Florence, the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, possesses a greater number of Renaissance art, monuments and architecture. In addition to being an iconic sightseeing area, it is also a safe destination for tourists and travellers who have a passion for embracing the culture through the beauty of art.
According to Conde Nast Traveler’s recent release Florence, Italy, was pronounced as the best city in travellers’ choice. Thus visiting and spending your time in this fantastic city will leave no regret because everything in the streets, buildings and alleys of Florence is full of history. Who wouldn’t like it?
However, if you are a new visitor to Florence, there is some information you should know first before visiting, such as the transportation facilities, cost and other services.
If you are getting to Florence by air, there are two airports in Florence. One Amerigo Vespucci, which is the airport of Florence and the Pisa airport, which is the second airport in Tuscany. The Florence airport is 4km from the city’s centre, located in the Northwest outskirts of Florence.
From the airport, it will take only 15mins to reach the centre and 20mins and so with the Busitalia SITA Nord “Vola in Bus” bus shuttle, which operates between the airport and the central railway station of Santa Maria Novella.
Amerigo Vespucci or Florence Airport is connected with major European airports. For instance, Amsterdam, Bucharest, Barcelona, Brussels, Frankfurt, Madrid, Geneva, Munich, Vienna, London Gatwick and Paris Charles de Gaulle. You can find flights to the following Italian cities there too. Bologna, Catania,Cagliari,Olbia, Milan Malpensa, Palermo, Verona, Rome Fiumicino and Turin.
For more information, visit the airport’s website at www. aeroporto.firenze.it/
Throughout the day “The Pisa mover shuttle” links Pisa airport to Pisa centrale Station. You can take the train from there to Florence’s SMN Station. It will take about an hour to be in Florence.
Tramvia or Tramway line T1 is the easiest and the cheapest way if you want to reach Florence’s centre. It will take only €1,50 each way and arrive within 15mins. However, if you carry big suitcases, it is essential to buy them too. Max 2 cases per person are allowed.
If you are planning to go by bus, you can get there with the special “Vola in Bus” bus shuttle that goes directly to the SMN train station, only taking 20 mins. Differs from the traffic. This service runs daily, including Saturdays and Sundays.
With heavy suitcases, Taxis are preferable to a bus shuttle here. It will take you directly to your hotel or apartment or the destination you want to go to. If the destination is within the centre, the taxis have to respect the fixed price of €22 plus €1 per suitcase.
These are only the basic details of the services you can get to reach your destination. Now let’s focus on our main topic whether you have organised yourself to stay for a short period. You cannot miss these top 5 places in Florence with more attraction than any other place.
05 best things to see and do in Florence Italy
01 UFFIZI GALLERY
Are you a fan of enjoying ancient outstanding paintings and sculptures? Then you must not forget to visit the Uffizi gallery, which is occupied entirely on two floors of a large building that was built between 1560 to 1580s.
These paintings and sculptures from the Middle Ages to the Modern period, from the 14th century and the Renaissance period, including the utter masterpiece of Giotto, Piero fella Francesca, Simone Martini, Beato Angelico, Botticelli, Filippo Lippi, Leonardo, Mantegna, Raffaello, Correggio, Caravaggio and Michelangelo. In addition, the gallery comprises invaluable work of European, German, Dutch and Flemish painters.
Thus it is an excellent opportunity to compare details of different painters’ skills in art while enjoying within one place. This gallery presents you with that magnificent moment. Especially if you are a passionate artist.
Moreover, the collection of busts from the Medici family and ancient statues, ancient Roman copies of lost Greek sculptures adorn everyone’s eyes and mind to the gallery. Leaving no regret in visiting there for hours and hours.
The opening hours of the gallery: From Tuesday to Sunday – 8.15 am to 6.30 pm
On Saturdays and holidays, it is essential to make the reservation at least before one day.
Closed on: Mondays, 1 January and 25 December.
Additionally: the ticket counter closes at 5.30 pm
At 6.30 pm the visitors will be invited to make the way to the exit.
There are many services provided for visitors in the Uffizi gallery. This creates a favourable atmosphere for a guest to get access to any service easily.
For instance the elevators, cloakroom to leave the bags, umbrellas and backpacks, washrooms, baby pit-stop dedicated for breastfeeding, relax and change, info desk to obtain information, cafeteria, bookshop to buy guidebooks, gallery inspired-gadgets and art history books, post office and Audioguides at the entrance.
Available in many languages (German, Italian, English, French, Spanish, Polish, Russian and Japanese). The price is €6.00, and the service is available until 4.30 pm.
Additionally, let’s get to know some tips to save your time and euro during your trip to this remarkable gallery in Florence.
Use the official website of the Museum to book tickets.
The best way to save your money in visiting the gallery is by getting the tickets from the official website of the Museum. Since there are many other third parties involved in advertising tickets, they charge additional fees for every ticket.
Reserve early…!
Spending an extra €4 to book a ticket online will leave you enough time to enjoy your visit. And remember to visit 15mins before your ticket time.
Visit on a free day
Usually, in Italy, state museums are free on the first Sunday of every month. Arranging your visit to Uffizi on these days can save your money but expect a crowd both in and out. So go early and get your stuff.
Don’t bring unnecessary clothes.
You will have to remove items such as bags, coats and umbrellas before you enter. Therefore avoid bringing unnecessary items and only get what you need. This is also time to have extra visits.
Skip the Audioguides
If you are not a huge fan of Audioguides, skipping the phase will allow you to save time and money (€6 extra)
02 CATHEDRAL OF SANTA MARIA DEL FIORE
As for the next top destination, The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore was the major church in the period of the Renaissance. But it was known to be built in the 14th century, which is before pre-dating the Renaissance.
This masterpiece was built upon the work of Arnolfo di Cambio who immensely operated to enlarge the existing religious structure. The Cathedral was entirely covered by coloured marbles, just like early Baptistery. Except for the unfinished facade and terminated in the 19th century.
This display of inlaid marble in red, green and white had the main focus of every visitor during their journey.
As expected, the most significant and exceptional feature of the outside of the construction is called “Porta Della Mandorla” (Della mandorla means almond). This given due to the large aureole around the sculpture of the Virgin, designed by Nanni di Banco.
The interior of the church is a work of art. For someone with such passion, visiting the Cathedral will be an unforgettable moment. “Niccolò da Tolentino” And “Condottiero Giovanni Acuto” by Paolo Uccello (1436) and Andrea del Castagno in 1456 are located on the left side. There’s a clock frescoed by Paolo Uccello, displaying “head of a saint.”
Many of the stained glass windows are designs of prominent old masters such as Donatello, Paolo Uccello and Andrea del Castagno. The beauty of these arts has already attracted people, especially ones with a taste of true art. There are more artistic wonders to explore in the Cathedral.
As a visitor, there are main things to see while visiting the Cathedral. Some of them are,
The dome
The dome of the Cathedral in Florence is the largest in the world from 500 years until the Modern period. The built-up of the dome has a fascinating history of architecture. You can learn about that interesting story while enjoying the construction. If you are interested in such stories, don’t forget to visit the dome!
The funerary monument of Sir John hawkwood.
This is actually a fresco. What makes this work of art interesting? Because of what it doesn’t do, than what it does. This fresco does not use perspective accurately. If you look at the rider and horse, they are visible at one angel while the pedestal appears to be at another.
The Baptistery door
With the creation of two sets of doors. One was to display the new testimony, and the second one, which is more famous, displays the scenes of old testimony.
The second set was more naturalistic and had a better perspective of the name “the gate of paradise” given by Michelangelo L. However, the sets located at the Baptistery are replicas. If you want to see the original ones, you have to go to the Duomo museum.
There are so many positive reviews about the Cathedral in Florence that make anyone visit with one reading. Most reviews about the breathtaking art, full of history behind it.
The details in figures that are sculptured and the paintings all over the construction with the combination of colours have created a truly incredible sight to the eyes.
Even after six centuries, the Cathedral stays still and looks spectacular. Every landmark, the banner achievement, determined that the Renaissance has brought light to the darkness of the middle ages, implying power and worship.
Rules and regulations
However, when you visit such a holy place as a visitor. There are some important things to be careful about. And follow the rules and regulations. Inside the church, the visitors are only allowed if they are wearing clothes that are suitable for a place of worship.
Clothes that do not cover or show bare shoulders legs and who are wearing sandals, hats and sunglasses are not allowed to enter the holy place. Even the bulky backpacks and bags are not allowed inside the Cathedral.
Open food is not allowed or permitted, nor pets are allowed inside the Cathedral. The cell phones must be set to silent or turned off.
Photos are permitted without the flash but no tripods or selfie sticks.
Opening hours
The Cathedral is separated into six different parts, you can see that while visiting- the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Dome, the Bell Tower, the Museum and the crypt. Each of those parts has different hours of opening, depending on the days.
CATHEDRAL:- from Monday to Saturday 10.15 am – 4.30 pm Closes at 5.00 pm.
Sunday and religious celebration: closed due to worship.
No ticket is required to visit The Cathedral.
BAPTISTERY:- every day from 9.00am to 7.30 pm Closes at 7.45 pm
MUSEUM:- every day from 9.00 am to 7.30 pm Closes at 7.45 pm
Closes the first Tuesday of every month.
BELL TOWER:– every day from 8.15 am to 7.00 pm Closes at 7.45 pm
THE DOME:- from Monday to Friday 8.15 am to 6.45 pm. Closes at 7.30 pm
Saturday: 8.15 am to 4.30 pm Closes at 5.15 pm.
Sunday and public holidays From 12.45 pm to 4.30 pm Close at 5.15 pm.
Entrance to the Cathedral is free. However, if you want to visit the Dome, The Baptistery, the Museum or the Bell Tower, the cost of tickets varies from €5 to €20. Children under the age of 7 are allowed free entry, and children from 7 to 14 pay a reduced price.
03 SAN GIMIGNANO
The next destination that would attract anyone’s attention who visits Florence would be none other than a small walled village located halfway between Siena and Florence. Providing location to marvellous architecture in mediaeval times, and the rising towers above all the magnificent construction offers a stunning view to the visitors.
In the middle of the glory, the impression of the power and wealth of the San Gimignano’s patriarch nuclear families is symbolised in the 72 tower houses in the village. Although 14 out of them survived until the modern age, it never failed to reduce the feudal atmosphere and the appearance in San Gimignano.
This is the main reason that any visitor is spellbound as soon as they discover this glorious place. In addition to its feudal appearance and the atmosphere, its architectural unification and urban layout apprehend to bring such enchantment to the travellers.
The Towers in the village are not only a representation of wealth but also a representation of powers of the ancestry who had built them. The taller the tower gets, the more significant the owner of it appears to be.
There were many stories back then, and if you are interested in hearing stories amidst a beautiful view, this place will do!
This spectacular scenery of San Gimignano can be spotted even from a distance. Once you enter the walls, it’s simply breathtaking! This will be an unforgettable moment for anyone who catches a glimpse of Mediaeval times ramparts, rising above the surrounding Tucan farmlands.
Once you have entered, navigation is easy with narrow streets that guide you to wide squares with grand places and churches. With the remaining 14 Towers. The Museum provides the services of explaining the history of the village, after climbing the stairs of the Towers and visiting around the hamlet. You can buy local products such as saffron and famous white wine in the region: ‘The Vernaccia di San Gimignano’ from local shops.
Take your time to speak with locals while visiting the main square; you can learn more about the legends of San Gimignano than you thought. And that’s a tip.
BEST things you can do in San Gimignano
Walk the side streets
Many tourists stay in the main path that links the Stone gates due to the main sights along with it. So it is always crowded. Other than that exploring the other side alleys and streets, you will find the local and accurate perspective of San Gimignano.
Cathedral of San Gimignano
This is one of the most significant things to do during your visit to San Gimignano. The Cathedral of San Gimignano is located next to the Town Hall. The walls of the Cathedral portrays lines of frescoes that display the stories of old testimony and the new testimony on the other side.
They were painted during the 14th century. The other significance of the Cathedral is that it is a small Chapel of Santa Fina, which was created by three famous artists in Florence. While visiting the Cathedral you can also learn about the interesting story of Santa Fina, so do not miss it!
Archaeological Museum
There are three Museums included in the San Gimignano pass, which are enclosed together in the Old Santa Chiara complex. There’s a collection of the antiquity of different periods of San Gimignano history in the first Archaeological Museum. Most of them belong to Roman history. It’s a simple display without lengthy notes. There’s a future plan to refurbish it too.
Modern and contemporary art gallery
The third Museum comprises an extensive collection of regional artwork of different styles. There’s also a space for temporary exhibitions, and usually famous international artists come there to exhibit. So you’ll find something special happening during your visit. So do not miss to visit the gallery!
Torre Grossa
Torre Grossa is the Tallest Tower in San Gimignano, constructed in 1300; after climbing, you can get spectacular views across the country and the countryside.
Palazzo Comunale
This is also known as Town Hall, and visiting to look at the historical exhibition is worth spending your time. It includes interesting items such as portrayals of Saint Geminianus, after whom the town was named. There are other significant things to look at, for instance, the Sala Dante and the Camera del Podesta. You will be fascinated.
Other than these, you can explore San Gimignano in the evening in a pleasurable, relaxed way, taste San Gimignano wine (something which you should not miss if you are visiting there.), Taste famous Gelateria Dondoli. Who wouldn’t like these?!
How to get to San Gimignano
It will take only one hour by car if you are visiting from Siena, Florence and Pisa. You can find ample parking too in town. Florence and Pisa are the nearest airports where you can rent a car or take a taxi. If you are planning to take a train, the nearest train station is in Poggibonsi San Gimignano.
Visit: www.trenitalia.com
You can find the buses that regularly work from Siena and Florence. You can easily take them.
Visit : www.trainspa.it
It is easy to rent a car, and if you rent a private bus, there are plenty of parking spots.
When to visit San Gimignano
Although there’s no bad season to visit this marvellous place, avoiding summer is highly recommended due to the high temperature and the crowd. It will reduce your energy to enjoy the places. However, if you are planning to visit during the summer high season, arrive before 10.00 am or after 5.00 pm
Seasons such as spring and autumn are perfect and suitable for nice views and lesser crowds. Regardless of the time you come, we suggest you spend the afternoon in the historic city. You can enjoy the sunset.
How to visit San Gimignano
Spending multiple days in the historical site and the countryside will let you experience the atmosphere without any obstacles. If you are visiting for the first time, we suggest you hire an official guide to guide you through.
Since the site is located in a place where you can easily visit by car, so, save your time from travelling to enjoy the marvellous place.
04 PALAZZO VECCHIO
This spectacular historic government building is also known as Palazzo Della Signoria, making it one of the fascinating things that you can visit during your trip to Florence. The construction itself reflects the authority of the Florentine state of the Medici family during the 14th and 16th centuries. Today it houses both Florence’s Town Hall and a museum.
It consists of several rooms, out of the several rooms, Salone Dei Cinquecento is the most famous. In addition, the Sala dei Gigli, the Sala delle Mappe and the Cappella di Eleonora are other impressive rooms
Salone Dei Cinquecento was built in 1495. As “Hall of five hundred” was frescoed and designed by Giorgio Vasari. As a significant event, this hall was used for meetings of the people’s counsel where accurately five hundred people could attend at the same time.
The coffered ceiling of the hall has divided panels with paintings, and the most famous one out of them all can be found at the centre of the ceiling, which is called Apotheosis of Cosimo from Vasari. The walls are contained famous frescoes such as The victory by Michelangelo.
The top floor of the Palazzo Vecchio transformed into a small Chapel with the marriage of Cosimo de Medici and Eleanora from Toledo. Cosimo de Medici transformed the floor into a small Chapel for his wife – Eleanor’s private adherence.
The Chapel consisted of biblical allusions, painted by Bronzino. The walls portray the frescoes of the scenes of the life of Moses. The altarpiece was a copy that Bronzino made from his original in 1545.
The Bell Tower is the oldest part of the Palace which is assumed to be designed by Di Combo. You can climb up this 95m Tower for a beautiful view of the historical centre of Firenze. Although you have to climb four hundred steps, it is clearly worth it, and you can stop at several points too.
For safety reasons, it is not allowed to enter the Tower during rainy days. Due to the same reason, children under the age of six are not allowed to enter. Children over the age of 6 can enter only with the presence of an adult.
Opening hours
April / May / June / July / August / September
Every day except Thursday: 9 am – Midnight
Including bank holidays April 25, May 1, June 2, June 24, August 15
Saturday: 9 am – 2 pm
October
Every day except Thursday: 9 am – 7 pm
Thursday: 9 am – 2 pm
October 13, 28, 29, 30, 31: 9 am – Midnight
November
Every day except Thursday: 9 am – 7 pm
Thursdays: 9 am – 2 pm
November 1, 2, 3, 10: 9 am – Midnight
December
Every day except Thursday: 9 am – 7 pm
Thursdays: 9 am – 2 pm
December 7, 8: 9 am – Midnight
December 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30: 9 am – Midnight
December 25: Closed
Mezzanine (Loeser Collection)
Every day except Thursday: 9 am – 7 pm
Thursday: 9 am – 2 pm
Tower of Arnolfo
April 1 to September 30
Every day except Thursday: 9 am – 9 pm
Thursday: 9 am – 2 pm
October 1 to March 31
Every day except Thursday: 10 am – 5 pm
Thursdays: 9 am – 2 pm
Access to the tower is not permitted for children under 6 years and is suspended in case of rain.
Ticket prices
The Palazzo vecchio Museum price
Full ticket: €10.00
Reduced ticket: €8.00 for children aged 18 to 25 college students
Free tickets: children under 18, Disabled people and their helpers Authorised tour guides and Leaders, Teachers accompanying, School groups, Firenze Card owners.
Other ticket prices (full and reduced)
Arnolfo Tower and Camminamento di Ronda €10.00 / €8.00
Museum + Tower and Camminamento di Ronda €14.00 / €12.00
Museum + Archaeological Trail €14.00 / €12.00
Museum + Tower and Camminamento + Archaeological Trail €18.00 / €16.00
Note: The cost of tickets can be varied during special events or thematic exhibitions.
You can skip the line by booking tickets online.
The official box office of the Florentine Civic museum: http://ticketsmuseums.comune.fi.it
Advance booking fee: €1.00 per ticket.
Note: tickets are valid for six months.
Contacts
To directly contact the museum:
Telephone: +39 055 276 8325
Email: [email protected]
Tips to make your visit.
Always expect to spend at least 90 mins on your tour.
The Tower will be closed in case of rain and not advised in case of heart conditions, breathing difficulties, claustrophobia or acrophobia.
Tours change and must be reserved. So it is a good idea to stop and reserve spaces.
During summer, you can visit the battlements at night times: between 8.00 pm to 11.00 pm. It will cost an additional fee. For that, you must sign up at the place where you buy tickets to the Palace.
05 BASILICA OF SANTA CROCE IN FLORENCE
Santa Croce was rebuilt by Arnolfo di Cambio for the Franciscan order in 1294. This is the burial site for the great in Florence. The basilica also has one of the prominent accumulations of sculptures and paintings in addition to funeral tombs.
Santa Croce became the largest Franciscan church, as an excellent sample of Italian gothic style. It is a place where you can easily enjoy the culture, especially with the taste of art as I mentioned before. So it is crucial to say that Santa Croce is a hidden gem in the beautiful city of Florence.
What you get to see inside of the Basilica of Santa Croce
Santa Croce Croce is home to many Renaissance treasures and valuables. There is a large area to cover up, starting from Donatello sculptures, Chapels, Celebrity tombs and basilica museum.
Santa Croce’s Chapel
Having frescoed chapels was a common feature that could be seen in Franciscan churches at that time. The prominent families in the era employed the greatest artists and painters to design the church.
Although the frescoes are damaged, lost or restored from the 14th century to the modern period, there are 16 chapels in Santa Croce that survived to attract many eyes all around the world. Bradi Chapel: Giotto Frescos, Peruzzi Chapel, Pazzi Chapel, Baronceilli Chapel and Maggiore Chapel are some of them.
Donatello’ sculptures
There are three Donatello monumental sculptures in Santa Croce. The artist Donatello was the most famous and influential during the 15th century. Having a profound effect on Renaissance artists and especially Michelangelo, he became the first to move away from gothic portraits.
Accordingly, through the way, reintroduction of the elements of the classical Greco-Roman was done by him with his studies. You can learn about the sculptures: St. Louis of Toulouse (1425) as one of the earliest bronze sculptures, Annunciation (1435) and Crucifix (1406 – 1408) during your visit to Santa Croce.
Santa Croce’s Tombs
Being the “Temple of Italian glories”, Santa Croce is home to several famous Tombs over 300, which honour artists and painters of the Renaissance period. Some tombs are old, so you are not allowed to walk on them. Michelangelo’s Tomb, Galileo’s Tomb, Lorenzo Ghiberti’s Tomb, Nicollo Machiavelli’s Tomb, Dante Alighieri’s memorial and Italian Mozart – Gioachino Rossini’s Tomb are some of the famous celebratory Tombs you can visit.
Museo dell’opera di Santa Croce or Santa Croce Museum
Santa Croce has its own Museum, just like the Cathedral in Florence. Established in 1900 and is in the former refectory of the church. The damage was caused by the flooding of river Arno during 1966 but was restored carefully and reopened in 1975.
There are many artworks, sculptures, paintings you can find in the Museum. Some of the prominent works are Crucifix of Cimabue 1280, Taddeo Gaddi, The last supper and the Life tree 1335, Bronzino, Christ’s Descent into Limbo 1552 and Francesco Salviati deposition from the cross 1547- 1548.
Opening hours
Every day except Sunday and Tuesday:- 9.30 am to 5.30 pm
Sunday :- 1.00pm to 5.30pm Tuesday:- closed
Prices Adults: €8.00 Students (age 11 to 17) : €6.00
Children (under age 11) and Disabled people: Free entry
It is important to note that to wear proper clothing to visit a Chapel. Clothes that show off bare shoulders legs are not allowed.