Florence, as the cradle of Renaissance art and culture, stands as an iconic global city. Even its lesser-known neighbourhoods offer unique delights.
From world-famous museums to ancient churches, this city offers plenty of cultural gems for you to experience. Wander through Boboli Gardens which serve as an outdoor museum and enjoy this tranquil green oasis amidst all of the chaos in town.
The Duomo
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, commonly referred to by locals as Duomo, is Florence’s signature landmark. As one of the largest masonry domes ever created and an architectural masterwork before its time. It dominates Florence’s skyline. This building dates back centuries; many consider it to be one of the greatest achievements ever accomplished in architecture.
Construction on the cathedral began in the 13th century and by Renaissance times was nearly complete – yet builders were left with an enormous hole in the roof and no idea of how to cover it up. So they hired architect Brunelleschi who came up with an innovative solution: two domes stacked one on top of another that used herringbone brick patterns and weight distribution chains to cover up this defect.
He also designed the towering 463-foot-high spire made up of over 3 million bricks supported by four smaller spires.
Take time out when visiting the Duomo to ascend its spire for breathtaking views over Florence and Tuscany. Climb early in the morning before crowds arrive or an hour or so before closing for optimal views.
Giotto’s Campanile, built between 1405 and 1426 by Donatello between 1405-1426. This bell tower features five sculptures by Donatello depicting prophets following classic orator models with distinct portrait details, as well as Donatello’s Beardless Prophet and Sacrifice of Isaac statues by him.
Santa Croce
The Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence is one of the city’s most beloved attractions. It houses notable Florentines such as Michelangelo and Dante as well as Brunelleschi’s architect/engineer work for Niccolo Machiavelli and Galileo (writer/political philosopher/political philosopher); also, artwork from some of Florence’s leading masters like Giotto Donatello Brunelleschi are on display here.
The church’s main nave is supported by pointed arches. At its end is a chapel featuring frescoes painted by Agnolo Gaddi depicting the story of the True Cross. Arnolfo di Cambio designed the first cloister on its left; Brunelleschi created one of the most exquisite smaller ones nearby in the south.
This cloister was constructed as a place for meditation and prayer away from the bustling streets of Florence, leading many prominent Florentines to choose it as their final resting place. The main crypt features one of the first truly Renaissance funerary monuments sculpted by Bernardo Rossellino in 1444: Leonardo Bruni and Carlo Marsuppini – two former Chancellors of Florentine Republic, respectively – who both want their remains interred here with small dome featuring Terra Cotta decorations created by Luca della Robbia in 1444.
Pazzi and Bardi Crypts, featuring works by some of Italy’s greatest artists such as Cimabue, Donatello and Giorgio Vasari (though some frescos in Pazzi chapel were unfortunately damaged during recent restoration works), also feature beautiful sculptures and paintings by these master artists.
Cappelle Medicee
The Cappelle Medicee (or “Medici Chapels”) were constructed as funerary chapels for Florentine dynasty of Medici family and now stand as national monument and museum. Both the New Sacristy with Michelangelo Buonarroti sculptures as well as Medici Crypt were recognized by newly united Italy in 1869 for their artistic and historical importance, thus earning national significance status.
Florence’s rich past continues to shape the city today. A new generation of Florentines are upholding their ancestor’s legacy by revitalizing and preserving traditional artisanal crafts such as marbled paper making and bookbinding, among others. Meanwhile, other initiatives are contributing to its vibrant cultural life – Oltrarno is home to numerous small artisan shops offering leather items, jewelry and pottery alongside old traditions like gilding engraving and etching.
Tourism has become a cornerstone of Florence’s economy, yet it remains crucial that Florence retains its identity as a living city and not simply an historic theme park. Florence benefits from an effective legal framework which protects its historic centre – this includes local laws covering property conservation features as well as specific provisions aimed at actions which may adversely impact on it.
Florence has taken great strides to preserve and enhance its unique architectural legacy while simultaneously improving quality of life for residents who now can live a normal life in Florence’s historic centre. Over time, Florence will need to continue encouraging innovative projects that ensure this remarkable world heritage site continues to inspire future generations and flourish further.
Giotto’s Campanile
Giotto’s Campanile (or bell tower) in Florence is among the city’s most breathtaking structures. This beauty stems not from its size but rather from the intricate ornamentation and various marble colors (white from Carrara, green from Prato and red from Siena) used in its construction – starting out as early as 1334 it took three years for completion; Giotto was an esteemed Florentine master who wanted his campanile design to represent human art and labor history in one striking visual form – starting 1334 then complete three years later he completed it three years later!
Hexagonal panels were carved into the lower parts of structures’ walls, featuring relief sculptures depicting art history and labour history. Scholars agree that Giotto originally designed these panels; however, their carving was performed by different artists. On either side of the north side we can find two panels featuring sculpture and painting practices, and on either end one could spot Apelles using his brush while Phidias laboring away with his chisel – such was life at that time!
These images may have their roots in Renaissance thought, yet also reflect the values and interests of fourteenth-century Florence. More specifically, they illustrate the value of fine arts as well as artists’ roles within society.
Giotto’s bell tower contains seven active bells named Santa Reparata, Misericordia, Assunta, Apostolica, Mater Dei, Annunziata and Immacolata in honour of the Madonna to whom Duomo is dedicated. These bells can be heard ringing during religious holidays and festivals to commemorate this significant dedication.
Climbing 414 steps to reach the bell tower may seem daunting, but don’t stress about going at it too quickly! The stairwell has various floor landings where you can rest and enjoy stunning views as you make your ascent; taking about 30 minutes with plenty of stops along the way!
The Pitti Palace
The Palazzo Pitti (Pitti Palace) in Florence is home to many world-renowned museums and galleries such as the Silver Museum, Galleria d’Arte Moderna and Costume Gallery – in addition to being famously home to Boboli Gardens with their sculptures and the Grotta Grande. Visitors to Florence should make time for this must-see museum complex!
In the 15th century, this palace was originally constructed for Florentine banker Luca Pitti and became his main residence and symbol of power under the Medici family. However, later on it passed to another powerful Italian family known as Savoia who then converted it into the large complex of museums it remains today.
In addition to its impressive collection of paintings by Renaissance and 16th-century artists, the palace also holds an extensive array of decorative arts including furniture, porcelains, bronzes, Chinese and Japanese vases, costumes and restoration of rooms as they existed when the Medici and Savoia families resided there.
Other rooms of the palace are dedicated to specific artistic movements such as Neoclassicism, Decadentism, Symbolism and Post-Impressionism. Furthermore, in addition to its numerous museums there is also an exclusive gallery specializing in jewelry and another dedicated solely to sculpture within its complex.
The Pitti Palace can be found in Florence’s center, close to the Duomo, Accademia and Uffizi Galleries, Boboli Gardens, and Ponte Vecchio – two major icons that define Florence – making it easily accessible via walking along its picturesque canals or bus services available; most visitors opt to walk; reaching it will only take three minutes from Ponte Vecchio!