• 1. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Piazza del Duomo
• 2. Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
• 3. Palazzo Vecchio
• 4. Uffizi Gallery
• 5. Galleria dell?Accademia
• 6. Basilica of Santa Croce
• 7. Palazzo Pitti & Boboli Gardens
• 8. Basilica of San Lorenzo
• 9. Basilica of Santo Spirito
• 10. National Museum of Bargello

Florence is a city that captivates and enchants the sights with a phenomenal portrayal of the medieval city and the origin of the Italian Renaissance. The capital of Tuscany is a vital, respiring museum displaying masterpieces. It is a marvel at each turn, to the extent that its historic centre, bounded by ancient, medieval walls, has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982. Florence has one of the oldest historical centres, with the most renowned museums worldwide. A treasure of the Renaissance that had an effect on the development of monumental arts and architecture across the rest of Italy and Europe.

1. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Piazza del Duomo

Starting at the magnificent Piazza del Duomo, in the centre of Renaissance Florence, a tour of this outdoor museum must take in the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maris del Fiore, a masterpiece of the fifteenth century and the third-largest church in Europe. The phrase “Santa Maria del Fiore” (Lady of the Flower) is named after the Florentine lily. The construction of one of the most Florence Renaissance landmarks started in 1296 and was completed in 1436 with the completion of the massive dome structure created by architect Filippo Brunelleschi.

2. Basilica of Santa Maria Novella

The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, named for the square it faces, is a striking sight with its magnificent facade of intricately inlaid white marble, designed by Leon Battista Alberti, and the pointed bell tower that rises behind it. It is one of the most significant churches in Florence’s travel guide, not only because it?s the oldest church, but it is the only one still standing with its original, designed fa?ade. It was constructed in the Gothic and Renaissance styles beginning in 1279 and served as a reference point for the Dominican friar order at first.

3. Palazzo Vecchio

Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace) is one of Florence’s best places to visit. It is in the most picturesque square in Florence, Piazza della Signoria, between the Arno River and Piazza del Duomo. Between 1299 and 1314, Palazzo Vecchio was constructed as a castle with a tower. A replica of Michelangelo?s David, one of the symbols of the Renaissance, can be seen in front of the Palazzo. Since Palazzo Vecchio has represented Florence?s civic authority for many centuries, it is essential for the Florence travel guide to learn more about its history.

4. Uffizi Gallery

The first and second floors of the enormous structure that occupies the Uffizi Gallery are two of Florence’s historical sites, built between 1560 and 1580. The Uffizi Gallery is renowned across Europe for its exceptional collections of historical paintings and sculptures housed in a U-shaped Renaissance edifice that was never intended to be a museum. These paintings are from the 14th and Renaissance periods and include some absolute masterpieces, arranged chronologically. The Uffizi is home to a priceless collection of historic busts and statues from the Medici family that line the hallways.

5. Galleria Dell?Accademia

Galleria dell?Accademia is another most visited museum in addition to the Uffizi Gallery, that must be in your Florence travel guide. The museum has a fascinating collection of paintings from the early 17th century, the Renaissance, and the Middle Ages. The most important is the Statue of ?David?. This work of marble art represents power and self-reliance. Although David is regarded as Michelangelo?s masterwork, legends, history, and anecdotes are hidden behind its seeming brilliance.

6. Basilica of Santa Croce

Continuing the Florence cultural tour, the Basilica of Santa Croce is amongst the more well-known and identifiable churches in the city. The original building was constructed in 1212. The polychrome marble fa?ade of the church was erected in 1863. It faces the Piazza Santa Croce, another famous square in Florence. Other than being the biggest Franciscan church worldwide, the Basilica of Santa Croce is the actual Florence pantheon. There are around 300 tombs within, including Michelangelo’s and Galileo?s.

7. Palazzo Pitti & Boboli Gardens

Palazzo Pitti was the new emblem of the Medici dynasty?s influence over Tuscany. It was placed at the foot of Boboli Hill, beyond the Arno River, in the mid-1400s. The palace is one of Florence?s historical sites that has lately been partitioned across five museums. On the ground floor: the Treasury of the Grand Dukes and the Museum of Russian Icons, which includes the Palatine Chapel. The Palatine Gallery, the Imperial and Royal Apartments, the Gallery of Modern Art, and the Museum of Costume and Fashion are located on the second floor of the palace. The Boboli Gardens, Florence?s true green lung and one of the outstanding examples of Italian landscape worldwide, acknowledge the immense palace.

8. Basilica of San Lorenzo

Multiple significant ?firsts? in the fields of architecture and art may be seen inside the Basilica of San Lorenzo, another one of the best places to visit in Florence. For over 300 years, the church was the Duomo until the current Duomo received the title. But considering that it functioned as the Medici family?s parish church, it kept maintaining a high reputation in the local area, as seen by the magnificent pieces of art and architecture that make up the structure you see today.

9. Basilica of Santo Spirito

A significant church, like Santo Spirito, is more than just a collection of masonry placed in a cross-shaped structure with a few chapels and an altar. The exterior of the structure was an essential component of the artwork, playing a crucial role in both narrating a tale and setting up the religious atmosphere. Right in front of the church is Piazza Santo Spirito. The church is considered a main Renaissance landmark in Florence, and Brunelleschi tried to incorporate the classical order which is essential to Renaissance architecture.

10. National Museum of Bargello

National Museum of Bargello ?Museo Nazionale del Bargello? is housed in one of Florence’s ancient structures (Palazzo del Bargello), which dates back to 1255 and should be added to your Florence travel guide. The mid-19th century saw the beginning of the building’s use as the National Museum. These days, it serves as the context for several instances of an incredible selection of Renaissance sculpture and paintings, besides “minor” Gothic ornamental arts as well as sculptures, most of which are from the major ducal collections.

Sources

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