Highlights & Top Picks
The famous cathedral dome dominates the skyline of Florence, with its eight white ribs against a background of terracotta tiles. Close up it is so huge as to be quite overwhelming.
Climb to the top of the cathedral's dome to enjoy an extraordinary view of Florence. Be prepared to climb lots of steps!
The decorative marble facade of Tuscany's most important Gothic church incorporates billowing sails and ostrich feathers (emblem of the Medici). The church houses immense artistic treasures, donated by wealthy patrons, many with chapels named after them.
In Piazza del Duomo, Florence's religious center, stands the Baptistery of St. John. It is dedicated to Florence's patron and displays great Renaissance masterpieces such as the "Gates of Paradise" by Ghiberti and the "Beheading of St. John" by Vincenzo Danti.
This church is considered Brunelleschi’s masterpiece on the other side of the Arno River. You might just walk right past without ever knowing that there is a treasure trove inside, housing Michelangelo, Perugino and Andrea di Orcagna!
The spiritual importance of the Basilica Santissima Annunziata is rivaled only by its immense artistic heritage. This amazingly unique church shines forth not only for its particular beauty and architecture but also as a “Porta Santa”, a Holy Door.
Despite the vast size and the swarms of tourists who flock here, the Franciscan church of Santa Croce is a touchingly intimate place, perhaps because of the sense that one somehow knows the people buried here.
The Brancacci Chapel marks the start of the Renaissance, with Masaccio's frescoes expressing the power and brilliance that inspired the Florentine painters of the 15th century.
Giotto’s Campanile is the bell tower for the Church of Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Cathedral of Florence. It is a splendid example of Florentine Gothic architecture from the 1300’s and should be admired from the outside and the inside. Climb to the top and feast yours eye…
Once just outsid the city walls, the Santa Trinità church was built in the 11th century by monks of the Vallombrosan order. Inside you can admire several frescoed chapels and works of art by Tuscan artists such as Bicci di Lorenzo, Rossellino, Luca della Robbia and Ghirlandaio.
Mausoleum of the Medici family, the Medici Chapels are a monument to the family’s artistic patronage and grandeur in Florence.
In the heart of Florence, this unique architecture presense seems a bit out of place. Orsanmichele reflects the strong presence and importance of the guilds in Florence: decorated with their emblems and patron saints that adorn the exterior of the building. Learn more about its miraculos origin.
Set above the panoramic terrace of Piazzale Michelangelo, the elegant church of San Miniato al Monte, seems to preside over all of Florence. Climb the steps and wander through its halls, crypt and monumental cemetary.
Founded in the 13th century, San Marco became Cosimo il Vecchio's favorite spiritual refuge in the 14th century. Handed over to the Dominican monks from Fiesole, his patronage led to
So much more than what it seems, San Lorenzo, the parish church for the Medici family, and the Cappelle Medicee form a monument to the artistic patronage and dynastic grandeur of the Medici in Florence. Learn what you are looking at with our mini guide.
This special space dedicated to the contemporary artist Marino Marini creates a surprising yet pleasant contrast with the historic backdrop of the ex-chuch of San Pancrazio & the highly praised work of Leon Battista Alberti. A visit will have you comparing past and present in an inviting…
While in the middle of the occassionally loud and constantly active city of Florence sometimes you just need to take a breather. Step back from the noise and frenetic hustle of modern day Italy and the tourists. Its easy to find the silence of yesteryear with only a few…
This church is off most people's itineraries but some of the treasures inside, including the frescoes by Cosimo Rosselli and marble tabernacle by Mino di Fiesole, merit a stop when you're in the area.
Don't miss the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these frescoes from the 13th century up closed while being restored directly at eye level instead of from below!
The Carthusian monastery presents a formidable view to anyone arriving into Florence through its southern entrance. It is still inhabited by monks dedicated to prayer and solitude, with vows of silence: the chance to view the insides of such a monastery is unique so we highly recommend a visit.
