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.
