From Piazza to Palazzo: Exploring the Treasures of Florence

Italy is a country with a long storied history, and among the eras the country had undergone, the Renaissance is the time when art and academics were exponentially booming. It’s in the region of Tuscany where the birthplace of that period lies – the city of Florence. 

Florence has attracted many visitors annually. The reason for that is the richness of art and architecture collected way back from the reign of the influential Medici family. From piazzas (squares) to palazzos (palaces), you can find at least one great piece of artwork from a well-renown artist. 

Moreover, Florence is a city with fewer urban activities and more countryside vibes. 

Art

As the birthplace of the Renaissance, the majority of the works of artists from that era can be found all over the city. In case you don’t know, the 4 most influential – Michaelangelo, Raphael, Donatello, and Leonardo da Vinci – came from Florence. 

Those names alone are more than enough to encourage anyone to explore the city at least once.    

Architecture

The excellence of craftsmanship in Florence is not limited to the canvas. It extends towards designing beautiful structures that can overcome the tests of time. The city’s churches, museums, and facades are some of the proofs of the magnificence of Florence’s architecture. 

History and Culture

Florence has always been a city filled with creative energy. People from different cultures express themselves through their art mediums. Furthermore, the city’s passion for history leads to many timeless masterpieces being preserved even to this day. 

It is very fortunate that we still get to see those masterpieces today. 

Food

Since Florence is a city in Italy, every visitor expects it to be rich in Italian cuisine. From traditional dishes to modern twists, the eateries of Florence can truly satisfy your cravings. If you haven’t known yet, Florence is also the birthplace of the country’s famous dessert – gelato. 

Best Places to Visit in Florence

The best thing about Florence is that it is a walkable city. This means you can visit from one attraction to another on foot without any significant struggle. In fact, Florence has provided more pedestrian-only roads than any other major tourist destination. 

To make your strolling more efficient, try to visit the best places in the city first. 

Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore

Built by Filippo Brunelleschi in the 15th century, the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, or Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, is the crowning glory of Florence. This cathedral is currently the 3rd largest church in all of Europe. 

From exterior to interior, you’ll be greeted by the masterpieces of Michelangelo, Giotto, Ghiberti, and Donatello.  

The Uffizi

The churches may be the usual locations wherein the world-renown artists of Florence showcase their works, but the Uffizi contains a diverse collection of their masterpieces. 

You’ll get to see tons of artwork that you have only seen in postcards and books. It is definitely the most famous art gallery in the city and perhaps, one of the world’s top art museums. 

Battistero di San Giovanni

Near the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore is the amazing Battistero di San Giovanni or the Baptistry of St. John. It is an octagonal baptistery that is said to be one of the oldest buildings in Florence. It is easily recognized by its majestic bronze doors which are designed by Andrea Pisano and Lorenzo Ghiberti. 

Galleria dell’Accademia

It is hard to explain the influence that Michelangelo had in the art world. If you want a physical understanding of how great he was, visit the Galleria dell’Accademia or Academic Gallery. There, you can view the authentic statue of Michelangelo’s best work – the Statue of David. Additionally, you can view his other masterpieces and unfinished works. 

Piazzale Michelangelo

If you want a panoramic view of Florence, the best place to be is the Piazzale Michelangelo. It is a park that not only offers an overlooking view of the city but also is a place of tranquility and relaxation. You can stay there the whole day and admire the city’s beauty.

Piazza della Signoria

Florence sure does have a lot of public squares. The most beautiful and significant of them all is the Piazza della Signoria. This square is filled with well-crafted statues, including the exact replica of the statue of David. 

Furthermore, it has the Fountain of Neptune at the center and the government structure Palazzo Vecchio at one side. 

Museo Stibbert

Museo Stibbert is probably the least popular art showcase on this list, but that is because it is located on the outskirts of Florence. 

In terms of content, this museum has an incredible collection that formerly belongs to Frederick Stibbert. Aside from the usual Florentine artworks, you can see foreign treasures such as armor from warriors in Europe, the Middle East, and Japan. 

Palazzo Vecchio

Palazzo Vecchio has been the central government office of Florence for centuries. Although you might not have any business with a government office, it is worth stopping by the “old palace” to see the marvelous art and architecture there. 

Palazzo Pitti

Palazzo Pitti is another famous palace that is on par with Palazzo Vecchio in terms of grandeur. Dubbed “the new palace”, it serves as a complex that houses the former royals. Aside from the outstanding art collection, it is known for its spacious and overlooking Boboli Gardens. 

Santa Croce Basilica

The Santa Croce Basilica functions both as a church and as a mausoleum. It is where some of the world-famous personalities in Florence are buried like Galileo Galilei, Michelangelo, Rossini, Ghiberti, and Machiavelli. 

Vivoli Gelato

As the birthplace of gelato, it is a “crime” not to taste the dessert there. And what better way to enjoy it than to visit one of the best and oldest gelato shops in the city – Vivoli Gelato. The shop has been existing since the 1930s and still continues to be the leading dessert place in Florence today. 

Conclusion

The city of Florence is surely a paradise for art lovers. Even if you are not one of them, just a visit to the city can definitely inspire creativity inside you.