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The Best Things
to Do in Florence, Italy
Must-See Sites in Florence, Italy
Florence, the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region in Central Italy, holds so much to see. Beacuse of the art and architecture of the region, Florence is ranked as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
It was here that the famous family of Medici, also known as the House of Medici, began their rule over the city in the 13th century. While history may claim the Medici as ineffectual rulers, generations of the family contributed to Florence's art scene, commissioning works from the likes of Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli.
While in Florence, you must see the Duomo, the open-air museum of the Piazza della Signoria, the Galleria dell'Accademia home to Michelangelo’s David sculpture, and The Uffizi Gallery with Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and da Vinci’s Annunciation.
Piazza Della Signoria
Also called Palazzo Vecchio, you'll want to plan on about an hour to two hours to thoroughly take in this open-air free market designed in the 14th century. Located near the Arno River, the architecture of the building is nearly as impressive as the collection of sculptures, including Giambologna’s “Rape of the Sabines”, that you’ll find inside.
Piazzale Michelangelo
This free attraction, located above the Oltrarno District, offers sweeping views of the city as well as a replica of Michelangelo’s famed “David” sculpture. The spot is best in the late afternoon when you can catch break taking sunsets over the city skyline.
Duomo
Formally known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, this Gothic icon of Florence sits in the center of the main square and is easily located by her iconic dome, designed by Brunelleschi and covered in red tiles. The real surprise to this iconic cathedral is that it was built inside out, with most of the notable imagery located on the exterior. The inside, while plain, does boast five major sculptures. A simple day pass grants you the option to attend religious mass and climb the 463 stairs to the top of the cupola to gain sweeping views of the city.
The Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is actually three museums: Uffizi, Palazzo Pitti, and Boboli Gardens; and all together are considered among the most famous museums in the world. It's here you'll find ancient sculptures and paintings, and a panorama of Italian and Western art. Most of the art was donated to the Uffizi by rulers who wanted the art to be a lasting legacy of Florence and available to the public. Among the collections, you'll find the sculptures and busts from the Medici family - a donation from the last of the Medici family, Anna Maria Luisa, who left the art of her famous family to the city. It's due to these contributions that the works of great and contemporary artists are still available to the public today.
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