Location: Florence Historic Center
Top Things to do in Florence Historic Center
Top 10 Sacred & Religious Sites in Florence Historic Center, Tuscany
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. Sant'Apollonia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 120 reviews
One of Cenacoli's masterpieces resides in this convent, appreciated by all who live there.
Reviewed By AppyGuide - Florence, Italy
I think this Last Supper by Andrea del Castagno is as wonderful and influential as any of the paintings in the Uffizi. Apparently, this Last Supper was done before Leonardo da Vinci painted his Last Supper in Milan. So it is possible that Leonardo himself studied this piece while he lived in Florence. Anyways, I love this work a lot! I wish more people knew about it and appreciated how wonderful it is!
2. Church and Museum of Orsanmichele
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 981 reviews
This extraordinary structure testifies to the historic evolution of the city, which once served as a granary in the gardens of the Sisters of San Michele during Florence's mercantile period.
Reviewed By artmac21 - Inverness, United Kingdom
This was my last stop in Florence and I am so glad I went in. The church is small but has the most beautiful tarbancle I’ve ever seen. It’s very quiet and peaceful and has some art. I went onto the museum which houses the original statues, that you see outside in the niches. They are stunning and worth viewing, especially the four crowned saints which is so detailed you can see the stubble! Finally, the upper floor has the most stunning views of Florence, giving you a panorama of the city, with the Duomo to one side and the Palazzo Vecchio to another. I didn’t climb the Duomo as both the heat and the wait seemed too much. This was such a delight. It was quiet and the stairs are manageable, although still a hike. I was so pleased I had left this to last as it did allow me to see Florence in all its glory. An unexpected delight.
3. Duomo - Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28,537 reviews
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.
4. Battistero di San Giovanni
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,408 reviews
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.
5. Basilica di Santa Trinita
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 189 reviews
A 14th century church is best known for its collection of frescoes by famous artists such as Ghirlandaio, Aretino and Monaco..
Reviewed By Bourlingueur60 - Albany, United States
This is a beautiful very old church with some great frescos. The most famous are probably in the Sassetti Chapel and were done by Domenico Ghirlandaio. We stopped by twice to walk slowly through the church and admire them.
6. Santa Maria del Carmine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
An elegant church decorated by Masaccio's famous frescoes on the life of St. Peter.
7. Basilica della Santissima Annunziata - Chiesa di Santa Maria della Scala
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 412 reviews
Reviewed By N4156PHbillb - Pueblo, United States
The exterior of the Basilica is Renaissance in style and truly magnificant. It blends into the Ospedale near by in the Piazza. The church's chapels contain works by Giambologna, Perugino, del Sarto, Pontormo and others. Well worth a visit when you are in Florence as is the Piazza.
8. Campanile di Giotto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,493 reviews
Reviewed By Travelmad237
As part of our Duomo climb ticket (Cupola) we also had access to the other sites on the complex. After scaling the hot & dizzy heights of the duomo in July standing at 92m high we noticed the campanile adjacent to the dome & couldn’t resist climbing there too to enjoy the magnificent views from there. The climb inside the campanile offers more respite moments to catch your breath on much more open staircases climbing to a similar height of 82m & equally magnificent views all around including the wonderful Duomo. So if you’re unsure of tackling the challenge of climbing in more confined & upright spaces in the duomo then consider the campanile climb instead. You will not miss out on the glory of the views over Florence in a slightly less intense environment.
9. Cappella Brancacci
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 640 reviews
The church and convent of the Carmine in Florence were founded shortly after the middle of the thirteenth century, by a group of Carmelite monks from Pisa. In the church we find the Brancacci Chapel, a masterpiece known around the world for its frescoes of the Life of Saint Peter by Masaccio and Masolino. Created between 1425-1427, the frescoes were left incomplete and finished by Filippino Lippi between 1481 and 1482
Reviewed By jennyf818 - Montreal, Canada
The Chapel is definitely worth seeing,as the frescoes are breath-taking. Much of the Church is cordoned off due to restorations but do not let that prevent you from visiting. As small as the Chapel is, the frescoes run the length and breadth of the walls - an absolute marvel to see! An audio/video guide is also provided to further elaborate on the works of art in the Chapel.
10. Chiesa dei Santi Apostoli
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By RonL40 - Utica, United States
Walking in the Borgo Santi Apostoli is a beautiful experience ... parallel to the Arno, walking between the Ponte Vecchio and Ponte Santa Trinita ... it's a neighborhood of narrow cobblestone streets, arches, brilliant shadows, and little shops that seem to serve the locals, not tourists. Before you get all the way to the fashionista shops on Via della Tournabuoni, you'll find the beautifully tiny Piazza del Limbo from a different time. And there in that small place is one of the oldest buildings in Florence -- this Romanesque church is quite compact and equally serene. A wonderful place to visit an ancient sacred place. We build memories of the church every time we are in Florence
