Florence is internationally-recognized as an epicenter for Renaissance art, architecture and political theory – its beauty remains timeless. However, with tourism now back at prepandemic levels you should avoid museum crowds for an authentic Florentine experience.
Here’s our guide for discovering real florence with less fuss and more charm.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Florence is revered as the Cradle of Renaissance and recognized by UNESCO as an invaluable historical center. Since 1982, Florence has been declared one of its World Heritage Sites due to its concentration of masterpieces dating back to medieval and Renaissance periods – making Florence one of the world’s most captivating historic centers.
Florence was listed under Criterion (i) because it represents an exceptional artistic achievement: an unparalleled masterpiece that comprises churches, cathedrals and buildings of immeasurable worth – an influencer on architecture and monumental arts across Europe first in Italy then throughout. Florence boasts an artistic legacy which can be seen through Michaelangelo’s masterpieces Brunelleschi created as well as Giotto Giordano Botticelli masterpieces.
Under Criterion (iv), Florence also qualified under Criterion (i), as its economic and cultural pre-eminence during the 15th and 16th centuries is demonstrated by its 13th-century church and cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore as well as other structures from that era. Furthermore, Florence played an instrumental role in shaping new concepts of knowledge during European Renaissance thanks to its culture and scientific accomplishments that helped create new understanding.
Under Criterion (v), the city was also included as it is an urban ensemble encompassing medieval and Renaissance streets, palaces and other monumental structures. Furthermore, its urban landscape – which includes numerous hills – remains intact while maintaining its original features and characteristics.
UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee is an inter-governmental agency charged with selecting and safeguarding world cultural and natural sites of outstanding universal value. Comprised of 193 State Parties who subscribe to its 1972 Convention for Protecting World Cultural and Natural Heritage, its membership consists of 193 nations (State Parties).
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Florence’s UNESCO World Heritage Management Office reviewed its priorities to ensure tourists could travel safely and comfortably while also upholding Florence’s unique historic urban structure and fostering relationships between traditional social activities and economic activities and its cultural heritage. An ad hoc office was set up specifically to manage this work and coordinate it among managing parties; among the priority actions taken was updating of management plan.
The Duomo
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (The Duomo) is one of Florence’s premier attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This breathtaking architectural feat, begun construction during the thirteenth century and completed around mid-15th century – featuring Filippo Brunelleschi’s impressive brick dome design – remains one of history’s greatest architectural achievements today.
The interior of the church is also worth exploring, offering beautiful stained-glass windows and intricate frescoes. Michelangelo’s Pieta stands in front of this cathedral as part of a collection of sculptures known as Michelangelo’s Pieta is housed here. Additionally, the Duomo complex houses both its cathedral as well as a museum called Museo dell’Opera del Duomo that houses most of its sculptures along with those found within its Baptistery.
At its opening late in 2015, the new Museum was widely celebrated as a triumph of content, planning, and design – one of the finest early 21st-century museums. Its entrance is flanked by an inventive modern cafe that connects to urban life while hinting at theatricality that pervades much of its collection.
At first sight, visitors are taken aback by the breathtaking beauty of the cathedral interior. Its expansive nave is filled with statues, sculptures and paintings; furthermore it features ornate wrought-iron and glass spires as well as its iconic Brunelleschi Dome in its center.
Church is home to numerous iconic artworks by Leonardo, Caravaggio, Botticelli and Jan Brueghel; but when bombing by Nazis occurred in 1944, more than one third of its medieval masterpieces were removed – according to Frederick Hartt (an acclaimed American art historian and Monuments Officer with the US 5th Army which liberated Florence) these varied artistic masterpieces were either scattered throughout Tuscan locations or cocooned safely for protection.
The Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery boasts one of the world’s premier art collections and draws over two million visitors annually, making it one of Europe’s most visited museums. Therefore, to avoid lines at entry times and save both time and money with more competitive admission prices on-site, booking your entrance tickets in advance online can save both hassle and money compared with waiting in line on visit day.
The gallery showcases Renaissance masterpieces by prominent artists like Michelangelo, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Titian and Caravaggio – as well as an extensive collection of ancient artifacts that provide an insight into Florence during different time periods throughout its history.
Visits to the Uffizi Gallery are like wandering through an incredible maze, full of captivating art works. Anyone wanting a peek at some of history’s greatest masterpieces should make time for this visit – no wonder it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cosimo de’ Medici commissioned architect Giorgio Vasari in 16th-century Florence to design the Uffizi building as part of his court and guild headquarters; not as a museum but more as an extravagant palace that could represent their absolute power through beauty.
As such, this building serves not only as an attractive piece of architecture but also as a treasure chest of historical documents and rare books. Furthermore, its collections of paintings and rare artisan-crafted objects make it one of the crown jewels of Florence city.
Uffizi visitors will discover an impressive collection of religious art at this gallery, including annunciations, adoration, crucifixions, Madonnas and portraits depicting members of the intermarrying wealthy Medici family. If Christian fatigue sets in while visiting, make sure you spend some time exploring all other exhibits as well.
Santa Croce
The Basilica of Santa Croce stands as one of the world’s premier churches and an iconic landmark in Florence’s rich cultural and historic legacy. As well as being home to numerous Florentines, Italian historical figures, and national heroes interred within, its grounds serve as a celebration space where beauty, art, and genius alike are honored.
This church was constructed by Franciscan monks during the 13th century with contributions from some of the city’s wealthiest families, and designed by one of Europe’s premier architects of Arnolfo di Cambio; considered one of the greatest Franciscan buildings ever made. Construction started around 3 May 1294 although this date remains controversial.
Giotto painted frescoes depicting Renaissance elements onto its interior walls to soften its Gothic aspect and highlight its three aisles with large pillars of octagonal bases lining each aisle and pointed arches softening its Gothic appearance. A central nave with high altar stands out as its centerpiece, decorated with frescoes by Giotto as it dates from a period in which elements of it began emerging.
Within the church there are numerous attractions, particularly in its cloisters. Be sure to visit this doorway’s newly restored corridor with works by Spinello Aretino (The Way to Calvary), Taddeo Gaddi and Niccolo di Pietro Gerini as well as Cimabue’s Crucifix dating from 1275/80 – originally painted for use at its high altar before suffering significant surface loss during the 1966 floods.
Tombs of numerous Italian artists buried at this church include that of Michelangelo whose unfinished sculpture is currently on display at the nearby Academy. Donatello and Verrocchio sculptures as well as numerous other masterpieces are also housed here.
Other tombs at this church include Galileo and his family as well as that of Italian composer Gioacchino Rossini – initially interred in Paris before moving here after his death in 1868 – who is the centerpiece of Florentines and visitors from all over Italy who gather here regularly for al fresco aperitifs on its piazza. Eclectic restaurants line its streets around this landmark church while young people meet here to socialise.