Location: San Giovanni
Top Things to do in San Giovanni
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Things to do in Florence, Tuscany: The Best Historic Sites
Florence is an art historian’s dream. The Galleria dell'Accademia bursts with works by Michelangelo, who is entombed within the frescoed walls of the Basilica di Santa Croce. Budding photographers can snap pics of the Ponte Vecchio bridge, and serious shoppers can spend a blissful afternoon wandering the shops of Piazza Santo Spirito. Tuscan cuisine pays homage to the region’s bounty. Swipe a hunk of crusty bread across a pool of local olive oil and you’ll be instantly transported to your happiest place.
Restaurants in Florence
1. Palazzo Vecchio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,946 reviews
Florence's principal palace was begun in 1299 and built as the seat of the Signoria, the fathers of the city's republican government.
Reviewed By asiyahnoemik - Pula, Croatia
The beautiful Palazzo Vecchio offers us mysteries, riddles, secret passages and a trip back into history to three eras. Palazzo Vecchio offers to us Roman ruins, a Medieval fortress and amazing Renaissance chambers and paintings. A microcosm where art and history have been indissolubly bound for centuries. Its significance and beauty is immeasurable. And its history is extremely interesting. Palazzo Vecchio is the main symbol of civil power for the city of Florence, whose original project is attributed to Arnolfo di Cambio. Construction on the solid fortress began in 1299 above the ruins of the destroyed Uberti Ghibelline towers, testimony of the final victory of the Guelph faction. From the very beginning, the main section of Palazzo Vecchio was destined to host the city council which was composed of chief members the Guilds of Florence (the Priori) who governed the Republic of Florence. In 1342, the Duke of Athens, Walter VI of Brienne, enlarged Palazzo della Signoria towards Via della Ninna, giving it the appearance of a fortress and even adding a secret staircase for nightly exits. The Salone dei Cinquecento (Hall of the Five Hundred) was built from 1494 during the Republic of Fra’ (friar) by Girolamo Savonarola. The Hall is the largest and most important room in terms of artistic and historical value inside the palace. Paneled ceilings and large wall frescoes, golden decorations and imposing sculptures leave us breathless. When the court of Medici was transferred to Palazzo Vecchio (from Palazzo Medici-Riccardi), it was transformed into a fascinating labyrinth of institutional chambers, apartments, terraces and courtyards. All of the rooms (the so-called Quartieri Monumentali) are magnificently decorated by artists such as Michelangelo, Giorgio Vasari and Donatello. It is fascinating that Pier Soderini, who was named gonfaloniere for life, selected the two greatest Florentine artists of the time, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarroti, for the construction of two large murals to decorate the walls of the room, with battle scenes depicting victories of the Republic. Leonardo began to paint the Battle of Anghiari, while Michelangelo used another part of the wall for the Battle of Cascina. The two geniuses of the Renaissance would have had the opportunity to work for a certain period of time face to face, but none of their work had ever been completed.
2. Museo Nazionale del Bargello
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,996 reviews
Housed in the Palazzo del Podesta (1255 AD) as the residence of Florence's chief magistrate, this museum houses an unrivalled collection of Italian Renaissance sculpture..
Reviewed By Odyssey54128356707
I teach in Montepulciano on a study abroad program from the University System of Georgia, headquartered and administered by my home campus, Kennesaw State University, on a fairly regular basis, and Florence is one of our destinations. I am an art historian with a BA in Renaissance and Baroque painting and sculpture, so unlike most of my colleagues, I always want to take my students on a side trip to the Bargello to see the original Baptistery Doors competition panels of Brunelleschi and Ghiberti, Donatello's David, Giambologna's Mercury and some lesser known Michleangelo reliefs and other sculptures. They are always thrilled to do so, as am I. I recommend a visit to the Museo Nazionale dei Bargello to anyone visiting Florence.
3. Duomo - Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28,537 reviews
Designed by Arnolfo di Cambio at the end of the 13th century, the Cathedral's trademark dome is now the symbol of Florence.
Reviewed By sanju_222323 - New Jersey, United States
This dome is not only Florence's identity, but it also represents Italy along with other monuments. The list of Florence’s tourist attractions can never be complete without a mention of this great artistic treasure that Italy proudly boasts of. This is one of the most famous cathedrals in Italy due in large part to its dome – the largest in the world from when it was built in 1431 until 1888. It’s still the largest brick and mortar dome in the world and architects are still trying to figure out how the architect, Filippo Brunelleschi, pulled it off. You will have to strain your neck to see the church's massive, iconic dome. The red-tiled cupola was designed by Brunelleschi and is described as a must-see by experts and travelers alike. Though in the photo, it does not look big, but in reality, it’s very huge and do I need to mention how beautiful it is. Outer walls art, it’s so brilliant. This majestic cathedral features 600 years’ worth of stunning architecture and artworks. From its beautiful Gothic facade of red, green and white marble to its elaborate interior of stained-glass windows, mosaics, frescoes and bronze statues. As you take a tour of the baptistery, its museum, the cathedral, and the bell tower, you will come across some of the best-known masterpieces of architecture and art by the greatest artists – Michelangelo, Giotto, Donatello, Brunelleschi, and Ghiberti. There is one ticket for all (Crypt, Museum, Belltower, Dome & Belltower) and that too is only 18 euros, so it’s totally worth it if you are thinking about it. I also felt like the cathedral was designed inside-out: its exterior boasts intricate designs and breathtaking features while the interior is surprisingly plain. Yes when you get in, it feels like where am I? it was so extravagant from outside but inside it’s like any normal church. if you have a ticket, you can get down to Crypt. The dome climb is one of the more popular attractions in Florence but in high season the line can stretch to over 2 hours.so folks get the ticket online with the time slot so that you can reach there on your ticket time and skip the line. Be aware that there is no elevator and some of the narrow walkways require you to stand to the side while people pass in the opposite direction. Also, I think this is not for the claustrophobic. Duomo complex also includes the impressive structures of the Baptistery and Giotto’s bell tower. A climb to the top will reward tourists with incredible views of Florence and the outlying valley. Dome is totally dominating the panoramic view of Florence from Piazza Michelangelo. If you are an appreciator of art and architecture, this is one of the best places to see in Florence to visit. If you’ve never been before and only have one day in Florence you should at least walk around the outside of the cathedral to get a feel for its immensity and see the Gates of Heaven.
4. Battistero di San Giovanni
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,408 reviews
A beautiful building best known for its elaborately sculpted doors by Lorenzo Ghiberti.
Reviewed By the_Devilyn - Surrey, United Kingdom
Get the combined ticket for the 4 main attractions and take some time to appreciate the atmosphere in the Battisterio. There's currently some restoration work going on so quite a bit of the walls is covered but you can still see the golden mosaic ceiling and also get a rare glimpse into the restoration work.
5. Loggia dei Lanzi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,109 reviews
This outdoor museum space is a peaceful place to rest your weary feet after a long day of sight seeing. Admire some of Florence's most iconic original sculptures from Cellini's "Perseus" to Giambologna's "Rape of the Sabines."
Reviewed By Jo_and_Tom - Anna, United States
This area has several masterpieces with Cellini's Perseus to Rape of Sabines. Luca, our tour guide, stated this area has been there since Renaissance. Many artist at that time along with tourist would be able to study the art up close. Flanking this is the Uffzi, Pallazo Vecchio, and Uffzi museum. If you want an up close photo of a masterpiece this is the place to go.
6. Piazza San Giovanni
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
Reviewed By BrisbaneBetty - Brisbane, Australia
When I first walked into this piazza I felt in awe of the beautiful buildings. There is the Duomo,Bapistry and Giottos Bell Tower. Around the square are many shops,restaurants and the Duomo museum. Of course it is crowded with people queuing to enter the sights. Much more relaxed during the evening.
7. Torre di Arnolfo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 115 reviews
Reviewed By KatieZ995 - Plymouth, United States
The view is worth the climb. Because you start the climb after you are already on the top floor of the Palazzo the additional 233 steps to the top don't seem too bad. It also (in my opinion) offers a better view of Florence than the bell tower of the Duomo.
