Italy’s picturesque Florence is one of the most famous European cities in the world, a center of culture and art for years, birthplace of the great figures of the Renaissance and of the history of humankind. It has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982.
This magnificent destination was the birthplace of Dante Alighieri, father of the Divine Comedy, and Boccaccio, Italian writer and humanist, but the most important people who were born and lived in Florence were undoubtedly Michelangelo Buonarroti and Leonardo Da Vinci. Thousands of tourists flock to the Tuscan capital as their vacation destination every year to see the artistic and architectural wonders of these Florentine luminaries.
Notably, the United Nations agency has credited the Florentine urban center as being home to the largest known concentration of works of art in the world, a unique artistic feat and a masterpiece of Medieval and Renaissance art that influenced the development of architecture and monuments across Italy and Europe.
Florence is also home to a famous university, the “Università degli Studi di Firenze”, one of Italy’s oldest academic campuses with six schools and more than sixty thousand students. There is also the Laurentian Library, one of the most prestigious in Europe, built into a cloister of the Basilica of San Lorenzo.
With its relatively small historic center, you can easily walk to some of the landmarks in this stunning city, including Piazza del Duomo, the city’s geographical and historical hub. There’s no better sport for taking in Renaissance architecture and the city’s street artists.
While much of Florence has a Renaissance flavor, the area between the Palazzo Vecchio and the Duomo preserves a typically medieval vibe. Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria have served as the heart of the city’s political and social life for centuries.
The list of things to see and do in this Italian destination is endless, but we’ve whittled our recommendations down to 10 must-see stops on your vacation:
- Duomo and the Brunelleschi Dome:
The Florence Cathedral is located in Piazza del Duomo, part of the cathedral complex that includes three buildings: the Duomo, with its famous Brunelleschi Dome, the Baptistery and Giotto’s Campanile.
- Piazza della Signoria:
This is the center of political power, with many interesting sights including the Palazzo Vecchio, seat of the current town hall, and the Loggia de Lanzi.
- Palazzo Vecchio:
You’ll find artistic landmarks in this town hall, and you’ll also be able to take a tour of the secret passages of the Palazzo Vecchio.
- Ponte Vecchio:
One of the must-see spots for a stroll, the bridge provides one of the most emblematic images of the Tuscan capital and views of much of the city’s historic center.
- Uffizi Gallery:
One of the most outstanding museums, from the pictorial standpoint, the gallery houses the most complete collection of Italian paintings that you can visit anywhere in the world.
- Galleria dell’Accademia:
One of the most famous sights because it almost exclusively focuses on the chance to see one of Michelangelo’s most impressive works, David, up close.
- Piazzale Michelangelo:
No visit to Florence would be complete without stopping at Piazzale Michelangelo, where you’ll be able to enjoy the most iconic panoramic views of the Tuscan capital, with the Arno River in the foreground.
- La Manifattura Tabacchi:
A place to take in contemporary art in the city, a symbol of classical and Renaissance art, in a former industrial area that stretches out over six hectares where no less than 16 buildings house artists’ homes, exhibitions and retrospectives, as well as antique book stores.
- Fashion-themed museums:
Florence also has the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum, in the opulent Palazzo Spini Ferroni (featuring over 10,000 pairs of the famous Tuscan brand’s shoes) on Via de Tornabuoni, and the Gucci Museum in the Palazzo Vecchio.
- Trip to Pisa:
Known the world over for its amazing Leaning Tower, Pisa is one of the most famous cities in Italy. Start your tour in Piazza dei Miracoli, the most visited square in this site where you can visit other major monuments including the Cathedral, the Camposanto Monumentale (monumental cemetery) and the Baptistery of St. John.
Florence is the perfect destination for a vacation that’s all about culture and romance!
Remember that this month, as an Exclusive Deals benefit, you can request your package and explore all that this destination has to offer.
