The Italian city of Florence is where the Renaissance era began. It is a city of art, the capital of the Tuscany region of northern Italy.
Famous for its history, art and architecture, it is one of the most important tourist cities in Italy. Its population today is approximately 400,000.
It has been home to many artists, scientists and thinkers who pioneered many movements in the world. Just a few of these names are as follows:
- Michelangelo
- Leonardo da Vinci
- Machiavelli
- Donatello
- Dante Alighieri
- Brunelleschi
This city, which was added to the world heritage list by UNESCO in 1982, is a must for your Italy route.
Also known as an open-air museum, it is possible to meet art in every corner of Florence.
How to get to Florence?
You can reach Florence by train or bus from many points in Italy, as well as by renting a car. However, if you do not pay attention to the parking spots in the city, it will be inevitable to get a traffic ticket very often.
You can reach Florence’s Santa Maria Novella train station after a 2-hour train ride on the Rome-Florence and Milan-Florence routes.
If you want to fly directly to Florence, you should choose Peretola Airport, which is 4 km from the city center, as your destination.
If you are only going to visit the touristic spots, you do not need to use public transportation or any other means of transportation in the city. Because it is possible to visit most of the city on foot. You can reach even the most remote route with an average walk of 30-40 minutes.
Places to Visit in Florence
We recommend spending at least 2 days in this open-air museum, which is home to many artistic structures. We recommend you to visit at least these places:
- Florence Cathedral
- Piazza Duomo
- Giotto Bell Tower
- Piazzale Michalangelo
- Uffizi Museum
- Ponte Vecchio
- Palace Pitti
- Boboli Gardens
- Loggia di Lonzi Museum
- Neptune Fountain
- Basilica di Santa Croce di Frenze
- Piazza della Signoria
- Officina Profumo – Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
Florence Catetral (Duomo Catetral) – Santa Maria del Fiore
One of the examples of Gothic architecture, the cathedral is just one of the symbols of the city. Famous for its dome, the inside of the cathedral is quite simple while the outside has a magnificent structure with 3 colors. The dome is also one of the first examples of the Renaissance.
It is only appropriate to enter the cathedral with clothes suitable for worship and there is no entrance fee.
The Florence cathedral, formerly the Church of San Pietro, was built by Arnolfo di Cambio. Today it is also known as the Duomo cathedral and Santa Maria del Fiore.
What is in Duomo Catetral?
- Last Judgement fresco
- Dome and the terrace on top
- Bell tower
- Baptistery
- The clock at the cathedral entrance
Piazza Duomo
The duomo square, the most famous square of Florence, is one of the indispensable points of tourist routes. At the same time, this square is the most visited square in the European Continent. The square, where the Duomo Cathedral is also located, is the center of attention of local and foreign tourists.
Piazzale Michalangelo
The square was designed by Giuseppe Poggi and dedicated to Michalangelo. Piazzale Michalangelo is the center of attention for tourists and you can watch the sunset with a unique view of the city.
Uffuzi Gallery
The museum, which includes the works of famous names such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Machiavelli, and Brunelleschi, is a popular destination for those who want to enjoy art. The works you should see in Uffuzide:
- Michelangelo’s Holy Family
- Self Portrait of Pope Leo with Cardinals
- Medusa painting
- Ottoman portraits
- Adoration of Magi
- The Annunciation
- The Birth of Venus
- Primavera
- Bacchus
- Venus of Urbino
- Laocoön and Sons
- Long-necked Mary
- La Tribuna
Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio on your Uffizi route is a bridge famous for its colorful houses. It is also the oldest known bridge in Italy. The bridge, which has become a commercial center today, is also home to the Vasari corridor. There are many bijouterie and jewelry shops on the bridge.
Boboli Gardens
The garden, where art and nature meet, is set on 110 acres of green space. The 16th-century Boboli Gardens, one of the most exclusive Renaissance gardens, is located opposite the Palace Pitti.
Piazza della Signoria
Like Duomo Square and Piazzale Michelangelo, Signoria Square is one of the most important squares of the city. Many important works such as the Fountain of Neptune, the Statue of Perseus and Michelangelo’s Statue of David are located in this square. You can put the Signoria square before or after your visit to the Uffizi Gallery. You will need to pass through the Piazza della Signoria both on your way in and out of the museum.
Officina Profumo – Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
We recommend you to visit the first pharmacy in Europe. Inside you will find antique production tools, natural medicines and perfumes.
