Italy's Best
There's plenty to see... In the City of Lillies
PIAZZALE MICHELANGELO AND SAN MINIATO AL MONTE
Enjoy a sensational view over the "cradle of the Renaissance" from Florence's most panoramic square located high on a green hillside overlooking the city. A little further up the hill, see the beautiful basilica San Miniato al Monte where the Benedictines built a church in honor of St. Mennas.
THE CATHEDRAL OF SANTA MARIA DEL FIORE (DUOMO)
Better known as the ‘Duomo’ – it not only dominates the skyline but also represents the geographical, cultural and historical center of the city. Visit Brunelleschi's spectacular, 37,000-ton dome and climb Giotto's bell tower “the Campanile” – three-floors with 414 steps.
CHURCH OF SAN LORENZO
See Brunelleschi's early-Renaissance masterpiece and the mausoleum of the Medici family, built by Michelangelo, in the New Sacristy.
CHURCH OF SANTA CROCE
Built towards the end of the 13th century by the great architect Arnolfo di Cambio, this Franciscan basilica is a highlight of the specifically Italian architecture of the Gothic style. Wander along the three wide naves enriched by Galileo's and Michelangelo's tombs, and admire works of the Early Florentine School from Giotto and his followers in the transept chapels.
CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA NOVELLA
Enjoy the harmony of this medieval architectural jewel. Built in 1246 by the Dominicans, its beautiful arcades and its incredible vaults preserve works by many Renaissance artists.
FAMOUS ART
The city is known for it's architecture, history, art and culture. You'll find masterpieces from the likes of Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Michelangelo and Raphael in The Uffizi, or stand in awe of the 4.5m David by Michelangelo, possibly one of the most famous sculptures in the Western world at The Accademia. If flamboyant palaces are for you, a visit to Palazzo Pitti shouldn't be missed - one of the largest and most lavish Florentine palaces with frescoes and classical ceiling paintings. At the east end of Piazza del Duomo, the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo holds many original sculptures and fine examples of religious art.
MODERN ART
While the art scene in Florence is destined to be more classic than contemporary, modern art is alive and well. Many of the contributions come from the restaurants, bars and hotels that show the work of local and international artists. Astor Caffè, Rex Café, and Gallery Hotel Art are among those putting on regular, gallery-worth exhibitions.
CENTRAL MARKET
Florence's bustling Central Market (better known as the Mercato Centrale) is a fascinating place to visit, especially for foodies. Located in a towering cast-iron building dating from 1874, its entrances are often obscured by the stalls of the San Lorenzo market that line the streets outside (the San Lorenzo stalls feature crafts, leather clothing, shoes, souvenirs, etc). Inside the market are a myriad of vendors dedicated to the primary ingredients of Tuscan cuisine.
MUSIC IN FLORENCE
Numerous churches offer concerts and opera performances throughout the year. Try St Mark’s English Church or some grander settings which include the magnificent Chiesa di Orsanmichele and the gorgeous 12th-century Chiesa di Santo Stefano al Ponte Vecchio. Stop at Santa Maria dei Ricci for the daily organ concert. Ask your Local Host for more information.
OLD PHARMACY OF SANTA MARIA NOVELLA
The pharmacy/museum displays the results of more than 800 years of work by Dominican monks. Following centuries-old formulas, the officina sells ancient remedies and tonics alongside hand-molded soaps and perfumed powders.
FLORENTINE FASHION AND SHOPPING
Florentine leatherwork, gold jewelry, Italian craftwork, and art books are great gifts to take home. Florence is also famous for its out-of-town fashion outlets, but if you only have time to do one, visit the ‘Mall’- just a half-hour drive from the city, it is home to many designer names and discounts.
TUSCAN FOOD SPECIALTIES
Specialties to try include succulent bistecca fiorentina (Florentine steak); pappa al pomodoro (local bread and tomato soup); ribollita, (cabbage and bean soup); and biscottini di Prato con vin Santo (a special cookie and white wine) to finish off your meal. Sip Chianti wine, Brunello di Montepulciano, or the Super Tuscans.
What to do in Florence in three perfect hours
Eat here
For an authentic taste of Florence, the locals flock to the historic Trattoria Zà Zà on the piazza del mercato centrale, where exceptional cuisine is served in a beautiful and tastefully decorated setting. Service is great, the atmosphere is warm and friendly and the menu is vast, with starters, first courses, mains, grill, truffle specialities, pizzas and desserts. Meat lovers can seize the chance to try a classic bistecca alla Fiorentina tenderloin, served by the kilo – or you could try other specialities such as Tuscan bean and sausage stew, creamy pasta with wild boar, margherita pizza or saffron risotto with truffle seasoning. Come prepared with a very empty stomach!Shop here
Step out of Zà Zà’s and walk around the corner to the legendary Mercato Centrale covered food market to stock up on regional delicacies and try the local wines. Then wander outside to the street markets around Piazza San Lorenzo and treat yourself to a calfskin handbag from one of the many bustling stalls there. From here, it’s a ten-minute walk to via del corso, where an array of bustling independent boutiques vie for your attention. Men can invest in a Florentine souvenir to treasure by heading along here to the shirtmaker Piero Puliti. Using cotton from the best Italian mills and silk produced in Lake Como, its top-quality shirts and ties range from the outlandishly fashionable (à la Paul Smith) to the cool and conservative (à la George Clooney).See this
Make sure you squeeze in a visit to the Uffizi Gallery on the riverbank. It is known for its Renaissance masterpieces, including Botticelli’s ‘Birth of Venus’ and Da Vinci’s ‘Annunciation’. If you’re here in August, allow a little extra time for queueing – it gets busy. After this, wander along the riverbank up to Ponte Vecchio, the medieval stone bridge that’s lined with pretty jewellery shops. Prices are somewhat exclusive, but the views and the atmosphere are lovely.Search tours of Italy
Beautiful architecture, classical history, warm people and incredible sun-kissed cuisine, Italy holidays are a treat for all the senses. So, what are you waiting for?