Sightseeing in Florence

The city of Florence is so rich in artistic and architectural history that it is almost overwhelming to think of all the sights there are to see, including the Uffizi Gallery, the River Arno, Ponte Vecchio and the Accademia Gallery. Indeed, Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance and is often referred to locally as the “Jewel of the Renaissance”.

If you’re planning a trip to Florence then this guide to our favourite attractions is for you! And don’t forget, talyMulitCentreHolidays.co.uk can help arrange any of these activities for you – just let us know what you want to do on your holiday to this stunning Tuscan city.

1. The Uffizi Gallery

   The Uffizi Gallery of Florence dates back to the 16^th century and is home to some of the most renowned art of the Renaissance era, including the exquisite art collection of the Medici family and the Sculptures of Piazza della Signoria. ItalyMulitCentreHolidays.co.uk offers a 90-minute tour of the gallery, which takes you through a selection of the highlights, including Da Vinci’s The Annunciation and the Adoration of the Magi, Michelangelo’s The Doni Tondo and Raphael’s Madonna of the Goldfinch.
   
   

2. The Accademia di Belle ArtiThe Accademia di Belle Arti (or the Academy of Fine Arts) is an art academy in Florence and has housed the original David by Michelangelo since 1873. The magnificence of the statue is not to be missed and ItalyMulitCentreHolidays.co.uk offers holidaymakers an exclusive tour of the gallery highlights, including David and other artworks.
   
   

3. The Chianti region

   The Chianti region in Tuscany is most famous for its production of wine and, as you may expect, it boasts some stunning scenery with rolling hills and vineyards. It is also home to mediaeval hill-towns, castles and stone farmhouses, which all add to the quaint character of this popular region of Italy. For those who enjoy the flavour of wine, ItalyMulitCentreHolidays.co.uk offers a Chianti wine tour, which includes a visit to a small town in the Chianti area and a wine tasting session, accompanied by a snack of local products.
   
   

4. Ponte Vecchio

   Ponte Vecchio, which literally translates as Old Bridge, is a mediaeval arch bridge over the River Arno in the heart of Florence. So what is so special about this bridge that makes us recommend it? Well, it is noted for still having shops built along it, which make the bridge particularly picturesque. The banks of the River Arno are also very pretty, making this area of Florence a rewarding photo-stop.
   
   

5. Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore and Battistero di San Giovanni

   The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, meaning the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Flower, is the main church of Florence and is typically referred to simply as the Duomo. The exterior of the church is faced with polychrome marble panels in various shades of green and pink bordered by white, giving the building an elaborate and impressively pretty façade.

   Across from the Cathedral you will find the Battistero di San Giovanni, also known as the Florence Baptistery or the Baptistery of Saint John, is one of the oldest buildings in the city and is known for its bronze doors, which were designed by Andrea Pisano and Lorenzo Ghiberti. The doors on the east-side of the Baptistery were dubbed by Michelangelo the “Gates of Paradise” – a name that has stuck until the present day.

   These buildings, which form part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, are all included on the ItalyMulitCentreHolidays.co.uk walking tour, as well as the CitySightseeing bus tour.