Introduction
Florence, one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, is definitely worth a visit. But it can be challenging for first time visitors to navigate this ancient city’s winding streets and hidden gems. Luckily, I’m a local who knows all of Florence’s best-kept secrets!
A visit to Florence won’t disappoint if you’re looking for beautiful art and architecture, but in order to get the most out of your trip and really experience the city, it’s best to go beyond tourist attractions and hit the streets.
A visit won’t disappoint if you’re looking for beautiful art and architecture–but in order to get the most out of your trip and really experience the city, it’s best to go beyond tourist attractions and hit the streets. Here are some hidden gems that will give you more insight into Florentine culture:
- The Mercato Centrale (Central Market). This indoor market is filled with delicious foods from all over Italy–and since many locals shop here instead of going grocery shopping at home, there’s always something new on offer! It’s also a great place to stop by when hunger strikes while exploring other parts of town; just be sure not eat too much before visiting another popular destination…like…
- Piazza della Repubblica (Square). This square has been dubbed “the heart” of Florence because it contains both city hall as well as Santa Maria Novella Church–which happens to be one its oldest structures dating back all way back 1339! Stop by either before or after visiting another site nearby like Palazzo Pitti which houses both museums full exhibits ranging from Renaissance paintings featuring Raphael through modern artworks from Warhol
River Arno
The River Arno is the main waterway in Florence, and has been a major source of power for the city since Roman times. The river is used for transportation, recreation and irrigation by residents who live along its banks.
San Lorenzo Market
San Lorenzo Market is one of the oldest markets in Florence, and it’s open daily except Sundays. It’s a good place to buy fresh produce and other goods, as well as people watch while eating or drinking coffee outside in the sun.
Ponte Vecchio Bridge
The Ponte Vecchio Bridge is a beautiful place to watch the sunset and enjoy a walk. You can also find several shops along this bridge, which makes it a great place for shopping as well. If you are looking for some good food or an old-fashioned gelato shop, then this is your spot!
Duomo di Firenze (Cathedral of Florence)
The Duomo di Firenze (Cathedral of Florence) is the main church of Florence, Italy. The cathedral is the fourth largest church in the world and famous for its dome, which was constructed between 1420 and 1436. Inside you’ll find works by Michelangelo, Brunelleschi and Donatello among others as well as some stunning stained glass windows. This beautiful building can be found on Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square).
Accademia Gallery
The Accademia Gallery is a museum in Florence, Italy. It is housed in the former convent of San Marco and has been made into a gallery by the Medici family. This museum houses some of Michelangelo’s greatest works including his famous David statue which stands tall at 17 feet (5 meters).
The museum also displays many other important paintings from artists such as Botticelli and Raphael along with sculptures by Donatello and Cellini among others
Galleria degli Uffizi Gallery
The Galleria degli Uffizi Gallery is one of the most famous museums in the world. It houses a large collection of Renaissance art and has been open to the public since 1765. This gallery was originally a private collection, but when it was donated to Florence by its owner, Cardinal Leopoldo de’ Medici, he stipulated that it should always be open to visitors free of charge.
The Uffizi Gallery is located near Ponte Vecchio Bridge on Piazza degli Uffizi 1/r (you can take a taxi there). The building itself was constructed between 1560-1580 by Giorgio Vasari as part of his plan for remodeling Florence after its destruction during wars at that time; however, he never lived long enough finish all his projects before dying in 1574 so they were completed by Alfonso Parigi il Giovane who also designed some additions later on such as frescoes inside staircases on each floor featuring scenes from Greek mythology
Cappelle Medicee (Medici Chapels)
The Medici Chapels are an important part of Florence’s history. They were built by the Medici family, who ruled over the city during much of its golden age and held great power in Europe until the early 19th century. The chapels are located within the Basilica of San Lorenzo, which was commissioned by Cosimo I de’ Medici in 1519 and consecrated seven years later by Pope Leo X (who was also a member of the family). You’ll find them tucked away behind Michelangelo’s famous statue David on Piazza della Signoria–just follow signs for “Cappelle Medicee.”
Florence contains many gems that aren’t necessarily obvious to first time visitors.
The city is full of beautiful art and architecture, but in order to get the most out of your trip you need to go beyond tourist attractions and hit the streets.
It might sound crazy, but Florence has some amazing parks within its city limits! The Boboli Gardens are one example–they’re free and open daily from 7am-7pm, making it easy for anyone visiting Florence during their stay here (whether it’s for business or pleasure) to take advantage of them at any time during daylight hours.
Conclusion
Florence is a city rich in history and culture, but it’s also full of hidden gems that will make your visit even more memorable. If you want to get the most out of your trip and really experience Florence as a local would, we highly recommend checking out these spots!
