of Fra Angelico, a famous painter and monk who lived here for several years. The monastery of San Marco was founded in the 13th century and was rebuilt in the 15th century by architect Giorgio Vasari under the patronage of Cosimo de’ Medici, who wanted to make it a center of humanist culture. The monastery was also the home of Girolamo Savonarola, a fiery preacher and reformer who was executed in 1498. The museum of San Marco displays paintings, frescoes, sculptures, and manuscripts from the 13th to the 18th centuries, mostly related to the history and spirituality of the Dominican order. Some of the highlights are - The frescoes by Fra Angelico in the cloister, the chapter house, and the monks’ cells. They are considered masterpieces of Renaissance art and express a serene and mystical vision of Christianity. Among them are the Annunciation, the Crucifixion, and the Noli me tangere. - The panel paintings by Fra Angelico in the hospice hall. They include the Last Judgment, the Deposition, and the San Marco Altarpiece. They show Fra Angelico’s skill in creating realistic and expressive figures and landscapes. - The library, which is one of the first public libraries in Europe and a splendid example of Renaissance architecture. It contains thousands of precious manuscripts and books, some illuminated by Fra Angelico himself or by other famous artists such as Botticelli and Ghirlandaio. - The chapel of the Cardinal of Portugal, which is a Renaissance jewel designed by Antonio Manetti and decorated by Antonio Rossellino and Luca della Robbia. It contains the marble tomb of Cardinal James of Lusitania, who died in Florence in 1459, and a dome with glazed terracotta decorations. - The musical instruments museum, which displays a collection of ancient and rare instruments, some belonging to famous musicians such as Niccolò Paganini and Luigi Cherubini. It also exhibits some paintings and sculptures related to music.

The San Marco Museum is open from Monday to Friday, from 8:15 am to 1:50 pm, and on Saturday from 8:15 am to 4:50 pm. The entrance is free on the first Sunday of every month. The ticket price is 4 euros (2 euros for reduced tickets). You can book your tickets online in advance or buy them at the ticket office.

Church of Santa Maria Novella

The Santa Maria Novella church is a Dominican church in Florence, Italy, situated opposite the city’s main railway station. It is one of the most beautiful and ancient churches in Florence, dating back to the 13th century. The Santa Maria Novella church was built on the site of an old oratory of Santa Maria delle Vigne, which gave it the name of “New” (Novella) to distinguish it from the older one. The church was founded in 1221 by the Dominican friars and was completed in 1360 by architect Giorgio Vasari under the patronage of Cosimo de’ Medici, who wanted to make it a center of humanist culture. The church has a Romanesque-Gothic style with a façade of green and white marble, designed by Leon Battista Alberti in 1470. The façade is divided into two sections: the lower one has three portals with bronze doors and a large rose window, while the upper one has a triangular pediment with a statue of the Madonna and Child. The interior of the church is divided into three naves with cross vaults and stained glass windows. The church contains many artworks, such as frescoes, paintings, sculptures, and altarpieces by famous artists such as Masaccio, Giotto, Filippino Lippi, Duccio di Buoninsegna, and Ghirlandaio, just to name a few. Some of the highlights are: - The Trinity by Masaccio: This is a fresco on the wall of the left nave that depicts the Holy Trinity with the Virgin Mary, Saint John, and two donors. It was painted in 1427 and is considered a masterpiece of perspective and realism. - The Crucifix by Giotto: This is a wooden crucifix hanging above the central nave that shows Christ suffering on the cross. It was carved in 1290 and is one of the earliest examples of Giotto’s style. - The Tornabuoni Chapel: This is the main chapel of the church, located at the end of the right nave. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and has a fresco cycle by Ghirlandaio that depicts scenes from her life and from the life of Saint John the Baptist. It was painted between 1485 and 1490 for Giovanni Tornabuoni, a wealthy banker and patron of the arts. - The Strozzi Chapel: This is another chapel in the right transept that has a fresco cycle by Filippino Lippi that depicts scenes from the lives of Saints Philip and John. It was painted between 1487 and 1502 for Filippo Strozzi, a rich merchant and politician. - The Rucellai Chapel: This is a chapel in the left transept that has a marble tabernacle by Nanni di Banco that contains a painting of the Madonna and Child by Duccio di Buoninsegna. It was commissioned in 1285 by Giovanni Rucellai, a nobleman and poet.

The Santa Maria Novella church is open to visitors every day from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (6:00 pm on Sundays). The entrance fee is 7.50 euros (3.50 euros for reduced tickets). You can book your tickets online in advance or buy them at the ticket office.

Palazzo Vecchio

Palazzo Vecchio is the town hall of Florence, Italy. It is located in the Piazza della Signoria, which holds a copy of Michelangelo’s David statue, and the gallery of statues in the adjacent Loggia dei Lanzi1. It is one of the most important historic government buildings in Florence, having been the seat of the Signoria of the Florentine Republic in the 14th century and then the government centre of the Medici grand dukes of Tuscany. Palazzo Vecchio was built in 1299 on the site of an ancient Roman theater, and was originally called Palazzo della Signoria, after the name of the ruling body of the city. It was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio and has a severe medieval architecture with a crenellated tower and a massive structure. The tower, which is 94 meters high, contains two small cells, one of which was used by Girolamo Savonarola, a fiery preacher and reformer who was executed in 1498. Palazzo Vecchio was enlarged and renovated several times over the centuries, especially in the 16th century, when Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici and his wife Eleonora of Toledo decided to turn it into their residence. They commissioned architect Giorgio Vasari to create sumptuous halls and apartments, decorated with frescoes, paintings, sculptures, and tapestries by famous artists such as Michelangelo, Bronzino, Cellini, and Donatello. Palazzo Vecchio also has a covered walkway on its upper level, called the Corridoio Vasariano, which connects it with the Uffizi Gallery and the Palazzo Pitti across the river. The corridor was built in 1565 by Giorgio Vasari for the Medici family and is lined with paintings and windows that offer panoramic views of the city. The corridor is not usually open to the public, but can be visited with a guided tour. Palazzo Vecchio is now a museum that displays artworks and artifacts from different periods and styles, as well as rooms that preserve their original appearance and function. Some of the highlights are: - The Salone dei Cinquecento (Hall of the Five Hundred): This is the largest and most important room in terms of artistic and historical value inside the palace. It was built in 1494 during the Republic of Fra’ (friar) Girolamo Savonarola. The hall has a length of 54 meters, a width of 23 and a height of 18 meters. It is decorated with frescoes by Vasari and his assistants, depicting scenes from the life and battles of Cosimo I de’ Medici, as well as sculptures by Michelangelo and Bandinelli. - The Studiolo di Francesco I (Study of Francesco I): This is a small secret room behind a false wall in the Hall of the Five Hundred. It was created in 1570 by Vasari for Francesco I de’ Medici, son of Cosimo I de’ Medici. It is a masterpiece of Mannerist art, with paintings, sculptures, cabinets, and hidden drawers that contain precious objects and scientific instruments. - The Sala dei Gigli (Hall of Lilies): This is one of the oldest rooms in the palace, dating back to the 14th century. It was used as an audience hall by the Signoria and later by the Medici. It has a vaulted ceiling decorated with golden lilies, the symbol of Florence, and walls painted with frescoes by Domenico Ghirlandaio. It also contains a copy of Donatello’s bronze statue of Judith and Holofernes - The Sala delle Mappe Geografiche (Hall of Geographical Maps): This is a room that contains a collection of over 50 maps painted on leather panels, representing different regions of Italy and Europe. They were made between 1563 and 1586 by Ignazio Danti, a mathematician and cosmographer. The room also has a large globe and various astronomical instruments. - The Sala dell’Udienza (Audience Hall): This is a room that was used by Cosimo I de’ Medici for official meetings and ceremonies. It has a coffered ceiling painted by Vasari and walls covered with tapestries depicting scenes from Roman history. It also has a fireplace with a marble bust of Cosimo I de’ Medici by Baccio Bandinelli.

Palazzo Vecchio is open from Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Sunday between 9 AM to 7 PM; Thursdays, between 9 AM to 2 PM. You can book your tickets online in advance or buy them at the ticket office.

Oltrarno district

Oltrarno is a quarter of Florence, Italy, that is located south of the River Arno. It means “beyond the Arno” and it contains part of the historic centre of Florence and many notable sites1. It is also known as Florence’s “rive gauche” or left bank, and it has a chic and charming atmosphere. Some of the things you can see and do in Oltrarno are: - Visit the church of Santo Spirito, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture by Filippo Brunelleschi. It has a simple facade and a stunning interior with 38 side chapels, many of them decorated with frescoes and paintings by famous artists such as Filippino Lippi, Sandro Botticelli, and Cosimo Rosselli. - Explore the Palazzo Pitti, the former residence of the Medici family and later the king of Italy. It houses several museums and galleries, such as the Palatine Gallery, the Modern Art Gallery, the Costume Gallery, and the Porcelain Museum. You can also admire the beautiful gardens behind the palace, such as the Boboli Gardens and the Bardini Gardens - Enjoy the view from Piazzale Michelangelo, a square with a panoramic view of Florence. You can see the entire cityscape from above, including the Duomo, the Palazzo Vecchio, the Ponte Vecchio, and the Arno river. In the middle of the square, there is a bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David, along with copies of his sculptures from the Medici Chapel in San Lorenzo. - Discover the artisans’ workshops and independent boutiques that line the narrow streets of Oltrarno. You can find traditional crafts such as leather goods, jewelry, ceramics, furniture, and antiques. You can also shop for local products such as olive oil, wine, cheese, and honey. - Taste the local cuisine and nightlife in Oltrarno. You can find many cozy restaurants, cafes, bars, and pubs that offer authentic dishes and drinks. You can try specialties such as ribollita (a vegetable soup), lampredotto (a tripe sandwich), pappa al pomodoro (a tomato bread soup), and cantucci (almond biscuits) with vin santo (sweet wine).

Mercato Centrale

The Mercato Centrale in Florence is a historic food and produce market that is located between via dell’Ariento, via Sant’Antonino, via Panicale and Piazza del Mercato Centrale. It is one of the greatest attractions for food lovers and tourists in Florence, offering a wide range of fresh, local, and quality products. The Mercato Centrale was built in 1874 by architect Giuseppe Mengoni, who also designed the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan. It has a beautiful iron and glass structure that covers an area of 10,000 square meters. It was inspired by the Les Halles market in Paris and the Crystal Palace in London. The Mercato Centrale has two floors: the ground floor is where you can find the traditional stalls selling fruits and vegetables, meats and cheeses, breads and pastries, fish and seafood, and other food staples. You can also find some specialty shops selling olive oil, wine, spices, and chocolates. The ground floor is open from Monday to Saturday, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. The first floor is where you can find the modern food hall, which opened in 2014 to celebrate the 140th anniversary of the market. Here you can find 12 different eateries offering various types of cuisine, such as pizza, pasta, burgers, sushi, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. You can also find a coffee shop, a gelato shop, a chocolate shop, a brewery, and a wine bar. The first floor is open every day (except Christmas) from 8:00 am to midnight.

Pitti Palace

Palazzo Pitti is a historic palace in Florence, Italy, that was the residence of the Medici family and later the kings of Italy1. It is located on the south side of the River Arno, a short distance from the Ponte Vecchio. It is one of the largest and most impressive buildings in Florence, with a beautiful facade of stone and a vast complex of gardens, museums, and galleries. Palazzo Pitti was built in 1299 by the banker Luca Pitti, who wanted to rival the Medici in power and prestige. However, he soon ran into financial troubles and the palace remained unfinished. In 1549, the palace was sold to Cosimo I de’ Medici, the first Grand Duke of Tuscany, who decided to make it his official residence. He commissioned architect Giorgio Vasari to enlarge and renovate the palace, adding two wings, a courtyard, and a corridor that connected it with the Uffizi Gallery and the Palazzo Vecchio across the river. Palazzo Pitti remained the home of the Medici family until their extinction in 1737, when it passed to the Habsburg-Lorraine dynasty, who ruled Tuscany until 1860. During this period, the palace was further expanded and embellished with new decorations and artworks. In 1865, Florence became the capital of Italy and Palazzo Pitti became the residence of the kings of Italy from the House of Savoy. They lived there until 1919, when they donated the palace and its contents to the Italian state. Today, Palazzo Pitti is a museum that displays artworks and artifacts from different periods and styles. It has five museums: the Palatine Gallery, which contains a collection of paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries by artists such as Raphael, Titian, Rubens, and Caravaggio; the Gallery of Modern Art, which showcases paintings and sculptures from the 19th and 20th centuries by artists such as Macchiaioli, Fattori, De Nittis, and Martini; the Treasury of the Grand Dukes, which exhibits precious objects from the Medici and Lorraine collections, such as silverware, jewels, vases, and clocks; the Museum of Costume and Fashion, which displays clothes and accessories from the 18th century to the present day; and the Porcelain Museum, which houses a collection of fine porcelain from various European countries. Palazzo Pitti also has a magnificent complex of gardens behind it: the Boboli Gardens, which are one of the largest and most elegant Italian gardens in the world. They were created in 1550 by Niccolò Tribolo for Cosimo I de’ Medici and his wife Eleonora of Toledo. They have a geometric layout with fountains, statues, grottoes, ponds, and an amphitheater. They also contain several buildings, such as the Kaffeehaus, a rococo pavilion; the Limonaia, a greenhouse for citrus plants; and the Palazzina del Cavaliere, which hosts the Porcelain Museum

Palazzo Pitti is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:15 am to 6:30 pm. The entrance fee varies depending on the season and the exhibitions. You can book your tickets online in advance or buy them at the ticket office. Y

Bargello Museum

The Bargello Museum is a historic art museum that occupies the oldest part of an ancient fortress in Florence, Italy. It houses the largest collection of Italian Renaissance sculpture, including works by Donatello, Michelangelo, Cellini, and Giambologna. The Bargello Museum was built in 1256 as the headquarters of the Capitano del Popolo and later of the Podestà and Council of Justice. It was also used as a prison and a place of execution. It has a severe medieval architecture with a crenellated tower and a massive structure. The tower, which is 57 meters high, contains two small cells, one of which was used by Girolamo Savonarola, a fiery preacher and reformer who was executed in 1498. The Bargello Museum opened as a national museum in 1865, displaying the art collection of the Medici family and other private donors. It has several rooms arranged around a central courtyard, showcasing sculptures, paintings, bronzes, majolica, waxes, enamels, medals, seals, ivories, amber, tapestries, furniture and textiles from the 13th to the 18th centuries. Some of the highlights are: - The Donatello Room: This is the largest and most important room in the museum, containing many works by Donatello, such as the bronze David (1430), the first nude statue of the Renaissance; the marble David (1408), made for the cathedral; the St. George (1416), made for Orsanmichele; and the young St. John - The Verrocchio Room: This is a room that contains works by Verrocchio and his followers, such as Leonardo da Vinci and Lorenzo di Credi. The most famous work here is the bronze David (1470) by Verrocchio, which was commissioned by Lorenzo de’ Medici. - The Michelangelo Room: This is a room that contains works by Michelangelo and his contemporaries, such as Baccio Bandinelli and Benvenuto Cellini. The most famous work here is the Bacchus (1470) by Michelangelo, one of his first sculptures and one of his rare profane works. - The Cellini Room: This is a room that contains works by Cellini and his school, such as Giambologna and Bartolomeo Ammannati. The most famous work here is the bronze bust of Cosimo I de’ Medici (1545) by Cellini, which shows his skill in creating realistic and expressive portraits. - The Ivory Room: This is a room that contains a collection of ivory carvings from various periods and countries, including some rare and precious examples. Some of them are decorated with gold, silver, enamel, coral, and gems.

The Bargello Museum is open from Monday to Sunday, from 8:15 am to 1:50 pm. The entrance fee is 8 euros (4 euros for reduced tickets). You can book your tickets online in advance or buy them at the ticket office.

Brancacci Chapel

The Brancacci Chapel is a chapel in the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine in Florence, Italy. It is sometimes called the Sistine Chapel of the early Renaissance for its painting cycle, among the most famous and influential of the period. The Brancacci Chapel was built in 1422 by Felice Brancacci, a wealthy merchant and politician, who commissioned the frescoes to depict scenes from the life of Saint Peter, the patron saint of his family. The paintings were executed over the years 1425 to 1427 by two artists: Masolino da Panicale and his pupil Masaccio, who was 18 years younger than Masolino and soon surpassed him in skill and innovation. The frescoes of the Brancacci Chapel are considered masterpieces of Renaissance art and a turning point in the history of painting. They show a remarkable use of perspective, light, realism, and human expression. They also convey a powerful message of faith and salvation through the example of Saint Peter. Some of the most famous frescoes in the Brancacci Chapel are: - The Expulsion from the Garden of Eden by Masaccio: This is a fresco on the upper left wall of the chapel that depicts Adam and Eve being driven out of paradise by an angel. It shows a dramatic contrast between the serene and innocent scene by Masolino on the opposite wall (the Temptation) and the anguished and naked figures by Masaccio. It is one of the first examples of nude representation in Renaissance art. - The Tribute Money by Masaccio: This is a fresco on the upper right wall of the chapel that depicts three episodes from the Gospel of Matthew: Christ and his disciples being asked to pay taxes to Caesar, Christ telling Peter to find a coin in the mouth of a fish, and Peter paying the tax collector. It shows a remarkable use of linear perspective, atmospheric perspective, and chiaroscuro (light and shadow) to create a realistic and coherent space. It also shows a naturalistic portrayal of the characters and their emotions. - The Healing of the Cripple and Raising of Tabitha by Masolino: This is a fresco on the lower left wall of the chapel that depicts two miracles performed by Saint Peter in the city of Joppa. It shows a graceful and elegant style, with soft colors and delicate details. It also shows an interest in classical architecture and landscape. - The Distribution of Alms and Death of Ananias by Masaccio: This is a fresco on the lower right wall of the chapel that depicts two episodes from the Acts of the Apostles: Saint Peter distributing alms to the poor and punishing Ananias for lying about his donation. It shows a powerful use of contrast, movement, and drama to convey a moral lesson. It also shows a realistic depiction of everyday life in Florence, with contemporary costumes and buildings.

The Brancacci Chapel is open to visitors every day from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (except Tuesdays). The entrance fee is 6 euros (4 euros for reduced tickets). You can book your tickets online in advance or buy them at the ticket office.

San Lorenzo market

The San Lorenzo Market is a historic food and produce market that is located between via dell’Ariento, via Sant’Antonino, via Panicale and Piazza del Mercato Centrale in Florence, Italy1. It is one of the greatest attractions for food lovers and tourists in Florence, offering a wide range of fresh, local, and quality products. The San Lorenzo Market consists of two parts: the outdoor market, which sells leather goods, clothing, souvenirs, and other items; and the indoor market, which sells fruits and vegetables, meats and cheeses, breads and pastries, fish and seafood, and other food staples. You can also find some specialty shops selling olive oil, wine, spices, and chocolates. The outdoor market is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. You can browse the hundreds of stalls on either side of the street and bargain with the vendors for a good deal. You can find gifts to bring back to your friends and family or buy something for yourself. The outdoor market used to spread all the way to Piazza San Lorenzo, but in spring 2014 the city ordered stalls be removed. The market now starts after the square ends.

The indoor market is open every day (except Christmas) from 8:00 am to midnight. You can find the traditional stalls on the ground floor, where you can buy fresh and quality ingredients for your cooking or picnic. You can also find some eateries where you can have a quick bite or a full meal. On the first floor, you can find the modern food hall, which opened in 2014 to celebrate the 140th anniversary of the market. Here you can find 12 different eateries offering various types of cuisine, such as pizza, pasta, burgers, sushi, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. You can also find a coffee shop, a gelato shop, a chocolate shop, a brewery, and a wine bar.

Medici Chapels

The Medici Chapel is a chapel in the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine in Florence, Italy. It is sometimes called the Sistine Chapel of the early Renaissance for its painting cycle, among the most famous and influential of the period. The Medici Chapel was built in 1422 by Felice Brancacci, a wealthy merchant and politician, who commissioned the frescoes to depict scenes from the life of Saint Peter, the patron saint of his family. The paintings were executed over the years 1425 to 1427 by two artists: Masolino da Panicale and his pupil Masaccio, who was 18 years younger than Masolino and soon surpassed him in skill and innovation. The frescoes of the Medici Chapel are considered masterpieces of Renaissance art and a turning point in the history of painting. They show a remarkable use of perspective, light, realism, and human expression. They also convey a powerful message of faith and salvation through the example of Saint Peter. Some of the most famous frescoes in the Medici Chapel are: - The Expulsion from the Garden of Eden by Masaccio: This is a fresco on the upper left wall of the chapel that depicts Adam and Eve being driven out of paradise by an angel. It shows a dramatic contrast between the serene and innocent scene by Masolino on the opposite wall (the Temptation) and the anguished and naked figures by Masaccio. It is one of the first examples of nude representation in Renaissance art. - The Healing of the Cripple and Raising of Tabitha by Masolino: This is a fresco on the lower left wall of the chapel that depicts two miracles performed by Saint Peter in the city of Joppa. It shows a graceful and elegant style, with soft colors and delicate details. It also shows an interest in classical architecture and landscape. - The Distribution of Alms and Death of Ananias by Masaccio: This is a fresco on the lower right wall of the chapel that depicts two episodes from the Acts of the Apostles: Saint Peter distributing alms to the poor and punishing Ananias for lying about his donation. It shows a powerful use of contrast, movement, and drama to convey a moral lesson. It also shows a realistic depiction of everyday life in Florence, with contemporary costumes and buildings.

The Medici Chapel is open to visitors every day from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (except Tuesdays). The entrance fee is 6 euros (4 euros for reduced tickets). You can book your tickets online in advance or buy them at the ticket office.

Basilica of Santa Croce

The Basilica di Santa Croce (Italian for ‘Basilica of the Holy Cross’) is a minor basilica and the principal Franciscan church of Florence, Italy. It is situated on the Piazza di Santa Croce, about 800 meters south-east of the Duomo, on what was once marshland beyond the city walls. It is one of the most beautiful and ancient churches in Florence, dating back to the 13th century. The Basilica di Santa Croce was founded by St Francis himself, according to legend. The construction of the current church, to replace an older building, was begun on 3 May 1294, possibly by Arnolfo di Cambio, and paid for by some of the city’s wealthiest families. It was consecrated in 1442 by Pope Eugene IV. The building’s design reflects the austere approach of the Franciscans. The floorplan is an Egyptian or Tau cross (a symbol of St Francis), 115 metres in length with a nave and two aisles separated by lines of octagonal columns. The Basilica di Santa Croce is famous for its sixteen chapels, many of them decorated with frescoes by Giotto and his pupils, and its tombs and cenotaphs. It is also known as the Temple of the Italian Glories (Tempio dell’Itale Glorie), because it contains the burial places of some of the most illustrious Italians, such as Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, the poet Foscolo, the philosopher Gentile and the composer Rossini. Some of the highlights of the Basilica di Santa Croce are: - The Bardi Chapel and the Peruzzi Chapel, which contain a cycle of frescoes by Giotto depicting scenes from the life of St Francis and St John the Evangelist. They are considered masterpieces of early Renaissance art and influenced many later artists such as Masaccio and Michelangelo. - The Pazzi Chapel, which is a separate building in the cloister, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi as a chapter house. It is a splendid example of Renaissance architecture, with a harmonious dome, a geometric decoration, and a glazed terracotta frieze by Luca della Robbia. - The Medici Chapels, which are two structures attached to the church, built to house the tombs of the members of the Medici family. The New Sacristy was designed by Michelangelo and contains his sculptures of Night and Day, Dawn and Dusk, and Lorenzo and Giuliano de’ Medici. The Chapel of the Princes is a lavish octagonal mausoleum with a huge dome and a rich decoration of marble, bronze, and precious stones - The Museum of Santa Croce, which displays artworks and artifacts from different periods and styles, such as paintings by Cimabue, Taddeo Gaddi, Bronzino, and Vasari; sculptures by Donatello, Desiderio da Settignano, and Canova; relics of St Francis and St Clare; and historical documents related to the church and its patrons. >

The Basilica di Santa Croce is open to visitors every day from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (except on Sundays and religious holidays). The entrance fee is 8 euros (6 euros for reduced tickets). You can book your tickets online in advance or buy them at the ticket office.

Galileo Museum

The Galileo Museum is a museum of the history of science that is located in Florence, Italy, in Piazza dei Giudici, along the River Arno and close to the Uffizi Gallery. It is one of the most important and fascinating museums in Florence, dedicated to the life and works of Galileo Galilei, the great astronomer and physicist who revolutionized the scientific world. The Galileo Museum was founded in 1927 by the University of Florence and the Institute of Physics. It was originally called the Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza (Institute and Museum of the History of Science) and was located in Palazzo Castellani. In 2010, it was renamed as the Museo Galileo and moved to its current location, which was renovated and expanded. he museum displays more than thousand instruments and experimental apparatuses from different periods and fields of science, such as astronomy, physics, chemistry, mathematics, medicine, navigation, and warfare. They are arranged in 18 rooms that cover four centuries of scientific history, from the 15th to the 19th century. Some of the highlights are: - The Galileo Room: This is the main room of the museum, containing some original instruments that belonged to Galileo, such as his two telescopes, his lens, his compasses, his thermometers, and his geometrical and military compass. It also displays some of his manuscripts, letters, portraits, and personal belongings. It also has a multimedia installation that recreates his trial by the Inquisition. - The Medici Room: This is a room that contains instruments from the Medici collections, which were donated to the museum by the last heir of the family in 1743. They include some rare and precious examples, such as an armillary sphere by Antonio Santucci, a celestial globe by Willem Blaeu, a planetarium by Lorenzo de’ Medici, and a sundial by Egnazio Danti. - The Lorraine Room: This is a room that contains instruments from the Lorraine collections, which were added to the museum by the Habsburg-Lorraine dynasty, who ruled Tuscany from 1737 to 1860. They include some remarkable examples, such as an electrical machine by Giovanni Battista Beccaria, a pneumatic machine by Giovanni Poleni, a microscope by Carlo Antonio Manzini, and a calculating machine by Luigi Federico Menabrea. - The Library: This is a room that contains a collection of books and manuscripts related to the history of science. It includes some rare and valuable editions, such as all of Leonardo da Vinci’s codices, Galileo’s Sidereus Nuncius (Starry Messenger), Isaac Newton’s Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica (Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy), and Albert Einstein’s Zur Elektrodynamik bewegter Körper (On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies).

The Galileo Museum is open from Monday to Sunday, from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm (except on Wednesdays when it closes at 1:00 pm). The entrance fee is 10 euros (6 euros for reduced tickets). You can book your tickets online in advance or buy them at the ticket office.

Palazzo Davanzati

Palazzo Davanzati is a palace in Florence, Italy that houses the Museum of the Old Florentine House. It is one of the few buildings in the typical Florentine 14th-century style, halfway between a medieval tower and a Renaissance palace. It shows how a wealthy merchant family lived in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Palazzo Davanzati was built in 1299 by the Davizzi family, who were rich members of the wool guild. In 1516, it was sold to the Bartolini family and, later that century, to the Davanzati family, who held it until 1838. After several changes of ownership and modifications, it was bought by Elia Volpi, an antiquarian, who restored it and opened it as a private museum in 1910. In 1951, it was purchased by the Italian state and kept open as a public museum. Palazzo Davanzati has a beautiful facade of stone with three large wooden doors and three stories of mullioned windows. The topmost floor has a loggia supported by columns and pilasters that was added in the 16th century. The interior has a central courtyard with arches, vaults, and capitals in 14th-century style. The rooms are arranged around the courtyard and display furniture, paintings, frescoes, tapestries, ceramics, and other objects from the 13th to the 18th centuries. Some of the highlights are: - The Great Hall: This is the largest and most important room on the first floor, where the family received guests and conducted business. It has a wooden ceiling with painted beams and a fireplace with a marble bust of Francesco Davanzati. It also has frescoes on the walls that depict scenes from courtly romances and heraldic devices. - The Sala dei Pappagalli (Room of the Parrots): This is a room on the second floor that has wall paintings designed to look like patchwork wall-hangings lined with fur, with motifs of parrots painted or embroidered on them. These paintings are much restored and may not look like the original frescoes. - The Camera della Castellana (Lady’s Bedroom): This is a room on the third floor that has a fresco cycle of narrative character on the upper part of the walls. It depicts scenes from the story of the Chastelaine de Vergy, a moralistic tale of love and death that was popular in the 14th century. It also has a painted wooden ceiling and a four-poster bed with curtains. - The Kitchen: This is a room on the fourth floor that shows how food was prepared and stored in the Middle Ages. It has a large fireplace, a well, a sink, and various utensils and tools. It also has some curious objects, such as an egg timer, a mousetrap, and a spit for roasting meat.

Palazzo Davanzati is open from Monday to Friday, from 8:15 am to 2:00 pm, and on Saturday from 1:15 pm to 7:00 pm. The entrance fee is 6 euros (3 euros for reduced tickets). You can book your tickets online in advance or buy them at the ticket office.

Museo Horne

The Horne Museum is a museum that showcases the rooms of a typical ancient Florentine home, with furniture, paintings, sculptures, and other objects from the 14th to the 18th centuries. It is located in a palace that was built in 1299 by the Davizzi family and later owned by the Corsi and the Horne families. The Horne Museum takes its name from the English collector and scholar Herbert P. Horne (1864-1916), who bought the palace in 1911 and restored it to its original appearance. He filled it with his collection of artworks and artifacts, mostly from the Florentine Renaissance, and donated it to the Italian state in 1916. The museum displays more than 6000 items, arranged in 24 rooms that recreate the atmosphere of a noble home. You can see paintings by Giotto, Simone Martini, Filippo Lippi, Beccafumi, and Piero di Cosimo; sculptures by Donatello, Desiderio da Settignano, Sansovino, and Bernini; ceramics, jewelry, textiles, and musical instruments from various periods and countries; and manuscripts and books from Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo Galilei, Isaac Newton, and Albert Einstein. Some of the highlights of the Horne Museum are: - The Great Hall, which is the largest and most important room on the first floor. It has a wooden ceiling with painted beams and a fireplace with a marble bust of Francesco Davanzati. It also has frescoes on the walls that depict scenes from courtly romances and heraldic devices. - The Sala dei Pappagalli (Room of the Parrots), which is a room on the second floor that has wall paintings designed to look like patchwork wall-hangings lined with fur, with motifs of parrots painted or embroidered on them. These paintings are much restored and may not look like the original frescoes. - The Camera della Castellana (Lady’s Bedroom), which is a room on the third floor that has a fresco cycle of narrative character on the upper part of the walls. It depicts scenes from the story of the Chastelaine de Vergy, a moralistic tale of love and death that was popular in the 14th century. It also has a painted wooden ceiling and a four-poster bed with curtains. - The Kitchen, which is a room on the fourth floor that shows how food was prepared and stored in the Middle Ages. It has a large fireplace, a well, a sink, and various utensils and tools. It also has some curious objects, such as an egg timer, a mousetrap, and a spit for roasting meat.

The Horne Museum is open from Monday to Friday, from 8:15 am to 2:00 pm, and on Saturday from 1:15 pm to 7:00 pm. The entrance fee is 6 euros (3 euros for reduced tickets).

Church of Santo Spirito

Santo Spirito Church is a Renaissance style, Roman Catholic church located in Piazza Santo Spirito, in the Oltrarno district of Florence, Italy1. It is one of the most beautiful and ancient churches in Florence, dating back to the 13th century. Santo Spirito Church was founded by St Francis himself, according to legend. The construction of the current church, to replace an older building, was begun on 3 May 1294, possibly by Arnolfo di Cambio, and paid for by some of the city’s wealthiest families. It was consecrated in 1442 by Pope Eugene IV. The building’s design reflects the austere approach of the Franciscans. The floorplan is an Egyptian or Tau cross (a symbol of St Francis), 115 metres in length with a nave and two aisles separated by lines of octagonal columns. The church has a simple facade and a stunning interior with 38 side chapels, many of them decorated with frescoes and paintings by famous artists such as Filippino Lippi, Sandro Botticelli, Cosimo Rosselli, and Domenico Ghirlandaio. Some of the highlights are: - The Cappella dei Pazzi (Pazzi Chapel), which is a separate building in the cloister, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi as a chapter house. It is a splendid example of Renaissance architecture, with a harmonious dome, a geometric decoration, and a glazed terracotta frieze by Luca della Robbia. - The Cappella Maggiore (Main Chapel), which is the largest and most important chapel in the church, located at the end of the nave. It has a fresco cycle by Domenico Ghirlandaio depicting scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary and St John the Baptist. It also has a wooden crucifix attributed to Michelangelo. - The Cappella Corbinelli (Corbinelli Chapel), which is a chapel in the right transept that has a fresco by Cosimo Rosselli depicting the Adoration of the Magi. It also has a marble altar with a Madonna and Child by Benedetto da Maiano. - The Cappella Bini-Capponi (Bini-Capponi Chapel), which is a chapel in the left transept that has a painting by Jacopo Pontormo depicting the Deposition from the Cross. It also has a marble tomb of Lodovico Capponi by Giovanni Francesco Rustici.

Santo Spirito Church is open to visitors every day from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm. The entrance is free, but donations are welcome. You can also attend the daily services and hear the monks sing Gregorian chants at 6:00 pm (7:00 pm on Sundays)