Florence is one of the most fascinating and culturally rich cities in Italy, where history and art blend perfectly to create a timeless masterpiece that has inspired poets, artists and dreamers for centuries. Capital of Italy between 1865 and 1871, it is also called the "cradle of the Renaissance" because it is precisely here that the artistic movement took its first steps, thanks to the great masters of art such as Brunelleschi, Donatello, Masaccio and Michelangelo.
Florence is certainly a city that offers much more than can be seen in a single day, but this walking itinerary will lead you to discover the artistic and architectural treasures of classical Florence, allowing you to immerse yourself in its thousand-year history by discovering some of its main attractions.
If, however, you have more days to dedicate to visiting it, you can add stops at the most famous museums and the most beautiful panorama of the city!
One day itinerary standing
The itinerary starts from Santa Maria Novella station, a place of arrival for many who travel by train but also convenient for those arriving by car. There are in fact numerous car parks around the station. Furthermore, the station is very close to all points of interest and the city centre.
Start your day early as you only have one day at your disposal. The center of Florence is quite small and can be explored very well on foot but try not to leave later than 8.30am, at this time many of the interesting places are already open.
Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
The name Santa Maria Novella derives from the fact that the church was built on the site of a pre-existing Marian church, but its current structure dates back to the 13th century. The exterior of the basilica is a perfect example of Florentine Gothic, with its white and green marble facade, adorned with a series of frescoes and floral decorations. This facade is a true work of art in itself and represents the architectural elegance of the era.
However, the true beauty of the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella lies inside: a stunning display of Renaissance artwork and decorations. The basilica houses masterpieces by artists such as Giotto, Masaccio, Filippo Lippi and Domenico Ghirlandaio. Among the most famous works is the cycle of frescoes by Masaccio in the Brancacci Chapel, considered one of the culminating points of Renaissance art. The basilica is also famous for the Old Sacristy and the New Sacristy, fascinating examples of Renaissance architecture, which contain numerous sepulchral monuments of important Florentine historical figures. Don't miss the green cloister, with its lawn in the center surrounded by Gothic arches and columns, a quiet and evocative place.
Hours: Monday-Thursday, Saturday and religious holidays: from 9:00 to 17:30. Friday: 11am to 5.30pm. Sunday and religious holidays: from 1pm to 5.30pm.Republic square
Republic square, is one of the liveliest squares in the city, a place that blends historical atmosphere with contemporary vitality in a fascinating combination.
The square is surrounded by historic buildings that reflect Florentine Renaissance architecture. One of the distinctive elements of Piazza della Repubblica is theArcone, a large triumphal arch built to commemorate the entry of King Vittorio Emanuele II into Florence in 1865., which celebrates the Italian Risorgimento and the unity of the country. Among the best known buildings is the famous Gilli coffee, an iconic coffee shop that has been a gathering point for intellectuals, artists and travelers for over a century. It is the ideal place to savor a traditional Italian coffee or delight in one of the restaurant's confectionery delicacies. The square also overlooks theHotel Savoy, the Central Post Office and the Hard Rock Cafe.
The square is also the ideal place to immerse yourself in the artistic atmosphere of Florence. Street artists and musicians offer performances that add a touch of magic and joy to the area. You can find quaint stalls selling local souvenirs, books and art, offering the opportunity to take home a special memento of your visit. One of the most evocative attractions of the square is the large carousel, a reference to the Florentine tradition. This carousel is a charming addition to the square and adds a touch of magic to the place.
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
There Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore it is one of Italy's most iconic architectural masterpieces and one of Florence's main tourist attractions. This majestic sacred building is a testimony to the artistic and spiritual grandeur of the Italian Renaissance, a symbol of Florence and a place that enchants visitors from all over the world.
When approaching the Cathedral, the first thing that catches your attention is its extraordinary white, pink and green marble facade, decorated with complex Renaissance reliefs and sculptures. The interiors of the Cathedral are equally impressive, with large, bright spaces, imposing columns and frescoes of great beauty, including the Last Judgment painted by Vasari and Zuccari.
Hours: Monday - Saturday: from 10.15am to 4.30pm (closing 5pm). Sunday and religious holidays: closed for religious reasons.TipsforTrips: You can visit the church for free, while you need to purchase tickets to enter Giotto's Bell Tower, to the Baptistery of San Giovanni and to Brunelleschi's dome. There Cathedral Square it's a place where careful planning is required: to climb to the top of the dome, you need to book your ticket several days in advance.
Brunelleschi's dome
There Brunelleschi's dome it is an extraordinary architectural masterpiece. Built between the 14th and 15th centuries, this dome, an integral part of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, is one of the most iconic symbols of the city.
Designed by the skilled architect Filippo Brunelleschi, the Dome represents a triumph of engineering and art. Its construction without the use of external scaffolding, a bold feat for its time, is an extraordinary example of creativity and innovation.
Climbing the 463 steps that lead to the top of the Dome is a fascinating experience. Once at the top, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of Florence and the surrounding Tuscan hills. It is a unique opportunity to admire the city from an extraordinary perspective and to understand the ingenuity and mastery of Brunelleschi.
Hours: Monday-Friday: 8.15am to 7.30pm. Saturday: 8.15am to 5pm. Sunday: from 1.15pm to 5pm.Baptistery of San Giovanni
The Baptistery of San Giovanni, located in front of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, is a sacred building, a masterpiece of architecture and symbolism, which dates back over a thousand years.
The exterior of the Baptistery is impressive, with its white and dark green marble facade, enriched by Gothic statues and decorations. Among the three access doors to the Baptistery, the most important is The Gate of Paradise, located in the main facade, which is located in front of the Cathedral. Lorenzo Ghiberti dedicated 26 years of work (from 1426 to 1452) to the execution of this extraordinary door, giving life to a masterpiece of artistic refinement and religious symbolism. The interior is decorated with beautiful golden mosaics depicting scenes from the Bible and religious stories, creating an atmosphere of contemplation and spirituality. One of the most famous mosaics is the one depicting the Last Judgment, located on the internal dome, which offers an extraordinary spectacle of colors and details.
What makes the Baptistery of San Giovanni truly unique is its history and its symbolic meaning. This is where many of medieval Florence's most influential figures were baptized, including members of the Medici family, who shaped the city's history for centuries.
Hours: Monday - Friday: from 8.15am to 10.15am and from 11.15am to 7.30pm. Saturday: from 8.15am to 6.30pm. Sunday: from 8.15am to 1.30pm.Giotto's Tower
There Giotto's Tower is an impressive bell tower located next to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. This majestic structure is dedicated to the architect and artist Giotto di Bondone, and is one of the icons of Italian Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
Construction of Giotto's Tower began in 1334 under Giotto's supervision, but was completed by other architects after his death in 1337. The building is known for its slender structure and rich white, pink and green marble decorations , which include sculptures, reliefs and geometrically shaped windows. The tower is approximately 84 meters high and offers an extraordinary panoramic view of the city of Florence and its surroundings. One of the most fascinating features of Giotto's Tower is the series of decorated panels representing stories and scenes from the Bible, created by several Renaissance artists, including Andrea Pisano and Luca della Robbia. These panels run along the facade and offer a stunning visual experience.
Climbing the 414 steps that lead to the top of Giotto's Tower is an unforgettable experience. Once at the top, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking views of the city of Florence, with the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore standing majestically nearby.
Hours: Every day: from 8.15am to 7.00pm.Piazza della Signoria
Piazza della Signoria it is the beating heart of Florence, a square that embodies the history, art and culture of this extraordinary city.
In the center of the square stands the equestrian statue of Cosimo I de' Medici, one of the most influential members of the Medici family who ruled Florence for centuries. This majestic statue is surrounded by a series of sculptures and fountains, including the famous one Neptune Fountain and a copy of the Michelangelo's David.
One of the most impressive buildings overlooking the square is Palazzo Vecchio, a true icon of the city. This medieval palace was the residence of the Medici and the center of city government during the Renaissance. Today, it houses the Civic Museum of Florence and the Salone dei Cinquecento, an artistic masterpiece with frescoes by Giorgio Vasari. Another fascinating element of this square is the Loggia dei Lanzi, an open-air gallery that houses a precious collection of Renaissance sculptures, including the now iconic Perseus with the head of Medusa by Benvenuto Cellini and the Rape of the Sabine Women by Giambologna.
Old Bridge
The Old Bridge of Florence is one of the most iconic and fascinating bridges in the world, steeped in history, beauty and romance. Located over the Arno River, this bridge is one of the most emblematic attractions of the city with a panoramic view of the river and the picturesque medieval houses that line the banks. But what makes the Ponte Vecchio truly special are its shops of jewelers, goldsmiths and art sellers.
This bridge has been the meeting and trading place for Florentines since the 14th century, and today continues to be a center of artistic and commercial activity. During the Renaissance, the bridge housed a series of butchers' shops, but in 1593 Grand Duke Ferdinand I de' Medici decided to replace the meat shops with those of goldsmiths, establishing a tradition that still lasts today. Today the shops overlooking the bridge display fine jewellery, watches, works of art and artisanal souvenirs that represent the traditional craftsmanship of Florence.
A tasteful stop: The Central Market of Florence
Also known as San Lorenzo market it is an unmissable stop for those who want to savor traditional Tuscan flavours.
The imposing structure that houses it, composed of iron, cast iron and glass, was built in the nineteenth century based on a design by Giuseppe Mengoni - the author of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan - and was recently renovated, giving it new life. On the ground floor there is the market with fruit, vegetable, meat and fish stalls. The first floor is dedicated to street food, the market brings together shops and restaurants offering local, national and international specialities, "from Lampredotto accompanied by a glass of Chianti to fried fish, from Chinese ravioli to French pastries". The external streets, however, are always crowded with stalls of artisans and souvenir sellers.
Hours: Monday-Thursday and Sunday: from 09:00 to 23:00. Friday and Saturday: from 09:00 to 24:00. The most beautiful view: Piazzale Michelangelo
Piazzale Michelangelo – which is located at the end of a beautiful tree-lined avenue called Viale dei Colli – was designed and built in 1869 by the architect Giuseppe Poggi and was dedicated to the famous Renaissance artist and embellished with bronze copies of some of his works, including the famous David which dominates the center of the square.
It is called the “Terrace of Florence” because it offers the most extraordinary view of the city and all its majestic monuments: the course of the Arno and its bridges, the Basilica of Santa Croce and Brunelleschi's dome, Palazzo Vecchio and its tower. The best time is sunset, the city takes on a magical light and the spectacle is guaranteed.
TipsforTrips: Piazzale Michelangelo can be reached on foot via the steps starting from San Niccolò, it takes about 30 minutes. It is also possible to reach the square by car, it is very easy to find free parking in the areas surrounding the square. A valid alternative is to use the bus: bus no. 12 or 13 from Santa Maria Novella station takes about 20 minutes (without traffic).
Museums not to be missed
Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Museum of Florence is an essential stop for every art and culture enthusiast visiting Florence.
Inside you find yourself immersed in a world of timeless works of art by Italian Renaissance masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli and Raphael. The rooms of the museum are like a journey through the centuries, an experience that allows you to follow the evolution of Italian art from its birth in the Middle Ages to the height of the Renaissance. Classical sculptures, sacred paintings, decorative artworks and ceiling frescoes add to the extraordinary atmosphere. The highlight of a visit to the Uffizi is meeting the Birth of Venus and the Spring by Botticelli.
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 8.15am to 6.50pm. Closed on Mondays, January 1st, May 1st and December 25th.Accademy's Gallery
There Accademy's Gallery, located in the heart of Florence, is known mainly for being the home of one of the most famous sculptures in the world: the Michelangelo's David. As soon as you enter the doors of the Academy, you will be greeted by the majesty and elegance of David, which dominates in the center of the museum. This iconic work of art enchants visitors with its extraordinary beauty, perfection of proportions and the unparalleled skill of the artist. Admiring this sculpture in all its splendor is an experience that touches the heart and soul of anyone who approaches it.
In addition to the David, you can discover other works by Michelangelo, including the statues of the Slaves and the Palestrina Pietà. Additionally, the Academy houses a vast collection of paintings, sculptures and historical artifacts, allowing you to immerse yourself even further in the rich artistic history of Florence and Italy. A distinctive feature of the Accademia Museum is the intimate atmosphere that characterizes it: the relatively small size of the museum makes it an ideal place to calmly explore the works of art without the crowds that are often found in other famous museums.
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 8.15am to 6.50pm. Closed on Mondays, January 1st and December 25th.Palazzo Pitti
The Palazzo Pitti it is a jewel that represents the magnificence and prestige of the city. Located on the left bank of the Arno River, it was built in the 15th century for the Pitti family but has been the home of various powerful sovereigns and nobles over the centuries, including the Medici, who left an indelible mark on the city. Today it is a vast museum complex that houses several art galleries, museums and historical treasures.
One of the most famous attractions inside the palace is the Palatine Gallery, which features an extraordinary collection of paintings by Renaissance artists such as Raphael, Titian, and Rubens. The palace's sumptuous rooms and original furnishings provide a stunning backdrop for these works of art. The Pitti Palace is also the seat of the Silver Museums, which include a vast collection of jewels, silverware, and precious ornaments that belonged to members of the Medici royal family. Here, you can admire splendid crowns, ornate swords and sumptuous period clothing. Within its magnificent gardens, known as the Boboli Gardens, visitors can walk among fountains, statues and groves, enjoying spectacular panoramic views of the city of Florence.
Palazzo Pitti opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday: from 8.15am to 6.50pm. Closed on Mondays, January 1st and December 25th. Boboli Gardens opening hours: Every day. January, February, November and December: from 8.15am to 4.30pm. March and October: from 8.15am to 5.30pm (with solar time) / 6.30pm (with summer time). April, May, September: from 8.15am to 6.30pm. June, July and August: from 8.15am to 7.10pm.Last Updated on 20 December 2024
