Florence Points of Interest and Landmarks

Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance which offers an unparalleled journey through art, history, and culture.  As you wander through its cobbled streets, you’ll encounter an array of breathtaking points of interest.  From the majestic Duomo to the art-laden Uffizi Gallery.  Join us as we explore the Florence points of interest, ensuring you don’t miss any of its treasures.

Florence Cathedral

Florence’s renowned Duomo, or cathedral, stands at the heart of Cathedral Square.  Furthermore, it’s flanked by the Baptistery and Giotto’s Campanile.   Completed in 1436 after nearly 150 years, it ranks as the 12th largest cathedral globally and boasts the world’s largest brick dome.  The Baptistery is one of Florence’s oldest buildings.  What’s more, it dates back to the 11th century and features an octagonal design.  Nearby, Giotto’s Campanile serves as the striking bell tower for the cathedral.

Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio is considered the second of Florence points of interest.  It’s a medieval stone bridge spanning the narrowest point of the Arno River, believed to be built on the site of an ancient Roman bridge.  Today, the bridge is famed not just for its historical significance.  Additionally, it’s also known for its array of high-end shops, including those selling original Rolex watches.  Lastly, on days when the River Arno is calm, the water provides a perfect mirror for capturing stunning reflection photographs of Ponte Vecchio.  Consequently, adding to its charm and allure.

David by Michelangelo

No trip to Florence is complete without seeing the masterpiece of Michelangelo, David.  The David statue is located in the Galleria dell’Accademia.  The statue of David was originally intended for the Florence Cathedral.  It was going to be positioned on the roof with other prophets.  On the contrary, it was placed in the plaza outside Palazzo Vecchio.  In fact, it was located in the plaza from 1504 until 1873.  Since 1873, it’s stood in its current position in the Galleria dell’Accademia.  In addition to the David statue, you’ll also see partially finished works by Michelangelo.

Some people won’t want to pay the entrance fee to the museum.  If you’re one of those, you can visit the imitation David.  This is standing where the original once stood, outside Palazzo Vecchio.  Alternatively, there’s also an exact copy in Las Vegas.

Uffizi Gallery – Florence Points of Interest

The Uffizi Gallery is Italy’s most visited art gallery.  For this reason, it’s a treasure trove of Italian Renaissance masterpieces.  Most importantly, to avoid the long lines, it’s advisable to purchase tickets online in advance.  Inside, you’ll find an impressive collection featuring works by renowned painters such as Raphael, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Titian, Artemisia Gentileschi, Giotto, Domenico Veneziano, Lippo Memmi, and Simone Martini.  Beyond its artistic riches, the Uffizi Gallery itself is a visually stunning structure, making it a favorite spot for stunning photos.  For this reason, it’s a must see of Florence points of interest

Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria

Palazzo Vecchio, or the ‘Old Palace,’ showcases Romanesque architecture and serves as Florence’s town hall.  It also houses a museum where Donatello’s ‘Judith and Holofernes’ stands as a highlight.  In front of the palace, visitors find a replica of Michelangelo’s David.  While adjacent to it is the Loggia dei Lanzi, an arched gallery filled with historic statues.  The surrounding Piazza della Signoria, originally the main square of the Roman town of Florentia, is now a popular gathering spot for tours and an essential part of modern-day Florence.

Medici Chapel

The Medici Chapels dates back to the 16th century.  Moreover, it served as a significant historical site in Florence.  Several Dukes from the influential Medici family, who dominated the city during the Renaissance, are entombed.  These chapels are particularly notable for housing works by Michelangelo.  Inside the New Sacristy, you can find his famous sculptures, “Dawn and Dusk” and “Night and Day”.  Additionally, the Medici Madonna, another esteemed piece by Michelangelo, is also located within the chapels.  These works underscore the chapels’ importance as a center of art and history in Renaissance Florence.

Piazzale Michelangelo

Across the Arno river from the historic center is Piazzale Michelangelo.  To reach it you must climb several stairs.  As a result you’ll get a good workout on your way up.  So, what’s the reward? perhaps the best panoramic views of Florence!  As a matter of fact, you’ll see a lot of Florence points of interest from here.  River Arno and its bridges are clearly visible and you also get to see how big the cathedral is in comparison to the neighboring buildings.  Lastly, while you’re on this side of the River Arno you should consider visiting the Pitti Palace.

Great Synagogue of Florence and Jewish Museum

The synagogue was completed in 1882 after 8 years of construction.  It’s considered by many as one of the most beautiful synagogues in the world.  Most noteworthy is that it’s one of the largest in the region.  During World War II, the Germans used it as a warehouse.  Maybe this fact helped it survive this war?  Consequently, a smaller synagogue would have been of no use and destroyed.  Today it houses a Jewish museum.

Watch a Fiorentina Football Match at Stadio Artemio Franchi

Which football team plays in Florence? Fiorentina.  Fiorentina play in the Stadio Artemio Franchi, just outside the UNESCO historic center.  The stadium was built in the 1930’s and renovated for the Italia 90 World Cup.  In fact, it has featured in 2 World Cups.  During Italia 90 it hosted the quarter final between Argentina and Yugoslavia.  Famous players to have played here are Diego Maradona, Gabriel Batistuta, Roberto Baggio, Stefan Effenberg as well as Adrian Mutu.  Finally, the only way to visit the stadium is when Fiorentina are playing at home as no Fiorentina stadium tours are available.

Gelato in Florence

With so many ice cream shops in Florence, a recommendation is useful.  I recommend Gelateria Santa Trinita and guarantee you’ll be satisfied with your Italian gelato.  It’s located a couple of blocks from Ponte Vecchio.  In conclusion, while you’re visiting Ponte Vecchio make sure you buy yourself an ice cream!

Day Trip to Pisa and Cinque Terre

While you are in Florence you must consider a day trip to Pisa and Cinque Terre.  In fact, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is another Italian UNESCO world heritage site.  Furthermore, the villages of Cinque Terre are also UNESCO sites.  For those who want to make amazing Instagram photos, this day trip is a must.  It’s also possible to take Tuscany wine tours from Florence.

How to get from Florence to Rome by bus

There are several buses each day from Florence to Rome.  The Flixbus stop is conveniently located outside the train station.  As always with Flixbus you’ll be traveling on a clean, spacious and modern bus.  In addition to your own charging outlet, free WiFi is available throughout the journey.  The direct trip to Rome takes less than 4 hours.

Rome to Naples