Florence: Discover Art, Palaces and Piazzas

Florence as a Historic Urban Landscape

Florence combines a rich urban history with important art collections and impressive gardens. The historic center preserves entire streets, fortified palaces, loggias and fountains from the medieval and Renaissance past of this trading city. If you choose your accommodation based on cultural highlights, this combination provides a clear starting point for planning your own trip.

Art in Historic Palaces

The Uffizi Gallery occupies the entire first and second floors of a building designed by Giorgio Vasari and constructed between 1560 and 1580. Its painting collection includes works by Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Caravaggio and other European painters. In Florence, therefore, it is not only the collection itself that takes center stage, but also the historic setting in which you view the art.

The Uffizi also includes ancient statues and busts from the Medici collection, including ancient Roman copies of lost Greek sculptures. Pitti Palace is the largest of the Florentine palaces. Today, it houses the Treasury of the Grand Dukes, the Palatine Gallery, the Royal and Imperial Apartments, the Gallery of Modern Art, and the Costume and Fashion Museum.

Church, Civic Power and Frescoes

Santa Maria del Fiore is one of the largest churches in the world. It is 153 meters long, 90 meters wide at the crossing, and 90 meters high from the floor to the base of the lantern. The foundation stone was laid on September 8, 1296; after the dome was completed, the church was consecrated by Pope Eugene IV on March 25, 1436.

The Palazzo Vecchio has symbolized the civic power of Florence for more than seven centuries. In the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Benozzo Gozzoli painted frescoes in the Cappella dei Magi in 1459. In different ways, both places make political history and courtly representation visible.

Science and Designed Gardens

The instrument collections of the Museo Galileo are among the most important in the world. The collections document the promotion of scientific research by the Medici dynasty and the Lorraine grand dukes. The Museo Galileo also presents instruments and memorabilia belonging to Galileo Galilei.

The Giardino di Boboli is an open-air museum with sculptures dating from the Roman era through the 17th century. Locals and tourists use Parco delle Cascine as a green space for sports, walks and relaxation. For a panoramic viewpoint, you can reach Piazzale Michelangelo via Viale Galileo, Viale Michelangiolo or from Piazza Poggi by way of the monumental stairways known as the Rampe del Poggi.

In the immediate vicinity of Florence are the Museo Marino Marini, Strozzi Palace, Museo di San Marco and Museo di Palazzo Davanzati. Also nearby are the Giardino degli Orti Oricellari, Giardino della Fortezza and Giardino di San Clemente. Il Pratone is located in the area around Florence.

Further destinations: Settignano, Barberino Val D'elsa, San Pierino, Scarperia, Vaglia, Fiesole, Meleto

To the main travel overview: Florence.

More About the Destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Florence Holidays – Florence Travel Guide.