Highlights of Florence

Duomo

Dedicated to S. Maria del Fiore, the Cathedral is the fruit of the dedicated work of the many artists who collaborated in its building for various centuries. DOME Brunelleschi’s masterpiece, planned and raised between 1420 and 1434.

Giotto's Campanile

The Cathedral bell tower was begun in 1334 by Giotto.

Baptispery

This octagonal building with semicircular apses, raised on a stepped podium, was originally built in the 4th-5th centuries near the north gate of Roman Florence.

Piazza della Signoria

One of the most stenographic squares in Italy was built and enlarged between the 13th and 14th centuries. The asymmetrical complex of the Palazzo Vecchio, on the northern side, dominates the square. To the right is the Loggia dei Lanzi, a late Gothic structure built by Benci di Cione and Simone Talenti (1376-82) to the left of the building is the lively Neptune Fountain by Bartolomeo Ammannati and collaborators (1563-1575).

Palazzo del Bargello

The Palazzo del Bargello is like a fortress with powerful embattlements surmounting the austere facade. It was built in 1255. Since 1859 the place has been the site of the Museo Nazionale which contains Renaissance sculpture and masterpieces of the minor arts from varying periods.

Church of S.Croce

This monument is truly unique, not only for the purity of the Gothic style, but also for the famous works of art it contains and its historical importance.

Convent and church of San Marco

The Convent already existed in the 12th century and on the main entrance to the right the Church of San Marco, bought of them restored in 1437 by Michelozzo.

Uffizi

The gallery of the Uffizi is the most famous picture gallery in Italy. It furnishes a complete panorama of the various schools of Florentine painting, represent by important works and authentic masterpieces.

Ponte vecchio

Is the oldest bridge in the city was built by Neri di Fioravante (1345).
It is characterized by the small houses that line both sides of the bridge.

Piazza della Repubblica

Was once the ancient Roma forum was the lively centre of the Old marked in medieval times.

Palazzo Strozzi

Typical example of a Renaissance palace was designed by Benedetto da Maiano in 1489.

Church of S. Maria Novella

The church houses numerous works form the 14th to the 16th centuries.

Church of S. Lorenzo

This is the oldest church in the city. What we see now is Brunelleschi’s adaptation of 1423.

Medici Chapels

A large complex, containing the tombs of the Medici, is just behind the Church of San Lorenzo.

Galleria dell'Accademia

The Gallery houses an extremely important collection of sculpture by Michelangelo: the most famous one, the original of the David (1501-4).

Palazzo Pitti

The most imposing of the Florentine palaces dates to 1457 and was probably designed by Brunelleschi.

Boboli Gardens

These gardens comprise the largest monumental green area in Florence.

Church of the Carmine

A church of the 14 century contain the Brancacci Chapel with the most exalting cycle of frescoes know to western art.

Piazzale Michelangelo

A wide terrace overlooking Florence, was designed by the Architect Guiuseppe Poggi in 1868.

Church of S. Miniato al Monte

Bishop Hilderbrand had the present structure built in 1018 on the site of a 4th century chapel.

Fiesole

This is an ancient Etruscan city, standing on its hill, dominates Florence.