Best Places to Visit in Florence

The magnificent Piazza del Duomo is the undisputed religious and artistic heart of Florence, an awe-inspiring open-air museum showcasing some of the world's most significant architectural achievements of the early Renaissance. This square is dominated by the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, a monumental complex that includes Brunelleschi's iconic dome, Giotto's elegant bell tower, and the historic Baptistery of Saint John. The sheer scale and intricate beauty of the buildings create a breathtaking first impression, serving as a testament to the immense ambition and artistic genius that flourished in the Florentine Republic and forever cementing its place in history.

A Journey through History

Delve into the architectural and artistic innovations that define this historic and iconic square.

• Revolutionary Dome: Filippo Brunelleschi's revolutionary terracotta-tiled dome was an engineering marvel of its time and remains the largest brick dome ever constructed. It was completed in 1436.
• Polychrome Façade: The cathedral's stunning façade is a 19th-century Neo-Gothic revival. It is intricately decorated with polychrome marble panels in shades of pink, white, and green that harmonize with the original design of the bell tower.
• Gothic Masterpiece: Giotto's Campanile, a masterpiece of Florentine Gothic architecture begun in 1334, stands independently from the cathedral and is adorned with hexagonal and lozenge-shaped panels depicting the story of human creation and the arts.
• Gates of Paradise: The octagonal Baptistery of Saint John is one of Florence's oldest buildings, renowned for its three sets of magnificent bronze doors, including Lorenzo Ghiberti's "Gates of Paradise," which Michelangelo named.
• Generational Effort: The entire complex took nearly 170 years to complete, representing a collective civic and religious effort that involved generations of Florence's greatest artists and architects.

What to Expect

Prepare to be immersed in monumental beauty and historical weight.

• Monumental Scale: A feeling of awe as you stand in the piazza, craning your neck to take in the immense scale of the cathedral and the intricate details of its marble-clad surfaces.
• The Dome Climb: The exhilarating challenge of climbing 463 steps to the top of Brunelleschi's dome, where you are rewarded with intimate views of the interior frescoes and a stunning 360-degree panorama of Florence.
• Tower Perspective: An alternative, equally rewarding climb up the 414 steps of Giotto's Campanile, offering a unique perspective that includes a perfect view of the magnificent dome.
• Vibrant Atmosphere: A bustling and vibrant atmosphere at all hours, the sounds of church bells, and the energy of a historic world stage.

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The Uffizi Gallery is a global temple to Renaissance art. It houses an incredible collection of masterpieces within a grand 16th-century palace originally designed by Giorgio Vasari. Commissioned by Cosimo I de' Medici to house the Florentine magistrates' offices, or uffizi, the building was soon adapted to display the Medici family's formidable art collection. Today, its corridors and halls present a comprehensive, chronologically arranged journey through the evolution of Western art. This makes it not just a museum, but a narrative in painting and sculpture, from the Byzantine era to the height of the High Renaissance and beyond.

A Journey through History

Trace the evolution of Western art through a collection housed in a palace of immense historical significance.

• Medici Offices: The Uffizi was one of the first modern museums in Europe, opened to the public by Grand Duke Peter Leopold of the House of Lorraine in 1769 after the Medici line died out.
• Renaissance Icons: Its core collection contains some of the most definitive works of the Renaissance, including Sandro Botticelli's ethereal Birth of Venus and allegorical Primavera.
• Da Vinci's Genius: The gallery showcases the genius of Leonardo da Vinci through his unfinished but deeply influential Adoration of the Magi and the serene Annunciation.
• Michelangelo's Tondo: Michelangelo is represented by his only finished panel painting, the Doni Tondo, a masterpiece of composition and color that profoundly influenced later artists.
• Vasari's Design: The museum itself is an architectural treasure, with its long, columned courtyard creating a perfect Renaissance streetscape that frames a view of the Arno River.

What to Expect

Anticipate an unforgettable immersion into a world of artistic genius, historical grandeur, and stunning architectural beauty.

• Iconic Encounters: A deeply moving experience as you come face-to-face with iconic paintings you have previously only seen in books, appreciating their true scale, color, and emotional power.
• Art History Lesson: A clear and educational journey through art history, as the chronological layout allows you to witness the development of perspective, anatomy, and humanism in art.
• Stunning River Views: Stunning, picturesque views of the Arno River and the Ponte Vecchio from the large windows at the far end of the gallery. They provide a perfect moment of rest and contemplation.
• Classical Sculptures: Long corridors lined with a vast collection of ancient Roman and Greek sculptures, offering a classical counterpoint to the Renaissance paintings.

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The Galleria dell'Accademia’s primary purpose is to serve as the home for one of sculpture's most iconic masterpieces: Michelangelo's David. While the gallery houses an important collection of other works, visitors from around the globe flock here for the singular, powerful experience of standing in the presence of this colossal figure. The entire museum is designed to lead you to its main event, with the statue situated in a purpose-built, light-filled tribune that enhances its heroic scale and flawless beauty.

A Journey through History

Explore a collection centered around the genius of Michelangelo and the artistic context of his time.

• Michelangelo’s Masterpiece: Michelangelo's David was originally commissioned to stand on a buttress of the Florence Cathedral. It was sculpted between 1501 and 1504 from a single, flawed block of Carrara marble,
• Symbol of Florence: Upon its completion, the 17-foot statue was deemed too magnificent for its intended high perch and was instead placed outside the Palazzo Vecchio as a symbol of the Florentine Republic's defiance against tyranny.
• A New Home: The statue was moved to the Galleria dell'Accademia in 1873 for conservation purposes. It has remained here ever since.
• Unfinished Masterpieces: The gallery also features Michelangelo's powerful, unfinished Prigioni (Prisoners), four figures that appear to be struggling to break free from their marble blocks. It provides insight into his sculpting process.
• Artistic Context: Beyond Michelangelo, the museum holds a significant collection of Florentine paintings from the 13th to the 16th centuries, providing a rich artistic context for the High Renaissance.

What to Expect

Prepare for a profound encounter with one of the world's most iconic sculptures and the powerful works surrounding it.

• The Big Reveal: The breathtaking moment you first lay eyes on David at the end of the main hall, its immense scale and perfect anatomical detail far surpassing any photograph.
• Perfect Form: A 360-degree viewing experience that allows you to walk around the statue and appreciate the tension in the veins of his hands, the intense expression on his face, and the masterful rendering of the human form.
• Creative Insight: A fascinating glimpse into the mind of a genius as you study the unfinished Prigioni, which seems to embody the philosophical concept of the soul struggling to escape its mortal prison.
• Musical Treasures: An impressive collection of historical musical instruments from the Cherubini Conservatory, including a rare viola and cello crafted by Antonio Stradivari for the Medici court.
• Focused Experience: A more focused and manageable museum experience compared to the Uffizi, allowing for a deep appreciation of its star attraction without feeling overwhelmed.

Plan your visit to stand in the presence of Michelangelo's magnificent David with the help of our expert guides. Arrange an Art, Culture, and History of Italy Itinerary.

Piazza della Signoria has been the political and civic heart of Florence for centuries. It’s a dynamic L-shaped square that functions as a magnificent open-air sculpture gallery. Dominated by the imposing, fortress-like Palazzo Vecchio, the city's town hall, this piazza has been the stage for some of Florence's most dramatic historical events, from triumphant returns and political rallies to the infamous "bonfire of the vanities" led by the Dominican friar Savonarola. It remains the city's most important public space, where art, history, and daily life converge in a vibrant, unforgettable tableau.

A Journey through History

Discover a space where centuries of Florentine political drama have unfolded among world-class sculptures.

• Political Center: The square has been the center of Florentine political power since the 14th century, with the Palazzo Vecchio serving as the seat of government to this day.
• Open-Air Gallery: The Loggia dei Lanzi, an arched open-air gallery on the corner of the piazza, was built in the late 14th century to host public ceremonies and now houses masterpieces of Renaissance and Mannerist sculpture.
• Historic Execution: A prominent plaque near the Fountain of Neptune marks the exact spot where Girolamo Savonarola was executed in 1498 after his brief, fanatical rule over the city.
• David's Original Spot: The piazza originally housed Michelangelo's David from 1504 until 1873. A full-size replica now stands in its place, continuing to symbolize Florentine liberty.
• Masterful Sculptures: Featured sculptures include Benvenuto Cellini's bronze Perseus with the Head of Medusa and Giambologna's dramatic marble group, The Rape of the Sabine Women, both located in the Loggia dei Lanzi.

What to Expect

Immerse yourself in Florence's most vibrant public square, a bustling intersection of art, history, and modern city life.

• Outdoor Museum: The feeling of stepping into an outdoor museum, where you can freely wander among priceless sculptures by some of the Renaissance's greatest artists.
• Imposing Palace: The imposing sight of the Palazzo Vecchio, its crenelated battlements and soaring bell tower creating a powerful symbol of civic strength.
• Lively Atmosphere: A lively, bustling atmosphere as tourists, students, and locals mingle, taking photos, dining at outdoor cafés, and soaking in the historic ambiance.
• Neptune's Fountain: The magnificent Fountain of Neptune, an imposing work by Bartolomeo Ammannati, which Florentines have lovingly nicknamed "Il Biancone," or The Big White One.
• Constant Discovery: A place of constant discovery, where every angle reveals a new juxtaposition of ancient stone, masterful art, and the vibrant flow of contemporary life.

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The Ponte Vecchio, or "Old Bridge," is an enduring symbol of Florence, a medieval stone arch bridge that spans the narrowest point of the Arno River. Famous for the charming, multi-story shops that line its structure, it is the city's oldest bridge, dating back to 1345, and was the only one to survive destruction during World War II. Its picturesque silhouette, seemingly unchanged for centuries, creates one of Florence's most iconic and romantic images, a testament to the city's resilience and its unique blend of commerce and beauty.

A Journey through History

Cross a bridge that has witnessed centuries of Florentine history and is an architectural marvel in its own right.

• Medieval Marvel: The current bridge was rebuilt in 1345 after a flood destroyed its predecessor. Its design with three segmental arches is credited to Taddeo Gaddi or Neri di Fioravanti.
• Butchers to Baubles: Initially, the shops on the bridge were occupied by butchers and tanners until 1593, when Ferdinand I de' Medici decreed that only jewelers and goldsmiths could operate on it.
• Secret Passageway: Running above the eastern side of the bridge is the Vasari Corridor, a private, elevated passageway built in 1565 for Cosimo I de' Medici to travel safely between the Palazzo Vecchio and the Pitti Palace.
• WWII Survivor: During the Nazi retreat from Florence in 1944, the Ponte Vecchio was spared destruction, reportedly on the express orders of Adolf Hitler, while all other bridges were demolished.
• Ancient Design: The bridge's design, with shops built into its structure, is a rare surviving example of a practice that was common on large European bridges during the Middle Ages.

What to Expect

Experience the unique charm and lively energy of one of the world's most famous and picturesque bridges.

• Dazzling Displays: A dazzling display of craftsmanship as you window-shop at the many fine jewelry stores, their wooden shutters opening up like treasure chests each morning.
• Bustling Thoroughfare: A bustling, often crowded, thoroughfare filled with pedestrians, musicians, and artists, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
• Romantic River Views: Spectacular and romantic views along the Arno River from the central openings on the bridge, offering a perfect photo opportunity, especially at sunrise or sunset.
• Unique Architecture: The unique architectural sight of the shops seemingly hanging off the sides of the bridge creates a charmingly irregular and historic silhouette.
• A Walk Through Time: The tangible feeling of walking through history on the same stone path that has been trodden by merchants, nobles, and visitors for nearly 700 years.

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Perched high on a hill in the Oltrarno district, Piazzale Michelangelo offers what is undeniably the most famous and spectacular panoramic view of Florence. This expansive 19th-century terrace was designed by architect Giuseppe Poggi as part of a major urban renewal project when Florence briefly served as the capital of a unified Italy. The square was intended as a monument to Michelangelo and his work. It provides a breathtaking stage from which to admire the city's entire historic center, with Brunelleschi's dome rising majestically above a sea of terracotta rooftops.

A Journey through History

Ascend to a terrace specifically designed to showcase the grandeur of Florence and honor its greatest artist.

• Urban Renewal: The piazza was constructed in 1869 on the hill south of the historic center, a key part of the urban redevelopment of the city when it was Italy's capital.
• Neoclassical Design: The design by Giuseppe Poggi was neoclassical in style, intended to create a grand, monumental space befitting Florence's new national status.
• Bronze Replicas: At its center stands a bronze replica of Michelangelo's David, alongside bronze copies of the four allegorical figures from the Medici Chapels.
• Planned Museum: The loggia overlooking the city was also part of Poggi's design and was originally intended to be a museum dedicated to Michelangelo's works. Now, it houses a restaurant.
• Scenic Road: The creation of the piazza and the Viale dei Colli, the scenic road leading up to it, transformed this once-rural hillside into a premier public space for all Florentines and visitors.

What to Expect

Prepare for a visual experience that will define your memory of Florence, especially if timed with the setting sun.

• Breathtaking Panorama: An absolutely breathtaking, postcard-perfect panorama that encompasses the Ponte Vecchio, the Palazzo Vecchio, the Duomo, Santa Croce, and the rolling hills beyond.
• Magical Sunsets: A magical and romantic atmosphere, particularly at sunset, when the sky erupts in color and bathes the entire city in a warm, golden light.
• Lively Social Hub: A lively social hub where tourists, locals, and lovers gather, often accompanied by street musicians’ romantic soundtrack.
• A Rewarding Climb: A rewarding sense of accomplishment after making the uphill journey, whether on foot via the scenic ramps and stairs from Piazza Poggi or by bus.

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The Basilica di Santa Croce is one of Florence's most important churches. It’s a magnificent example of Italian Gothic architecture that serves as the final resting place for some of Italy's most illustrious figures. Often called the "Temple of the Italian Glories," it functions as a pantheon for luminaries in art, science, and literature, making a visit here a pilgrimage through the nation's cultural history. Its vast, airy interior is adorned with revolutionary frescoes by Giotto and his followers, while its serene cloisters and chapels offer quiet spaces for contemplation away from the bustling piazza outside.

A Journey through History

Walk through a sacred space that doubles as a national shrine, celebrating the giants of Italian culture.

• Franciscan Foundation: Construction on the current Franciscan church began in 1294, designed by the master architect Arnolfo di Cambio, who also worked on the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio.
• Tombs of Giants: The church houses the monumental tombs of Michelangelo, who is buried across from his great rival, Galileo Galilei, as well as Niccolò Machiavelli and the composer, Gioachino Rossini.
• Giotto's Frescoes: Giotto's groundbreaking frescoes in the Peruzzi and Bardi chapels, dating to the 1320s, are masterpieces of early Renaissance painting. They are celebrated for their emotional depth and narrative clarity.
• Renaissance Harmony: The Pazzi Chapel, located in the first cloister, is a masterpiece of Renaissance harmony and proportion, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi around 1443.
• The 1966 Flood: The basilica was severely damaged in the devastating 1966 flood of the Arno, when water and mud rose to over 16 feet inside the church. It left poignant markers that serve as a reminder of the city's vulnerability and resilience.

What to Expect

Anticipate a deeply moving journey through art and history in one of Florence's most beautiful and significant religious complexes.

• Paying Homage: The solemn experience of paying homage at the ornate tombs of some of history's greatest minds, including Michelangelo and Galileo.
• Revolutionary Art: The chance to admire the revolutionary art of Giotto up close, witnessing the shift towards naturalism and human emotion that would define the Renaissance.
• Perfect Peace: A sense of perfect peace and architectural harmony upon entering Brunelleschi's Pazzi Chapel, considered a quintessential example of Renaissance design.
• Artisanal Craftsmanship: A visit to the historic Scuola del Cuoio, located behind the church, where you can watch artisans craft high-quality leather goods using traditional techniques.
• Quiet Cloisters: A tranquil escape in the quiet, atmospheric cloisters, offering a serene respite from the city's more crowded attractions.

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Palazzo Vecchio is the enduring symbol of civic power in Florence. Its formidable, crenelated exterior and soaring 311-foot bell tower dominate the Piazza della Signoria. This medieval fortress-palace has served as the city's town hall for more than seven centuries and continues to fulfill this function today. While its rusticated stone façade projects an image of defensive strength, its interiors conceal a lavish world of Renaissance splendor. It was here that the powerful Medici family held court, conducted state business, and lived in opulent apartments, making it a living monument where history and contemporary life seamlessly merge.

A Journey through History

Step inside the historic seat of Florentine government, a building filled with art, power, and political intrigue.

• Medieval Fortress: Built in the early 14th century as the Palazzo dei Priori, it was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio to house the city's priors, or chief magistrates.
• Ducal Palace: In the 16th century, Duke Cosimo I de' Medici moved his official seat here, transforming the medieval fortress into a magnificent ducal palace with renovations led by Giorgio Vasari.
• Hall of 500: The palace's most impressive room is the Salone dei Cinquecento, or “Hall of the Five Hundred,” a vast chamber with a stunning paneled ceiling and large-scale frescoes by Vasari depicting Florentine military victories.
• Secret Passages: The building is riddled with secret passages and hidden rooms, such as the Studiolo of Francesco I, a small, treasure-box-like study filled with allegorical paintings that conceal cabinet doors.
• Tower of Arnolfo: The palace's bell tower, the Tower of Arnolfo, offers one of the best views of the city and was used as a prison for notable figures like Cosimo de' Medici the Elder and Girolamo Savonarola.

What to Expect

Discover a palace where the grandeur of Renaissance court life is layered upon the foundations of a medieval fortress.

• Sheer Magnificence: Awe at the sheer scale and magnificence of the Salone dei Cinquecento, imagining the lavish court ceremonies and political assemblies that once took place there.
• Secret Tours: The thrill of exploring secret passages on a special guided tour, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of Medici intrigue.
• Lavish Apartments: Stunning, intimately scaled private apartments decorated with mythological and allegorical themes, showcasing the luxurious lifestyle of the Medici dukes and duchesses.
• Masterpieces Inside: The chance to see masterpieces by Michelangelo and Donatello within their historic political context.
• A Towering View: A climb up the narrow staircase of the Tower of Arnolfo for a breathtaking, close-up view of the Duomo and a commanding perspective over the Piazza della Signoria.

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The Giardino Bardini is one of Florence's most enchanting and relatively hidden gems. It is a magnificent terraced garden that offers a peaceful escape and some of the most spectacular views of the city. Less famous and crowded than the nearby Boboli Gardens, this four-hectare park rises up the hillside of Montecuccoli, providing a unique perspective framed by olive groves, ancient trees, and stunning architectural elements. Its unique composition, combining three distinct historical garden styles, and its famous wisteria tunnel make it a romantic and unforgettable destination if you are willing to seek it out.

A Journey through History

Wander through a historic garden that has been meticulously restored to showcase centuries of landscape design.

• A Unified Garden: The garden is a fusion of three separate properties that were unified in the early 20th century by the antiques dealer Stefano Bardini, who gave the garden its current name.
• Baroque Staircase: Its most dramatic feature is the grand Baroque staircase, a 17th-century addition that ascends the hillside, offering impressive city views from its landings.
• Three Styles: The garden showcases different historical styles, including a formal Italian garden with a grotto, an Anglo-Chinese woodland area with exotic elements, and an agricultural park with fruit orchards and olive groves.
• Wisteria Tunnel: The famous wisteria tunnel, which blooms in a spectacular cascade of fragrant purple flowers for a few weeks each spring, has become one of Florence's most beloved photo spots.
• Modern Restoration: After decades of neglect, the garden was painstakingly restored and opened to the public in 2005, preserving its unique historical character for a new generation.

What to Expect

Find a tranquil and picturesque retreat offering some of the most beautiful and unique views of Florence.

• Purple Blooms: The breathtaking sight of the wisteria tunnel in full bloom during the spring, creating a magical, fragrant canopy of purple flowers.
• Unparalleled Panoramas: Unparalleled, postcard-perfect views of the Florence skyline, with the Duomo perfectly framed by cypress trees and garden foliage.
• Intimate Atmosphere: A much quieter and more intimate atmosphere than the Boboli Gardens, allowing for peaceful strolls and quiet contemplation.
• Diverse Landscapes: A journey through diverse landscapes within a single park, from the formal elegance of the Italian garden to the wilder feel of the English woods.
• A Relaxing Drink: A delightful café and terrace at the Villa Bardini at the top of the garden, providing the perfect spot to relax with a drink while soaking in the panoramic vista.

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The Medici Chapels are a magnificent and opulent testament to the power, piety, and artistic patronage of the Medici family, Florence's dominant dynasty for over 300 years. Located within the Basilica of San Lorenzo complex, these monumental spaces serve as the official mausoleum for the family's grand dukes. The chapels are composed of two main structures: the New Sacristy, a masterpiece of architecture and sculpture designed by Michelangelo, and the Chapel of the Princes, a breathtakingly lavish octagonal hall that showcases the Medici's immense wealth and ambition.

A Journey through History

Witness the ultimate expression of Medici power and their complex relationship with art, life, and death.

• Michelangelo's Design: The New Sacristy was commissioned in 1520 by Pope Leo X, a Medici, and designed by Michelangelo to house the tombs of Lorenzo the Magnificent and his brother Giuliano, though he ultimately created tombs for two lesser-known dukes.
• Allegorical Sculptures: Michelangelo's extraordinary sculptural ensemble includes the allegorical figures of Day and Night and Dawn and Dusk, which are considered some of the most profound and influential works of the High Renaissance.
• Pietre Dure: The Chapel of the Princes, begun in 1604, took centuries to complete and is entirely decorated in pietre dure, an intricate mosaic technique using precisely cut and fitted slabs of precious and semi-precious stones.
• Family Crypt: The chapels also include the crypt where many of the Medici family members are buried, as well as the lavish Treasury containing precious liturgical objects.
• The Secret Room: A hidden room under the New Sacristy, discovered in 1975, contains charcoal drawings on the walls believed to have been sketched by Michelangelo himself while he was in hiding.

What to Expect

Prepare to be overwhelmed by the artistic genius of Michelangelo and the sheer opulence of the Chapel of the Princes.

• Profound Artistry: An intimate and profound artistic experience in the New Sacristy, where you can study Michelangelo's sculptures from every angle and appreciate their deep psychological tension and beauty.
• Jaw-Dropping Opulence: A jaw-dropping sense of awe upon entering the dark, glittering Chapel of the Princes, your eyes struggling to take in the immense scale and intricate detail of the inlaid stone walls.
• A Study in Contrast: A fascinating contrast between the serene, architectural harmony of Michelangelo's chapel and the ostentatious, almost overwhelming, grandeur of the later princely mausoleum.
• Incredible Craftsmanship: An appreciation for the incredible craftsmanship of the pietre dure mosaics, a Florentine specialty that involved workshops of artisans working for decades.
• A Powerful Legacy: A deeper understanding of the Medici dynasty's determination to cement their legacy and project an image of near-royal power through artistic and architectural patronage.

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Crowning one of the highest points in Florence, the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte stands as a sublime masterpiece of Florentine Romanesque architecture, its striking green and white marble façade glowing in the Tuscan sun. Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful churches in Italy, it has watched over the city for nearly a thousand years, dedicated to Saint Minias, the city's first Christian martyr. Reaching this sacred site requires a significant climb beyond Piazzale Michelangelo, but the spiritual tranquility, artistic treasures, and breathtaking panoramas make it one of Florence's most rewarding destinations.

A Journey through History

Ascend to a sacred basilica that is one of the oldest and most artistically significant churches in Florence.

• Ancient Origins: The current church was started in 1018 and took over 200 years to complete, showcasing a perfect example of the geometric, two-toned marble style of the Florentine Romanesque.
• Harmonious Façade: The façade, with its intricate geometric patterns and a 13th-century mosaic of Christ between the Virgin and St. Minias, is a direct inspiration for later Renaissance architects like Alberti.
• Unique Interior: Inside, the church features a unique elevated choir and presbytery built on a platform above a large, mysterious crypt, which contains the relics of Saint Minias.
• Renaissance Gem: The Chapel of the Cardinal of Portugal, added in the 1460s, is a self-contained masterpiece of Renaissance art and architecture, featuring works by Alesso Baldovinetti, Antonio and Piero del Pollaiuolo, and Luca della Robbia.
• Monastic Life: The adjacent monastery has been home to Olivetan monks since 1373, who continue to live a contemplative life and produce honey, herbal liqueurs, and other goods for sale.

What to Expect

Discover a place of profound peace and exquisite beauty that offers a spiritual and visual respite from the city below.

• Spectacular Views: One of the most spectacular and comprehensive views of Florence, offering a slightly different and arguably more serene panorama than the bustling Piazzale Michelangelo below.
• Ancient Spirituality: A palpable sense of peace and ancient spirituality as you step inside the dimly lit, incense-scented church, away from the city's crowds.
• Exquisite Details: The chance to admire exquisite artistic details, including the inlaid marble zodiac on the pavement, the beautifully preserved 13th-century pulpit, and stunning frescoes by Spinello Aretino.
• Gregorian Chant: The possibility of hearing the beautiful sounds of Gregorian chant if you time your visit to coincide with the monks' daily prayers (typically around 5:30 PM).
• Monks' Shop: A visit to the monastery's small shop, where you can purchase unique, high-quality products made by the Olivetan monks themselves.

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Located just steps from the main train station, the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is often the first major artistic sight visitors encounter in Florence, and it serves as a spectacular introduction to the city's religious and artistic heritage. The church's magnificent façade is a groundbreaking masterpiece that masterfully blends Gothic structure with Renaissance ideals of harmony and proportion. Inside, this Dominican church houses an extraordinary collection of artistic treasures, including one of the most pivotal works of the early Renaissance, making it a crucial stop for any art lover.

A Journey through History

Explore one of the most important Gothic churches in Tuscany, filled with revolutionary art and centuries of history.

• Architectural Blend: The church's lower section is Florentine Gothic, while the upper part was completed by the great Renaissance architect Leon Battista Alberti between 1456 and 1470, a commission from the Rucellai family.
• Masaccio's Trinity: Inside, Masaccio's revolutionary Trinity fresco (c. 1427) is considered one of the first paintings to use single-point mathematical perspective, a cornerstone of Renaissance art.
• Ghirlandaio's Frescoes: The Tornabuoni Chapel is adorned with a magnificent fresco cycle by Domenico Ghirlandaio and his workshop, which included a young Michelangelo, depicting scenes from the lives of the Virgin and John the Baptist set amongst contemporary Florentine high society.
• Historic Pharmacy: Adjacent to the church is the world's oldest continuously operating pharmacy, the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, founded by the Dominican friars around 1221 to create herbal remedies.
• The Spanish Chapel: The Spanish Chapel, located in the church's Green Cloister, is famous for Andrea di Bonaiuto's complex and didactic frescoes celebrating the triumph of the Dominican order.

What to Expect

Discover a vast artistic complex that offers a comprehensive journey through Florentine art, from the Gothic period to the High Renaissance.

• Architectural Lesson: A lesson in architectural history as you admire Alberti's harmonious façade, a key example of how Renaissance principles were applied to a pre-existing medieval structure.
• A Pivotal Artwork: The intellectual and visual thrill of seeing Masaccio's Trinity, a painting that fundamentally changed the course of Western art.
• A Glimpse of Society: A delightful glimpse into 15th-century Florentine life and fashion through the detailed, portrait-filled frescoes of the Ghirlandaio chapel.
• A Sensory Visit: A unique sensory experience at the historic pharmacy, where you can browse exquisite perfumes, soaps, and herbal preparations in a beautifully preserved, museum-like setting.
• Peaceful passages: A peaceful stroll through the church's atmospheric cloisters, which provide a quiet escape and house additional significant frescoes.

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Florence's timeless beauty and cultural significance make it an essential destination for any traveler to Italy. While this guide highlights the city's most celebrated attractions, the true joy of Florence lies in allowing yourself to wander its ancient streets, discovering hidden courtyards, sampling local cuisine, and absorbing the artistic spirit that continues to define this Renaissance jewel. Each visit reveals new layers of history and beauty that keep travelers returning time and again.

For more detailed itineraries, seasonal events, and insider tips on experiencing Florence like a local, explore our Florence travel guide. Further information is available in our Florence travel guide.