A - Z of Florence

Battistero

The Baptistry of Florence was long believed to have been a Roma temple to 'Mars'. The core of the present building dates from the 6th to 7th centuries and the inspiration marble outside dates from the 11th century. The mosaic ceiling is a great highlight inside the building.

Campanile

This is regarded as one of Italy's most beautiful bell towers and we would recommend the view from the pinnacle of the tower if you are fit enough for the climb. The tower is 85 m high which is only 6m less than the famous Duomo and the views stretch across the city of Florence.

Casa Buonarroti

This house was bought by the famous artist and sculptor Michelangelo in 1508 and is widely regarded as the sculptor's house; Michelangelo’s surname was Buonarroti. It is ironic that the sculptor never lived here but it is still beautiful and worth a visit.

Duomo

The cathedral famous throughout the world and the first church on the site of Santa Maria del Fiore was built in the 7th century. This is a must see for visitors to Florence the Art city of the world. The shear size of the Duomo is breathtaking and it can accommodate up to 10,000 people. In fact it is the fourth largest cathedral in Europe after St Peter's and also the cathedrals of Milan and St Paul's in London

Galleria degli Uffizi

The world famous Uffizi Gallery is housed in a building commissioned in 1560 by Cosimo I for the offices of the Medici administration. This art gallery contains just about anything you could wish to see from old church relics to classical sculptures, from majestic paintings including the crowning glory of the Botticelli room, and from the Leonardio da Vinci room to paintings by Michelangelo. Definitely worth a visit.

Giardino di Boboli

This is Italy's favourite gardens which were begun in 1549 at the time the Medici moved to the Palazzo Pitti nearby. The gardens were first opened to the public in 1766 and today are one of the most tranquil and loveliest places to rest in Florence.

Museo della Antica Casa Fiorentina

If you wondered how Florence’s artists, Noble families and merchants might have lived then take a visit to this lovely mediaeval house. It was built around 1330 for the Davizzi who were a wealthy family of wool merchants.

Museo Bardini

This museum was created by Stefano Bardini a 19th century art dealer. The exhibits cover 20 rooms and rang from furniture to armour, paintings, reliefs and carvings. Most people miss this museum which is a rich representation of history in the city.

Museo dell'Opera del Duomo

The Opera dell Duomo was established in 1296 for supervision of the construction and maintenance of the cathedral and its many works of art. The sculpture collection here is only second in the world to the Bargello.

Palazzo Medici-Riccardi

This Palazzo was built for Cosimo de' Medici in 1444 and remained the family's main home until Cosmimo I moved to the Palazzo Vecchio in 1540. Much of the building is today occupied by council offices which has resulted in very well preserved Frescoes.

Palazzo Pitti

This has to be one of the largest palaces and galleries in the world and contains numerous beautiful paintings and wonderfully decorated rooms. This is a very necessary visit in Florence with an almost overwhelming amount of beauty and opulence.

Ponte Vecchio

This is one of the most famous sites of Florence known around the world and often photographed and depicted in films. It is an ancient bridge with buildings huddled together across this narrow span of the Arno river. The bridge dates back to Roman times and now has jewellers and goldsmiths shops.