Best of Florence

Firenze's Absolute Essentials

This selection highlights Florence's Renaissance heritage, centered on the Cathedral’s Brunelleschi-designed dome and Giotto’s Bell Tower. Artistic centers like the Uffizi Gallery and Bargello Museum house masterworks by Michelangelo and Botticelli. Iconic landmarks include the medieval Ponte Vecchio, the Medici family's Pitti Palace, and the ornate Medici Chapels. Beyond art, the list features the 13th-century Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy, the scientific collections of Museum Galileo, and the Mercato Centrale, a historic hub for traditional Tuscan gastronomy and artisan products.

Firenze's Absolute Essentials — Map

Cosmos1972 / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Florence Cathedral

Historic Gothic-Renaissance cathedral known for its massive dome and artistic interior, representing a major religious and cultural landmark with significant architectural features.

Samuli Lintula / CC BY 3.0

B

Uffizi Gallery

Renowned Renaissance art museum housed in a historic palace, featuring an extensive collection of paintings and sculptures by masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli.

Davide Taviani / CC BY-SA 2.0

C

Piazza della Signoria

Historic cobblestone square featuring Renaissance architecture, open-air sculptures, and notable political and cultural landmarks.

Chiara / CC BY 2.0

D

Vecchio Bridge

Historic medieval stone arch bridge featuring shops of goldsmiths and jewelers, renowned for its scenic views and unique architecture.

Sailko / CC BY 3.0

E

Piazza del Duomo

Historic pedestrian square featuring the Florence Cathedral complex with Brunelleschi's Dome, Giotto's Bell Tower, and the Baptistery. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Renaissance architecture and art.

sailko / CC BY 2.5

F

Pitti Palace

Historic Renaissance palace that served as a royal residence and now functions as a museum complex featuring extensive art collections and notable architecture.

Rufus46 / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

Boboli Gardens

Historic Italian Renaissance garden featuring sculptures, fountains, and panoramic views, located behind the Pitti Palace. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and exemplifies Italian garden design and architecture.

Etienne (Li) / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Basilica of Santa Maria Novella

Historic church featuring Gothic and Renaissance architecture with notable frescoes and artworks by master artists.

Alboholic / CC BY-SA 3.0

I

Central Market

Historic indoor market and food hall featuring local Tuscan products and artisan food stalls. The two-level building combines traditional market offerings with a vibrant food hall atmosphere.

Aude / CC BY-SA 3.0

J

Republic Square

Historic pedestrian cobblestone forum with origins dating back to Roman times, featuring significant 19th-century architectural renovations and a vibrant urban atmosphere.

Doma / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

Medici Chapel

Opulent monumental mausoleum known for its richly decorated marble interiors and association with the Medici family and Michelangelo. It features distinctive mannerist architecture and serves as a significant historic and artistic site.

Andrzej Otrębski / CC BY-SA 4.0

L

Bargello Museum

This 13th-century palace is the oldest public building in Florence. It opened as a national museum in 1865 after it was used as barracks, a…

Freepenguin / CC BY-SA 3.0

M

New Market

Renaissance loggia built in 1551, known for its bronze wild boar fountain and role as a marketplace for leather goods and souvenirs.

Thermos / CC BY-SA 2.5

N

Boar Fountain

Il Porcellino is the local Florentine nickname for the bronze fountain of a boar.

Bernz / CC BY-SA 4.0

O

Museum Galileo

Come here to learn about the history of science. Housed in Palazzo Castellani, the museum boasts a great collection of scientific…

sailko / CC BY-SA 3.0

P

Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy

Founded at the beginning of the 13th century by Dominican monks, this store is considered to be the oldest European pharmacy.

Sailko / CC BY-SA 3.0

Q

Fort Belvedere

Built in the 16th century, the fortress was designed to demonstrate the power of the Medici family and to protect the center of the city.

Björn S... / CC BY-SA 2.0

R

Basilica of St Lawrence

One of the largest churches in Florence served as the parish church of the Medici family and it is also the burial place of all notable…

Other Lists

Florence's Premier Museums Florence Accommodations Florence Bridges and Viaducts Florence Theatres and Cinemas Florence's Historic Landmarks Florence's Sacred Masterpieces Historic Palaces and Castles Florence Parks and Squares Florence Shopping & Markets Florence Sports & Fitness Florence's Culinary Delights