What to visit in Florence?
Florence is certainly one of the most famous Tuscan and Italian cities in the world. There are many tourists who come here in the “cradle of the Renaissance”. Just take a walk in the center of Florence to discover that it has so much to offer.
A stone’s throw from the Soggiorno Panerai is Piazza del Duomo, the heart of Florence. Here stands the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, with the famous dome by Brunelleschi, the Baptistery with the wonderful Porta del Paradiso by Ghiberti and the Campanile di Giotto, from which you can enjoy an incredible view of the city.
A few steps from Piazza del Duomo you find Via dei Calzaiuoli. Walking along you can reach the beautiful Piazza della Signoria, which has been at the center of Florence’s political life for centuries. Here the imposing Palazzo Vecchio, the current seat of the town council and civic museum. To the right of Palazzo Vecchio you can admire the charming Loggia dei Lanzi, where some famous statues are placed, such as the Perseus by Benvenuto Cellini.
In Piazza della Signoria there is the Fontana del Nettuno dell’Ammannati and the equestrian monument of Cosimo I by Giambologna. Along the way, in Via Calzaiuoli, you will recognize the Church of Orsanimichele, with its particular architectural structure and the statues that adorn its facade, works by great artists such as Donatello, Ghiberti and Verrocchio.
A few steps from Palazzo Vecchio you will find the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most visited and known Italian museums, known for its vast collection of Renaissance works by artists such as Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Raffaello, just to name a few of the most famous.
Beyond the Uffizi Gallery is Ponte Vecchio, one of the symbols of Florence, halfway between Palazzo Pitti and Palazzo Vecchio, which are in fact joined by the beautiful Vasari Corridor that passes right above the Bridge.
At Palazzo Pitti there are several museums, including the Palatine Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art and the Boboli Gardens.
Not far away is Piazza Santo Spirito and the Church of Santo Spirito. Built by Brunelleschi, the church overlooks the square of the same name. Worth a visit.
Leaving the Soggiorno Panerai and heading towards the train station there is Piazza Santa Maria Novella, recently renovated, overlooked by one of the most beautiful churches in Florence. The facade of the church is in white and green marble and was designed by Leon Battista Alberti, while the splendid Cappella Tornabuoni was frescoed by Ghirlandaio.
Nearby is Piazza San Lorenzo where it is possible to make a brief visit to the Church of San Lorenzo and the majestic Medici Chapels, where the members of the Medici family have been buried and where you will find a beautiful marble statue of Michelangelo, placed in the New Sacristy .
The Academy Gallery is among the most loved and visited museums. Here the original marble statue of Michelangelo’s David was placed. A copy of the work is located in front of Palazzo Vecchio, yet another in Piazzale Michelangelo but seeing the original is something else.
On the opposite side of the historic center, compared to the Duomo, there is Piazza Santa Croce. Here visit the Church of Santa Croce, where some important Florentine and Tuscan figures are buried, including Michelangelo and Galileo.
Last among the most important places to visit is Piazzale Michelangelo, located on the first hill after the Oltrarno and from which you can enjoy a unique panoramic view.
Do you want to organize a guided tour of the city or even a single museum?