Things to do in Florence, Tuscany: The Best Historic Sites

August 6, 2021 Diedre Savory

Florence is an art historian’s dream. The Galleria dell'Accademia bursts with works by Michelangelo, who is entombed within the frescoed walls of the Basilica di Santa Croce. Budding photographers can snap pics of the Ponte Vecchio bridge, and serious shoppers can spend a blissful afternoon wandering the shops of Piazza Santo Spirito. Tuscan cuisine pays homage to the region’s bounty. Swipe a hunk of crusty bread across a pool of local olive oil and you’ll be instantly transported to your happiest place.
Restaurants in Florence

1. Cappella Rucellai

Piazza San Pancrazio, Florence Italy
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 10 reviews

Cappella Rucellai

2. Museo Nazionale del Bargello

Via del Proconsolo 4, 50122, Florence Italy +39 055 064 9440 [email protected] http://www.bargellomusei.beniculturali.it/index.php?it/1/home
Excellent
72%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,996 reviews

Museo Nazionale del Bargello

Housed in the Palazzo del Podesta (1255 AD) as the residence of Florence's chief magistrate, this museum houses an unrivalled collection of Italian Renaissance sculpture..

Reviewed By Odyssey54128356707

I teach in Montepulciano on a study abroad program from the University System of Georgia, headquartered and administered by my home campus, Kennesaw State University, on a fairly regular basis, and Florence is one of our destinations. I am an art historian with a BA in Renaissance and Baroque painting and sculpture, so unlike most of my colleagues, I always want to take my students on a side trip to the Bargello to see the original Baptistery Doors competition panels of Brunelleschi and Ghiberti, Donatello's David, Giambologna's Mercury and some lesser known Michleangelo reliefs and other sculptures. They are always thrilled to do so, as am I. I recommend a visit to the Museo Nazionale dei Bargello to anyone visiting Florence.

3. Battistero di San Giovanni

Piazza San Giovanni, 50122, Florence Italy +39 055 230 2885 [email protected] http://www.museumflorence.com/
Excellent
67%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,408 reviews

Battistero di San Giovanni

A beautiful building best known for its elaborately sculpted doors by Lorenzo Ghiberti.

Reviewed By the_Devilyn - Surrey, United Kingdom

Get the combined ticket for the 4 main attractions and take some time to appreciate the atmosphere in the Battisterio. There's currently some restoration work going on so quite a bit of the walls is covered but you can still see the golden mosaic ceiling and also get a rare glimpse into the restoration work.

4. Duomo - Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore

Via della Canonica, 1 Piazza del Duomo, 50122, Florence Italy +39 055 230 2885 [email protected] http://www.ilgrandemuseodelduomo.it/
Excellent
72%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 28,537 reviews

Duomo - Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore

Designed by Arnolfo di Cambio at the end of the 13th century, the Cathedral's trademark dome is now the symbol of Florence.

Reviewed By sanju_222323 - New Jersey, United States

This dome is not only Florence's identity, but it also represents Italy along with other monuments. The list of Florence’s tourist attractions can never be complete without a mention of this great artistic treasure that Italy proudly boasts of. This is one of the most famous cathedrals in Italy due in large part to its dome – the largest in the world from when it was built in 1431 until 1888. It’s still the largest brick and mortar dome in the world and architects are still trying to figure out how the architect, Filippo Brunelleschi, pulled it off. You will have to strain your neck to see the church's massive, iconic dome. The red-tiled cupola was designed by Brunelleschi and is described as a must-see by experts and travelers alike. Though in the photo, it does not look big, but in reality, it’s very huge and do I need to mention how beautiful it is. Outer walls art, it’s so brilliant. This majestic cathedral features 600 years’ worth of stunning architecture and artworks. From its beautiful Gothic facade of red, green and white marble to its elaborate interior of stained-glass windows, mosaics, frescoes and bronze statues. As you take a tour of the baptistery, its museum, the cathedral, and the bell tower, you will come across some of the best-known masterpieces of architecture and art by the greatest artists – Michelangelo, Giotto, Donatello, Brunelleschi, and Ghiberti. There is one ticket for all (Crypt, Museum, Belltower, Dome & Belltower) and that too is only 18 euros, so it’s totally worth it if you are thinking about it. I also felt like the cathedral was designed inside-out: its exterior boasts intricate designs and breathtaking features while the interior is surprisingly plain. Yes when you get in, it feels like where am I? it was so extravagant from outside but inside it’s like any normal church. if you have a ticket, you can get down to Crypt. The dome climb is one of the more popular attractions in Florence but in high season the line can stretch to over 2 hours.so folks get the ticket online with the time slot so that you can reach there on your ticket time and skip the line. Be aware that there is no elevator and some of the narrow walkways require you to stand to the side while people pass in the opposite direction. Also, I think this is not for the claustrophobic. Duomo complex also includes the impressive structures of the Baptistery and Giotto’s bell tower. A climb to the top will reward tourists with incredible views of Florence and the outlying valley. Dome is totally dominating the panoramic view of Florence from Piazza Michelangelo. If you are an appreciator of art and architecture, this is one of the best places to see in Florence to visit. If you’ve never been before and only have one day in Florence you should at least walk around the outside of the cathedral to get a feel for its immensity and see the Gates of Heaven.

5. Piazza San Giovanni

Piazza San Giovanni, 50123, Florence Italy
Excellent
63%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 106 reviews

Piazza San Giovanni

Reviewed By BrisbaneBetty - Brisbane, Australia

When I first walked into this piazza I felt in awe of the beautiful buildings. There is the Duomo,Bapistry and Giottos Bell Tower. Around the square are many shops,restaurants and the Duomo museum. Of course it is crowded with people queuing to enter the sights. Much more relaxed during the evening.

6. Arco di San Pierino

Borgo degli Albizi, 50122, Florence Italy
Excellent
0%
Good
80%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 5 reviews

Arco di San Pierino

7. Santa Maria Maddalena dei Pazzi

Next Borgo Pinti 58, Florence Italy +39 055 247 8420 http://www.polomuseale.firenze.it/en/musei/index.php
Excellent
42%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
3%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 31 reviews

Santa Maria Maddalena dei Pazzi

8. Palazzo Rucellai

Piazza de' Rucellai, 1, Florence Italy
Excellent
35%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
39%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 23 reviews

Palazzo Rucellai

9. Loggia del Bigallo - Museo del Bigallo

Piazza San Giovanni, 1, 50122, Florence Italy +39 055 288496 http://museicivicifiorentini.comune.fi.it/bigallo
Excellent
29%
Good
49%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 83 reviews

Loggia del Bigallo - Museo del Bigallo

10. Torre della Castagna

Via Dante Alighieri 2, 50122, Florence Italy
Excellent
20%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
60%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 5 reviews

Torre della Castagna

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