Top Attractions in Florence

Florence and renaissance go hand in hand. The cradle of the renaissance movement, Florence was home to the legendary Medci family, and artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Sandro Botticelli, to name just a few. Visitors to the city of Florence cannot but be dazzled by its opulence and they spend their time dashing from one masterpiece to the next. The city is home to some of Italy's best museums, beautiful cathedrals and churches, and squares dotted with elegant buildings and shops.



Here are just some attractions that you should not miss during your trip to Florence.

Archaeological Museum: The museum is set in a palace and houses interesting Egyptian and Etruscan collections.

Baptistry of John the Baptist: The baptistry dates from the 11th century. The main attractions the three sets of amazing bronze doors and the exterior made of green and white marble.

The Uffizi holds thousands of paintings from medieval to modern times and many antique sculptures, illuminations, and tapestries. Artists whose works you'll see include Michelangelo, Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Perugino, and Raphael.

Duomo (Cattedrale de Santa Maria del Fiore): One of the finest examples of Gothic architecture, the construction of the Duomo began in 1296. The monument was consecrated in 1436. The main highlight is Brunelleschi's Dome. There is an entry fee required and in summers you may have to wait in long queues to get in. You also have to pay a fee to see the excavations or go up into the cupola.

Uffizi Gallery: This is by far the most visited attraction in Florence. The art gallery is housed in a 1560 Medici palazzo. Though the museum has been renovated and the galleries have been expanded, it is a good idea to book entrance tickets in advance. The museum houses thousands of paintings from medieval to modern times and several antique sculptures, illuminations, and tapestries. You can see works of famous artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Giotto, Botticelli, Perugino, and Raphael.

The Palazzo Vecchio: Also known as the "Old Palace" the palazzo is the city's Romanesque town hall. There is a copy of Michelangelo's David at the front. You can book guided tours that take you to the most important rooms of the building. As part of the tour, you can also participate in a Fresco workshop that teachesyou how to make a fresco using techniques from the Middle Ages and Renaissance period.