Florence, the capital of the Tuscany region of Italy, is known as one of the most cultural and historic cities in the world and is rich in architecture and places of great significance.

This wonderful city is located in the central region of Italy and has a well-developed railway network for connections to Pisa and Bologna.

In ancient history, Florence was a Roman city and then developed into a flourishing medieval commune. It is the birthplace of the movement called the Renaissance and during the 12th, 15th, and 16th centuries it was one of the most important cities in the world. Remarkable personalities have populated Florence: Machiavelli, the Medici family, Dante, Michelangelo, Donatello, Galileo, Leonardo, and Raphael.

Today tourism pushes up all the incredible attractions of the city: let's explore the best things to do in Florence!

Perhaps the most celebrated cathedral in the world, the Duomo, as Florence is simply known. It was initially built in 1436 but the striking front facade wasn't completed until the 19th century. Located in the center of the old city, the Duomo stands out for miles and creates an imposing sight among the other medieval buildings.

The external facade and front of the Cathedral are monumental, covered in white marble and red polychrome designs in pink and green; stunning color and style.

Although the interior of the cathedral is quite stark in contrast, priceless treasures can be found such as the large clock face and the magnificent fresco of the Last Judgment covering the lower part of the dome.

Exiting the complex, an immense dome sits atop the cathedral and can be accessed via a series of steps and corridors.

There are monuments that, due to their grandeur, power, and beauty, not only rightfully become part of the world heritage but have been universally admired, generation after generation, for some centuries now. This is the case of Brunelleschi's Dome in Florence, a symbol of the Renaissance and a monument to human ingenuity. Of a single man, i.e. of his author, first of all, but through him to all humanity: that industrious humanity capable of building, physically and metaphorically, the best testimonies of its civilization.

While the Duomo is the most important religious building, Palazzo Vecchio is the administrative building of Florence.

This structure once stood as the palace of the Signoria of the Republic of Florence. Originally built in 1299, the palace was designed by the same architects who worked on the Duomo and the church of Santa Croce.

With a square design and a series of battlements, the building almost looks like a castle. Equipped with a large off-center bell tower, it has a clock face as well as numerous windows.

On the front facade, you can see a series of coats of arms representing various important families and individuals related to the history of the city.

The original body of Palazzo Vecchio was designed to house the Council of the Republic of Florence made up of members appointed by the Florentine guilds ( Priori ).

The Salone dei Cinquecento is the most majestic of these environments, the most important in terms of historical-artistic value linked to the works of Michelangelo, Baccio Bandinelli, Vasari, and Stadano. It was built in 1494 to house the Council of the Republic which had been brought to a good five hundred members to avoid attempts at corruption. The hall now has incredible dimensions with coffered ceilings and large format paintings, gilding, and impressive sculptures that will truly leave you speechless.

We remain on Piazza della Signoria: on the one hand, we have Piazza del Duomo which was linked to the church and spirituality, on the other we have this place which was used to resolve disputes and to issue sentences. the Loggia dei Lanzi is a perfect collection of priceless works such as “Il Perseo”

One of the most important and characteristic destinations in Florence where it is possible to find riches in culture, history, and… in jewelry and gold shops!

Ponte Vecchio is one of the symbols of Florence, a mandatory place for souvenir photos.

It was the first and oldest bridge in Florence that crosses the Arno River at its narrowest point. Ponte Vecchio has survived all kinds of disastrous events: the first construction, in wood, dates back to Roman times but was damaged several times by fires and floods.

Then, in 1345 the bridge was rebuilt by Taddeo Gaddi, a disciple of Giotto, on three arches, deeper and more resistant to the fury of the water. It is said that during the Second World War, its beauty also struck Hitler and, precisely for this reason, it was the only bridge in Florence not to be bombed by the Germans in 1944.

Santa Croce, rebuilt for the Franciscan Order in 1294 by Arnolfo di Cambio, is the burial place for the great and the good in Florence. Michelangelo is buried in Santa Croce, as are Rossini, Machiavelli, and Galileo Galilei, the latter of Pisan origin, who was tried by the Inquisition and not allowed a Christian burial until 1737, 95 years after his death. There is also a monument to Dante but his sarcophagus is empty since, in reality, he is buried in Ravenna as he was exiled from Florence.

Just after Piazza della Signoria stands the Uffizi Gallery, considered one of the most beautiful museums in the world. In Italy, one is truly fortunate to have such a rich cultural heritage: the Uffizi, in Florence, is a building that preserves marvels that even belonged to the Medici family. Already from the outside, it is possible to admire beautiful marble statues depicting celebrities of the time.

Inside, however, you can feel the power of Renaissance art with great artists such as Botticelli, Raphael, Leonardo, and many others with unique pieces such as "The Baptism of Christ", "The Adoration of the Magi", "Tondo Doni”, “Spring” and “The Birth of Venus”.

Florence is as full of art as it is of feelings that go on for centuries.

If you are thinking of visiting the Accademia Gallery, your goal is most likely the magnificent marble sculptures created by Michelangelo and, above all, the glorious David. If you explore the museum carefully, the Accademia will offer you a lot even in less crowded rooms, satisfying any curiosity about botany, music, the symbols of art, and the various pictorial techniques.

The most famous section of the Gallery is certainly the " Sala dei Prigionieri", which exhibits Michelangelo's unfinished " slaves ". Today, the disposition of the prisoners along the corridor is a crescendo of emotions arriving at the feet of David, displayed under a circular skylight. Next to the Tribuna di David, you will find a series of paintings by Alessandro Allori which is a delightful vocabulary of flower symbolism.

More than a garden, more than a simple " green lung " in Florence, the Boboli Gardens, owned by Eleonora di Toledo, wife of Cosimo I Medici, is one of the largest open-air museums in Florence which embraces another cultural site: the Pitti Palace. The park houses secular oaks, sculptures, and fountains and offers a peaceful retreat from the hot Florentine sun in summer.

The Boboli Gardens is a spectacular example of " green architecture " decorated with sculptures and is the prototype that inspired many European royal gardens such as Versailles.

Florence seen from above is a singular experience. Not just a perfect photo opportunity but a moment of wonder. You're looking at the city that gave birth to incredible artists, amazing scientists, and a fascinating story of discovery and power that has filled novels and cinema.

Regardless of the time of day, you'll find that Piazzale Michelangelo truly offers a wonderful view of Florence. Don't be surprised if you also see it written as Piazzale Michelangiolo because this derives from the archaic Florentine pronunciation, the same one you see on road signs or historical monuments. In any case, it is always a site not to be missed. It may be a classic tourist stop but it never fails to capture the hearts and imaginations of those who follow the trail to the top.

Forte di San Giorgio, better known as Forte di Belvedere, in Florence, was founded during the reign of Grand Duke Ferdinando I and was designed by Bernardo Buontalenti. Besides defending the city from potential attacks from outside, the fortress can be reached from Palazzo Pitti, through the Boboli Gardens.

Inside, the fortress houses the elegant Palazzina di Belvedere, older than the Fort, and probably designed by Bartolomeo Ammannati. The Palazzina became one of the "safes" of the Medici who kept their possessions at the bottom of a well inside the building; anyone attempting to force the lock open would set off a death trap.

Today, the Belvedere hosts important exhibitions and cultural events and is one of the places from which you can enjoy a spectacular view of Florence.