1. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

Meet the most famous and grandest attraction in Florence! The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore was conceived back in the 13th century, when Europe simply had no buildings of this scale. At the time it could hold around 90,000 people – essentially the entire population of Florence back then. And the decoration is just as impressive! The cathedral façade is adorned with multicolored marble panels that give it a truly “blooming” look in any season.

2. Uffizi Gallery

A world-famous art gallery that became Florence’s first public museum. Originally, city officials had their offices here, and the paintings were simply a pleasant addition. But the collection soon became so vast that the administration had to move out and the gallery had to open. Today it houses masterpieces such as Sandro Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, Michelangelo’s Holy Family, Leonardo da Vinci’s Adoration of the Magi, and many others.

3. Michelangelo’s David

The famous statue of David, whose copies now decorate several museums around the world, was created right here in Florence. Its original is kept here as well, in the Academy of Fine Arts. David had drawn the attention of sculptors many times before, but Michelangelo was the one who portrayed him before the fight with Goliath rather than after it, as everyone else did. He managed to convey the composure and calm of a young man considering his decisive deadly blow, knowing he may not get a second chance to strike.

4. Accademia Gallery

At first glance this building may seem unremarkable, yet it is the very museum famous for Michelangelo’s David. Even so, it holds dozens of other world masterpieces, including Giambologna’s celebrated sculpture The Rape of the Sabine Women. On its walls you can see equally valuable paintings, among them Botticelli’s Madonna and Child and Madonna of the Sea, as well as several works by Perugino, Pontormo, and other masters. The gallery has also recently gained a collection of antique musical instruments.

5. Ponte Vecchio

Before you is Florence’s oldest and most famous bridge. It was built in the mid-14th century and has survived almost unchanged to this day! Its role was not only to connect the two banks of the Arno – for many years butcher shops stood here, and now they have been replaced by souvenir and jewelry stores.

6. Palazzo Vecchio

This building was erected more than 900 years ago, which is why it is called Palazzo Vecchio – “Old Palace.” It originally housed Florence’s government, but later Duke Cosimo de’ Medici moved in and, like all members of that noble family, loved creating and collecting luxurious objects and works of art. Today the palace offers tours of its courtyard, lavish halls painted by famous artists, and even the House of Lions, where the eccentric duke kept predators.

7. Piazza della Signoria

This square is the heart of Florence! Tourists quite rightly call it an open-air museum. Piazza della Signoria is adorned with numerous statues and monuments created by the greatest masters of the Renaissance. Among them are a copy of Michelangelo’s David and Fountain of Neptune, and the many sculptures of the Loggia dei Lanzi…

8. Palazzo Pitti

Pitti is the largest of all Florentine palaces. Entire generations of the Medici dynasty, the dukes of Lorraine, and the royal family lived here. Later the palace became a vast museum complex that still holds not only luxury items left by its former owners, but also Italy’s largest collection devoted to the history of fashion. It is also home to Porcelain Museum, Silver Museum, the Carriage Museum, and several art galleries – especially the Palatine Gallery.

9. Piazzale Michelangelo

If you feel a sense of déjà vu when you once again spot a statue of David, do not be surprised – it is a copy, and Piazzale Michelangelo would be unthinkable without it. Still, travelers come here less for the sculpture than for the breathtaking view of Florence from this hill.

10. Basilica of San Lorenzo

For a church where the most famous members of Italy’s wealthiest Medici dynasty are buried, the Basilica of San Lorenzo may seem too plain – even austere – from the outside. But once you step in, you will not say that again! Enormous marble columns, a floor decorated with ancient mosaics, an incredibly beautiful ceiling, and the altar itself are astonishing. And just look at how many outstanding works of art are gathered here! Be sure to visit the Medici Chapel – it is one of Michelangelo’s finest works.