Must See Attractions While Visiting Florence

During the medieval times, Florence, Italy, was one of the richest cities. This was because it was the hub for trade. Florence is home to countless museums and palaces that provide an enchanting experience for anyone who visits.

There aren’t many places in the world that are home to such an abundance of art and photo opportunities. To ensure that you see all the magic that Florence has to offer, use this guide to help you find your adventures.

Uffizi Art Gallery

When visiting the Uffizi art gallery, you can see masterpieces from famous artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Giotto. While visiting, you will come across art from the medieval period all the way up until the modern times. This museum will truly make you feel transported back in history.

Visiting Uffizi Gallery is an opportunity that you don’t want to miss out on. It is best to book a tour ahead of time in order to skip the lines. Gladiator Tours offers a tour of the gallery, and you can book online easily.

Accademia Gallery & David

One of the most popular galleries in Florence, the Accademia Gallery was created in 1784 by Leopold of Lorraine. It was made as an art gallery for art students. This gallery boasts sculptures from famous artists like Michelangelo, whose famous statue of David is on display. Many of the art in this gallery was donated to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany by the last of the Medici family, who ruled Florence until the 18th century. 

A unique part of the Accademia Gallery is an instrument section that displays multiple string and wind instruments. You can also see masterpieces from the man who invented the piano, Bartolomeo Cristofor.

When you visit the Accademia Gallery, you want to ensure that you have plenty of time to spend visiting. There is plenty to see and you wouldn’t want to rush through.

Piazza Repubblica

As one of the main squares in Florence, it is a center that is home to important history in Florence. In the medieval times, it was the hub for markets and churches. There is a monument there, called Column of Abundance, which sits where the Roman forum once stood. Although the center has changed and been remodeled over the years, it still has much to do like visit coffee shops and experience performances by street artists. 

To visit the Piazza Repubblica and learn about its interesting past maybe you  might be interested in our walking tour in Florence. Since it is a walking tour, you will be up close and personal with the area, while an experienced guide recounts history for you. 

 

Ponte Vecchio

There is no place like Ponte Vecchio. This medieval, enclosed stone bridge hangs over the Arno River in Florence. It is a unique structure dating back to as early as 996, with shops built into it where merchants sell their goods.
During WW2, this was the only surviving bridge in Florence, as the rest were destroyed because of an order from Hitler. Ponte Vecchio was saved because there was no access to it, as piles of destroyed buildings blocked each side. 

This bridge is rich in history and provides visitors with plenty of opportunities to shop. A visit to this bridge must be included in any traveler’s bucketlist, a must see attraction while visiting Florence.

Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral

The Florence Cathedral, also known as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, was completed in 1436. This incredible structure stands ten stories high, and Inside of the cathedral are frescoes painted by Paolo Uccello. This extravagant building is made from bricks, with beautiful green and pink marble, as well as boasting brilliant stained glass windows designed by famous artists like Donatello and Andrea del Castagno. 

Interestingly, this church was built on top of another church that was much smaller, called Santa Reparata. Santa Reparata was built between the fourth and sixth centuries, and there is an underground museum where you can view treasures from this church’s’ interesting past. 

Along with being the most famous landmark in Florence, Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore is also the fourth largest church in the entire world.

You can book your tour with Gladiator Tours online. It allows you to skip the lines and experience the history while in the company of an expert tour guide. 

 

Orsanmichele

Originally built as a place of prayer in the monastery San Michele. The earliest date this place was mentioned goes as far back as 895. After the structure was destroyed in 1239, it was rebuilt again in 1336 and used as a storage building for grain and market goods. The building is an interesting mixture of architecture that has been used for commercial as well as religious purposes.

This interesting building was converted into a church because the image of the Blessed Mother is ingrained into one of the structure’s columns. After this structure burned down again, a mural painted by Bernardo Daddi was added called “Madonna delle Grazie,” which attracted many people that came to pray to the blessed mural. Because of the large amount of worshippers arriving, it was decided to turn it into a church. 

Fountain of Neptune & Piazza della Signoria

A spectacle located in the piazza della Signoria, this large, white marble fountain is prized by visitors and locals. This fountain displays Neptune surrounded by seahorses and satyrs.

When this statue was initially completed in 1574, it was not well received. Many Florentines stated that it was a waste of marble. In modern times, the statue stands as a beautiful masterpiece that is a must-see. 

Final Thoughts
With its magical past and present, breathtaking views and abundant Roman history, Florence is one of the most magical places in the world. When in Florence, don’t miss out on all of the adventures that it has to offer!

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