Everyone who embarks on an exciting journey through Northern Italy must visit one of the most beautiful cities in the picturesque region of Tuscany. What to see near and inside Florence, we will tell in our article.
A small town, on the narrow streets of which crowds of foreigners scurry about, can disappoint with the lack of scope, however, the quiet pearl of Italy with an indescribable atmosphere, dipping all guests for centuries, falls in love at first sight.
We form a route for exploring the sights
What can be seen in Florence, teeming with magnificent architecture, during a memorable vacation? It will take more than one day to get acquainted with most of the genuine treasures, and in order not to miss anything while walking around the old city, you will have to create a travel route.
We will try to create a kind of guide to the most interesting places of the Italian open-air museum and tell you in more detail what to see in Florence if no more than three days are allocated for the inspection of the city.
Tourist season
Foreigners come to the city with a rich historical and cultural heritage from March to the end of October, because the tourist season lasts almost all year round, and open architectural monuments are available to every guest. Of course, it is best to visit here in the summer, when the sun shines for more than ten hours a day, but even in late autumn the temperature maximum is 20 ° C, although it is already quite cool at night.
In rainy weather, no one will have questions about what to see in Florence in October. When you can’t do without an umbrella, you can make a slight correction of the route and look into the city museums or raid the local shops, which often hold seasonal sales.
Historic city center
So, what to see in Florence first of all, in order to leave here with the best impressions? It is recommended to start your walk from the historical center of the city, on a small area of which an incredible number of statues and monuments are concentrated, slowly telling about the main periods of life of a wonderful corner.
Signoria Square is not for nothing called the heart of the Italian town: the center of political and cultural life during the Florentine state made an indelible impression. I must say that in the XV – VI centuries the Italian Republic was considered the center of European life, and it was not for nothing that the most talented and ambitious people sought it. Historians even compare Florence of that period with energetic New York, living in a frantic rhythm.
Harmonious architectural ensemble
The square surrounded by architectural monuments is a living embodiment of history. Here important political affairs were executed and sentences were carried out: those who were objectionable, condemned by the holy Inquisition , were burned .
The beautiful square, captured in many photographs, is recognized as a true masterpiece of world art. It is here that tourists are crowded to personally enjoy its sights.
Fans of antiquity and history clearly know what to see in Florence, and immediately go to a harmonious architectural ensemble, the creation of which took centuries.
Palazzo Vecchio
Here you can see a delightful medieval palace, which in no way can be missed during an educational walk through the square. The austere and elegant Palazzo Vecchio is a real delight with its appearance alone, and when tourists get inside a luxurious building, they are amazed by the amazement: the decoration of many halls consists of genuine masterpieces of painting and bright frescoes, which will take several hours to view.
Theater Underground Ruins
Going underground, each guest of the city will admire the ruins that remained after the era of Ancient Rome. At that time, the central square was the outskirts of the city, and it was here that the inhabitants erected theaters. To achieve the effect of the greatest immersion in history, plays of light and shadow are shown on the stone ruins. Silhouettes of actors dancing or playing musical instruments on a background of stone slabs resemble a mysterious action in which every visitor is involved.
Five Hundred Hall
After exploring the centuries-old ruins, you can go up to the Pyatisot Hall to take a trip from ancient times to the 15th century. The room, which hosted government councils of 500 people, evokes feelings of admiration and reverence for architectural thought.
The decorated high roof of the hall allows daylight to penetrate into small windows, and the palace's giant wall frescoes are enthusiastically viewed by guests of the palace. Previously, the works of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo flaunted here, but after the reconstruction of the hall by the beloved architect of Medici - D. Vasari - they were all replaced.
What else to see in the palace?
Everyone who is looking for what to see in Florence in one day is recommended to go to the old palace and take a leisurely stroll through its luxurious rooms. Almost all of them are dedicated to the Medici family, and the numerous frescoes, changing, as if in a kaleidoscope, perfectly demonstrate all the major milestones in the history of the rulers of the city.
In one of the halls, a posthumous mask cast from Dante’s face attracts attention. She scares someone, but many have feelings of longing and sadness, because it is known that a talented poet who became an influential politician was expelled from Florence, and only after 700 years the great Italian was acquitted.
A visit to the palace tower, which offers a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the picturesque city, will beautifully complete the one-day tour of the historical monument. The main inconvenience is that tourists are launched in small groups upstairs, and there are plenty of people who want to climb. So get ready to defend a decent queue, but believe me that the panorama seen is worth it.
Neptune Fountain
What you need to see in Florence is a must, because the Neptune fountain flaunting not far from the palace is a sculptural and architectural ensemble, at the head of which stands the statue of the ancient Roman god of water. It is believed that the facial features of the statue symbolizing the power of the Florentine Republic resemble the appearance of Cosimo Medici, who was engaged in the patronage of all artists in the Renaissance.
The chariot of the majestic deity consists of four marble horses, and on wheels you can see the images of the zodiac signs, as if symbolizing the transience of time. The most popular place among tourists was attacked by vandals and was even used as a place for washing clothes.
Now no one leaves without throwing a coin in the fountain in order to return here again.
Loggia Lanzi
Our plan to visit the Italian city is thought out in such a way as to imbue its special atmosphere and not to lose sight of any important sights. You can spend days traveling around the enchanting corner of Italy and form your opinion about what to see in Florence in the first place.
It is not for nothing that the small city is called the cradle of the Italian Renaissance: in the Renaissance, humanity flourished here and art was encouraged. Another architectural monument located in Signoria Square attracts crowds of tourists. Loggia Lanzi is an entire exhibition of sculptures of mythological heroes in the open. Designed for ceremonial meetings of local rulers, the elegant building is the main attraction that Florence is proud of.
What to see in 1 day, if you come on business and do not have time to travel around the city, which forever remained in the Renaissance? Hurry to the main square and get real pleasure from contemplating the filigree statues of the loggia, created to inspire the Medici dynasty. The central opening of the architectural monument, surrounded by figures of two lions, one of which is an example of ancient art, and the second is made at the beginning of the XVII century, will delight any connoisseur of architectural masterpieces.
Oldest baptistery
When planning a vacation in such a wonderful place, you need to take care in advance of what to see in Florence in 1 day. If you have only 24 hours to get to know the city, you can advise you to go to the oldest building, made in the form of an octagon. The Baptistery of San Giovanni was built in honor of the patron saint of the city - St. John. Once upon a time there was a temple dedicated to the god Mars, but already in the 9th century the transformation of the historical building began, in which all the inhabitants of Florence were baptized.
Exterior decoration in white and green marble was paid for by city merchants, and the walls of the baptistery were decorated with huge money from the guild of cloth makers. Everyone wanted this building to be the most beautiful in the world, and did not skimp on expenses.
Admirable Decoration
Stunning luxury is the marble vault of the dome, decorated with Byzantine mosaics on biblical themes, in particular, the Last Judgment with the majestic figure of Jesus in the center of the composition. When sunrays hit the ceiling, filling bright pictures with golden light, a feeling of true magic arises. The image of Christ, surrounded on all sides by angels, stands out most clearly.
In addition to the font in which the babies were baptized, the building houses a whole funeral complex - a four-meter tomb made of marble of Antipope John XXIII.
The gates decorated with engraving evoke awe and admiration for the mastery of ingenious jewelers who put their hand to the creation. Illustrated with stories from the Old Testament, the bronze sashes were appreciated by Michelangelo himself, struck by their exquisite beauty.
You can talk about the decoration of the baptistery for a long time, but it is best to see first-hand the grandiose attraction that Florence is famous for the whole world.
What to see in 1 day yet?
Bardini Garden, located on the banks of the Arno River, is not among the ten most visited tourist attractions of the city. The former estate of Mozzi, preserving the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, in connection with new European trends after the 16th century turned into a green park with amazing fountains, mysterious grottoes and many sculptures.
Today, the urban property, spread over four hectares, is not very well known to the general public, so everyone who dreams of privacy can safely go to a beautiful garden.
The original viewing staircase, which offers a wonderful view of the water surface of the river and the whole city, will surprise you with green arches of fresh flowers. The relaxing atmosphere of the green oasis and the unique opportunity to be alone with nature will allow tourists to abandon all problems and travel back several centuries.
Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
If you have the opportunity to stay in the city and you do not know what to see in Florence in 2 days, then be sure to visit the basilica and the ancient pharmacy adjacent to it, which will leave a lasting impression. The Church of Santa Maria Novella, erected by the Dominicans, combines elements of Gothic and early Renaissance architecture.
Decorated with funerary monuments and wonderful frescoes, it is considered a real urban masterpiece. Looking at every detail of the interior, you can spend the whole day here. And even those who are not very versed in the trends in the development of religion will receive real aesthetic pleasure.
Of great interest are the colorful stained-glass windows through which the sunbeam passes, reviving drawings on biblical themes.
Unusual pharmacy
Near the basilica is an old pharmacy, which few people know about. The magical place where the vaults and ceiling are decorated with church frescoes deserves to be spent all day here. Surprisingly, healing potions and perfumes were collected in one territory, but no one here will sell antibiotics and other medicines. Tourists will be offered delicious smelling soaps, balms, shower gels and creams, cooked according to ancient recipes.
Ponte Vecchio Bridge
In the ancient city, which tourists are happy to explore, there is no question what to see in Florence yourself, because there are more than enough sights here.
You can go to the Ponte Vecchio bridge, considered the main decoration of the city. Built more than five centuries ago, it reached the descendants unchanged. The original design, on both sides of which houses are comfortably located, is also interesting because the architect Vasari, who was engaged in the restoration of the Pyatisot Hall, erected a secret corridor above the pedestrian arch. Today, this passage is closed to the public.
The bridge offers a wonderful view of the Arno River, and in the dark all the couples in love rushing here, admiring the night look of the architectural structure reflected in the water. In the light of flickering lights, Florence's most recognizable construction looks like a living fairy tale.
Surroundings of Florence: what to see?
Not far from the city there are places worthy of the attention of tourists, surprising with local color. For example, go on an excursion to Fiesole located on a hill, where you can explore the archaeological ruins, the magnificent Pretoria Palace, and majestic religious buildings.
The ancient city of Vinci is inextricably linked with the name of the great Italian. Here are the house where Leonardo was born, and the church in which he was baptized. In the famous castle of Guidi, there is a museum of genius, and all foreigners are looking at the exposition of the Vitruvian man with curiosity .
Inspect all the masterpieces - an impossible task
When you have several days left, the lists of interesting places to visit can be expanded. Therefore, if you are a lover of long trips, then you will definitely decide what to see in Florence for 3 days or more. And our guide to the most interesting places of the Italian pearl can be significantly expanded.
No matter how your route is built, do not try to visit all the main attractions of the city, because this is still an impossible task. Let all the other interesting architectural masterpieces be an occasion to once again return to charming Florence.