Florence is famed for its historic Renaissance architecture, drawing visitors from all around the globe. Home of Michelangelo’s David and other exquisite pieces in Galleria dell’Accademia.
Architecture, museums and world-class galleries are the primary draws in Istanbul; however, you can also experience ancient traditions through local artisan shops that still bind books, marble paper or refurbish antique pieces.
The Duomo
The Duomo or Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore as it is locally known is one of Europe’s greatest medieval architectural achievements and one of the city’s iconic symbols, its massive dome instantly recognisable. Although Florence Cathedral itself is breathtaking both inside and out, its iconic Dome stands out more. Its massive size has long held people spellbound by its construction; providing endless sources of fascination over time.
The Dome is home to some of the city’s finest art works, such as Lorenzo Ghiberti’s three sets of golden sculpted doors known as the “Gates of Paradise”. Ghiberti won this commission through competition with Filippo Brunelleschi – architect of the Duomo.
Another highlight is the bell tower or campanile which offers breathtaking panoramic views of Florence city center. Ghiberti designed its clock, an engineering marvel still telling time today. For those interested in history of cathedral should also make time to visit its crypt/underground excavations; excavated between 1965-1974 these excavations uncovered evidence of a basilica that stood here before Duomo was constructed on this spot.
There is so much detail throughout the church and it is worth taking your time exploring its various elements, from statues of saints and kings, the distinctive octagonal bronze doors of the Baptistery, as well as numerous intricate frescoes by Paolo Uccello – including portraits of Duke and Duchess of Florence riding horses – particularly striking is Paolo’s fresco portrait of them by Paolo Uccello. Visitors should keep modest attire on while visiting, no bare shoulders or legs should be exposed, and it is advised to visit during morning hours for maximum impact!
Santa Croce
Santa Croce is one of Florence’s premier churches and museum complexes, housing beautiful works by Giotto, Cimabue and Donatello as well as tombs for famous Florentines like Michelangelo, Rossini, Machiavelli, Galileo and Dante Alighieri.
Saint Francis founded a small group of monks who settled in Florence and established a church around 1200. Over time, during late medieval and Renaissance period Florence, this church served as a major centre of art, culture and religion in addition to being used as burial place of numerous prominent Florentines who included both artists and philosophers.
Over time, Santa Croce became something of a pantheon for its congregation; soon it was customary for people seeking fame to place a tombstone as an act of humility in keeping with mendicant orders that ran the church and its chapels. Many gravestones still stand today as testaments of this custom in Santa Croce’s chapels.
Lorenzo di Niccolo created a polyptych, Brunelleschi a triptych and created the predella for Orsanmichele tower with his Orsanmichele Tower predella; Cimabue created a 13th-century Crucifix deemed one of Giotto’s precursors; Donatello created his gilded bronze statue of Saint Louis of Toulouse which originally stood inside Orsanmichele Church.
Outside the church is an impressive Neo-Gothic facade designed by Niccolo Matas in the 19th century. Inside its cloister is where you’ll find Ghiberti’s stunning marble and bronze relief for Orsanmichele church but displayed for years at Paris museums; plus Donatello’s sculpture masterpiece: The Annunciation.
The Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery, or Galleria degli Uffizi, is one of the world’s best-known art museums. Boasting an exquisite collection of Renaissance masterpieces as well as treasures from Tuscany’s history, many people don’t realize that its beginnings were not necessarily as a museum but as a palace.
The Medici family ruled Florence and amassed considerable wealth. To demonstrate it, they commissioned Giorgio Vasari – an iconic Renaissance artist and architect – to design an exhibit space called Uffizi Gallery which connected with Palazzo Vecchio as well as their household (Pitti Palace) via an impressive one kilometer-long corridor known as Vasari Corridor.
Seeking out art at the Uffizi Gallery today is like walking through an art history book. Many of Florence’s greatest Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael would often display their masterpieces at this museum – including Michelangelo himself! But don’t expect just Michelangelo masterpieces here: there are also important paintings and sculptures from other periods in its collection as well.
Guided tours are an ideal way to experience the Uffizi Gallery. An experienced guide will help you understand its art and history while explaining why certain pieces are significant and their relationships between one another. Ideally, it would feel as if your guide is your friend taking you around town!
If you want a more intimate Uffizi tour experience, consider taking a private Uffizi tour. Although more expensive than group tours, you’ll benefit from personalized attention from your guide as they tailor it specifically to you and can ask for breaks when necessary.
The Pitti Palace
The Pitti Palace was constructed between 1458 and 1460 for Florentine industrialist Luca Pitti, an ally and friend of the Medici family. Designed by Filippo Brunelleschi but constructed by his pupil Luca Fancelli, its designs mimicking Etruscan walls which had served as an inspiration. The building boasts large rusticated stone blocks set within an irregular frame reminiscent of its Etruscan roots that inspired this type of Renaissance architecture.
In 1549, Pitti Palace was purchased by the Medicis family and became their primary residence. Over time, modifications were made, including adding two lateral wings for expansion purposes.
Under Medici rule, Pitti Palace was an art museum unto itself and visitors could view works by Raphael, Tiziano and Correggio among many other Italian Renaissance masters. King Victor Emmanuel III donated it to Italy and today it houses several important museums such as Galleria Palatina, Royal Apartments, Silver Museum Costume Gallery and Porcelain Museum.
Visitors should allow enough time for queues at the Palatine Gallery and Royal Apartments before visiting Boboli Gardens, often considered an outdoor museum, with their formal layout of fountains, buildings and statues. Of particular note is Galleria d’Arte Moderna which houses an impressive collection of paintings dating from 18th and 19th century Macchiaioli painters; temporary exhibitions can also be seen here; an entrance ticket includes visiting all four sites as well.
Artisan’s Workshops
Florence offers visitors eager to delve deeper into its artistic heritage a variety of artists’ workshops and art classes designed to meet all levels of experience, offering creative outlets in a city filled with Renaissance architecture.
The Florence Academy of Arts offers an intensive three-year program that equips students with the essential fundamentals of drawing, painting and sculpture. Students learn to channel masters like Rembrandt and Velasquez when communicating their ideas using oil or clay media. Students also study working from life, which allows them to accurately portray subjects while understanding every anatomical detail and produce convincing drawings, paintings or sculptures of them convincingly.
Santo Spirito and San Frediano is home to numerous historic artisan workshops and artists’ studios that continue producing beautiful works reminiscent of centuries-old craftsmanship and techniques passed down over time. Many workshops also provide short-term classes in specific artistic techniques – perfect for novice artists learning a new skill or tattoo artists looking to hone their talents.
Veronica Balzani’s workshop in via dei Pandolfini provides beginners with an introduction to egg tempera painting using Giotto’s techniques, using similar materials used by Renaissance masters like Michelangelo. Students receive an introduction and history lesson before beginning working using these same materials; Laura Biagini’s Ad’A workshop offers those with more time an immersive textile artefact creation process which includes warp preparation and weaving techniques; by the end of this course they will have created their very own handwoven textile piece!