Recently updated on June 17th, 2020 at 02:21 pm
Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is home to a bountiful architectural heritage and some of the world’s most important artworks, as well as inspiring skyline and river views, sculpture-filled gardens, and, of course, the famous Florentine food. Our partnership with Marie Claire takes us to this city in search of what makes it stand out most. From venerated sites to the city’s best gelateria, our insider’s guide to Florence uncovers the top things to see in this enticing city.
Ponte Vecchio
One of the most iconic images of Florence is the view of the Ponte Vecchio arching over the Arno River. Having been the only bridge crossing this river up until the early 13th century, it has a fascinating history. A distinct feature of this bridge is the shops lining each side. While these would have once been butchers and fishmongers, it was in 1593 that it was decided only goldsmiths and jewellers could set up shop there; and this is what visitors encounter to this day.
The Duomo
With its impressive Renaissance dome and ornate Gothic structure, Florence’s grand Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore – most commonly referred to as the Duomo – is among the city’s most visited sites. Indeed, any guide to Florence would be incomplete without peering up at this cathedral’s intricate mosaics and frescoes, while soaking up a little of the Renaissance city’s legacy.
Piazza della Signoria
Overlooked by the town hall, Palazzo Vecchio (which was built on the remains of a first-century Roman theatre), the L-shaped Piazza della Signoria has been at the heart of political life in Florence since the 14th century. For this reason, the square is home to a number of important statues including a copy of Michelangelo’s David, which stands where the original once stood before being moved to The Academy of Fine Arts, and the Fountain of Neptune (below).
The Academy of Fine Arts
Many people are drawn to the Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s statue of David. But a visit to this prestigious arts institution offers the chance to see artworks across various topics and mediums, including the work of artistic masters like Botticelli, Bronzino and Giambologna.
The Uffizi
Located adjacent to Piazza della Signoria, this gallery is another of a guide to Florence ‘s must-visit venues. And for good reason, housing some of the most important works of Renaissance art in existence. Within each of its cavernous rooms, the gallery showcases the work of iconic artists from Michelangelo to Raphael and Leonardo de Vinci, with panoramic city views to take in from the cafeteria’s terrace.
Boboli Gardens and Pitti Palace
Florence isn’t only filled with Renaissance landmarks; it’s also dotted with flourishing gardens. The Boboli Gardens combine greenery, oak trees and swathes of flowering plants with sculptures and fountains, and even an amphitheatre and the atmospheric Buontalenti Grotto. The gardens lie alongside the Palazzo Pitti, one of the largest monuments in Florence and home to a number of museums and galleries including the Gallery of Modern Art, the Porcelain Museum, and the Costume Gallery.
Vivoli Gelateria
The local food will always be an integral part of any trip to Italy, and Florence is no exception with its rustic Tuscan cuisine. But the specialty that really gets people talking is gelato. Gelaterias can be found throughout Florence, with many making their ice cream in-house using fresh, local ingredients. Florentine gelateria, Vivoli first created this celebrated dessert and still makes gelato to this day, with classic flavours such as stracciatella alongside newer additions like pear and caramel.
Find out more about our partnership with Marie Claire, From Italy with Love, and discover the magnificence of Florence on a trip with Trafalgar, from Contrasts of Italy to Great Italian Cities.
Image credits: Florence View © iStock/Scaliger. Fountain of Neptune © iStock/Syolacan. Pitti Palace © iStock/GiorgioMagini. Ice Cream © iStock/Darioracane.